NASA crew emerges from simulated Mars mission after more than a year in isolation
After a year-long voyage to Mars that never left Earth, four volunteer crew members have emerged from their simulated habitat.
Nathan Jones, Anca Selariu, Kelly Haston and Ross Brockwell entered the 3D-printed habitat on June 25, 2023.
They are the maiden crew of the space agency’s Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog (CHAPEA) project.
The quartet spent 378 days inside the 1,580 square metre space at the Johnson Space Centre in Houston.
Once they emerged, Haston, the mission commander, began with a simple “Hello”.
“It’s actually just so wonderful to be able to say hello to you all,” she said.
What was the goal of the simulation?
The mission’s aim was to collect data on human health and performance within the parameters of Mars’ limited resources.
During their time in the habitat, the four team members took part in simulated mission operations including:
- “Marswalks”
- Growing and harvesting vegetables
- Maintaining their equipment and habitat
They were also required to work through challenges a real Mars crew might encounter including communication delays with Earth, resource limitations, and isolation.
Steve Koerner, deputy director of Johnson Space Centre, said the data collected was crucial in preparing to send humans to Mars.
“They’ve been separated from their families, placed on a carefully prescribed meal plan and undergone a lot of observation,” Mr Koerner said.
“Mars is our goal.”
How did the crew find the experience?
The group consisted of a research scientist, a structural engineer, an emergency medicine physician, and a US Navy microbiologist.
Emerging after a knock on the door from Kjell Lindgren, astronaut and deputy director of flight operations, the crew spoke of their gratitude.
“I’m very grateful to have had this incredible opportunity to live for a year within the spirit of planetary adventure towards an exciting future,” flight engineer Brockwell said.
Science officer Anca Selariu said she had been asked many times why there is a fixation on Mars.
“Why go to Mars? Because it’s possible,” she said.
“Because space can unite and bring out the best in us.
“Because it’s one defining step that Earthlings will take to light the way into the next centuries.”
What did the habitat include?
The habitat is a 3D-printed structure that consists of:
- Four small bedrooms
- Two bathrooms
- A work area
- Robot station
- Exercise room
- Sandy area scattered with various instruments
- Crop area
Will there be another Mars simulation?
Yes, according to NASA.
Two additional CHAPEA missions are planned and crews will continue conducting simulated spacewalks and gathering data on factors related to physical and behavioral health and performance.
SOURCE: ABCNEWS
