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.