Why in the news?

  • NASA has unveiled the second Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog (CHAPEA) habitat.

CHAPEA Project

  • What is it?:
    • Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog (CHAPEA)
    • CHAPEA is a set of analog missions designed by NASA to replicate conditions of year-long human stays on Mars.
    • These simulations are carried out on Earth in a controlled, Mars-like habitat to study how astronauts would cope with challenges of long-duration planetary missions.
  • Aim of the Mission:
    • The project is designed to evaluate and gather data on NASA’s food systems as well as the physical and behavioral health responses of humans during long-duration missions.
    • These findings will provide crucial insights for planning and supporting future deep-space missions, including human expeditions to Mars.
  • Key Features:
    • Mars Dune Alpha Habitat: A 1,700 sq. ft. 3D-printed habitat designed to replicate Martian living conditions, located at Johnson Space Center, Houston.
    • Crew Size: Four membered crew undergoing simulated spacewalks, daily mission tasks, health & performance monitoring.
    • Mission structure: Year long missions are being carried out.
    • Status of the Missions: First mission completed successfully, and two more scheduled in 2025 and 2026.
  • Significance:
    • Provides critical insights into human adaptability in hostile planetary environments.
    • Advances research in 3D-printed habitats, sustainable food systems, and crew psychology.
    • Helps develop protocols for future Mars missions.
    • Relevant for India as ISRO prepares for Gaganyaan and long-term human spaceflight programs.

Mars

  • Fourth Planet of the Solar system, nicknamed as the Red Planet– Last of the terrestrial planets.
  • Thin atmosphere consisting of mostly Carbon dioxide(95%), Nitrogen and Argon gases.
  • Day length of approximately 24.6 hours.
  • It takes about 687 earth days to revolve around the sun.
  • Two moons namely Phobos and Deimos orbits Mars.
  • Polar ice caps, subsurface frozen water, signs of ancient riverbeds.
  • India’s Mars Mission: Mangalyaan.