A Mongolian non-governmental organization, MARS-V, is pioneering an extreme tourism venture that simulates life on Mars in the remote Gobi Desert, offering participants a month-long astronaut experience for approximately $6,000. This innovative project aims to blend scientific research with adventure tourism, providing a glimpse into future interplanetary living while testing human endurance in Mars-like conditions.
The MARS-V Project, led by CEO Enkhtuvshin Doyodkhuu, selects the Gobi Desert for its striking resemblance to the Martian landscape, characterized by iron oxide-rich red soil, extreme temperature swings from 45°C to -40°C, and vast, isolated terrain. This environment serves as an ideal analog for training and equipment testing, mirroring the challenges astronauts would face on Mars. The isolation and harsh conditions are key to creating an authentic simulation that prepares individuals for potential long-duration space missions.
Participants undergo a rigorous selection process, including physical, psychological, and mental agility tests, followed by a three-month virtual training program covering protocols for oxygen, isolation psychology, and mission tasks. Upon arrival in Mongolia, they spend three days in Ulaanbaatar for in-person drills with their six-person crew before embarking on a ten-hour journey to the camp site, where they surrender personal devices like phones to enhance the immersion.
Daily life at the Mars camp involves a strict regimen akin to that of real astronauts, starting with meditation, exercise, vitamins, and a breakfast of freeze-dried Mongolian dishes such as dumplings or mutton stew. The crew dons analog spacesuits over thermal wear to conduct outdoor missions, such as geological mapping or soil sample collection, while communication with Earth-based support is delayed to simulate interplanetary lag. This structured routine is designed to foster teamwork and resilience in a controlled yet challenging setting.
The psychological aspect is a critical component, as prolonged isolation in such an environment can induce claustrophobia and homesickness, mimicking the mental strains of space travel. Meditation is integrated into the program to help participants cope, reflecting concerns about the unknown psychological effects of being away from Earth for extended periods. The simulation runs from October to March, leveraging the Gobi’s brutal winter to intensify the experience, with temperatures often plunging below -27°C.
Priced at $6,000, the MARS-V camp offers a more accessible alternative to luxury space tourism, which can cost millions, making it appealing to thrill-seekers, explorers, and space enthusiasts. By comparison, this ground-based simulation eliminates the risks of space travel, such as decompression, while still providing a transformative adventure. The project is part of a growing trend in private space initiatives, aligning with efforts by companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin to democratize access to space-like experiences.
MARS-V is in the early stages of development, with designs for habitats, spacesuits, and food systems completed, and the team anticipates opening the camp to the public within the next two to three years. This initiative not only advances preparedness for human missions to Mars but also promotes Mongolia’s unique landscape as a destination for sustainable and educational tourism. Participants are expected to gain a renewed perspective on life through this immersive journey, contributing to historical efforts in space exploration simulation.
In conclusion, the MARS-V Project represents a bold step in merging tourism with space science, offering an unprecedented opportunity to experience Martian conditions on Earth. As development progresses, it could set a precedent for future analog missions, inspiring a new generation of space pioneers and highlighting the potential of extreme environments for personal and scientific growth.