Four participants in NASA’s simulated Mars mission have completed a year in isolation at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. The crew left the habitat on Saturday, October 31, after a confinement designed to help prepare for a possible future journey to Mars.
The crew consisted of mission commander Ross Elder, science officer Matthew Montgomery, flight engineer James Spicer and medical officer Ellen Ellis. They entered the 158-square-meter, 3D-printed habitat on October 19, 2025.
During the study, the crew carried out tasks including growing plants in simulated Martian soil and communicating with NASA using delays intended to recreate those experienced in interplanetary communications. The agency said the mission aimed to understand how astronauts can adapt to the routines and demands of long-duration spaceflight while staying healthy, productive and connected.
NASA Johnson Space Center Director Vanessa Wyche said the crew managed limited resources, maintained the habitat and conducted simulated Mars operations. She also highlighted their experience with delayed messages, which required patience, careful planning and greater independence.
This was NASA’s second CHAPEA mission. In the previous study, four participants spent 378 days in isolation at the Johnson Space Center between 2023 and 2024. The latest crew will now take part in two weeks of post-mission assessments and debriefings with NASA scientists.
Sources: Folha Ciência.