Mock Mars Mission Photos: Life on a Simulated Red Planet

Komorowski and Jessup on 'Marswalk'

Elizabeth Howell

Scientists, engineers and volunteers have worked hard to make a mock Mars habitat in Utah as realistic as possible. See photos of a January 2014 mock Mars mission to the Mars Desert Research Station near Hanksville, Utah, which is operated by the Mars Society. Photos are courtesy of SPACE.com contributor Elizabeth Howell, who is on the mission.

Here: Crew 133 members Matthieu Komorowski (left) and Joseph Jessup during a simulated "Marswalk" at Utah's Mars Desert Research Station, Jan. 8, 2014.

Crew 133 Commander Paula Crock During 'Marswalk'

Elizabeth Howell

Crew 133 commander Paula Crock during a simulated Marswalk at Utah's Mars Desert Research Station.

Gartrelle During 'Marswalk' #2

Elizabeth Howell

Crew 133 executive officer Gordon Gartrelle during a simulated "Marswalk" at Utah's Mars Desert Research Station, Jan. 8, 2014.

Gartrelle During 'Marswalk'

Elizabeth Howell

Crew 133 executive officer Gordon Gartrelle during a simulated "Marswalk" at Utah's Mars Desert Research Station, Jan. 8, 2014.

Simulated Marswalk by Journalist Howell

Elizabeth Howell

Journalist Elizabeth Howell during a simulated "Marswalk" on Jan. 6, 2014.

Crew 133 Commander Paula Crock During Simulated Marswalk

Elizabeth Howell

Crew 133 commander Paula Crock during a simulated "Marswalk" on Jan. 6, 2014 at Utah's Mars Desert Research Station.

Journalist Howell Suits Up for 'Marswalk'

Matthieu Komorowski

Journalist Elizabeth Howell gets suited up for a simulated Marswalk at Utah's Mars Desert Research Station.

Crew 133 Members Gartrelle and Jessup During 'Marswalk'

Elizabeth Howell

Crew 133 members Gordon Gartrelle (left) and Joseph Jessup during a simulated "Marswalk" at Utah's Mars Desert Research Station, Jan. 8, 2014.

Tool Box in Mars Desert Research Station

Elizabeth Howell

An ample tool box on the bottom floor of Utah's Mars Desert Research Station. Just beyond the door is a small toilet. To the right of the bathroom is a room with a sink and shower stall.

Kitchen/Workroom at Mars Desert Research Station

Elizabeth Howell

The combination kitchen/workroom upstairs at the Mars Desert Research Station in Utah. Just off-camera, to the left, are crew bedrooms. Shown in the picture are Crew 133 executive officer Gordon Gartrelle (back) and crew engineer Joseph Jessup.

Mannequin at Mars Desert Research Station

Elizabeth Howell

Crew 133 engineer Joseph Jessup sits beside a mannequin used for a medical experiment on the bottom floor of the Mars Desert Research Station in Utah, Jan. 7, 2013.

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Elizabeth Howell
Staff Writer, Spaceflight

Elizabeth Howell (she/her), Ph.D., is a staff writer in the spaceflight channel since 2022 covering diversity, education and gaming as well. She was contributing writer for Space.com for 10 years before joining full-time. Elizabeth's reporting includes multiple exclusives with the White House and Office of the Vice-President of the United States, an exclusive conversation with aspiring space tourist (and NSYNC bassist) Lance Bass, speaking several times with the International Space Station, witnessing five human spaceflight launches on two continents, flying parabolic, working inside a spacesuit, and participating in a simulated Mars mission. Her latest book, "Why Am I Taller?", is co-written with astronaut Dave Williams. Elizabeth holds a Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Space Studies from the University of North Dakota, a Bachelor of Journalism from Canada's Carleton University and a Bachelor of History from Canada's Athabasca University. Elizabeth is also a post-secondary instructor in communications and science at several institutions since 2015; her experience includes developing and teaching an astronomy course at Canada's Algonquin College (with Indigenous content as well) to more than 1,000 students since 2020. Elizabeth first got interested in space after watching the movie Apollo 13 in 1996, and still wants to be an astronaut someday. Mastodon: https://qoto.org/@howellspace