Living on 'Virtual Mars': NASA's Groundbreaking Year-long Simulation Begins

NASA has locked four non-astronaut volunteers inside a simulated Mars habitat for a 378-day mission called CHAPEA 1, the first of three planned simulations. The mission aims to study the potential impacts of long-duration missions to Mars on crew health and performance. The crew will face extreme challenges, including managing equipment failures, environmental stressors, resource limitations, performing spacewalks, and growing crops. The participants will live in close quarters and must maintain exercise, hygiene, and meal preparation routines. The crew has been commended for their dedication to space exploration and science.