NASA Seeks Applicants for Simulated Mars Mission to Inform Human Exploration Plans
NASA is embarking on its next simulated one-year Mars surface mission, known as CHAPEA (Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog), and is currently seeking applicants to participate in this groundbreaking endeavor. The mission, which aims to gather valuable information to inform future human exploration of the Red Planet, is scheduled to commence in the spring of 2025.
The CHAPEA missions involve a four-person volunteer crew who will live and work inside a 1,700-square-foot, 3D-printed habitat called the Mars Dune Alpha. This habitat, located at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, has been specifically designed to simulate the challenges that astronauts would face during a real mission on Mars. From resource limitations to equipment failures, communication delays, and other environmental stressors, the crew will experience it all. Their tasks will include simulated spacewalks, robotic operations, habitat maintenance, exercise routines, and even crop growth.
NASA is looking for healthy and motivated individuals who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, between the ages of 30 and 55, and proficient in English for effective communication between crewmates and mission control. The agency is seeking applicants with a strong desire for unique and rewarding adventures, as well as an interest in contributing to NASA’s work in preparing for the first human journey to Mars. The deadline for applications is Tuesday, April 2.
Crew selection for the CHAPEA mission will follow standard NASA criteria for astronaut candidates. Applicants must have a master’s degree in a STEM field such as engineering, mathematics, or biological, physical, or computer science from an accredited institution. Additionally, they should possess at least two years of professional STEM experience or a minimum of one thousand hours of piloting an aircraft. Candidates who have completed two years of work toward a doctoral program in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, or have a medical degree or test pilot program experience, will also be considered. Applicants with four years of professional experience, military officer training, or a bachelor of science degree in a STEM field may also be eligible.
Participants in the mission will receive compensation, and more information regarding this will be provided during the candidate screening process.
The CHAPEA missions play a crucial role in NASA’s efforts to establish a long-term presence on the Moon through the Artemis campaign. By conducting these simulated missions, NASA gains valuable scientific data that helps validate systems and develop solutions for future missions to Mars. With the first CHAPEA crew already more than halfway through their yearlong mission, the research obtained from these simulations is being used to enhance crew health and performance support during Mars expeditions.
Under NASA’s Artemis campaign, the agency is laying the foundation for long-term scientific exploration on the Moon. The campaign aims to land the first woman, the first person of color, and the first international partner astronaut on the lunar surface. Furthermore, it seeks to prepare for human expeditions to Mars for the benefit of all.
If you are interested in learning more about CHAPEA and potentially applying for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, visit the official NASA website at [link]. Don’t miss your chance to be part of history and contribute to humanity’s quest for interplanetary exploration.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Rachel Kraft
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1100
rachel.h.kraft@nasa.gov
Anna Schneider/Laura Sorto
Johnson Space Center, Houston
281-483-5111
anna.c.schneider@nasa.gov/laura.g.sorto@nasa.gov