Everyone needs their comfort show.
Killing Time
What do you do after a long day of exploring and collecting data on a cold, alien desert world? Thanks to NASA’s simulated Mars habitat experiment, we might have an answer.
According to microbiologist Anca Selariu, who lived in a 3D-printed mock-up of a Mars base for 378 days without leaving, the crew spent their downtime watching TV and reading downloaded books. They also played video games like Starfarers of Catan on a PlayStation 4 and board games.
Selariu tried to improve her drawing skills during this time. She said she wasn’t very successful, but it helped her relax.
These little details might seem funny, but they’re important insights for NASA. The space agency wants to know how astronauts will cope with being away from home for years at a time. In the simulated Mars habitat, the crew had to grow their own food and manage limited supplies. They also faced realistic communication delays of about 44 minutes roundtrip when talking to Earth.
The participants were forced to wear special suits every time they left their building to go on expeditions, which included simulated “Marswalks” and scientific objectives. Mission managers even introduced stressful scenarios like supply shortages and equipment failures to see how the crew would react.
Selariu said the study focused on behavioral and team dynamics data. The question wasn’t just whether humans can withstand isolation, but also how they’ll adjust to life on Mars.
Bond Building
The experience was “absolutely exhilarating” for Selariu. She said the crew was very functional and cohesive, and they cherished moments together. They even felt support from people back on Earth.
NASA plans to carry out two more one-year CHAPEA missions, with the next starting in 2025.
“The CHAPEA missions are critical to developing the knowledge and tools needed for humans to one day live and work on the red planet,” said NASA administrator Bill Nelson.
More on living on Mars: NASA Watching as Sun Blasts Mars to See Effect on Astronauts
Source: https://futurism.com/the-byte/crew-mars-base-watched-tv