The mini Mars is called the "MARTE Machine," which simulates the natural conditions of Mars, creating a space with similar pressure, temperature, atmosphere, and radiation levels. In the "MARTE Machine," the pressure is less than 1% of Earth's atmospheric pressure, with temperatures ranging between 150 degrees Celsius and minus 165 degrees Celsius, and 95% of the air composition is carbon dioxide.
Dust is insignificant on Earth but can be deadly on Mars. Martian dust is primarily silicate, which can become toxic chemicals when inhaled by humans. Additionally, the dust particles are extremely small, scattering in the thin, dry Martian atmosphere, and magnetic dust such as iron oxide can easily adhere to Mars probes from Earth, affecting their normal operation and posing high demands on filtering devices. Therefore, scientists have created dust particles only 63 micrometers wide, randomly scattered throughout the "MARTE Machine" to simulate the Martian environment and test the equipment prepared for a mission to Mars.
Jesús Sofrado, the scientist responsible for the technical development of the "MARTE Machine," stated: "We are simulating the effects of Martian dust, which is one of the major challenges in extraterrestrial exploration."
