The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has handpicked a formidable crew of four individuals to embark on a simulated journey to Mars. This mission (Mars Simulation), set to unfold inside NASA’s Johnson Space Centre in Houston, promises groundbreaking insights into the challenges astronauts might face during actual space travel
ELITE QUARTET: NASA’S MARS SIMULATION DREAM TEAM
Abhishek Bhagat, Kamak Ebadi, Susan Hilbig, and Ariana Lutsic stand as the chosen pioneers for this simulated mission to the Red Planet. Their diverse backgrounds and expertise bring a rich tapestry of skills to the table.
They will enter the ground-based HERA (Human Exploration Research Analog) facility on Friday, Jan. 26, to live and work like astronauts for 45 days during the simulated mission to the Red Planet. Crew members will exit the facility on March 11, after they “return” to Earth. Two additional volunteers are available as backup crew members.
ABHISHEK BHAGAT
Abhishek Bhagat, a research electrical engineer at the U.S. Army Engineering Research and Development Center’s Cold Region Research and Engineering Lab, leads the charge. A decorated Army reservist and recipient of the Army Commendation Medal, Bhagat’s diverse background includes roles at Samsung Telecom America, Qualcomm, and Sprint. An avid adventurer, he finds solace in hiking, mountain climbing, and motorcycle riding.
KAMAK EBADI
Kamak Ebadi, a robotics technologist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, adds his expertise to the team. Instrumental in managing NASA’s Perseverance Rover on Mars, Ebadi’s journey from Tehran, Iran, to Southern California showcases his commitment to space exploration. A fervent advocate for STEM education, he engages with audiences on social media and serves on the board of a non-profit organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty through education. In his spare time, Ebadi enjoys playing the guitar, engaging in sports, and maintaining a rigorous fitness routine.
SUSAN HILBIG
From Durham, North Carolina, Susan Hilbig brings her expertise as a physician assistant with a focus on aerospace medicine and human performance in isolated environments. Her academic journey at Duke University, where she double majored in biology and Earth and ocean science, paved the way for her passion for exploration. An experienced cyclist and outdoor enthusiast, Hilbig has led cycling tours in Europe and boasts a triathlete spirit, indulging in activities like hiking, swimming, and scuba diving.
ARIANA LUTSIC
A scientist and engineer at NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre, Ariana Lutsic specializes in research support for biological payloads on the International Space Station. With a background in communications and space systems, Lutsic’s seven years at Kennedy reflect her dedication to advancing space exploration. An active volunteer in STEM programs, youth soccer coaching, and beach outings with her family, Lutsic embodies a multifaceted approach to life.
LIFE UNDER THE MARTIAN MICROSCOPE: HERA’S SIMULATED SPACE ODYSSEY
The crew’s mission, set to begin on January 26, involves living and working inside HERA, providing scientists with valuable insights into how astronauts adapt to the isolation, confinement, and communication delays they would encounter during actual space missions. The facility mimics conditions that future space travellers may face, offering a unique opportunity to study the psychological, physiological, and behavioural responses of crew members millions of miles away from Earth.
GROUNDBREAKING STUDIES IN SIMULATED MARS MISSIONS
As part of the simulated mission, the crew will engage in 18 human health studies, exploring various aspects of physical and mental well-being in space. This includes ten new studies, seven of which are led by international scientists in collaboration with institutions like the United Arab Emirates’ Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre and the European Space Agency.
HERA’s International Collaborative Frontier
HERA’s role extends beyond borders, fostering international collaborations in space research. With studies led by scientists outside the United States, this simulated mission reflects a collective effort to unravel the mysteries of space exploration. The diverse perspectives and expertise brought by the international collaborators enrich the scientific endeavours undertaken within the HERA facility.
BEYOND ASTRONAUTS: DIVERSE JOURNEYS OF THE SIMULATED MARS CREW
Beyond their roles as astronauts in training, each crew member brings a unique background and journey to the mission. Bhagat’s military and engineering experience, Ebadi’s global pursuit of space exploration, Hilbig’s medical expertise and passion for extreme environments, and Lutsic’s multidisciplinary approach to space research collectively contribute to the richness of the simulated mission.
