Volunteer crew all smiles as they emerge from Mars simulator for first time in 378 days
A four-person crew re-emerged on Saturday 6 July at Nasa’s Johnson Space Center in Houston to applause, after staying in a simulated Mars habitat to study and conduct experiments for over one year.
The team of Kelly Haston, Anca Selariu, Ross Brockwell and Nathan Jones entered their 3D-printed habitat on 25 June 2023, as part of the first Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog (CHAPEA) mission.
During their stay, the crew simulated life and resource limitations on Mars, which included growing and harvesting vegetables, going on “Marswalks” and communication delays with Earth.
Two more CHAPEA missions are planned in 2025 and 2027.