NEW DELHI: Nasa has announced the selection of a new crew for its upcoming simulated Mars mission, set to take place in the Human Exploration Research Analog (HERA) facility at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. The mission, scheduled to begin on May 10, involves four volunteers who will live and work under Mars-like conditions for 45 days, concluding their mission on June 24.
The crew members, Jason Lee, Stephanie Navarro, Shareef Al Romaithi, and Piyumi Wijesekara, will engage in scientific research and operational tasks, simulating a Mars expedition. This includes a virtual reality “walk” on the Martian surface and experiencing communication delays that astronauts would face on an actual Mars mission.
HERA’s mission is crucial for understanding how isolation, confinement, and remote conditions affect crew members, a vital part of preparation for real deep space missions. The project allows Nasa to test and refine protocols for long-duration space travel.
Shareef Al Romaithi, a notable member of this crew, marks a significant collaboration between Nasa and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) from the United Arab Emirates, highlighting the international effort in space exploration preparation.
In conjunction with the mission, Nasa’s Human Research Program will conduct 18 human health studies to examine the physiological, behavioral, and psychological responses to space-like environments. This research will be instrumental in preparing for the challenges astronauts will face on real space missions, including those to the Moon and Mars.
The insights gained from these studies will be crucial for developing strategies to help astronauts overcome the obstacles of long-duration space missions and ensure their health and safety in outer space.
HERA’s mission is crucial for understanding how isolation, confinement, and remote conditions affect crew members, a vital part of preparation for real deep space missions. The project allows Nasa to test and refine protocols for long-duration space travel.
Shareef Al Romaithi, a notable member of this crew, marks a significant collaboration between Nasa and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) from the United Arab Emirates, highlighting the international effort in space exploration preparation.
In conjunction with the mission, Nasa’s Human Research Program will conduct 18 human health studies to examine the physiological, behavioral, and psychological responses to space-like environments. This research will be instrumental in preparing for the challenges astronauts will face on real space missions, including those to the Moon and Mars.
The insights gained from these studies will be crucial for developing strategies to help astronauts overcome the obstacles of long-duration space missions and ensure their health and safety in outer space.