HOUSTON, TEXAS – NASA is seeking participants to join its yearlong mission in a Mars simulator as part of the space agency’s ongoing research for human exploration of the red planet. The agency is currently halfway through the first of three planned CHAPEA missions and is now accepting applications for the next four-person cohort.
The selected participants will live and work in a 3D-printed, 1,700-square-foot facility at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston starting in spring 2025. They will experience challenges similar to those faced on Mars, including resource limitations, equipment failures, communication delays, and other environmental stressors. As part of their duties, crew members will conduct spacewalks, operate robots, exercise, grow crops, and maintain the facility, known as the Mars Dune Alpha.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents between the ages of 30 and 55, non-smokers who are proficient in English. NASA is particularly interested in individuals with experience in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) fields. A minimum of four years of professional STEM experience is required, with additional education and pilot training preferred.
The agency has also stated that participants will receive compensation, although the details will be discussed during the screening process. NASA encourages qualified individuals who are interested in this unique opportunity to apply before the deadline on April 2, 2025.
To apply for the Mars simulator mission, visit the official NASA website for more information. This initiative offers a rare chance to contribute to the future exploration of Mars and the advancement of space science.