Ever wonder what it’s like to live on Mars? Well, now you have the chance to find out – sort of. NASA is seeking volunteers for a yearlong simulation of life on the Red Planet. This exciting opportunity will help the space agency prepare for future human exploration of Mars.
The simulation, known as CHAPEA (Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog), will take place in a 3D-printed Mars habitat called Mars Dune Alpha. Located at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, this habitat is designed to replicate the conditions and challenges that astronauts would face on Mars.
The Mars Dune Alpha simulation includes separate areas for living and working. It features four living quarters for each volunteer, a workspace, a medical station, lounge areas, and even food growing stations. Just like on the real Mars, resources will be limited, and participants will need to work together to maintain the habitat, grow crops, and operate robotics.
Volunteers in the simulation will also go on simulated spacewalks and experience typical environmental stressors of the planet. They will face equipment failures and delays in communications, further enhancing the realism of the experience.
If you’re interested in becoming a part of this groundbreaking mission, you must meet certain criteria. Applicants must be “motivated” U.S. citizens or permanent residents between the ages of 30 and 55. Fluency in English and being a non-smoker are also requirements. NASA is looking for individuals with a strong desire for unique adventures and an interest in contributing to their work in preparing for the first human journey to Mars.
In terms of qualifications, experience in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is essential. This includes having a master’s degree in engineering, math, biology, or other sciences, along with professional experience or at least two years of doctoral work in these areas. Alternatively, if you have 1,000 hours of piloting experience or military experience, you may also qualify. A bachelor’s degree in a STEM field and four years of professional experience are additional qualifications that NASA will consider.
The ground mission is set to begin in Spring 2025, and the application deadline is April 2. Volunteers will have the opportunity to be compensated for their participation in this one-of-a-kind experience.
This is the second of three missions in the CHAPEA program. The first mission is currently underway, and NASA is using it to gather valuable insights into health and performance during Mars explorations. These simulations are crucial for NASA’s preparations as they aim to send humans to Mars in the near future.
While Mars has been the subject of numerous robotic missions, no humans have set foot on the planet yet. With its 24.6-hour days, known as sols, and a year that lasts 669.6 sols, Mars presents unique challenges for human exploration. Its atmosphere consists mainly of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and argon gases, resulting in a hazy and dusty red sky. Temperatures on Mars can range from a chilly -225 degrees Fahrenheit to a relatively balmy 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
NASA’s commitment to exploring other celestial bodies doesn’t stop at Mars. They also have plans for a mission called Artemis, which aims to send the first woman, person of color, and international partner astronaut to the moon. These ambitious projects demonstrate NASA’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of human exploration and expanding our understanding of the universe.
So, if you’ve ever dreamed of living on Mars and want to contribute to NASA’s mission to reach the Red Planet, now is your chance. Apply today and embark on a yearlong adventure that will prepare humanity for the next giant leap in space exploration.