14/08/2013 20:43
Mission to Mars
Six researchers have spent the past four months living in a small dome on a barren Hawaii lava field 8,000 ft up a mountain to see how they might survive on a mission to Mars, Sky News says.
The scientists came down to earth on Tuesday, clutching recipes but without the space suits they had to wear each time they ventured onto the northern slope of Mauna Loa, an active volcano which last erupted in 1984.
The study area is isolated, yet accessible, and has no visible plant or animal life.
One of the first things they did when they came out of the habitat was to have a buffet breakfast which included lots of fresh fruit and vegetables.
"Based on this study we'll be able to offer a strategy that optimises everything and that is a good balance between, on the one hand not wasting too much time preparing your food and wasting too many resources, but on the other hand, keeping your crew fit and healthy," said Angelo Vermeulen, crew commander of the Mars simulation mission.