The dream of human exploration of Mars is now becoming a reality as a year-long mission prepares volunteers for life on the Red Planet. Four individuals will experience life on Mars, but on Earth, as they begin living in a 3D-printed habitat that simulates the conditions of Mars. 

The habitat includes private crew quarters, a kitchen, and dedicated areas for medical, recreation, fitness, work, and crop growth activities. It also has a technical work area and two bathrooms.

This analog expedition will aid NASA in comprehending the needs for a habitat on Mars as well as the environmental stresses that the crew may experience, such as resource scarcity, isolation, and equipment breakdown. In order to increase their capacity for exploration, the team will spend time manipulating robotic components remotely, including a roving robot and a helicopter-like drone.

This is just the first of three analog missions that will help NASA prepare for human exploration of Mars. The crew will carry out different types of mission activities, including simulated spacewalks, robotic operations, habitat maintenance, personal hygiene, exercise, meal preparation and consumption, sleep, and crop growth.

The goal is to study how crew performance and health changes based on realistic Mars restrictions and the lifestyle of the crew members. The analog mission will begin in June this year, and the team will obtain the most accurate data during the simulation. With each analog mission, NASA is getting closer to sending humans to Mars, and we can only imagine the excitement and challenges that await us on the Red Planet.