NASA crew looks back on life in yearlong Mars simulation: Goal is to reach planet by the 'end of next decade'

NASA crew members are opening up about what life was like living inside a yearlong Mars simulation at the Johnson Space Center in Houston.

The crew of CHAPEA Mission 1 practiced Mars space walks while living in a simulation of the red planet.  (NASA/CHAPEA) The crew of CHAPEA Mission 1 lived in a Mars simulation for one year to study the red planet. (NASA/CHAPEA) The crew of CHAPEA Mission 1 celebrated holidays together while living in the simulation of Mars. (NASA/CHAPEA) The crew of CHAPEA Mission 1 bonded while studying the red planet.  (NASA/CHAPEA) The crew of CHAPEA Mission 1 grew crops using hydroponics.  (NASA/CHAPEA)

"It was really just a great opportunity to get to work with all the NASA personnel and the experts there," Jones told Fox News Digital. "The day-to-day was pretty similar to what you would expect for an actual Mars mission or maybe even a lunar mission. Essentially, we would get up in the morning, do a quick breakfast and sort of a team tag-up, followed by just mission realistic activities."