A year ‘on Mars’, in Houston: NASA marks a milestone in CHAPEA 2
Four volunteers have lived in an isolated ground habitat since 19 October 2025. Their exit is planned for 31 October 2026.
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NASA’s CHAPEA 2 crew has completed a year in its isolated Houston habitat. The four participants entered on 19 October 2025 and are due to leave on 31 October 2026.
This is a ground-based Mars analogue, not a flight to Mars. Participants grow food, manage scarce resources and work with delayed communications. Two weeks of assessments and debriefs will follow.
The data will help researchers study health and performance during prolonged isolation. NASA has not yet presented final scientific findings from this mission.
Photo: NASA — personal photographs around a boot print in simulated Martian sand. A ground experiment, not Mars; unedited 1920×1080 px original. Editorial use under NASA’s media guidelines.
Source: NASA — CHAPEA 2, 19 October 2026.
