The European Space Agency has begun the development of sleep technology for a flight to Mars

Not so long ago, representatives of the EuropeanSpace Agency (European Space Agency) began work on two projects designed for long space travel. These projects are planned to be implemented as part of the ESA Concurrent Design Facility program, which is aimed at carrying out research related to the possibility of using the hibernation mode (roughly speaking, deep sleep with a slowdown in the physiological functions of the body) of astronauts during space missions. In particular, during flights to Mars and potentially other planets of the solar system, and maybe beyond.

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European Space Agency Engineerssuggest using hibernation capsules for this. In addition, the concepts of cabins and crew spaceships designed for long flights were also presented. Using even the most advanced ship and engine models to date, a flight to Mars will take several months. And even for trained specialists, this is a great stress not only from the point of view of the nervous system, because in essence there is nothing to do in outer space, and closed rooms are not in the best way reflected in the emotional state. But also from the point of view of physiology, because all this time you need to get nutrients and manage physiological needs.

The way out of this situation has long beenthe hibernation regime proposed by science fiction, in which a person does not need a large free space, and his food needs are minimized. The use of the hibernation mode will allow the use of smaller spaceships for long-distance flights, and will also require a smaller fuel supply. - say representatives of the European Space Agency.

The new space agency project shouldindividual capsules are present, in which all crew members will be present during the flight. Also, tiny cabins are provided for awake crew members, as someone must monitor the condition of the ship and the health of sleeping astronauts. Would you like to go to Mars? Write about it in our chat in Telegram.

See also: China announced plans to send people to Mars

According to the project, hibernation capsules havesoft inner shell, which darkens while a person is in it. In addition, the capsules have a system of protection against cosmic radiation. And they can also be used as a sleeping place for the “normal” version of sleep after the pioneers get to the Red Planet. It is also worth noting that for such a long period of "inaction" a certain amount of muscle and bone mass will atrophy. According to researchers, according to preliminary estimates, the rehabilitation period after waking up should be about 21 days.

Spacecraft design

Also to maintain the spacecraft inin working condition, automatic systems based on artificial intelligence will be used, but details about them have not yet been disclosed. In addition, representatives of the European Space Agency note that these projects are just the beginning of the journey. And until they are completely finished, more than a dozen years will pass. In this regard, NASA forecasts regarding landing on Mars already in the 2030s look too optimistic. On the other hand, who knows what technologies the Americans now have in the “cover”? Perhaps they are ahead of what they cook at the European Space Agency.