NASA funds research into deep-sleep journey for Mars astronauts

Astronauts might one day sleep their way to Mars by spending much of the long, arduous journey in hypothermic hibernation chambers.

The trip from Earth to Mars takes approximately 200 days, one way. This presents several challenges. First, the long trip could take a psychological toll on astronauts. Second, life support systems (think living quarters, food galleries, etc.) for a round-trip journey lasting more than a year would significantly add to payload requirements. Having astronauts sleep much of the way could address both these challenges.