Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

How to stay grounded on an 18-month 'mission to Mars'

 

Vladimir Isachenkov
Wednesday 09 November 2011 01:00 GMT
Comments
The crew spent nearly 18 months together
The crew spent nearly 18 months together (EPA)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Staying inside cramped, windowless modules for nearly a year-and-half was a tough challenge for an international crew of six simulating a Mars mission under 24-hour surveillance by scientists.

They said yesterday that they coped with the fatigue and stress of isolation with simple methods: doing exercises, reading books, social networking online – but above all keeping themselves busy with their work. The crew appeared energetic and joyful at their first news conference after leaving their modules last Friday. "I actually thought that it would be harder and more stressful for me," said the Russian team leader, Alexey Sitev, who got married just a few weeks before the start of the mission

Diego Urbina, an Italian-Colombian, said: "All the kids that want to go to Mars tell you so many nice things, and that gives you a lot of impulse to go on," he said.

AP

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in