NASA's Year-Long Mars Simulation: Paving the Way to the Red Planet

Four volunteers will embark on a year-long Mars mission simulation at NASA's Johnson Space Center, living in a 3D-printed habitat for 378 days. This CHAPEA (Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog) mission will evaluate the effects of long-duration space exploration on human health and performance, including resource limitations, equipment malfunctions, communication delays, and isolation. The crew will conduct scientific research and operational tasks, such as simulated Mars walks and vegetable gardening. The simulation is a crucial step in preparing for future crewed Artemis missions and the eventual landing on Mars, providing valuable data for human exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond.