NASA is preparing for its second one -year simulated mission in a 3D -printed habitat located at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.
In October, a crew of four will spend 12 months isolated, living and working under conditions that simulate life on Mars, with the aim of preparing future missions to the red planet in the 2030s.
Habitat, called Health Exploration Analog and Crew Performance – Chapea – is 150 square meters and offers an environment where the team will face real challenges, such as limiting food and water supplies, as well as the need to maintain regular exercise to combat the effects of low Martian gravity, which is about 38% of the land.
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Researcher Suzanne Bell stressed the importance of replicating the conditions of the first mission completed in July 2024 to better understand the dynamics of teamwork at Mars.
She stressed the 45 -minute delay in communication between Earth and Mars, which will require greater crew autonomy.
Dana Gardner, NASA’s human performance scientist, explained that the absence of earthly gravity affects bones and muscles, making the exercises essential for astronauts’ health.
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The new habitat crew will be announced in September and composed of professionals with training and qualities similar to those of astronauts.
*Com Reuters
