The podcast Missió Mart, directed by journalist Núria Jar, is now available for streaming on Catalunya Ràdio. This series documents the journey of the Hypatia I mission, an analogue Mars expedition conducted by nine Catalan researchers in April 2023 at the Mars Research Desert Station (MDRS) in Utah, managed by The Mars Society. Núria Jar, who also served as a crew member on the mission, provides an insider’s perspective, capturing the unique experiences and scientific challenges faced by the team.
As part of Hypatia I, Jar joined six other scientists from various disciplines who simulated life on Mars, living in conditions mirroring those of an actual mission. For 12 days, they managed the challenges of isolation, a dehydrated food supply, and Mars-like environmental conditions such as extreme temperatures and low humidity.
The first two episodes of the podcast reveal early mission highlights, from the crew’s initial gathering in Grand Junction, Colorado, to a humorous trip to a local supermarket to stock up on essential supplies. These moments provide listeners with a close-up view of the logistical and personal challenges of preparing for life on Mars.
The release of Missió Mart coincided with the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. At an event in Barcelona, prominent scientists like Caterina Biscari (director of ALBA synchroton), Enriqueta Felip (codirector of Vall Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO)’s Clinical Research Program and group leader of VHIO’s Thoracic Tumors Cancer Group), Sònia Estradé (Equality Commission president for University of Barcelona), and Helena Arias (Hypatia II crew engineer) shared insights on gender equity and advances for women in science. Through Jar’s narrative, Missió Mart becomes a powerful platform to inspire young women to envision science as a viable and exciting career.
Listen to the podcast now at www.3cat.cat/3cat/missio-mart