Astronauts without food may get to Mars

NASA Studying Man Who Survives On Liquids And Sunlight

An Indian man, who claims to have survived only on liquids and sunlight for eight years, is been studied by NASA to show them how he does it.

Hira Ratan Manek - also known as Hirachand - a 64-year-old mechanical engineer who lives in the southern state of Kerala, apparently started disliking food in 1992, the Hindustan Times newspaper reported.

In 1995, he went on a pilgrimage to the Himalayas and stopped eating completely on his return.

His wife, Vimla, said: "Every evening he looks at the sun for one hour without batting an eyelid. It is his main food. Occasionally he takes coffee, tea or some other liquid."

Last June 2003, scientists from the US space agency verified that Manek spent 130 days surviving only on water, the report said.

They even named this subsistence on water and solar energy after him: The HRM (Hira Ratan Manek) Phenomenon.

Mr Manek is on a long term programme in the US to show NASA's scientists how he survives without food.

The US space agency hopes to use the technique to solve food storage and preservation problems on its expeditions, the report said.

Mr Manek said he "eats through his eyes" in the evening, when the sun's ultraviolet rays are least harmful. He and his wife claim the technique is totally scientific. However, doctors warn that staring at the sun can make you blind.

His wife said: "He has a special taste for sun energy. He believes only 5 per cent of human brain cells are used by most people. The other 95 per cent can be activated through solar energy."


Eamonn A

He wouldn't last long over here then!

Simon

Never mind helping NASA getting to mars...This lad could stop world hunger. Its some feat to be able to manufacture all your amino acids, cardohydrates, fats and vitamins and minerals from a cup of tea and the sun.

I read about this a few months ago in the press. They just laughed him off as mad! just shows what could be acheived if we got back in touch with ourselves.
Bill.

That must be some coffee! :lol:

That must be some coffee! :lol:

Proper rocket fuel!