Over 70 people, including six women and a married couple, from at least 16 countries have applied to take part in a marathon simulated flight to Mars, a Russian scientist said Friday.
The Institute of Medical and Biological Issues in northern Moscow, the venue for the Mars-500 experiment that will last 520 days, has received applications from Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Belgium, Mexico, Argentina, Italy, Spain, Estonia, India, Brazil, Portugal and Bulgaria.
"An applicant must be 25 to 50 years old and have a higher education to qualify for the experiment," Institute spokesman Mark Belakovsky said, adding that extra points during the selection would be given to doctors, biologists and engineers. He also said applicants should have a good knowledge of English for professional and routine communication.
The five winners will spend 250 days "en route" to Mars. Three of them will simulate a landing on Mars in a 30-day trip and the way back home will take other 240 days. Throughout the trip, the crew will keep in touch with mission control via e-mail.
Life during the expedition will not be easy, as rations will be similar to those on board International Space Station, and smoking and alcohol consumption will be prohibited.
