(BIVN) – One year ago, the NASA BASALT team (Biologic Analog Science Associated with Lava Terrains) traversed Hawaii’s active volcano, using it as a testing ground simulating a future expedition to Mars.

This past week, the team wrapped up their second trip to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Operations were again based out of Kilauea Military Camp, as a field team ventured out onto the volcano.

We spoke to Steve Chappell, the Exploration Lead for the BASALT research project, as well as the geology co-lead for the project, vulcanologist Scott Hughes.

Vice President Mike Pence recently affirmed the administrations commitment to a future mission to Mars.

“The objectives of the National Space Council are clear,” the Vice President said at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia on October 5. “The President has charged us with laying the foundation for America to maintain a constant commercial, human presence in low-Earth orbit. From there, we will turn our attention back toward our celestial neighbors. We will return American astronauts to the moon, not only to leave behind footprints and flags, but to build the foundation we need to send Americans to Mars and beyond.”