NASA began an unprecedented experiment in order to gain more research for the Mars expedition expected to take place in 2020.

The experiment consists of twin brother astronauts that will be exposed to similar conditions. However, one of the twin brothers, Scott Kelly, will be experiencing those conditions in space for a year to determine the effect of near-zero gravity and interstellar radiation on the human body.

“To have this unique opportunity to be the first American to do this, and I do feel grateful and feel like I am in a privileged position, even though you know it’s going to be a tough flight being in space for that long,” Kelly said.

By conducting the experiment, NASA will be able to get a better understanding of the effects of spending a year in space. This will be helpful because to get from Earth to Mars takes a total of 12 months for a round trip, that is expected to include a three months of research.

The other twin brother, Mark Kelly, will be tested regularly on Earth to compare with the data being received from Scott, according to Fox News.

For more information on the experiment:

http://www.foxnews.com/science/2015/03/27/astronaut-twins-make-space-history-as-nasa-launches-landmark-experiment/