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Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog

Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog (CHAPEA) is a series of analog missions that will simulate year-long stays on the surface of Mars. Each mission will consist of four crew members living in Mars Dune Alpha, an isolated 1,700 square foot habitat. During the mission, the crew will conduct simulated spacewalks and provide data on a variety of factors, which may include physical and behavioral health and performance.

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Habitat

3D printed Mars surface habitat analog

Known as Mars Dune Alpha, the 3D printed structure located at Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX simulates a realistic Mars habitat to support long-duration, exploration-class space missions. Life in Mars Dune Alpha will resemble the expected experience for those living in a future Mars surface habitat. The layout of the 3D printed habitat was designed to provide separate areas within the habitat for living and working.

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chapea glovebox
During the one-year analog mission, crew members will participate in various activities, including sample collection and analysis utilizing a glovebox.
Bill Stafford/NASA
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First Mars Crew Completes Yearlong Simulated Red Planet NASA Mission

The inaugural CHAPEA (Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog) crew is “back on Earth” after walking out of their simulated…

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Laura Sorto | Public Affairs Officer
NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center
AD9- External Relations Office
Office: (281) 483-5111
Email: laura.g.sorto@nasa.gov

Kelsey Spivey | Communication Strategist
NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center
AD9- External Relations Office
Office: (281) 483-5111
Email: kelsey.m.spivey@nasa.gov

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