'Mars Village' is expected to cost about 61 million USD

Chinese scientists say the research project combining education and tourism called "Mars Village" will cost about $ 61.1 million.

SCMP said on Sept. 6, China will invest $ 61.1 million to build a "Mars Village" project that simulates the natural conditions of the red planet in the northwestern Qinghai province. The above information was made after a meeting between local scientists and officials.

"The work will be used for scientific and tourism research purposes , " said Li Xiaoqun, director of the Moon and Space Discovery Program from the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Scientists surveyed the construction site of "Mars Village".(Photo: Xinhua News Agency).

"Mars Village" will be built on an area of ​​95,000 square kilometers in Qaidam Valley , the arid desert area in the Qinghai Plateau - Tibet. The natural conditions here are quite similar to those found on the surface of the red planet with ridges and rocks formed hundreds of years ago due to wind erosion.

At the "Mars Village" base , China plans to build a simulated camp to explore space with works for people who want to experience life on the red planet. It will also include a place of public interest with the theme of Mars. However, the time to go into operation of "Mars Village" has not been revealed.

The site is expected to build "Mars Village".(Photo: Google).

With an investment of US $ 61.1 million, Beijing expects the project will soon become a center for scientific research and education, while promoting the poor economy of Qinghai Province.

The "Mars Village" project is part of China's ambitious space program, which plans to launch a probe into Mars by 2020. Last year, the government announced images. of satellites, spacecraft and self-propelled vehicles designed to explore the surface of the red planet.