Six researchers have shown they can survive the isolation and the cramped quarters that would be asked of any person attempting the long trip to Mars and back.
The simulation is prep for a real trip to Mars someday
The six men emerged pale but smiling. They had just endured the longest isolation experiment in the history of space travel, 520 days locked in windowless, cramped cells to simulate a journey to Mars and back.
French engineer Romain Charles, Russian surgeon Sukhrob Kamolov, Russian engineer and mission commander Aleksei Sityev, Russian physiologist Aleksandr Somlyeevsky, Italian-Colombian engineer Diego Urbina and Chinese aerospace instructor Wang Yue entered the mock spaceship at a Moscow research institute on June 3, 2010.
The crew spent almost a year and a half in the mock spaceship
Close relatives and mission controllers greeted the men with applause as they exited their simulated spaceship.
"It's really, really great to see you all again, rather heartwarming," said Diego-Urbina, the Italian-Colombian participant. "On this mission we've achieved the longest isolation ever so that humankind can go to a distant but reachable planet."
Space officials say technology is still decades away from allowing for a safe manned mission to Mars. Aleksei Krasnov, the head of Russia's piloted space vehicle program, said the simulation had provided information that would be critical to making an actual trip to Mars successful.
The Mars 500 experiment cost $15 million (10.9 million euros) and was funded mainly by Russia, the European Space Agency and Germany.
Author: Holly Fox (dpa, Reuters)
Editor: Andreas Illmer
The European Parliament may be looking into measures to split up Internet search engine services, which would primarily affect search giant Google. A draft motion was cited by the Financial Times and news agency Reuters.
How involved should celebrities get in charities? A look at reactions to Bob Geldof's Ebola Charity single on social media. The song is especially unpopular with Africans.
Sparrows and starlings are disappearing at an alarming rate in Europe. Richard Inger of the University of Exeter talks to DW about what is behind the decline and what can be done to stop it.
Donor countries have pledged $9.3 billion for a fund aimed at helping developing countries tackle the challenges of climate change. Officials hope a $10-billion target will be met in the coming months.