by Acad. Anatoly GRIGORYEV, RAS Vice-President, research head of the RAS Institute of Medico-Biological Problems; Boris MORUKOV, Dr. Sc. (Med.), RF pilot-cosmonaut, deputy director for science of the same research institute An auspicious experiment was completed in November of 2011 at the Research Institute of Medico-Biological Problems: it simulated a flight to Mars. Six volunteers from China, France, Italy and Russia cooped within a ground complex spent as many as 520 days and nights in complete isolation. A bounty of data was obtained, it has to be yet studied and analyzed, for it will be important for long interplanetary missions of the future. The experiment allowed to make good headway in getting to understand many aspects of their medico-biological support. What with the complexity of the task, more of the goal-oriented research is needed. стр. 4 ONE STEP ALONG THE LONG PATH TO THE "RED PLANET" Research scientists still should have it out: how deep space acts upon the human organism-a complex of factors, such as microgravitation, radiation, magnetic field variations, both on the flight path and on another planet's surface.* Interplanetary space missions will in many ways be different from orbital flights in endurance and time. Crews will have to work within a limited living space and in social isolation. They will have to show a great sense of responsibility for a success of their mission and take risks. Hence stringent selection standards. Obviously, the experience amassed in ground research and in piloted orbital missions should be evaluated as well. No doubt, the results of the "Mars-500"** * See: K. Trukhanov, N. Krivova, "Geomagnetic Field to Mars?", Science in Russia, No. 3, 2010.--Ed. ** See: A. Grigoryev, B. Morukov, "Mars: Ever Closer", Science in Russia, No. 1, 2011.--Ed. experiment will be useful in planning long-distance flights and simulated missions. The experience gained in previous ... Читать далее