A year-long biomedical isolation experiment, SIRIUS-23, came to an end in Russia, marking a significant step towards human exploration of space. The mission, conducted by a crew of six analog astronauts, simulated the conditions of deep-space travel and lunar surface operations for 366 days.
Launched in collaboration with NASA’s Human Research Program and the Institute of Biomedical Problems (IBMP) in 2017, SIRIUS-23 was an independent project that aimed to replicate the isolation and psychological strain of long-term spaceflight. The crew, consisting of two men and four women from Russia and Belarus, lived and worked in a sealed environment designed to mimic interplanetary missions.
The mission tackled critical scientific and operational objectives, including biomedical research, on-planet operations, and mission stressors. It also investigated social dynamics within the mixed-gender crew. The experiment featured 52 experiments spanning psychological, physiological, immunological, metabolic, and microbiological studies.
SIRIUS-23 provided unparalleled insights into how humans adapt to prolonged confinement in extreme environments. The results are expected to inform future lunar and Mars missions, with journal publications anticipated by the end of 2025.
The success of SIRIUS-23 represents another step towards sustainable human exploration of space. By studying the psychological and physiological effects of long-term isolation, scientists are helping pave the way for missions to the moon, Mars, and beyond.
Source: https://www.space.com/the-universe/moon/a-year-in-isolation-366-day-mock-moon-mission-wraps-up-in-russia