NASA says it will isolate volunteers from the outside world for a year

There might also be a downside

Lindsay Clark

The Register: 04 Jul 2026

NASA is set to carry out a simulated deep space mission from no earlier than August 2027 to understand what might happen to its human lab rats during planned crewed missions to the Moon or Mars.

"Candidates also should have a strong desire for unique, rewarding experiences, and interest in contributing to NASA's work to prepare for extended stays on the lunar surface and the first crewed mission to Mars," the notice says.

Biosphere (I think it was called) did this in 1990(?) for two or three years.
I suppose the latest batch of scientists, probably born during that experiment, are following on from the 30-plus year-old research.

NASA does not need to look far. Any "old folks home" will do. Plenty of people living "outside this world" already.