Space: The Santa Monica Shot

Cut off from all but radio contact with other human beings, confined to a 40-ft.-long chamber and breathing the same limited supply of oxygen over and over, four California college students might as well be in far-off space. And that is the idea. Ever since they were sealed up in a white steel cylinder in an outbuilding behind the McDonnell Douglas Corp.'s Santa Monica plant on Feb. 19, the students have been testing a life-support system designed for future orbital missions t hat could last for 60 days or longer.

To minimize the amount of oxygen...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!