The American space research institute Nasa’s project Chapea explores what it is like to live a year on Mars. They have built a simulation of a Martian habitat, i.e. the environment an astronaut would encounter on the planet. Suzanne Bell, researcher on the project, describes it as a preliminary study in preparing future trips to Mars.
– We have tried to create the conditions we expect on Mars. Such as food, water and activities, for example simulated space walks.
The project consists of three missions that simulate year-long stays on the surface of Mars. The first assignment has been completed and interviews are now underway for the next group.
– The participants have a background similar to that of astronauts. They are researchers and have the fitness that we expect from astronauts, says Suzanne Bell in SVT’s series Your guide to the end of the earth.
NASA is planning a trip to Mars
The first mission ended in July, after four participants had lived in isolation in the Martian habitat for 378 days.
– Participants wear spacesuits, collect rocks and perform geological experiments. They have also grown plants, says Suzanne Bell.
During the course of the project, Nasa collects a wealth of data on the participants’ health and performance. The goal is to understand how humans are affected by long-term space missions.
In the future, Nasa is planning a round trip to Mars, which would take about 2.5 years. The trip there is estimated to take nine months, with a stay on Mars for up to 1.5 years before the return trip. The purpose of the trip is to study the planet and collect information.
See Your Guide to the End of the World at SVT Play.