Four volunteers from NASA’s Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog project completed a yearlong simulation of a Mars mission at Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Kelly Haston, Anca Selariu, Ross Brockwell, and Nathan Jones emerged from the 3D-printed habitat after 378 days of confinement on June 25, 2023.

The mission aimed to simulate conditions for future Mars expeditions, involving tasks like simulated spacewalks, vegetable cultivation, and habitat maintenance.

The experience tested their resilience against challenges such as resource limitations and communication delays akin to those expected on a real Mars mission, the Associated Press reported.

Two more CHAPEA missions are planned to further study health, performance, and logistical aspects of long-duration space missions.

Written by B.C. Begley