Why NASA Picked An Air Force Pilot To Command Its Mars Simulation Mission

BLUF

NASA selected U.S. Air Force test pilot Major Ross Elder to command its year-long Mars simulation mission, CHAPEA, valuing his engineering expertise, combat-tested decision-making, and leadership under pressure to prepare astronauts for future Mars exploration

Learning Outcomes:

• Analyse why military test pilots’ technical, operational, and leadership skills align with astronaut training for high-risk, long-duration missions.
• Evaluate CHAPEA’s design for simulating isolation, delayed communication, and resource scarcity in preparing for Mars settlement.
• Assess lessons from CHAPEA relevant to ADF space operations, resilience training, and joint human-machine mission planning.