Hidden within the majestic canyon of the Utah Desert, about seven miles from the nearest town, is a small research facility that prepares humans for life on Mars.
Mars Society, a nonprofit organization that runs the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS), has invited CNBC to cover one of its analog crews on a recent mission.
“MDRS is the best analog astronaut environment,” said Urban Koi, who served as health and safety officer for crew 315.
SpaceX CEO and Mars supporter Elon Musk said his company could lead humans to Mars as early as 2029.
A five-person crew member 315 lived in the laboratory for two weeks following the same procedures as Mars.
David Loud, who served as the commander of the crew, described a typical day.
“So we’re all gathering around a common table on the top deck by 7am and having breakfast,” he said. “Around 8am, we hold the first meeting of the day we plan the day. And in the morning we usually have two or three EVAs, usually another in the afternoon.”
EVA refers to extraembryonic activity. When NASA speaks, Evas refers to the spaceship. Astronauts must leave the pressurized space station and wear space suits to survive in space.
“I think the most challenging thing about these analog missions is just getting into rhythm. …The risks are low here, but Mars is doing these daily tasks that keep us alive.”
Watch the video to see more details.
