Four volunteers entered a simulated Mars environment Sunday, embarking on a year-long NASA experiment that has been designed to mimic what life might be like for humans on the Red Planet.
The volunteers were selected among a pool of applicants who showed a “strong desire for unique, rewarding adventures and [were] interested in contributing to NASA’s work in preparing for the first human journey to Mars.” Among them are Commander Kelly Haston, a research scientist; Ross Brockwell, a structural engineer; Nathan Jones, an emergency medicine physician; and U.S. Navy microbiologist Anca Solaria – none of whom are trained astronauts, NASA announced.
“During the simulation, crew members will carry out different types of mission activities, including simulated spacewalks, robotic operations, habitat maintenance, personal hygiene, exercise, and crop growth. To be as Mars-realistic as feasible, the crew also will face environmental stressors such as resource limitations, isolation, and equipment failure,” NASA revealed in a press release. (RELATED: ‘Never Saw Evidence Like This’: NASA Rover Finds Clear Indications Of Ancient Lake On Mars)
The volunteers will be housed in a 3D printed, 1,700 square foot habitat that includes a kitchen, private quarters for the crew, and two bathrooms as well as medical, work and recreational areas.
Prior to entering the simulated environment, NASA held a briefing in which Grace Douglas, the mission’s principal investigator at NASA, thanked the volunteers for their pioneering spirit. “The knowledge we gain here will help enable us to send humans to Mars and bring them home safely.,” Douglas stated, before assuring the inaugural crew, “Our best wishes go with you.”
Haston expressed her admiration of spaceflight and exploration, describing those endeavors as exemplifying “some of the best qualities of humankind.” Haston further went on to say how grateful she was to be a part of a “tremendous group of scientists and specialists” embarking on the year-long experiment. “It is a career and personal highlight to be both scientist and test subject” Haston explained, adding that she hoped their efforts would help enable safer space travel and habitation one day.