If you’ve ever dreamt of living and working on Mars but want the assurance of returning home, NASA has an opportunity that might be just right for you. The space agency is on the lookout for volunteers to participate in its second simulated Mars surface mission, part of the Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog (CHAPEA) program. The mission, set to commence in the Spring of 2025, will involve four participants residing within a specially designed 3D-printed facility at the Johnson Space Center in Houston.
To be considered for the role of “analog astronaut,” you must meet certain criteria: be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, aged between 30 and 55, hold a master’s degree in a STEM field, and have at least two years of professional STEM experience. Exceptions are made for those with 1,000 or more hours of piloting an aircraft or two years into a STEM doctoral program.
While the term “volunteer” is used, this is a compensated position, though the exact compensation details have not been disclosed. The application deadline is April 2, and interested candidates should be prepared to answer questions about their willingness to endure confined spaces, limited contact with family and friends, and consume spaceflight foods for an extended period. An essay question also focuses on how applicants handled isolation during the pandemic.
If selected, participants will inhabit the Mars Dune Alpha habitat, facing challenges such as equipment failures, communication delays, and other environmental stressors. The mission involves simulated spacewalks, habitat maintenance, crop growth oversight, and exercise routines. Strong interpersonal skills are crucial as the crew will share limited resources, including two showers and two toilets.
NASA’s Artemis program aims to send astronauts back to the moon before planning a human mission to Mars in the 2030s, pending the success of lunar missions. The CHAPEA program provides valuable insights into the challenges astronauts may face during extended space travel, contributing to preparations for future interplanetary exploration.