Alone in Antarctica: Experts Abandon Months of Light for Science

That software, the agency explained, will provide an important second opinion, where "I'm feeling fine" may simply not be enough to ensure the safety of an astronaut and the success of a mission.

The agency will also be testing four methods of artificial lighting during the station's four lightless months, when the Sun will simply never cross the horizon.

"We are committed to supporting excellent science in Antarctica in all disciplines," added the British Antarctic Survey's director of science, David Vaughan. "We are hugely excited to be hosting these new experiments that may help prepare for, perhaps, the biggest adventure in history, a manned flight to Mars."

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