Update for the Mission to Mars: Where are We Now?

First Posted: Feb 03, 2016 05:31 PM EST
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If you've been wondering about what's been going on with the mission to Mars, we have the answer for you. We've gotten a look at the latest developments of what's been going on when it comes to the latest efforts to travel to the Red Planet.

Currently, NASA is focusing on research aboard the International Space Station. More specifically, they're looking at the health impacts that may occur during long-term space travel.

Already, researchers are looking into the answers for bone loss in space. While previous studies suggested that microgravity activates osteoclasts, which are cells that control the breakdown of bone tissue, the new research has shown that it's a bit more complicated than that. Genetic analysis revealed a significant increase in two genes that may be involved in mitochondria function. This suggests that osteoclast activation could be linked to the reaction of mitochondria to microgravity. This, in turn, may mean that medicines that target mitochondria function could help with bone loss.

Researchers have also looked at vision loss in astronauts, and have found that it's largely genetic. Those with a specific genetic sequence are more vulnerable than others.

NASA isn't just looking into the health of astronauts, either. The agency has also started experiments with growing plants in orbit. This could be crucial to extend supplies during long-term missions to Mars.

Of course, all of these things are part of NASA's Earth Reliant exploration, which focuses on experiments in the microgravity laboratory aboard the International Space Station. The next step is to conduct complex operations in a deep space environment that allows crews to return to Earth in a matter of days.

For now, though, NASA is relatively on track for its eventual mission to Mars.

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