NASA Ends 378-Day Mars Simulation, Four Crew Members Exit Habitat on Oct. 31
Updated
Updated · NASA · Oct 28
NASA Ends 378-Day Mars Simulation, Four Crew Members Exit Habitat on Oct. 31
3 articles · Updated · NASA · Oct 28
Summary
Four CHAPEA Mission 2 volunteers will leave NASA’s simulated Mars habitat in Houston on Oct. 31 after 378 days in isolation, stepping outside for the first time in more than a year.
The mission put Ross Elder, Ellen Ellis, James Spicer and Matthew Montgomery inside a 1,700-square-foot 3D-printed habitat under Mars-like stressors including communication delays, limited resources and confinement.
NASA said health and performance data from the yearlong simulation will help counter human spaceflight risks and refine food systems, crew time use, Deep Space Network bandwidth planning, and medical and behavioral support.
The second CHAPEA mission began on Oct. 19, 2025, and its findings are aimed at future Artemis and Moon Base missions as NASA prepares for longer deep-space stays.