The story depicted in Andy Weir’s novel, The Martian, is quite similar to the events currently unfolding. Published in 2014, the book was so well-received that it was adapted into a movie just one year later. For the past 200 days, a group of four individuals has been living out this narrative.
In June 2023, four humans embarked on a program initiated by NASA known as the Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog (CHAPEA). This program revolves around a habitat called Mars Dune Alpha, which aims to replicate the conditions that astronauts are likely to encounter on Mars. The primary objective of this program is to provide NASA with valuable insights on how to support human missions to Mars.
Upon announcing the program, NASA stated that it would conduct three simulations, each involving a different crew, in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges that may arise during survival on Mars. This includes not only sustaining astronaut life, but also managing unexpected occurrences such as equipment failures.
The first crew, mentioned earlier, recently reached the halfway point of their mission on January 11, 2024. Despite their isolation, everything appears to be proceeding according to plan, and the participants have even taken inspiration from Mark Watney’s resourcefulness, as depicted in the book and movie adaptation.
Similar to Watney’s predicament, one of the primary concerns for the stranded astronaut was ensuring a sustainable food source. This typically involved cultivating his own vegetables, particularly potatoes, using Martian soil enriched with human waste. In the fictional world, this process proved successful, allowing Watney to survive.
During the initial 200 days within the Mars Dune Alpha habitat, the first CHAPEA crew also prioritized food production. Although they did not grow potatoes or utilize real Martian soil and human waste, they managed to cultivate tomatoes, peppers, and leafy greens under harsh conditions.
It is worth noting that the successful growth of crops demonstrates the feasibility of agriculture on Mars, given the appropriate tools and conditions. However, the specifics of the science investigations conducted by the crew in the fields of biological and physical sciences have not yet been disclosed.
Additionally, the first CHAPEA crew engaged in simulated Marswalks, which involved venturing outside the habitat to practice traversing the open, barren surface of the neighboring planet. Unfortunately, no further details regarding these missions have been provided, apart from the mention of incorporating relevant time delays, tempo, and activities aligned with future Mars mission concepts.
Lastly, the mock Mars mission is taking place within a 1,700-square-foot (160 square meters) module called Mars Dune Alpha. This structure was constructed by a 3D printing company named ICON and is situated at the NASA Johnson Space Center. Described by the agency as the most authentic simulated habitat ever created by humans, Alpha serves as the backdrop for this endeavor.
Four individual crew quarters have been envisioned for the living space, along with dedicated workstations, medical stations, and food-growing stations. The rooms and stations at different ends of the module are separated by the living spaces designed in between them, ensuring distinct areas for each purpose.
The habitat incorporates varying ceiling heights to prevent monotony and maintain a sense of spatial diversity, which is crucial for the well-being of the inhabitants. The overall structure of the habitat features an arched shell design. The furniture includes both fixed and movable items, allowing for flexibility, and the environment settings such as lighting, temperature, and sound can be fully customized to meet individual preferences.
The current mission, known as CHAPEA, is set to conclude on July 6, 2024. While the exact commencement date of the second mission by NASA is yet to be determined, certain criteria have been established for potential participants.
All applicants for the CHAPEA mission must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States, aged between 30 and 55 years. Additionally, they should be non-smokers and free from any food allergies, avoidances, or gastrointestinal disorders. Participants will also be required to rely solely on spaceflight-like food and refrain from consuming any food supplements, except for vitamin D.
In terms of qualifications, NASA exclusively considered individuals with a master’s degree from an accredited institution in a STEM field, such as engineering, biological science, physical science, computer science, or mathematics. Furthermore, candidates were required to possess a minimum of two years of professional experience in their respective fields. It was also mandatory for applicants to have accumulated at least 1,000 hours of pilot-in-command time on jet aircraft.
All of the aforementioned requirements highlight the immense challenges and demands associated with a real mission to Mars. From the spacecraft and rockets to the selection of individuals, every aspect must be meticulously considered and executed.