NASA tests human endurance on Mars

Four NASA astronauts will spend 378 days in a 3D-printed Mars base, facing hypothetical situations such as living in isolation, interrupted communication, technical failures, limited access to resources...

A corner inside the test area simulating living conditions on Mars set up by NASA - Photo: NASA

NASA will launch the CHAPEA mission on October 19 at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. This model simulates living conditions on Mars, about 160m² in size, and is built using 3D printing technology. The mission will last 378 days, recreating life on the "red planet".

According to NASA, data from the mission will help guide exploration of the Moon, Mars and beyond. This is the second simulation, following the experience of the first 1-year mission (which ended on July 6, 2024).

"CHAPEA and other ground simulations are helping us determine how best to support crews to overcome the health and performance challenges of working off Earth, before humans set foot on Mars," said scientist Sara Whiting at Johnson Space Center.

The four astronauts on this mission are Ross Elder, Ellen Ellis, Matthew Montgomery and James Spicer. The two backup members are Emily Phillips and Laura Marie.

They will face hypothetical situations such as disrupted communication, technical failures, limited access to resources, as well as isolated living, psychological stress and high mental workload.

They also test new technologies such as medical diagnostic equipment and clean water filtration systems.

"This simulation helps us assess physical and cognitive performance and better understand the impact of resource shortages and long-duration missions on crew health and productivity," said Grace Douglas, principal investigator of CHAPEA.

According to Ms. Douglas, this data will help NASA make more accurate decisions when designing a route to send people to Mars, based on human adaptability - a key factor in a journey completely separate from support from Earth.

Unlike short-term laboratory studies, CHAPEA provides a deep, long-term look at the challenges of colonizing a new planet, while still ensuring physical health, mental health and work performance, according to the Daily Galaxy page.

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KHANH QUYNH

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/nasa-kiem-nghiem-suc-ben-cua-con-nguoi-tren-sao-hoa-20250908100009612.htm