NASA Seeks Volunteers for Year-long Mars Simulation
NASA is searching for volunteers to participate in a year-long simulation of life on Mars, conducted in a Mars habitat at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. The mission, called CHAPEA, aims to prepare for future human exploration of the planet.
Living and Working in a Mars Simulator
NASA is looking for four individuals to spend a year living and working inside a Mars simulator, as part of the CHAPEA missions. These missions involve participants residing in a 3D-printed Mars habitat at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
The Mars Dune Alpha simulation includes separate areas for living and working, featuring living quarters for each volunteer, a workspace, medical station, lounge areas, and food growing stations. This setup is designed to replicate the challenges and limited resources that astronauts would encounter on Mars.
Preparing for Life on the Red Planet
During the simulation, volunteers will experience the demands of maintaining the habitat, including growing crops, working with robotics, and conducting simulated spacewalks. They will also face environmental stressors, equipment failures, and communication delays, similar to what would occur on Mars.
Aspiring participants have until April 2 to apply, and 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 additional requirements. A background in STEM fields or piloting experience can also qualify applicants.
Contributing to NASA's Mars Exploration
Applicants selected to take part in the Mars simulation may be compensated for their involvement. These simulations offer valuable insights into crew health and performance during long-duration space travel, aiding in preparations for future manned missions to Mars.
NASA's ongoing CHAPEA mission, for which the first simulation is still underway, is helping to gather crucial data on health and performance in the context of Mars exploration. Similar simulations, such as the Artemis mission focused on the moon, will contribute towards sending the first woman, person of color, and international partner astronaut to the moon.
