In the human journey to explore space, Mars has always been the ultimate destination. With its potential for sustaining life and its proximity to Earth, it has captured the imagination of scientists and space enthusiasts alike.
However, the journey to Mars is not an easy one, with a distance of about 140 million miles from Earth. To prepare for this monumental mission, NASA has been conducting a year-long simulation of living on Mars.
One-Year Update from NASA Crew on Mars
The idea of humans living on Mars may seem like something out of science fiction, but for the CHAPEA (Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog) team at NASA, it is a reality.
Since August 2020, four crew members have been living in a simulated Martian environment at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.
This simulation aims to study the physical and psychological effects of long-term isolation and confinement that astronauts would experience during a real mission to Mars.
As they reach the halfway point of this one-year simulation, the NASA crew has finally issued an update on their progress.
It hasn't been all smooth sailing as expected.
The team has faced numerous challenges, both expected and unexpected, which have tested their physical and mental resilience.
The habitat includes living quarters, a laboratory, a greenhouse, and even an "exterior" that the crew must don spacesuits to enter.
This has allowed the team to experience what it would be like to live and work on the surface of Mars, including conducting experiments and growing plants for food.
What challenges did the NASA crew have to face?
One of the biggest challenges they have faced is maintaining a healthy sleep schedule.
Due to the lack of natural light and the constant hum of machinery, the crew has struggled to maintain a regular sleep pattern.
This has resulted in tired and decreased productivity, which can have serious consequences in a real mission to Mars.
Another challenge that the crew has faced is the limited resources available.
Just like on a real mission to Mars, the team has had to rely on a limited supply of food, water, and other essentials.
This has required them to be creative and resourceful in their daily tasks, as well as carefully managing their resources to ensure they last for the entire year.
Additionally, the crew has also faced technical issues with equipment and systems, which they have had to troubleshoot and fix themselves.
Science officer Anca Selariu, one of the NASA crew said: "I really miss driving. I miss seeing trees, I miss seeing green. I miss the colors and the seasons. I miss everything about Earth."
However, the team has found ways to solve with these challenges, such as staying connected with family and friends through video calls and engaging in hobbies and activities during their free time.
Jones said: "We're the best movie critics on Mars. Top four, for sure."
And while there isn't any champagne to bring in the new year, there are tomatoes that they have grown themselves.
Mission commander Kelly Haston said: "We'll be toasting with the tomatoes from the garden."
Conducting experiments for the process of simulating life on Mars
One of the main objectives of the simulation is to study the effects of long-term isolation and confinement on the human body and mind.
To achieve this, the crew has been conducting various experiments, including monitoring their sleep patterns, cognitive performance, and psychological well-being.
They have also been studying the effects of microgravity on the human body by performing tasks in a tilted bed, which simulates the weightlessness experienced in space.
In addition to these experiments, the team has also been testing new technologies that could be used on a real mission to Mars.
This includes a 3D printer that can create tools and spare parts using materials found on Mars, reducing the need for resupply missions from Earth.
Prepare for emergencies in an environment that simulates life on Mars
Living on Mars would come with its own set of risks and challenges, and the NASA crew has been preparing for potential emergencies.
This includes practicing emergency procedures for medical situations, fires, and other critical incidents.
The team has also been trained in basic medical procedures, such as administering first aid and performing minor surgeries, in case of an emergency.
Moreover, the crew has also been conducting simulated spacewalks to test their abilities to work outside the habitat.
These exercises are crucial for preparing the team for any repairs or maintenance tasks that may need to be done on the surface of Mars.
