NASA is seeking citizen volunteers to participate in a yearlong simulated mission on Mars. The agency aims to recruit qualified individuals who will live and work at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, inside a 1,700-square-foot, 3D-printed habitat called Mars Dune Alpha. This opportunity presents a unique chance for science enthusiasts, explorers, and adventurers to contribute to scientific research.
Suzanne Bell, the lead for NASA’s Behavioral Health and Performance Laboratory at Johnson Space Center, expressed her excitement about the mission, stating, “For the explorers, the adventurers, the people who love science, this is a really unique and incredible opportunity to be able to contribute to science.” The mission, known as the Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog (CHAPEA), is the second installment of three planned programs and is scheduled to begin in Spring 2025, lasting a total of 378 days.
The simulated Mars habitat aims to replicate the challenges that astronauts would face during a real mission in space. It will involve resource limitations, equipment failures, communication delays, and other environmental stressors. The four-person team selected for the mission can expect to engage in activities such as simulated spacewalks, robotic operations, habitat maintenance, exercise, and crop growth.
NASA is looking for applicants who have a strong desire for unique adventures and an interest in contributing to the agency’s work in preparing for the first human journey to Mars. To qualify for the mission, individuals must be healthy, nonsmoking U.S. citizens or permanent residents between the ages of 30 and 55. Proficiency in English is also required. Applicants should hold a master’s degree with STEM qualifications and relevant experience in the field. Alternatively, a minimum of 1,000 hours of piloting an aircraft or equivalent military experience will be considered. A bachelor’s degree in a STEM field may also be taken into account.
The CHAPEA mission currently underway is on its 242nd day out of 378. Bell emphasizes the importance of learning from the crew and collecting data every day to support the future health and well-being of astronauts. The three missions are designed to eliminate any anomalies caused by specific crew members and to identify trends that can help support future astronauts.
NASA has stated that compensation will be provided for participants in the mission, although the exact salary will be determined during the candidate screening process. The deadline to apply for this unique opportunity is April 2, and interested individuals can submit their applications through NASA’s CHAPEA website.
In conclusion, NASA’s recruitment of citizen volunteers for a yearlong simulated Mars mission presents an extraordinary opportunity for individuals to contribute to scientific research and gain a firsthand experience of what it would be like to live and work on the Red Planet. This mission will provide valuable insights into human survival and well-being in space, helping NASA prepare for future manned missions to Mars. If you meet the qualifications and have a passion for adventure, this could be your chance to be part of history. Apply now and embark on a journey that few have ever experienced.