Check out the latest cosmic drama straight from NASA! The space agency’s crew has been playing make-believe on Mars, but it’s not all smooth sailing.

While we haven’t set foot on the Moon since ’72, our eyes are fixed on grander destinations. Mars, the Red Planet, beckons, but there’s a hitch: it’s a seven-month journey. That’s a cosmic commute, folks!

So, what’s the deal? Well, these smart minds at NASA are on it. They’ve set up shop in Texas, simulating a Mars mission right down to the last detail. Picture this: a bunch of space enthusiasts playing Martian pioneers, complete with spacesuits and a ‘faux’ Martian surface.

But hold your cosmic horses! It’s not all playtime and zero gravity fun. Six months in, and they’ve hit a snag. Brace yourselves—a robot has met a tragic end. Yep, you heard that right. A robot casualty in the name of science. Dr. Nathan Jones is feeling the guilt: “I may have accidentally murdered one of our robots.”

Now, what’s the point of all this Mars mimicry? It’s a test of the mind. Being cooped up for so long messes with their heads. Anca Selariu, the science officer, misses the little things, like driving and seeing Earth’s vibrant colors.

But hey, they’ve found ways to keep sane. Movie critics? Check. They’ve mastered that, rating themselves as top four on Mars! And guess what, they’re farming tomatoes. No champagne, but they’ll toast with their homegrown tomatoes to ring in the new year.

NASA’s angle? They’re studying how these guys cope. “We’re really looking at how the crew performance and health changes based on realistic Mars restrictions and lifestyle of the crew members,” says the statement.

It’s not just a space adventure; it’s a psychological marathon. These folks are literally living the Martian dream!