The University of Hawaii’s space simulation habitat sits just 8,000 feet above sea level on the northern slope of Mauna Loa, but for 12 months the goal is for it to feel as far away as Mars for a handful of scientists.

Starting Aug. 28, the six-person crew will spend a year in isolation in the Hawaii Space Exploration Analog and Simulation dome on Mauna Loa to help researchers gain a better understanding of what it would take to send a manned mission to Mars.

It’s the fourth such NASA-funded mission conducted by UH on Mauna Loa and by far the longest. A different crew of six completed an eight-month stay on the mountain in June.

During the study, crew members will have limited communication with the outside world. They will be allowed to go outside of the domed habitat — but only after donning a space suit.

“The longer each mission becomes, the better we can understand the risks of space travel,” UH professor Kim Binsted, said in a press release.

A photo from the HI-SEAS website shows the crew’s quarters.

Sian / hiseas.org