How NASA is Preparing for a Manned Mission to Mars

NASA plans to send astronauts to Mars by the 2030s.

NASA's first yearlong simulated mission under the Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog has been completed.

Four crew members spent 378 days in the 1,700-square-foot, 3D-printed habitat, Mars Dune Alpha, at the Johnson Space Center.

The participants included Kelly Haston, Anca Selariu, Ross Brockwell, and Nathan Jones.

Crew activities included simulated spacewalks, robotic operations, habitat maintenance, exercise, and crop growth.

The 378-day simulation mimicked the expected duration of a real Mars mission, including the nine-month transit each way.

The next CHAPEA mission is scheduled for spring 2025, with the third mission expected to start in 2026.