"NASA's Year-Long Mars Habitat Simulation Prepares for First 'Astronauts'"

NASA has unveiled a simulated Mars environment where four non-astronaut volunteers will live for one year to help the agency prepare for sending humans to the planet. The 160-square-meter habitat, built using 3D printing technology, will recreate environmental pressures that future visitors to Mars could face. The volunteers will take part in many different activities, including simulated spacewalks, robotic work, caring for the habitat, exercising and planting crops. The habitat is part of a NASA program known as the Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog (CHAPEA) and is expected to include a total of three simulated environments.