Simulation in a Polar Environment for a Space Station

The long-duration space missions planned for the end of this century will involve both physiological and psychological problems for the crew who will fly them. To increase expertise in these associated disciplines, we have proposed to study human behaviour in environments that are similar from a psychological viewpoint. In 1989-90, a planned crossing of the Antarctic by a six-man international team therefore offered ESA a unique opportunity to observe the psychological problems that can occur during an international expedition involving prolonged isolation in a hostile environment.

To develop such a program on a bigger scale, we propose to repeat, one century after his historical venture, the two years drift of F. Nansen on board the Fram among the pack-ice of the Arctic. This venture will provide the ideal conditions to develop the concept of “Testbed” for Mars missions.