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July 18th, 2024

A 378-day Mars simulation changed this Canadian scientist's outlook on life

A Canadian scientist completes a 378-day Mars simulation project with a crew at NASA's Johnson Space Center. The experience highlights personal growth, unity, and challenges of prolonged separation for future missions.

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A 378-day Mars simulation changed this Canadian scientist's outlook on life

A Canadian scientist, Kelly Haston, completed a 378-day Mars simulation project with three crew members at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. The simulation aimed to replicate conditions for a future Mars mission. Haston described the overwhelming transition back to normal life after the isolation period, highlighting the joy of reuniting with her family. The crew engaged in activities like simulated Marswalks, growing food, and maintaining the habitat. Each member reflected on personal growth from the experience, emphasizing sustainability, creativity, and the unity fostered within the team. Despite the deep bonds formed, Haston expressed the difficulty of being away from loved ones during challenging times. While she initially considered a real Mars voyage, the experience made her reconsider due to the prolonged separation it would entail. The crew's insights from the simulation offer valuable lessons for future space exploration endeavors.

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Link Icon 5 comments
By @RcouF1uZ4gsC - 7 months
> "It would still cause me a great deal of thought, but I think my answer now is it would be very difficult to leave my partner, to leave my people, for that amount of time, because it would be far more than a year," she said.

If we do long distance human space exploration, it will likely have to be as a community, where people can have long term relationships with pair bonding and sexual relations.

By @onion2k - 7 months
"Why go to Mars? Because it's possible,"

I understand this sentiment applies to running marathon or climbing a mountain because you don't really have to sacrifice anything besides time and money, but saying you'd go on a hugely dangerous, probably one way trip, to Mars 'because it's there' is entirely different to me. If you do something adventurous on Earth your friends, family, etc don't really lose anything. If you go to Mars you're literally saying goodbye to them. The fact it's possible probably shouldn't be enough of a reason.

By @basfo - 7 months
> "You are rolling out of your room and you are at work," she said.

I know that feeling.

By @aleph_minus_one - 7 months
> "It would still cause me a great deal of thought, but I think my answer now is it would be very difficult to leave my partner, to leave my people, for that amount of time, because it would be far more than a year," she said.

Simply select participants who are singles.