Packed into 1,700 square feet, NASA's simulated Mars habitat is designed to be a home very far away from home. Known as the "Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog," or CHAPEA mission, the crew members will work on all kinds of experiments during their year inside the Mars habitat.

"This is designed to be a Martian habitat like we might expect for a Mars surface mission," said Suzanne Bell, the mission's co-principal investigator. "So, it's designed as both a living and working space."

The structure is 3-D printed, using a form of poured concrete. It's about the size of a four bedroom, two bathroom home. For one year, starting this fall, four humans will live inside and simulate life on Mars right here on Earth.

"We hope they feel a sense of accomplishment and know that their co

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