Life on Mars Nasa scientists spend 378 days in simulation of future mission

Fora crew of four volunteers who agreed to be lockedina mock-up of the red planet, even lettuce leaves became objects of wonder

- Richard Luscombe

Ask Anca Selariu what it was like living on Mars for a year, and there is no . hesitation in her answer: "Absolutely exhilarating." The US navy microbiologist is one of four Nasa crew members who returned to Earth last month after becoming the first humans to reside on the red planet, or at least the closest thing the US space agency has to it.

Selariu and her fellow explorers, all volunteers, spent 378 days isolated from the rest of humanity locked inside Mars Dune Alpha, a 158 sq metre 3D-printed habitat at Nasa's Johnson Space Center in Houston. It was built to replicate the living conditions and challenges astronauts will ultimately face when they get to Mars, ambitiously scheduled for the late 2030s.

For Selariu, who already possessed what she calls a high interest in Mars and space exploration, her selection as science officer for such a groundbreaking and potentially consequential mission was worth every sacrifice, from missed holidays with friends and family, to just being able to wander outside for a breath of fresh air.

"Humans will be getting to Mars at some point... and just the opportunity to participate in any way one can to help that happen, hopefully in our lifetimes, is beyond compare," she said.

"I am truly in awe of everything, all the efforts that I've witnessed to make this dream a reality for all humans.