Inside NASA's Year-Long Simulated Mars Habitat: A Journey with Four Analog Astronauts

NASA has locked four analog astronauts inside a 3D-printed mock Mars habitat called Mars Dune Alpha at the Johnson Space Center in Houston for a year-long mission. The Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog (CHAPEA) mission aims to gather data on crew interaction and habitat functionality to inform future Mars missions. The habitat includes sleeping quarters, a lavatory, shower area, kitchen, recreation area, work area, fitness and laundry machinery, robotics control stations, a 3D printer, and a medical bay. The crew will also conduct simulated EVAs on the Martian surface.