Would life on Mars be possible? NASA is trying to find out – and sends four participants to a simulation of the red planet for a year.
What would life be like on another planet? Ever since the first humans flew into space – and successfully landed on the moon – this question has captured people’s imaginations.
The idea of life in space is now becoming reality for four people – at least as a simulation. The US space agency Nasa wants to simulate life on Mars for future manned missions. From June, four volunteers can be locked up in a converted NASA hangar in Houston for over a year.
The Mars habitat is spartan, but has everything you need to survive on an alien planet. For example, “Mars Dune Alpha” offers 160 square meters of sleeping quarters, two bathrooms, a vertical farm for growing lettuce, a room for medical care, an area for relaxation and several work areas – some of them are even laid out with red sand.
Mars Habitat was 3D printed
Even a small “gym” is part of the facilities. The walls of the room represent a Martian landscape. Excursions outside are to be simulated on treadmills, on which the test subjects have to collect samples, collect data and set up further infrastructure. They walk on treadmills, hanging in harnesses to simulate gravity on the red planet.
During the experiment, the researchers will also regularly test how the crew reacts to stressful situations – for example, when water runs out or equipment breaks down.
“Mars Dune Alpha” was produced using a 3D printing process. According to project manager Grace Douglas, the technology could also be used to build habitats on other planets or the moon.
Participants must meet certain requirements
The main purpose of the experiment is to show how people cope with such a long period of isolation. This should help NASA assess what “resources” are needed for future astronauts to survive a Mars mission. Two more experiments are to follow in the coming years.
The four subjects for the first run have not yet been determined. However, not everyone can take part in the project. Participants must meet the standard criteria for astronauts – especially when it comes to their scientific, technical and mathematical skills.
