The projected journey to Mars presents a problem which, up to now, seems not to be solved. For humans to become truly accomodated to long journeys in a zero gravity environment they must either find a way to exist in zero gravity for long periods without physical deterioration or construct travel means with artificial gravity. So far, living in zero gravity for long periods has not been solved. Spinning space satellites have been envisioned since the late 1930's to create artificial gravity in space. Why are there no current projects to create prototypes for artificial gravity satellites and space vehicles?
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The NY Times February 3 04 science section gives a detailed history of the conception and distortion of the purposes of the space station which started out more or less as parallel to my suggestion. I am not convinced that the original purpose was wrong, but I am not an expert in the field.
There are plans for just such a prototype satellite. It would expose several mice to artificial gravity of the level experienced on the Martian surface, 38% of Earth gravity, for 50 days, before returning to Earth. It is expected to launch in 2006.
see: www.marsgravity.org