Nasa Seeks Volunteers for Simulated Mars Mission
Nasa is looking for four volunteers to spend a year living on a 3D-printed replica of Mars as part of its crew health and performance exploration analog program.
Living on a 3D-Printed Mars Replica
Nasa is inviting four individuals to participate in a unique opportunity – living on a 3D-printed replica of Mars.
The program, known as Nasa's crew health and performance exploration analog (Chapea), aims to develop and evaluate the systems for future Mars missions scheduled for the 2030s.
During their time on the replica, the volunteers will face challenges similar to those encountered during actual Mars missions, including limited resources, equipment failures, communication delays, and other environmental stresses.
Simulating Mars Exploration
The volunteers will reside in a 1,700 sq ft habitat called Mars Dune Alpha, which will replicate the conditions and challenges of a Mars mission.
As part of the simulation, the crew will engage in activities such as spacewalks, robotic operations, habitat maintenance, exercise, and crop growth.
This computer-generated reconstruction of the Martian surface will allow Nasa to gather valuable data and insights to prepare for future manned missions to Mars.
Requirements and Application Process
Nasa is seeking candidates who hold a university degree in engineering, mathematics, or biological, physical, or computer science, with relevant experience in those fields or at least 1,000 hours as a pilot.
Applicants must also be healthy, non-smoking US citizens or permanent residents aged between 30 and 55.
Selected volunteers will be compensated for their time, although the exact amount is not specified.
Interested candidates can apply until April 2nd, and after training, the new crew is expected to begin living in the Mars replica early next year.
