NASA to Conclude Yearlong CHAPEA Mars Simulation Mission

Mission Overview

NASA is preparing for the conclusion of its yearlong Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog (CHAPEA) mission. On Saturday, Oct. 31, four volunteers will exit the simulated Mars habitat at the Johnson Space Center in Houston after 378 days of isolation.

Objectives and Operations

The crew, consisting of Ross Elder, Ellen Ellis, James Spicer, and Matthew Montgomery, began their simulation on Oct. 19, 2025. Throughout the 378-day period, they lived in a 1,700-square-foot 3D-printed facility to model the environment of deep space. Key activities included:

• Conducting simulated spacewalks.
• Maintaining the habitat and growing plants.
• Operating under communication delays and resource limitations.

Future Implications

The health and performance data gathered during this simulation is intended to support the Artemis program and future Moon Base missions. Researchers aim to use this information to optimize food systems, resource management, and medical support practices for human spaceflight.

Coverage and Verification

NASA will host a departure ceremony on Oct. 31 at 3 p.m. EDT, which will be streamed live on the NASA Johnson YouTube channel. Director Vanessa Wyche and astronaut Jack Hathaway are scheduled to attend. Journalists interested in covering the exit or requesting interviews must coordinate with the NASA Johnson newsroom by Oct. 30. For official updates and mission details, visit the NASA CHAPEA website.