The exploration of Mars has been a fascinating undertaking for space agencies, but getting to the red planet does not necessarily mean leaving Earth. Space agencies have chosen to build fake Mars environments to test technologies and simulate the conditions humans would face on future missions. These simulations are vital to ensure the success of Martian exploration and minimize the risks involved.
Recently, the European Space Agency (ESA) shared an image of his recreation of the Martian terrain at the Planetary Robotics Laboratorylocated at the European Center for Space Research and Technology in Noordwijk, the Netherlands.
Known as the “Courtyard of Mars”, this 30-by-30-foot space uses sand, gravel, and rocks to mimic the surface of the red planetaccording to the report of Slash Gear.
One of the main purposes of these fake environments is to testing and refining the rovers’ technology before sending them to Mars. An example is the ExoMars rover, developed by ESA, which underwent extensive testing in the Quad of Mars. Its autonomous driving system was tested to determine its ability to navigate and avoid obstacles in terrain similar to that of Mars.
It’s not all about robots
But Mars simulations aren’t just limited to robots. Space Agencies Create Fake Environments Too to study how humans would react to living in a Martian-like environment. Since manned missions to Mars would require much longer stays than lunar missions, it is essential to understand the potential health and psychological effects on astronauts.
NASA, for example, is conducting an analog study called CHAPEA (Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog). In this studio, participants will spend a full year in a simulated Mars environment, allowing scientists to collect data on their physical, cognitive performance and general well-being.
This data will be crucial for making informed decisions about the design and planning of future crewed missions to Mars.
The habitat used in the CHAPEA study is an impressive 3D-printed structure, with an area of 1,700 square feet. The habitat features private crew quarters, research work stations, a medical station, a food growing area, and rest spaces.
Food farming, meanwhile, plays a key role in the simulation, as long-term missions to Mars would require the ability to grow food locally to reduce reliance on supplies from Earth. Additionally, the habitat includes an outdoor area with a large sandbox where the crew can conduct simulated walks using virtual reality and a treadmill.
The CHAPEA mission is scheduled to launch in late June 2023, with two additional missions planned in 2025 and 2026. These simulations will provide valuable insight into human performance and health in simulated Martian environments, paving the way for future crewed missions. successful to Mars.