Deep-space missions to Mars might require astronauts to sleep for months
NASA is exploring therapeutic torpor to place astronauts into a state of prolonged inactivity, potentially reducing the massive resource demands of a multi-month journey to the Red Planet.
Engineers are researching synthetic hibernation to solve the logistical challenges of a 180-day trip to Mars. By lowering an astronaut's body temperature, missions could significantly reduce the weight of food, water, and oxygen required for the crew.
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