NASA simulation ends after 378 days

A NASA crew is preparing to leave a 3D-printed Martian habitat after 378 days of isolation, marking the end of one of the longest Mars simulations conducted by the agency. Their findings may help improve the training and preparation of future astronauts heading to Mars.

Martian habitat details

The 3D-printed habitat, called Mars Dune Alpha, has a surface area of 158 square meters and is designed to mimic the constraints of a real Martian base. Built by the company ICON using a special type of concrete called lunarcrete, the structure is meant to withstand the harsh conditions of space.

Life in isolation

The crew lives in complete isolation, with no real-time contact with the outside world. They grow their own vegetables to supplement a dehydrated diet and manage their own water and energy resources. Communication with the outside is limited to emails, which can take up to 22 minutes to reach their destination.

Crew roles and activities

The crew consists of a commander, a doctor, a scientist, and a flight engineer. They regularly conduct "Marswalks" in spacesuits on red sand inside the habitat to simulate surface operations on Mars. These activities help prepare for the procedures astronauts would perform during actual missions.

Data collection for future missions

NASA is collecting physiological, psychological, and performance data throughout the simulation. The goal is to understand how a small group adapts to prolonged isolation and makes decisions without real-time assistance, similar to what astronauts would experience during a journey to Mars.