A group of volunteers has been summoned for a mission. They are not astronauts, but they will spend a year isolated in March. The idea is to understand how a human being was able to survive on the red planet.

It is a simulation, in an environment created in a 3D printer and a mixture of concrete that imitates the lava of a volcano.. The 157 square meter house was named after “Mars Dune Alpha”.

The lockdown will take place in an environment that has nothing to do with the Big Brother house. The soil is red earth – like the soil of Mars.

Pool? Certainly not. But he has a gym, four bedrooms, a kitchen, a bathroom and a small laboratory.

Four scientists will embark on the adventure

Those chosen for this mission are not astronauts, they are four scientists who will embark together on a journey to Mars, without leaving Earth.. They went through a rigorous selection process by NASA, which wants to focus on crew health and the ability to adapt and solve problems.

A team commander, kelly haston is a Canadian biologist ready to handle the pressure.

“My favorite sport is the ultra marathon, so I like long challenges,” Kelly says.

With her, take part in the challenge flight engineer Ross Brockwell, doctor Nathan Jones, specializing in emergencies, It is Nurse Alyssa Shannon.

Outside the capsule, another woman will always be attentive to what is happening during the experience.. AND Suzanne Bell who will hear the call “Houston, we have a problem” – if the team needs help.

However, if they have real problems, volunteers will have to wait almost an hour for a response.. A faithful simulation of what a real mission to Mars would look like.

“Communication from Mars takes 22 minutes to reach Earth and 22 minutes to return. Imagine talking to a friend like that! One of the things we want to observe is how isolation will affect behavior, relationships with family members and with mission command. at this distance”, explains Suzanne.

Among the strategies for maintaining sanity in extreme conditions is a daily schedule of hard work.

“They take turns maintaining the equipment, like on the international space station, doing exercises to keep up to date and cultivate a culture,” explains Suzanne.

During confinement, crew members will also have moments of relaxation, such as group activities, games and meals.

“We are trying to create a realistic routine on Mars and we will even simulate routes with vehicles to cross the Martian surface”, he specifies.

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