Getting to Mars from Earth takes a long time
… as long as 200 days.  
A group of scientists funded by NASA think 
astronauts could pass most of that time
by hibernating in a sleep chamber, much like what you see here.
Each chamber is outfitted with tubes that lower the
body’s temperature as well as provide nutrition. 
An intranasal cooling system would lower the astronaut’s
temperature by 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit,
which significantly reduces metabolism. 
The astronaut is fed via catheters attached
to the thigh or chest,
while another tube carries waste away.
This result is what’s called a torpor-induced
state using therapeutic hypothermia. 
One concern is muscles atrophy due to lack of use. 
Scientists think they can address this
through neuromuscular electrical stimulation.
As the astronauts approach Mars,
the wake-up cycle begins. 
Warming pads slowly raise the body’s temperature.
It takes roughly one hour for every 
1 degree rise in body temperature. 
Fully awake after their long nap,
the astronauts are ready to begin their Mars mission.
