Two kilometers above the lava flows of Mars' Tharsis Bulge region, a geologist collects samples from the eastern cliff at the base of Olympus Mons, the solar system's largest known shield volcano. To better understand the evolution of the Arizona-sized volcano, the scientist investigates the layers of hardened lava that make up the massive feature. The block-like nature of the rock face, caused by columnar jointing, is similar to features on Earth, such as the Devil's Tower in Wyoming.
People are the most vulnerable chain in long-term space expedition.
Scientists from the Institute for Problems of Medicine and Biology are trying to answer these and many other questions. With financial support of ISTC they have developed a Pilot Project of Manned Expedition to Mars. Russia has a great experience in long-term orbit expeditions. One of the scripts suggests that at first a cargo spaceship will go to Mars, then a manned module will follow and they will dock near the planet. A doctor is a key figure in the crew.