NASA’s latest experiment, the CHAPEA mission, tested the psychological and practical challenges of long-duration space travel by simulating life on Mars. Four volunteers lived in a 160 m² habitat for 378 days, experiencing stress, isolation, and confinement. To combat boredom and stress, they used video games, which became essential tools for their mental health.
The crew played strategy and simulation games, such as SimCity and Civilization, to stay mentally sharp and make critical decisions under limited resources. These games were carefully chosen to emphasize long-term strategy, planning, and resource management – qualities NASA wants to test in astronauts during real Mars missions.
Playing video games helped the crew manage stress, improve decision-making, and keep their cognitive skills sharp. The sessions provided a mental escape and reduced feelings of loneliness, depression, or anxiety, common risks in prolonged space missions. As the mission showed, entertainment technologies like gaming consoles could become standard parts of astronaut kits for long-duration flights.
The CHAPEA mission offers vital insights into how we can tackle psychological challenges in space exploration. By incorporating video games as a tool to maintain mental health, NASA has paved the way for future space missions that prioritize crew well-being and performance.
Source: https://dailygalaxy.com/2025/07/nasa-locked-them-to-simulate-life-on-mars-what-they-did-a-lot-of-ps4-gaming