NASA researchers to spend 1 year in simulated Mars habitat

HOUSTON, Tx. — A NASA experiment is underway to see what life could be like when the first humans land on Mars.

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The agency has locked four volunteers in a simulated mission to the red planet, surviving together in tight quarters for a full year.

Photos: NASA researchers to spend 1 year in simulated Mars habitat

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NASA's simulated Martian habitat This summer, four volunteers will begin a yearlong Mars mission in the ground-based habitat, helping NASA prepare for human exploration of Mars for the benefit of humanity. NASA’s simulated Mars habitat is at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. (BILL STAFFORD NASA-JSC HOUSTON TEXAS)

There will be limited food options and restricted communication with loved ones.

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“This research is really designed to inform the different resource trades we’ll have to make when we go to Mars someday,” said Dr. Suzanne Bell, co-investigator with the Chapea Project.

The mission is happening in Texas.

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The project is the first of three that are designed to simulate living on Mars.

NASA is planning to have each of these Mars simulation missions to last for one year.

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