Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog
The Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog (CHAPEA) is a series of missions that simulate year-long stays on the surface of Mars. Each mission consists of four crew members living in an isolated 1,700-square-foot habitat. During the missions, crew conduct simulated spacewalks and provide data on a variety of factors, including physical and behavioral health and performance.
CHAPEA Mission 2 Highlights
CHAPEA Mission 2 Has Begun!
Ross Elder, Ellen Ellis, Matthew Montgomery, and James Spicer are now living and working inside the 3D-printed habitat at the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston until Oct. 31, 2026.
Watch: CHAPEA Ingress Ceremony
A crew of four research volunteers stepped inside NASA’s CHAPEA habitat on Oct. 19, marking the start of the agency’s second 378-day simulated Mars mission.
Podcast: New CHAPEA Crew Members Discuss Their Mission
Before the crew entered the habitat, they sat down and talked about their mission on an episode of "Houston We Have a Podcast."
NASA Announces CHAPEA Crew for Year-Long Mars Mission Simulation
Meet the four research volunteers whose work will help NASA make informed trades between risks and interventions for long-duration exploration missions.
Learn About CHAPEA
About CHAPEA
CHAPEA is a series of analog missions that will simulate year-long stays on the surface of Mars.
3D Printing a Mars Habitat
CHAPEA is a 3D-printed structure designed to provide separate areas within the habitat for living and working.
WATCH: Timelapse Video of CHAPEA's Construction
Get a bird's-eye view of CHAPEA being printed!
CHAPEA Mission 1 Highlights
Mission 1 began June 25, 2023 and ended July 6, 2024. Get a mission overview, meet the Mission 1 crew, watch ingress and egress events, listen to mission-based podcasts, and more!
Learn More About CHAPEA Mission 1
Contact Us
Media POC:
Kelsey Spivey | Communication Strategist
NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center
AD9- External Relations Office
Office: (281) 483-5111
Email: kelsey.m.spivey@nasa.gov
