Four volunteers reached the scheduled departure day of NASA’s second long Mars habitat simulation in Houston. The 378-day exercise placed them in an isolated, 3D-printed living space with delayed communications and limited resources. Their work included growing plants, equipment maintenance and simulated spacewalks, supporting preparations for future exploration missions.
NASA scheduled the second crew of its Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog program to leave their Houston habitat on October 31 after a 378-day simulated Mars mission. Ross Elder, Matthew Montgomery, Ellen Ellis and James Spicer entered the facility on October 19, 2025. Johnson Space Center announced live coverage of the departure ceremony.[1], [2]
The volunteers lived in a 3D-printed structure covering approximately 158 square metres, converted from 1,700 square feet. Their work included growing plants, exercise, equipment maintenance and simulated spacewalks using an airlock. Communication delays and limited resources were built into the exercise alongside isolation. These conditions represented pressures that future crews could face during long missions beyond Earth, while the participants remained at the ground facility.[1]
NASA intends to use health and performance data to prepare food systems, crew schedules and communication arrangements for exploration missions. Medical care and behavioural support are further intended applications. The departure coverage concerned the end of the habitat exercise rather than published health findings. The first crew began its separate habitat mission in June 2023; October’s scheduled ceremony concerned the second crew.[1]
