NASA is calling all “Martians” on Earth to apply to be part of a yearlong simulation set to help educate the agency on humanity’s exploration of the Red Planet.
The simulation will be the second of three planned Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog ground-based missions, according to a release from NASA.
“Each CHAPEA mission involves a four-person volunteer crew living and working inside a 1,700-square-foot, 3D-printed habitat based at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston,” according to the release. “The habitat, called the Mars Dune Alpha, simulates the challenges of a mission on Mars, including resource limitations, equipment failures, communication delays, and other environmental stressors.”
Inside the habitat, accepted applicants will conduct robotic operations, maintenance tasks, crop care, simulated spacewalks, and various exercises.
Ideal applicants include U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are non-smokers, aged 30-55, and proficient in English, according to the release.
“Applicants should have a strong desire for unique, rewarding adventures and interest in contributing to NASA’s work to prepare for the first human journey to Mars,” according to NASA. “The deadline for applicants is Tuesday, April 2.”
Additional standards regarding crew selection will be in place for astronaut candidates as well, according to the release.
A master’s degree in a STEM field and at least two years of professional STEM experience or a minimum of 1,000 hours of piloting an aircraft will be required for those applicants.
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“Candidates who have completed two years of work toward a doctoral program in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, completed a medical degree, or a test pilot program will also be considered,” according to the release. “With four years of professional experience, applicants who have completed military officer training or a bachelor of science degree in a STEM field may be considered.”
Compensation for participating in the mission is available, according to the release.
