Scientists exit Hawaii dome after yearlong Mars simulation
By Associated Press
Aug 28, 2016 2:40 PM CDT

HILO, Hawaii (AP) — Six scientists have completed a yearlong Mars simulation in Hawaii, where they lived in a dome in near isolation.

For the past year, the group has lived in the dome on a Mauna Loa mountain and could go outside only while wearing spacesuits.

On Sunday, the simulation ended, and the scientists emerged.

Kim Binsted, principal investigator for the Hawaii Space Exploration Analog and Simulation, says the researchers are looking forward to getting in the ocean and eating fresh produce and other foods that weren't available in the dome.

NASA funded the study run through the University of Hawaii. Binsted says the simulation was the second-longest of its kind after a mission that lasted 520 days in Russia.

Scientists in the Hawaii simulation managed limited resources while conducting research and working to avoid personal conflicts.