Prototype Mars Base to Rise on Arctic Island

The International Mars Society is has approved on building a prototype Mars environment on Devon Island (Canadian arctic). The project has funds of up to $250,000, and parts of it are planned to be used towards building dome shaped structure. The dome is planned to have an eight meter diameter, allowing room for four to six astronauts during a laboratory workshop. Scientists say that the purpose to working in the arctic is to get used to performing science in extreme environments. However, due to congress not providing any sign of approval to sending humans to other planets, prototype experiments is as close as astronauts will get to Mars, until further notice is provided.
http://www.space.com/news/mars_base_818.html