The closest thing on Earth to a mission to Mars

By Meera Senthilingam, for CNN

Updated 1321 GMT (2121 HKT) December 9, 2015

Chat with us in Facebook Messenger. Find out what's happening in the world as it unfolds.

Scientists are using the Concordia research station in Antarctica to research the effects of long space missions. In winter, no sunlight is seen for four months and the typical crew of 12 live in complete isolation.
Photos:
Scientists are using the Concordia research station in Antarctica to research the effects of long space missions. In winter, no sunlight is seen for four months and the typical crew of 12 live in complete isolation.
Hide Caption
1 of 8
The next goal for space exploration is for humans to travel to Mars. Antarctica provides a good analogue to research some of the physical and psychological challenges of during long-duration spaceflight.
Photos:
The next goal for space exploration is for humans to travel to Mars. Antarctica provides a good analogue to research some of the physical and psychological challenges of during long-duration spaceflight.
Hide Caption
2 of 8
Living in this white space is, in many ways, similar to living on another planet. The isolation and low oxygen are aspects of life astronauts will have to endure to explore our Solar System.