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In pictures: Scientist to explore simulate life on ‘Red Planet’ in Oman Dhofar desert

The “analog astronauts” of the Austrian Space Forum — a volunteer-based collective — have arrived in Oman to begin preparations for a four-week simulation mission due to begin next year.

Members of the Austrian Space Forum inspect a site in Oman's Dhofar desert, near the southern Marmul outpost, in preparation for a four-week Mars simulation mission due to begin next year.

Members of the Austrian Space Forum inspect a site in Oman’s Dhofar desert, near the southern Marmul outpost, in preparation for a four-week Mars simulation mission due to begin next year.

Members of the Austrian Space Forum inspect a site in Oman’s Dhofar desert, near the southern Marmul outpost, in preparation for a four-week Mars simulation mission due to begin next year.

A member of the Austrian Space Forum inspects a site in Oman’s Dhofar desert, near the southern Marmul outpost, in preparation for a four-week Mars simulation mission due to begin next year.

Members of the Austrian Space Forum inspect a site in Oman’s Dhofar desert, near the southern Marmul outpost, in preparation for a four-week Mars simulation mission due to begin next year.

Members of the Austrian Space Forum inspect a site in Oman’s Dhofar desert, near the southern Marmul outpost, in preparation for a four-week Mars simulation mission due to begin next year.

Members of the Austrian Space Forum inspect a site in Oman’s Dhofar desert, near the southern Marmul outpost, in preparation for a four-week Mars simulation mission due to begin next year.

Members of the Austrian Space Forum inspect a site in Oman’s Dhofar desert, near the southern Marmul outpost, in preparation for a four-week Mars simulation mission due to begin next year.

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