How scientific modeling will help to preserve the life and health of the crew on long-distance flightsThe process of collecting applications for research to be carried out by scientists within the framework of the SIRIUS-23 project — a new experiment to simulate a flight to the Moon — has ended.
Six testers will take part in it. They will spend 365 days in an isolated block, working out scenarios for a future expedition. In particular, the team will simulate an exit to the lunar surface, test space equipment and conduct scientific experiments. Read about why the focus is on the problems of interaction of crew members with each other in the Izvestia material.
Who studies whom
Staff from the Institute of Biomedical Problems (IBMP) RAS has completed the acceptance of proposals within the SIRIUS-23 experiment. This is the longest stage of the program for ground-based modeling of flight conditions to the moon. The project starts in November, it will last a year. The testers will spend all this time in a closed and isolated space from the external environment. Scientists will consider the problems that people may face during long journeys into space.
— The main goal of the experiment is to make a person's stay in space and on other planets safe. To do this, it is necessary to assess the factors that will affect the physiology and psychological state of the crew, and develop countermeasures," said Arslan Niyazov, SIRIUS' responsible doctor, about the project goals.
The ground-based experimental complex where the SIRIUS-2021 isolation experiment on flight simulation and landing on the Moon took place
Image source: Photo: RIA Novosti/Evgeny Biyatov
The experiment will take place in test modules that resemble a spaceship in their internal structure. The pressure inside them will be slightly higher to prevent air from entering from the outside. Also, a special compartment is equipped in the complex, in which the surface of the Moon is partially virtually and partially actually reproduced.
The experimental crew will consist of three men and women. They will perform the necessary actions to control the "flight" and conduct an extensive program of scientific research. At the same time, they themselves will be the objects of research.
Difficult situations
A total of 50 to 80 studies are planned. Much attention will be paid to the assessment of resource costs and the provision of the crew. The full—time positions of the expedition are commander, two engineers and two researchers. There will also be a doctor in the test team, which, according to the organizers, significantly increases the safety of missions, especially during long expeditions.
— In small groups, which are the crews of future space expeditions, there are extremely limited replacement opportunities. Therefore, the failure of even one crew member can have disastrous consequences for everyone," explained Arslan Niyazov.
Broadcast from surveillance cameras for SIRIUS-2021 crew members in the ground-based experimental complex, where the SIRIUS-2021 isolation experiment on flight simulation and landing on the Moon took place
Image source: Photo: RIA Novosti/Evgeny Biyatov
In this regard, according to him, despite the extensive "flight" program, the main focus of the experiment is on studying the interaction of crew members with each other. IMBP specialists noted that the risks of negative relationships within the team can pose a serious threat to the success of the mission.
— If people do not digest each other, but are forced to work together, it causes severe stress. This affects both the well-being and the performance of the testers. Especially psychological problems manifest themselves over long distances. As a result, they can lead to significant negative consequences and to the failure of the mission," Arslan Niyazov said.
The ground-based experimental complex where the SIRIUS-2021 isolation experiment on flight simulation and landing on the Moon took place
Image source: Photo: RIA Novosti/Evgeny Biyatov
Other threats to the health of participants are prolonged stay in a confined space and monotony (decreased performance and apathy due to monotonous actions). They also have a destructive effect on the psyche, contribute to a decrease in immunity, metabolic disorders and can lead to undesirable consequences.
Lunar Landing
The experiment is based on a scenario in which a spacecraft enters the orbit of the Moon. Then the testers observe the satellite from orbit and choose a place to land.
The first landing on the Moon is scheduled two months after the start of the expedition. The crew will work out sampling operations, control of the station's manipulators and movement on the surface (both independently and with the help of rovers).
A total of five landings are planned. Simulation of walks will take place with the help of special hanging devices that simulate lunar gravity, and VR-reality tools created on the basis of real pictures. A year after the start of the expedition, the testers will "return" to Earth. Also, several emergency situations are planned during the experiment. For example, the delay in the arrival of a transport ship with supplies for the expedition or the failure of repeaters.
The surface of the Moon
Image Source: Photo: Global Look Press/NASA
—The importance of experiments within the SIRIUS program is very important when developing manned space projects," said Vladimir Bely, head of Alpha Robotics Venture, who also implements projects to simulate space projects in terrestrial conditions.
According to the expert, it is important to understand the problems that may arise in space and reduce the risks of unsuccessful completion of such expensive projects as missions to the Earth's satellite and other planets.
— The difficulties of interaction "on board" within the team are the most acute problem, — Oleg Blinov, the commander of the SIRIUS—21 crew, confirmed to Izvestia. His stay in the isolated module was 240 days.
He added that negative scenarios can be avoided by deep immersion in work and engaging in personal hobbies. For example, he was engaged in 3D printing and growing plants in a greenhouse. Of great importance is the support of loved ones, with whom you can sometimes exchange short messages.
Photo: RIA Novosti/Sergey Savostyanov
Image source: iz.ru
— Frank conversations also help, — the former participant of the experiment added. — If the situation worsened, all the crew members discussed it together and worked out a common solution. Also, possible difficult situations were worked out in the form of games offered by the curators of the project.
Russian cosmonauts will be ready to land on the moon in 2030. The head of Roscosmos, Yuri Borisov, told about these plans. Up to this point, the IMBP plans to conduct another series of annual experiments on modeling flights to the satellite. Experts expect to work out optimal requirements for the preparation of future space pioneers and do everything possible for the success of lunar expeditions.
Andrey Korshunov
