Isolated in an analogous Martian base in the desert of Utah, USA, an all-female crew alternate between simulation missions outside (with radios, helmets, suits and astronaut protocols) and the development of their research at the base, all aimed at contributing to the mission to make inhabiting Mars a possibility in the not too distant future.
It’s estimated that we will be on Mars in 20 years, but the energy, protection and power challenges for this goal are gigantic. The Hypatia I crew intent, among other things, to grow fish and plants on Mars, to demonstrate that some single-celled living organisms can adapt to Martian radiation, or to manufacture a low-cost Martian GPS.
The crew also hope to act as clear references to inspire girls and young women to pursue scientific careers and explore the universe. At a time when only 30% of the world’s scientific research is conducted by women and only 20% of space research, there’s a real need for more women scientists