CHAPEA Mars Simulation program a test bed for food systems and crop cultivation

Written by Copernical Team Thursday, 20 July 2023 06:39

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Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jul 20, 2023

The initial crew selected for NASA's Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog (CHAPEA) mission 1, a ground-based Mars habitat simulation, is set to evaluate the efficacy of growing fresh produce in isolation. Commenced on June 25 at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the four-member crew will conduct a series of operations over a year's span, and won't have the facility of fresh food

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CHAPEA Mars Simulation program a test bed for food systems and crop cultivation
by Brad Bartz
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jul 20, 2023

The initial crew selected for NASA's Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog (CHAPEA) mission 1, a ground-based Mars habitat simulation, is set to evaluate the efficacy of growing fresh produce in isolation. Commenced on June 25 at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the four-member crew will conduct a series of operations over a year's span, and won't have the facility of fresh food deliveries, mirroring the conditions expected on Mars.

Having undertaken extensive training for several weeks to adapt to habitat life, mission operations, safety protocols, and team dynamics, the crew is ready for the year-long mission. Their experience will pave the way for future space explorations, particularly long-duration missions, where food supply becomes a significant challenge.

The range of tasks scheduled for the crew encompasses multiple aspects of survival on a Martian habitat. This includes testing food systems, conducting crop growth experiments, embarking on simulated 'Marswalks,' operating robotics, undertaking habitat maintenance, personal hygiene, and exercise. By immersing the crew in this simulated environment, NASA aims to study the endurance and impact of isolation on their mental and physical well-being.

In preparation for the inevitable food restrictions on lengthy space voyages, NASA's planned food system integrates prepackaged, shelf-stable foods, and the potential to grow some crops during the mission.

"Nutrition will be a cornerstone of success for space exploration missions where the food system is limited," emphasized Scott Smith, CHAPEA co-investigator for nutritional biochemistry at NASA. Smith added that key factors for a successful mission would be maintaining dietary intake and body mass, monitoring and managing food supplies, and fostering positive crew interactions. The CHAPEA mission will delve into these aspects to gather insights for future space explorations.

Considering the logistics of real-life missions to Mars, food provisions will likely be sent ahead of the crew, thereby reducing the possibility for adjustments or resupply. Standard items like fresh fruits and vegetables, tailored menus for individual astronauts - conveniences currently enjoyed at the International Space Station through resupply spacecraft - will be unavailable. The CHAPEA mission will scrutinize this Mars-adjacent food system for its capacity to maintain crew health and performance over long-duration missions.

Grace Douglas, CHAPEA's principal investigator, highlighted the increasing importance of food choice in relation to mission duration, and stressed the need to comprehend the implications of these restrictions on nutritional intake, health, and performance before deploying them on missions that require extended periods for crew return.

In some mission segments, the crew will attempt to cultivate crops. The CHAPEA habitat is equipped with an indoor crop growth system akin to home gardening systems, capable of supporting the growth of leafy crops, herbs, and small fruits by providing the necessary water, nutrients, and lighting.

"Salad crop production may supplement the packaged meals, reduce menu fatigue, and provide a creative outlet for the crew to add a variety of fresh produce to their diet," explained Gioia Massa, crop production team lead for CHAPEA. According to Massa, growing plants could also serve as a source of psychological comfort for astronauts living in isolated, confined environments. NASA anticipates capturing data on these aspects as well, to optimize future mission plans.