NASA’s CHAPEA crew completes yearlong simulated Mars stay
NASA reports that four CHAPEA crew members finished their simulated Mars journey October 31 after more than a year.
What the record says
Four crew members completed NASA’s simulated Mars journey October 31, the agency confirmed in a November 2 photo report. Matthew Montgomery, James Spicer, Ross Elder and Ellen Ellis spent more than a year testing systems, maintaining crops and working with limited resources and communication delays. Their activities also included simulated excursions outside the habitat. NASA says the experience will help it understand how crews adapt to long stays and inform planning for future Moon and Mars missions. The actual completion follows Iliyn’s earlier report on the crew’s one-year milestone, when the October 31 departure was still scheduled.
Source details and supporting locations.
Practical next step
Read NASA’s completion report for the agency’s account of the crew’s work.
Limits and what is not established
CHAPEA is an Earth-based simulation. The crew did not travel to Mars, and the source does not report final scientific findings from the completed stay.
Sources checked November 4, 2026. Later notices may change instructions or arrangements.