Mission to the Mars Desert Research Station in Utah – in pictures

The scientists, known as Crew 125 EuroMoonMars B mission, are in Utah to find out if humans can survive on the red planet. Here Melissa Battler, geologist and crew commander, tests the terrain in her space suit Photograph: Jim Urquhart/Reuters

The Utah desert was selected for its Mars-like conditions. Here, team members venture out in their exploration suits Photograph: Jim Urquhart/Reuters

Csilla Orgel, a geologist with the mission, collects rock samples Photograph: Jim Urquhart/Reuters

Volker Maiwald, executive officer and habitat engineer, walks among the desert hills Photograph: Jim Urquhart/Reuters

Hans van Ot Woud, mapping researcher and health and safety officer of the Mars Desert Research Station, waits in an airlock Photograph: Jim Urquhart/Reuters

The scientists return to base Photograph: Jim Urquhart/Reuters

Melissa Battler and Csilla Orgel climb a rock formation as they gather samples Photograph: Jim Urquhart/Reuters

Hans van Ot Woud checks on plants at the research station Photograph: Jim Urquhart/Reuters

Csilla Orgel makes her way back to base in her spacesuit and air-supply pack Photograph: Jim Urquhart/Reuters

Melissa Battler chips at a Utah rockface Photograph: Jim Urquhart/Reuters

Dinnertime at the research station, which is based outside Hanksville, Utah Photograph: Jim Urquhart/Reuters

A view of the night sky above the research station Photograph: Jim Urquhart/Reuters