The four volunteers who spent 378 days in a bunker in Texas, specially built to imitate life on Mars, completed their mission and returned home, reports Deutsche Welle.
NASA volunteers completed their mission PHOTO @SERobinsonJr / X
After 378 days in the 3D bunker, known as Mars Dune Alpha, completely isolated from the rest of the world, the four returned to roars of applause. Among them is the Romanian researcher Anca Șelariu.
The 160 square meter structure was specially designed to mimic conditions on the Red Planet. It’s a 3D printed building equipped with bedrooms, a gym, common areas and a vertical farm to provide food.
In what conditions did the researchers live?
The team consisted of Anca Şelariu, Ross Brockwell, Nathan Jones and Kelly Haston. Over the past year, they have grown and eaten their own vegetables, simulated operations such as “Marswalkers” and lived in realistic conditions for Mars.
These included a delay in communications with Earth, limited resources, and isolation.
“We can do these things together. We can use our senses and our ambitions to achieve peace and prosperity and to reach knowledge and joy for everyone, in every corner of planet Earth.”Brockwell said.
What is the purpose of the mission?
The volunteers were part of the first CHAPEA (Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog) mission. The goal is to help NASA prepare to send humans back to the moon and, one day, to Mars.
“(The project) gives us the opportunity to learn the critical things about these complex systems and will help make trips to Mars and back safe.”said Julie Kramer, director of engineering at NASA.
The next missions in the CHAPEA series are scheduled for 2025 and 2027.
