NASA reveals Martian habitat for years-long experiment on Earth

Lots of red sand, 4 small rooms and a gym – the US space agency NASA has introduced a new building in which a life on mars should be tested. Numerous photos show how an apartment might look like on the alien planet.

From June will be a first step 4 volunteers for a year locked in a converted hangar at NASA’s Human Space Research Center in Houston to Life on the Red Planet to simulate.

Little baggage

The main purpose of this first experiment is to test how people with such a long period of isolation get by This is supposed to be NASA help in assessing which “resources” are needed for future astronauts to survive a Mars mission.

This is all the more important as future astronauts only little luggage will be able to take with them to Mars, says Grace Douglas, who directs the Chapea program responsible for the experiment. 2 more experiments are to follow in the coming years.

The fictional house of Mars

“Mars Dune Alpha” stands up 160 square meters one vertical farm for the cultivation of Salat2 bathrooms, a room for the medical supplies, a relaxation area and several work areas. It was in 3D printing process manufactured, a technology that, according to Douglas, may also be considered for the construction of habitats on other planets or the moon.

A sluice leads from the 3D house to a Replica of the Martian landscape. On the ground covered with red sand are one weather stationa machine for making bricks and a small greenhouse – all things that astronauts on the red planet are likely to use.

In contrast, the treadmill in the sand is not needed on real Mars. The fictitious astronauts have to walk on it hanging from harnesses in order to lower gravity to simulate the red planet. “We can’t keep them running in circles for 6 hours,” said Suzanne Bell, director of NASA’s Behavioral Health and Performance Laboratory.

The 4 volunteers will be on the treadmill, according to Bell longer trips simulate, on which they collect samples, collect data and build further infrastructure.

Astronauts wanted

The ones in that fictional Mars house will move in have not yet been selected, according to NASA. applicants However, they must meet the standard criteria for astronauts – especially with regard to their scientific, technical and mathematical knowledge.

During the experiment, the researchers will also regularly test how the crew performs stressful situations responds – for example, when water runs out or equipment breaks down.

NASA is still in the very early stages of preparing for manned missions to Mars. The great journey several years would last is not yet in sight; First of all, it is about the return of man to the moon. According to NASA boss Bill Nelson, he expects up to the year 2040 with a manned mission to the red planet.