In Mongolia’s vast Gobi Desert, an ambitious project is underway to build a full-scale “Martian” camp, designed to prepare scientists, astronauts, and eventually tourists for the challenges of the Red Planet.
Run by the nonprofit MARS-V with the support of MARSA (Mongolian Aerospace Research and Science Association), the MARS-V Project is expected to welcome its first visitors by 2029. The Gobi was chosen because of its remarkable resemblance to Mars. Its barren terrain, red-tinted soil, and extreme temperatures ? from scorching daytime heat to sharp nighttime drops ? create ideal conditions for testing equipment, studying human endurance, and simulating space missions.
Participants will undergo strict physical and psychological screening, followed by months of astronaut training. Once on site, they will live in connected pods that incorporate sleeping areas, a laboratory, and a greenhouse. They would follow a rigid routine, including exercise, briefings, and mission tasks such as geological surveys, all while maintaining limited communication with the MARS-V mission support team to mimic interplanetary lags.
Meals will consist of freeze-dried space foods that reflect local cuisine. The Martian dome prototypes also draw inspiration from Mongolia’s traditional ger tents, paying homage to the country’s nomadic culture.
Yesel Kang Copy Editor junior/1768815094/1613368124
1. Where is the Martian camp being built to train scientists?
2. What kind of food will people eat at the camp?
3. Why was the Gobi Desert chosen for the Mars project?
4. How will participants communicate with the support team during training?
1. Would you like to live in a desert space camp?
2. Do you think humans will live on Mars someday?
3. What is the biggest challenge of living in deep space?
4. Why should scientists test equipment before real space missions?
In Mongolia’s vast Gobi Desert, an ambitious project is underway to build a full-scale “Martian” camp, designed to prepare scientists, astronauts, and eventually tourists for the challenges of the Red Planet.
Participants will undergo strict physical and psychological screening, followed by months of astronaut training. Once on site, they will live in connected pods that incorporate sleeping areas, a laboratory, and a greenhouse. They would follow a rigid routine, including exercise, briefings, and mission tasks such as geological surveys, all while maintaining limited communication with the MARS-V mission support team to mimic interplanetary lags.
