Eating Our Way To Mars

When you think of Mars, you probably don't think of Hawaii, or vice versa. Nevertheless, a research project involving a mock Mars mission is going to take place on the Big Island.

Cornell University is partnering with the University of Hawaii-Manoa to conduct a four month study meant to gain insight into the eating habits of astronauts on deep space missions. Six volunteers will spend the time in a mock Mars ship, and their eating will be monitored and analyzed. We know astronauts on extended missions tend to eat less as time goes by, which could pose health risks to future Mars explorers. So, the study will seek ways to keep astronauts interested in eating over the long term.