Integrated simulations of Mars flights on the ISS

Today the ISS is a unique technological and scientific platform that enables researchers from all over the world to work on innovative experiments that could not be performed anywhere else. However, it is conceivable to use the deep space analogue features of the ISS to perform integrated tests of those operational strategies needed to allow for deep space voyages, towards a potential final integrated in-space test of the entire voyage to Mars, with a fidelity as high as achievable. This utilization strategy for the ISS would help focusing research and technology on open questions for deep space exploration, also enabling further tests of the journey to Mars using other advanced platforms that will be available on Moon orbit or surface in the near future. It will also provide the ISS with the rank of “springboard” towards deep space for the general public, increasing the awareness for human space exploration. In this paper we present the ISS4Mars idea, underlining its major goals and challenges.