After a yearlong simulated voyage on Earth, the crew of a NASA mission to Mars has emerged from their isolated habitat. Kelly Haston, Anca Selariu, Ross Brockwell, and Nathan Jones, the four volunteers, spent over 12 months inside NASA’s first simulated Mars habitat at Johnson Space Center in Houston. They left the artificial environment on Saturday around 5 p.m., greeted by Kjell Lindgren, an astronaut and deputy director of flight operations.
Haston, the mission commander, expressed her joy at finally being able to speak to others outside the simulation, simply saying “Hello”. Jones, the mission’s medical officer, remarked that their 378 days in confinement had passed quickly. The crew lived and worked in a 1,700 square-foot (157 square meters) 3D-printed habitat, simulating life on the Red Planet. Their mission was part of NASA’s Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog (CHAPEA) project, where they focused on tasks such as simulated spacewalks, called “Marswalks”, growing and harvesting vegetables, and maintaining their habitat and equipment.
The simulation included challenges that a real Mars mission would face, such as limited resources, isolation, and communication delays of up to 22 minutes with Earth. The aim was to prepare for future Mars missions by studying how these conditions affected the crew’s health and performance. Steve Koerner, deputy director of Johnson Space Center, emphasized the importance of the first crew’s work on nutrition and its impact on performance, calling the research “crucial science” for preparing humans for Mars exploration. The crew was on a strict meal plan, separated from their families, and under constant observation.
NASA has planned two more CHAPEA missions to continue gathering data on physical and behavioural health and performance through similar simulations. The four volunteers spoke about their gratitude for each other and those who supported them. They reflected on the lessons learned about a potential manned mission to Mars and sustainable living on Earth.
Brockwell, the crew’s flight engineer, highlighted the importance of sustainability, emphasizing that resources must be used no faster than they can be replenished and waste must be managed efficiently. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to live in the spirit of planetary exploration and adventure.
Selariu, the science officer, addressed the question of why there is a fixation on Mars. She explained that the possibility of reaching Mars unites and brings out the best in humanity. She viewed the mission as a defining step for Earthlings towards a brighter future.
The CHAPEA project represents a significant step in America’s goal to lead global space exploration efforts, with Mars being the ultimate destination. (With inputs from agencies)
