'Hibernating' Astronauts May Be Key to Mars Colonization

Researchers are working on ways to induce a hibernation-like torpor state in astronauts — a breakthrough they say would slash costs and make the long journey to the Red Planet safer and far less taxing for crewmembers. "That reduces the need for consumables in both nutrition and hydration, [and] oxygen demand," he said during the NIAC talk.