StarTalk Radio Life in a Mars Simulation with Kelly Haston
Sep 10, 2024
In a captivating conversation, Kelly Haston, Commander of a NASA simulated Mars mission and a biomedical sciences PhD, shares her unique insights into life on Mars. She discusses the psychological impacts of isolation during long missions and the importance of teamwork in confined settings. The talk also explores the whimsical idea of human pregnancy on Mars and the challenges of prioritizing personal items for a mission. With a mix of humor and science, Haston reveals how tech aids their Mars walks and the significance of emotional connections among crew members.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Analog Commander
- Kelly Haston commanded the first simulated Mars mission with NASA, called CHAPEA.
- Though Earth-based, she held the title of "analog commander."
Isolation and Connection
- Isolation during the mission was both isolating and bonding.
- Communication with NASA and family was delayed, deepening relationships.
Relationships and Pregnancy
- Pregnancy was disallowed during the mission; removal was likely if it occurred.
- The question of sending families or partners on future missions arose.
