Six researchers will return to Earth, so to speak, later this month after spending about four months on Mauna Loa as part of a simulated space expedition. Six researchers will return to Earth, so to speak, later this month after
Six researchers will return to Earth, so to speak, later this month after spending about four months on Mauna Loa as part of a simulated space expedition.
The simulation began in April and will end Aug. 13.
The purpose of the project, known as the Hawaii Space Exploration Analog and Simulation, or HI-SEAS, has been to put a crew in an environment as close to Mars as possible.
To keep it close to the real thing, the researchers have had to live and work in a 30-foot geodesic dome and have been required to wear space suits when venturing outside.
Part of the project was to test the use of crew-cooked and pre-cooked meals that could be used on the long journey.
The nearly $1 million study has been a joint effort of NASA, the University of Hawaii and Cornell University.
