Mars Simulation Ends
Four volunteers left a simulated Martian habitat in Houston after spending 378 days cut off from the outside world, O GLOBO reported. The crew completed the second mission of the Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog (CHAPEA) program on October 31, 2026, according to Revista Oeste.
Commander Ross Elder, medical doctor Ellen Ellis, science officer Matthew Montgomery, and flight engineer James Spicer entered the 158-square-meter facility on October 19, 2025, as reported by Juruá Online. The structure, named Mars Dune Alpha, was built using 3D-printing technology at the Johnson Space Center.
Montgomery describes crop benefits
Montgomery led the cultivation of leafy greens, bell peppers, and tomatoes to test controlled-environment agriculture for long-duration space missions.
“Interagir com coisas da Terra, como a vida vegetal, traz benefícios cognitivos, além dos nutricionais,”
Montgomery told the magazine Nature regarding the psychological value of tending crops.
Two Weeks Without Contact
Outside of the blackout window, routine messages between the habitat and mission control experienced delays ranging from 13 to 22 minutes depending on the distance between the planets. These delays required the crew to operate with high autonomy.
Researchers assess mission outcomes
Following their exit on October 31, the four participants began two weeks of medical evaluations and debriefs. Researchers will analyze the physical and psychological data to prepare for future crewed missions to Mars and the establishment of a permanent lunar base under NASA’s Artemis program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the four crew members in the habitat?
The mission included commander Ross Elder, medical doctor Ellen Ellis, science officer Matthew Montgomery, and flight engineer James Spicer, according to Juruá Online.
When did the second CHAPEA mission begin and end?
The volunteers entered the Mars Dune Alpha habitat on October 19, 2025, and emerged on October 31, 2026, after completing 378 days of isolation, as reported by O GLOBO and Revista Oeste.
How long were the communication delays with mission control?
Messages between the habitat and Earth experienced transmission delays of 13 to 22 minutes, depending on the distance between the two planets.