(Red Orbit) BEIJING (Xinhua) -- Scientists are doing ground-based experiments on life support systems so that humans can explore space and one day live outside the Earth's biosphere, for example on Mars or on the Moon. [...]
Nelson said that researchers have termed the project "Mars on Earth". They stress that substantial work needs to be carried out on Mars life support prototypes here on Earth before scientists will have the data base, confidence and ability to undertake similar projects in space or in lunar/Martian conditions.
The U.S. laboratory being used for the experiment, which covers an area of approximately 800 square meters, is located in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Scientists there are developing life support systems for space, such as water and waste water recycling, food production and air purification, and are also developing space engineering and technology for the Mars Base, Nelson said.
Scientists are trying to find ways to live in a closed system by recycling their waste products and living on a complete diet of plant food (as it looks like meat is off the menu for future colonists). This diet includes ten crops which include "rice, wheat, sweet potato, peanut, soybean, pinto bean, winter squash, beetroot, banana and papaya."
Although the experiment was not a total success (as they ran into some problems) their attempts and failures here on Earth will help us avoid serious problems while setting up habitations on the Moon and Mars.
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