Four NASA volunteers recently completed a year-long mission in a 3D-printed Mars bunker in Texas. Kelly Haston, Anca Selariu, Ross Brockwell, and Nathan Jones spent 378 days in the simulation, which aimed to replicate conditions on the Red Planet. The volunteers were part of NASA’s Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog (CHAPEA) mission, which began on June 25th last year.
During their time in the bunker, the volunteers carried out various Mars mission operations, such as “Marswalks,” grew and consumed their own vegetables, and lived in isolation under realistic Mars circumstances. The bunker, known as Mars Dune Alpha, is a 1,700 square foot habitat designed to simulate life on Mars.
After being released from the bunker, Anca Selariu expressed her gratitude for the experience, stating that bringing life to Mars was a goal close to her heart. She also thanked her friends and family for their support throughout the mission.
While in the bunker, the volunteers were cut off from the outside world, including news and current events. Some significant events they may have missed during their time in isolation include conflicts in the Middle East, record-breaking global temperatures, and legal developments involving former US President Donald Trump.
Despite missing out on worldly events, the volunteers successfully completed their mission and provided valuable data to NASA. The agency is hopeful that the insights gained from this simulation will help prepare for future Mars exploration missions. NASA is currently focused on a return to the Moon, which they view as a stepping stone to eventual Mars exploration.
The volunteers’ dedication to the mission and their ability to adapt to the challenges of living in a Mars-like environment demonstrate the importance of human space exploration. As technology advances and our understanding of space deepens, missions like CHAPEA provide crucial data and insights that will shape the future of human space travel.
