Humans not prepared for mission to Mars

There is no certainty in space systems for sending a manned expedition to Mars, the chief of the Cosmonaut Training Center named after Gagarin Sergei Krikalev said. 

The expert believes that there will not be catastrophic damage caused to human health. Modern technologies make it possible for humans to stay in space for 1.5-2 years.

However, the reliability of space transportation system is in question. There is life support system and traffic control system that make the flight possible, but there is no single system that would give complete reliability, the specialist said.

Krikalev also noted that there is understanding of how to build a reliable system for sending a manned mission to Mars. A rocket will have to be large indeed, and the timing of the mission should be reduced. A breakthrough in engine-building is required, the expert said.