The idea of suspended animation for interstellar human spaceflight has often been posited as a promising far-term solution for long-duration spaceflight. A means for full cryo-preservation and restoration remains a long way off still. However, recent medical progress is quickly advancing our ability to induce deep sleep states with significantly reduced metabolic rates for humans over extended periods of time. Under a project being funded by the NASA NIAC, SpaceWorks is designing a torpor-inducing Mars transfer habitat and performing an architectural-level assessment to fully characterize the impact to Mars exploration.
For more information see the concept overview presentation and the list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
Get current updates and news via the Space Torpor Blog by Dr. John Bradford.
NIAC 2013 Phase I and Phase II Selections
Torpor Inducing Transfer Habitat For Human Stasis To Mars
Space.com: Incredible Technology: How Astronauts Could Hibernate On Mars Voyage
Forbes: Space Travel’s Efficient, Cheaper Future: Sleeping Your Way To Mars In A Stasis Habitat
Guardian Express: NASA Funding Suspended Animation and 11 Other Cool Ideas
Scientas.nl: Slapend naar Mars: reis naar Mars wordt wellicht haalbaar als we onderweg een winterslaap houden
