NASA is seeking volunteers for a simulated year-long Mars mission, giving individuals the opportunity to experience what it would be like to live on the Red Planet. The mission will take place inside a 1,700-square-foot Mars simulation called the Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog (CHAPEA) at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.
The first team of volunteers is currently halfway through their journey, and NASA is now looking for a new crew to continue the mission. The selected individuals will be locked inside the Mars simulation for approximately 365 days, during which they will carry out various mission activities. These activities include collecting geological samples, exercising, practicing personal hygiene and health care, and even growing crops.
While each volunteer will have their own sleeping quarters, they will share common areas such as a kitchen, two bathrooms, a medical station, working spaces, and recreational areas. This setup aims to simulate the conditions that astronauts would face on a real Mars mission.
However, it won’t be an easy task for the crew members. They will have limited contact with the outside world, minimal resources, and periods of isolation. They will also have to deal with equipment failures and take simulated spacewalks. The mission aims to prepare individuals for the challenges they would encounter on a real Mars mission.
One thing that NASA cannot simulate is Mars’s gravity, which is about 38 percent of Earth’s surface gravity. Despite this limitation, the mission still offers a unique and rewarding adventure for those who are interested in contributing to NASA’s work in preparing for the first human journey to Mars.
NASA is specifically looking for healthy, motivated U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are non-smokers and between the ages of 30 and 55. Proficiency in English is also required for effective communication between crewmates and mission control. The deadline for applications is Tuesday, April 2, 2025.
If you’ve always dreamed of exploring Mars and are up for the challenge, this could be your chance. The mission offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience life on another planet, even if it is just a simulation. So, if you have a strong desire for adventure and want to contribute to NASA’s groundbreaking work, don’t hesitate to submit your application. Who knows, you might just be one of the lucky few to embark on this incredible journey.
