While the close quarters in HERA limited their privacy, Ebadi says camaraderie was essential to overcoming the challenges the team faced. During a study that required an acute sleep deprivation phase, they had to stay awake for two days while performing heavy cognitive and functional tasks including several simulated Mars walks. With no access to caffeine, chocolate or other stimulants, the crew kept each other awake.
And with no sunlight or fresh air in the pod, plus being confined in isolation, they’d cheer each other up and dance together to a selection of music the crew picked out including “Freeze” by Kygo. Life in the simulation kept Ebadi from family, including his then three-month-old daughter. It was tough, he says, but his dreams of space never wavered. He thought of it as helping humanity become a multiplanetary species.
“If you have a dream, it won’t become a reality without a solid plan,” Ebadi says. “Dream big, but also craft a smart and realistic plan. Work hard, stay resilient, and embrace the sacrifices required to achieve your dream. Remember, the journey to realizing your dreams is rarely smooth, but with determination and perseverance, you can overcome any obstacle and turn your dreams into reality.”