NASA volunteers complete yearlong Mars simulation

Four NASA volunteers concluded a yearlong Mars simulation at Houston’s Johnson Space Center on Saturday, July 6, as part of the agency’s first Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog (CHAPEA) mission. Stationed in a 3D-printed, 1,700-square-foot habitat since June 25, 2023, crew members Kelly Haston, Anca Selariu, Ross Brockwell and Nathan Jones endured conditions similar to those expected on Mars.

CHAPEA's 4-person crew just exited their home after 378 days. ✅

They simulated a Mars mission to help assess health and performance in relation to Mars-realistic resource limitations in isolation and confinement. The door is officially open and the mission is complete. Congrats… pic.twitter.com/AbfaMrzw2n

— NASA's Johnson Space Center (@NASA_Johnson) July 6, 2024

The CHAPEA project focused on sustainability and the role of nutrition in space travel.

LIVE NOW: The first ever CHAPEA crew will exit the ground-based Mars simulated habitat after 378 days. https://t.co/vFESM9DUyw

— NASA's Johnson Space Center (@NASA_Johnson) July 6, 2024

The team conducted “Marswalks,” grew vegetables to enhance their diet and managed equipment under the additional stressors of communication delays, resource limitations and isolation.

This mission, focusing on sustainability and nutrition’s role in space travel, is a precursor to NASA’s upcoming Artemis campaign aimed at a return to the Moon for prolonged scientific research and exploration. Insights gained from lunar missions are intended to prepare NASA for its next major endeavor — sending astronauts to Mars.

NASA has also announced plans for two more CHAPEA missions. The next is scheduled to commence in the first half of 2025.