SIRIUS: A Russian-US Space Isolation Project in Transition
An official from the Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Oleg Orlov, spoke at a press conference about the SIRIUS program, describing it as a long-running international research effort conducted in a unique terrestrial facility. The project, first announced to be a three-mission collaboration with NASA, has faced changes amid shifting political realities. The Russian side has indicated that the United States colleagues opted not to participate in the SIRIUS-23 activities, while not abandoning the overall effort entirely. The remark was reported by TASS in coverage following the briefing.
Orlov stated that the SIRIUS program would continue with the planned schedule in November, highlighting the next phase as a complex experiment that mirrors a crew isolation scenario. He explained that the initiative was designed to test how crews cope with extended confinement and remote work in a controlled, spaceflight-like environment. He noted that while the US partners remained involved in the broader mission framework, their participation in the SIRIUS-23 program had not occurred. The situation reflects broader political dynamics that have prompted adjustments to the original joint plan, rather than a complete withdrawal by American teams. (Source: TASS)
Historically, SIRIUS has been pitched as an annual international isolation exercise, with Moscow slated to host the upcoming phase in November of the following year. The ongoing dialogue between Russian scientists and international partners continues to emphasize collaborative research, data sharing, and comparative studies across space medicine, psychology, physiology, and crew dynamics. The goal remains to simulate the demands of long-duration expeditions and to advance knowledge that could support future missions, including those to the Moon or beyond. (Source: TASS)
In the current trajectory, the SIRIUS program serves as a bridge between national programs and international research networks. It showcases how scientists in Russia and elsewhere can coordinate under changing geopolitical conditions while maintaining scientific rigor. This approach helps several nations, including Canada and the United States, understand how to design robust isolation studies, manage crew health, and interpret behavioral data when access to partners shifts over time. The emphasis on open data, standardized protocols, and cross-cultural collaboration remains a cornerstone of the project, ensuring that insights gained are relevant to researchers, astronauts, and mission planners across North America. (Source: TASS)