Overview of Mars Simulation Experiments and Consideration of Manned Mars Exploration

Abstract

Many experiments to simulate Mars environment have been implemented around the world. In this article, we report MARS500, HI-SEAS, MDRS, Biosphere 2 and Yuegong-1 as simulations of manned Mars exploration. More than 1000 people have participated in MDRS including Japanese researchers, engineers and students. The Biosphere 2 experiment proved that it is difficult to mimic Earth’s ecosystem. Effects of microgravity and radiation during manned Mars exploration have been also examined in many experiments. The radiation detector piggybacked to the Mars rover, Curiosity, showed high level of radiation during the trip from Earth to Mars. Therefore, some measure should be taken to avoid high level of radiation exposure to astronauts.