The European Space agency is looking for volunteers for a simulated 500 day mission to mars. The idea is to put 6 people in a small area and see how they cope with the long journey in cramped conditions and with little to no privacy.

I don't think I could ever do something like this. To live for two years in a tiny space with no chance to relax or just have some time on your own would be a nightmare for me! If you were doing it for real, and knew that you were going to be the first humans to set foot on a different planet I think I could understand it, but knowing the real world is just a door away and not being able to get out would be horrible!

Luckily, its not going to be televised!

I think they will discover that it's very difficult for people to get along in that small a space, for that length of time .

It's one thing to be in cramped conditions knowing that the door allows one to leave, albeit briefly, but to not have the option to escape--that's the part that would drive most people mad.

No thank you, I don't think I will volunteer.

Kingfisher

This post was last modified: 21-06-2007 01:15 PM by Kingfisher.

I would be very surprised if the volunteers made it to the end. I don't think most people could imagine how difficult staying in a tiny space for years would be, I know I couldn't!

As you say, it would be completely different if you had the excitement of going into space and even visiting another planet, but even then it would be very hard. I suppose you have the satisfaction of knowing you were an important part of any future mission to mars, and you also get paid (not a huge amount) from what I read, but I still don't think it is worth it.

Thank goodness that it's not going to be televised. Imagine big brother but lasting for years...

To be honest big brother seems like it goes on forever anyway, and at least there might be some semi-intelligent people in this kind of mission.

Kingfisher

Doesn't big brother last for years anyway? It certainly seems like it!

Isn't this called commuting Only they didn't mention being forced to listen to other people's mobile phone conversations or their music.

Isn't this called commuting Only they didn't mention being forced to listen to other people's mobile phone conversations or their music.

Indeed! That's why I like to commute on my bicycle, TimberWolf .

I can't imagine having to commute whilst listening to inane mobile phone conversations, and there's already strict instructions at my workplace--no radios played openly. That's why headphones were invented. Listen to your own music, I'll listen to mine!

Kingfisher

The problem is when people are using headphones and you can still hear the music. I dread to think what they re doing to their ears!

I wonder if people on this "mission" will be allowed to bring things like music and films. Do space missions have that sort of thing or are they always busy?