HI-SEAS

This photo was taken on earth. Two women and four men were in isolation for eight months at this spot on a mountain in Hawaii - for research on what it's going to be like when a team of human beings actually goes to Mars.

About thirty-five million miles separates Earth from Mars at its closest. Space craft sent from earth in the past have taken 128-333 days to get there. When we finally send a crewed mission, it will require months of travel - in a small space, with little privacy.

This HI-SEAS V crew ate shelf-stable food and lived in 1200 square feet with tiny sleeping quarters. They performed scientific experiments, wore space suits every time they left the building, and went nowhere else.

They ended the project on Sunday (two days ago), celebrating with fresh air and tropical fruit.

(cont'd tomorrow)