The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has completed a 378-day simulation mission on Mars known as CHAPEA, as reported by Jalopnik.
According to NASA’s plan, the experiment aimed to assess the potential for actual human colonization of Mars. During the experiment, four scientist-subjects were sent to a “Mars habitat simulation” in Houston, with each scientist playing a specific role – commander, payload specialist, physician, and mission specialist. It is noted that all “crew members” are currently in excellent condition.
“Congratulations to the CHAPEA-1 mission team on completing a year in simulated Martian conditions. CHAPEA missions are crucial for developing the knowledge and tools necessary for humans to live and work on the Red Planet,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson.
During the 378-day experiment, the four scientists lived together in a special closed “colony.” The buildings in the colony were constructed using a 3D printer, using a substrate that could be found on the surface of the actual Mars. Inside, the scientists had to work with rovers and robots, build and maintain the habitat, grow crops, and engage in daily exercises. Additionally, communication between the scientists and the control center was artificially delayed by 22 minutes – the time it would take to relay a real message from Mars to Earth.
“The need to have a 45-minute conversation back and forth truly requires you to think ahead and formulate your message clearly and carefully. It’s actually very difficult to grasp,” said one of the subjects, Anka Selariu, who played the role of a mission specialist.
Earlier, NASA announced the completion of the Chandra telescope’s operations.