In preparation for Mars, NASA is taking a unique approach to training. On Thursday the space agency sent a team of astronauts deep below sea level for a 16-day underwater mission. The appropriately named, NEEMO, aims to replicate scenarios that may arise in future space missions.
NASA ASTRONAUTS PREPARE FOR THE DANGERS ON MARS
As one can gather, a trip to Mars is not easy. Equipment can malfunction, communication is difficult and the unexpected can always happen. It would be unwise for NASA to send their astronauts up in space without some kind of realistic training. Since the environment on Earth is nothing like it is in space, the next best thing is an undersea environment.
NASA ASTRONAUTS WILL LIVE IN UNDERSEA SPACECRAFT TO PREPARE FOR MARS
In NASA’s undersea habitat, the astronauts will live in a spacecraft like an environment. Furthermore, they will be testing new technologies. To replicate Mars, the crew will go on simulated spacewalks while collection geological and biological samples. They will then report back regularly in preparation for deep space communication issues. The first half of NEEM will be led by Redi Wiseman. Wiseman is an ISS vet who was also a test pilot and naval aviator before joining the agency. The second half of the mission will be headed by Megan McArthur. McArthur is a Ph.D. oceanographer who took part in the 2009 STS-125 mission.
NASA ASTRONAUTS WILL GET TO MARS BY 2030
According to the space agency, the red planet is not too far off. A manned mission will take place sometime in the 2030’s. In the meantime, they will prepare for the 2020 launch of a brand, spanking new rover. Curiosity needs a hand. The new rover will hunt for signs of Martian life. Furthermore, it will help prepare for human exploration. The rover is even testing a new method of converting C02 to oxygen. While this is great news for science, the agency will have to do all this on a tight budget.
