This summer, four brave pioneers will embark on the journey of a lifetime. Becoming the first humans to live on Mars.
The ambitious mission, dubbed the CHAPEA (Crew Habitat for the Exploration of Mars Analogs) project initiated by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), is part of a year-long effort to prepare for human exploration of the Red Planet (Mars).
The American space agency is planning three such analog missions to better understand the requirements for a habitat on our next-door cosmic neighbor.
While analog mission one commences this year on Mars. The second mission will be conducted in 2025 and the third mission will be followed up in 2026.
The project will involve a team of four astronauts living in a 3D-printed habitat that simulates conditions on Mars.
“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,” Nasa said in a statement.
The habitat includes private crew quarters, a kitchen, dedicated areas for medical, recreational, fitness and work activities, as well as bathrooms and a technical work area. The team will face environmental stressors such as resource limitations, isolation, equipment failure and significant workloads on Mars.
Author: Maria Sarfraz (@mariaa.sarfraz)
