Mock Mars Mission Photos: Life on a Simulated Red Planet

Journalist Howell and Birthday Cake

A screenshot from a video shows journalist Elizabeth Howell blowing out the candles on her birthday cake at Utah's Mars Desert Research Station in January 2014.

Journalist Howell's Birthday Presents

For journalist Elizabeth Howell's birthday, her family sent along a few small presents.

Elizabeth Howell Participates in Mock Anesthesia Procedure

Journalist Elizabeth Howell inserts a laryngoscope in a mannequin as part of a procedure to simulate giving anesthesia for a patient. Howell was on site at Utah's Mars Desert Research Station.

Mannequin at Utah's Mars Desert Research Station

This 10-kilogram mannequin was used to show untrained crew members how to administer anesthesia and insert tubes inside the "patient's" throat. France's Lille 2 University mannequin was at Utah's Mars Desert Research Station.

Anesthesiologist Matthieu Komorowski

Anesthesiologist Matthieu Komorowski, from Lille 2 University in France, with a mannequin used to demonstrate medical procedures.

Journalist Howell Uses Telescope

Space journalist Elizabeth Howell using the 14-inch telescope in the observatory at the Mars Desert Research Station.

Jupiter Observed at the Mars Desert Research Station

The bands of Jupiter are easily visible through the 14-inch telescope at the Mars Desert Research Station.

Observatory at the Mars Desert Research Station

The observatory (right) is situated about 100 feet (30 meters) from the Mars Desert Research Station.

Crew 133 Simulated Mission

Crew 133 gets in touch with "Earth" during a simulated mission at the Mars Desert Research Station in rural Utah. Back row: Joseph Jessup, Matthieu Komorowski. Front row: Paula Crock, Gordon Gartrelle, Pedro Diaz-Rubin.

Jessup Climbs Hill During 'Marswalk'

Crew 133 engineer Joseph Jessup navigates a steep hill near Utah's Mars Desert Research Station, Jan. 8, 2014.