NASA completes first mission simulating astronaut life on Mars
A NASA mission to test how living on Mars would stress and test a human crew ended Saturday, with four volunteers emerging from more than a year in a 1,700-square-foot structure.
A NASA mission to test how living on Mars would stress and test a human crew ended Saturday, with four volunteers emerging from more than a year in a 1,700-square-foot structure.
Kelly Haston, Ross Brockwell, Anca Selariu and Nathan Jones started their journey on June 25, 2023, and spent the next 378 days living in a 3D-printed habitat called the Mars Dune Alpha, which replicates what living on Mars might be like. NASA observed their health and performance to learn how to support a crew during long missions and what risks there may be for humans, especially with limited nutrition.
They also carried out tasks that astronauts on an actual trip to Mars would have, like habitat maintenance, sample collection and robotic operations.
“I am humbled that being away on a one-year Mars analog brought me closer to those I was with and those I left back at home,” said Haston, a research scientist and a registered member of the Mohawk Nation of the Six Nations of the Grand River in Canada. “To everyone, in particular my family, I’m so sorry I wasn’t there for you this year, and I thank you all so very much.”
Rating: 5