NASA’s first year-long mock Mars mission is coming to an end today, and you can watch it live on NASA TV. The CHAPEA mission began on June 25, 2003, with four volunteers sealed inside a simulated Mars habitat at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. After 378 days, the crew will exit the habitat today.
The volunteers for this mission were Kelly Haston, Anca Selariu, Ross Brockwell, and Nathan Jones. They have been living in the Mars Dune Alpha habitat, a 3D-printed structure designed to mimic conditions on Mars. Their experiences will help NASA plan for future crewed missions to Mars, set to launch in the late 2030s or early 2040s.
During their time in the habitat, the crew simulated Mars mission operations, grew and harvested vegetables, maintained equipment, and dealt with challenges like communication delays with Earth and resource limitations. Today’s event will include a “welcome home” ceremony for the crew members, as well as participation from NASA officials and astronauts.
This mission is an important step in NASA’s journey to Mars, and the insights gained from it will be invaluable for planning future missions. Stay tuned to NASA TV to watch the crew’s return to Earth and learn more about their experiences in the habitat.
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Michael Wall is a Senior Space Writer at Space.com, covering topics like exoplanets, spaceflight, and military space. His book, “Out There,” explores the search for alien life and was published in 2018. With a background in evolutionary biology, Michael brings a unique perspective to his science writing. Follow him on Twitter to stay updated on his latest projects and articles.
