NASA Prepares to Showcase Mars Simulated Habitat Before Crew Enters for One Year Journey
By NASA information center // March 27, 2023
NASA & SPACE NEWS
(NASA) – This summer, four volunteers will begin a yearlong Mars mission in NASA’s simulated Mars habitat at the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. The ground-based habitat will help NASA prepare for the human exploration of Mars for the benefit of humanity.
The mission is the first of three planned in NASA’s CHAPEA habitat, or Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog. It is scheduled to begin in June when the volunteer crew, who are not astronauts, enters the 3D-printed habitat.
During the simulation, crew members will carry out different types of mission activities, including simulated spacewalks, robotic operations, habitat maintenance, personal hygiene, exercise, and crop growth.
To be as Mars-realistic as feasible, the crew also will face environmental stressors such as resource limitations, isolation, and equipment failure.
The in-person media event includes an opportunity to speak with subject matter experts and capture b-roll and photos inside the habitat.
Crew members will not be available as they’ll arrive at NASA Johnson later this spring to begin training for the simulated mission.
NASA is leading a return to the Moon for long-term science and exploration through Artemis missions.
Lessons learned on and around the Moon will prepare NASA for the next giant leap – sending the first astronauts to Mars. This is the agency’s Moon to Mars exploration approach.
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