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A group of Russian space experts says it is planning a privately financed manned mission to Mars.
One of the team, Georgy Uspensky of the Central Research Institute for Machine-Building, said it would happen within 10 years and cost $3-5bn.
Aerospace Systems, a commercial company seeking to fund the project using private capital, suggested it could involve a reality TV show.
But Russia's official space agency has dismissed the project as nonsense.
The plan is for six cosmonauts to take a three-year round trip, including several months exploring Mars.
The spaceship would be equipped with its own garden, to supply them with fresh fruit and vegetables.
The experts said the craft would use parts already tried and tested at the International Space Station.
It would be put together in orbit, centred on two inflatable modules with living space for a crew.
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[Edited on 10-4-2004 by MarkLuitzen]
[Edited on 10-4-2004 by MarkLuitzen]
