Mars, a barren planet, is known for its harsh environment, which makes life difficult to sustain, and living there will not be easy. NASA is currently seeking applicants to do just that in a Mars simulator.
Four volunteers will have to live and work in a 1,700-square-foot 3D-printed Mars simulator
The upcoming one-year simulation is part of the American space agency’s Mars surface mission, known as the CHAPEA (Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog) program. This mission is the second of three planned ground-based missions, and it will begin in the spring of 2025.
Four volunteers will have to live and work in a 1,700-square-foot 3D-printed habitat at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.
The Mars Dune Alpha habitat will replicate the challenges of a Mars mission, such as limited resources, equipment failures, communication delays, and environmental stressors.
Volunteers will be provided with living quarters, a workspace, a medical station, lounge areas, a galley, and food-growing facilities. They will be required to perform simulated spacewalks, interact with robots, maintain habitats, exercise, and grow crops. They will also face typical challenges, “including resource limitations, equipment failures, communication delays, and other environmental stressors.”
Eligibility criteria and deadline
According to the NASA website, the agency is looking for healthy, motivated US citizens or permanent residents who do not smoke. Applicants must be between the ages of 30 and 55 and proficient in English.
“Applicants should have a strong desire for unique, rewarding adventures and an interest in contributing to NASA’s work to prepare for the first human journey to Mars,” according to NASA. They must also meet NASA’s standard astronaut selection criteria.
The deadline to apply for this unique opportunity is April 2nd.
Participants will be compensated for the mission, but no specifics have been provided.
The CHAPEA missions will collect valuable scientific data to validate systems and develop solutions for future Mars missions. NASA is using research from ongoing simulated missions to improve crew health and performance during actual Mars expeditions.