The simulation is part of Nasa’s Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog (CHAPEA), a series of Earth-based experiments to evaluate how humans cope with the physical and psychological demands of deep-space travel.
Four volunteers are preparing to step into a year-long mission designed to mirror what it might be like to live on Mars.
On October 19, Ross Elder, Ellen Ellis, Matthew Montgomery, and James Spicer will enter Nasa’s Mars Dune Alpha, a 1,700-square-foot 3D-printed habitat inside the Johnson Space Center in Houston.
They will remain inside for 378 days, concluding their mission on October 31, 2026.
The simulation is part of Nasa’s Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog (CHAPEA), a series of Earth-based experiments to evaluate how humans cope with the physical and psychological demands of deep-space travel. Two alternate crew members, Emily Phillips and Laura Marie, are also on call should any of the volunteers be unable to participate.
CHAPEA missions are intended to mimic the significant challenges astronauts would face while living on the Red Planet. The volunteers will endure resource limitations, isolation, communication delays, equipment malfunctions, and high-tempo simulated spacewalks.
These scenarios are designed to provide Nasa with vital data on human health and performance for long-duration exploration.
“As Nasa gears up for crewed Artemis missions, CHAPEA and other ground analogs are helping us determine the best capabilities future astronauts will need,” said Sara Whiting, project scientist with Nasa’s Human Research Program.
During the simulation, the crew will perform daily research and operational activities, including simulated Mars walks, robotic operations, and cultivating a vegetable garden. They will also test new technologies designed for long stays on Mars, such as potable water dispensers and diagnostic medical devices.
“The simulation will allow us to measure both cognitive and physical performance under Mars-like conditions,” explained Grace Douglas, CHAPEA principal investigator. “This insight will help Nasa make key decisions to ensure future astronauts remain safe and mission-ready.”
This marks the second year-long surface simulation under CHAPEA. The first, completed in July 2024, provided baseline data that is already influencing mission planning.
