4 volunteers lived for 378 days in NASA's Mars simulation, isolated from the outside world

NASA's second Mars simulation, CHAPEA, concluded with four crew members living in isolation for 378 days. They conducted simulated spacewalks, habitat maintenance, and plant cultivation in a 3D-printed facility in Houston. The mission aimed to prepare for future Mars and Moon missions by exposing participants to various stressors. NASA is now recruiting for a new one-year program starting in August 2027, which will integrate CHAPEA elements with other simulation experiences to optimize food systems for future lunar missions.