Russians to Begin Mars Flight Simulation

from Space.com

Russia's space agency is seeking volunteers for a 520-day 'flight' to Mars and back. The “flight” will be simulated on the premises of the Russian Academy of Sciences' Institute of Medical and Biological Research in northern Moscow. The ship will consist of five modules, one of which will serve as the Mars landing craft and base. Only three of the five man team would make it to the surface to spend up to 30 days.

The astronauts will spend 250 days flying to the Red Planet, with the return flight to the Earth lasting ten days less. The overall “mission” would last 520 days with an option of extending it to 700 days.