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European Space Agency

Press Release

Preparing a human mission to Mars via Antarctica and Toulouse

13 June 2003
 
A human mission to Mars may still be some time away, but scientists
are already aware of the many hazards that must be overcome if the
dream is to become a reality. One particular cause for concern is the
potential for physiological and psychological problems that could
arise from the conditions of weightlessness, isolation and
confinement experienced during a journey that could last six months
or more. 
 
To address these concerns ESA, in cooperation with the French space
agency CNES, NASA and two Antarctic research organisations, is
seeking proposals from scientists wishing to participate in two
pioneering ground-based studies to simulate some of the side effects
of extended periods of space flight.
 
 
Concordia
 
The first of these Research Announcements is for opportunities to
conduct medical, physiological and psychological research at the
Concordia station, a new scientific base that is being built in
Antarctica by IPEV - the French Polar Institute, and PNRA - the
Italian Antarctic Programme.

Although proposals put forward under this Research Announcement may
or may not be relevant to space exploration, the space agencies
recognise that Concordia's unique environment will be invaluable for
preparatory activities related to future human Mars missions.

"As one of the most isolated places on Earth, Concordia will provide
an excellent analogue environment to replicate aspects of a mission
to Mars," said study leader Oliver Angerer. "For eight to nine months
of the year the base will be completely cut off, so the occupants
will have to learn to be fully autonomous."

From the selected proposals, an integrated research programme will be
created with a start date in spring 2006. The programme will be aimed
at increasing knowledge of human adaptability to extreme
environments - isolation, confinement, climate, altitude - and
improving medical care in isolated locations.
 
 
International long-term bed rest study
 
In the second Research Announcement, ESA and the French Space Agency
CNES are collaborating with NASA to solicit research proposals to
address two of the cornerstones of the European Programme for Life
and Physical Sciences and Applications utilising the International
Space Station (ELIPS).

These are: 

    * Muscle and bone physiology: the effects of changes of load on
      muscles and bone mass
    * Integrated physiology: the understanding of blood pressure and
      heart regulation

Transatlantic cooperation for this effort is welcome and NASA has
issued an equivalent Research Announcement specifically for US
investigators.

As opportunities for investigating human physiology in orbit are very
limited, it is planned to simulate the effects of long-term
microgravity on the ground by studying the human body's response to
head-down tilt bed rest over a period of 60-90 days. The study, which
will take place at a specialised French bed rest facility of the
Institute for Space Medicine (MEDES) in Toulouse, will also evaluate
preventative strategies and countermeasures to combat the associated
adverse effects. 

Male astronauts and volunteers predominated during previous studies
in simulated and real microgravity, so the planned study for 2004/05
will investigate about 25 female volunteers (intervention groups and
control group) and, if scientifically justified, a male control group
consisting of about seven volunteers. This should reveal the
differences and similarities in the response of the female and male
physiology to musculoskeletal unloading.
 
"Essential driving factors behind the two research studies are
oriented towards both application and exploration," explained study
leader Peter Jost. "In this way, the results will benefit the ESA
Life Sciences Programme, with important spin-offs for medical
science. Ultimately, advanced strategies will be developed to further
improve health and safety during long-term stays on the International
Space Station, and to facilitate a human mission to Mars." 

Further information 

More information on the two Research Announcements can be found under
http://www.spaceflight.esa.int/bedrest and
http://www.spaceflight.esa.int/concordia.

The closing date for proposals is 11 August 2003. 
 
 
Contact:
 
Concordia study
Dr Oliver Angerer 
Human Exploration Science Coordinator 
ISS Utilisation and Promotion Division
Directorate of Human Spaceflight
European Space Agency
Noordwijk
The Netherlands
Tel.: +31 (71) 565 3728
Email: concordia{at}esa.int 

Bed rest study
Dr Peter D. Jost 
Life Sciences Medical Doctor
ISS Utilisation and Promotion Division
Directorate of Human Spaceflight
European Space Agency
Noordwijk
The Netherlands
Tel.: +31 (71) 565 6612
Email: bedrest{at}esa.int

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