NASA Mars Crew Returns After 378-Day Simulation

NASA's first CHAPEA (Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog) mission has concluded after 378 days in a simulated Mars habitat at Johnson Space Center, Houston. The crew of four, consisting of Kelly Haston, Anca Selariu, Ross Brockwell, and Nathan Jones, lived in a 1,700 square-foot 3D-printed habitat, conducting simulated 'Marswalks,' growing vegetables, and facing challenges such as isolation, limited resources, and communication delays. The mission aimed to study the physical and behavioral health effects of long-term space missions and prepare for future Mars expeditions. The research focused on nutritional impacts and overall health performance. Two additional CHAPEA missions are scheduled for 2025 and 2026 to continue this crucial preparation for human Mars exploration.