NASA crew emerges from simulated Mars mission after more than a year in isolation

A crew of NASA scientists emerged from a simulation of Mars after over a year in the faux-red-planet Saturday.

The four crew members exited the 17,000 square foot, 3D-printed habitat and walked into a news conference. "It's actually just so wonderful to be able to say 'hello' to you all," Kelly Haston, mission commander said.

The mission was the first of NASA's Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog program that aims collect data on human health and performance within the parameters of Mars' resource limits.

The four volunteers entered the17,000 square foot, 3D-printed habitat on June 25, 2023. Nathan Jones, the mission's medical officer, said the 378 days in the habitat, "went by quickly."

The crew worked through challenges future astronauts could face on a manned mission, including "Marswalks," communication delays and growing and harvesting vegetables.

"Why go to Mars? Because it's possible,"  Anca Selariu, the mission's science officer said. "Because space can unite and bring out the best in us. Because it's one defining step that 'Earthlings' will take to light the way into the next centuries."

Missions a test run for Mars

The goal of the CHAPEA missions is to collect data on human health and performance ahead of any attempts to put people on the red planet. The first mission focused on nutrition, according to Steve Koerner, deputy director of Johnson Space Center.

"They've been separated from their families, placed on a carefully prescribed meal plan and undergone a lot of observation," Koerner said, calling the work, "crucial science as we prepare to send people on to the red planet."

Brockwell, noted that the mission was an exercise in resource management.

"I'm grateful for the chance to live the idea that we must utilize resources no faster than they can be replenished and produce waste no faster than they can be processed back into resources," Brockwell said. "We cannot live, dream, create or explore on any significant timeframe if we don't live these principles, but if we do, we can achieve and sustain amazing and inspiring things like exploring other worlds."

There are two more CHAEPA missions scheduled, according to NASA.