Scientists to begin 520-day simulated Mars mission

International researchers preparing to go into isolation in a mock spaceship say they are confident their simulation of a trip to Mars will succeed.

The six-member, all-male crew will live together for 520 days in a mock spaceship inside a Moscow research center and adhere to a rigorous regimen of experiments and exercise.

Prior to starting the experiment Thursday crew members said they were certain the experiment - which is financed by Russia, China and the European Space Agency - would end in success.

Scientists hope that the experiment will provide quality data about some of the technological challenges and psychological issues faced by a future Mars exploration crew.