NASA issued a rare invitation on Friday for individuals to participate in a year-long simulation of Mars habitat, with compensation provided.
The agency seeks physically fit adults with backgrounds in science, military service, or aviation.
The initiative, known as the Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog (CHAPEA), entails a series of one-year missions where selected individuals, referred to as analog astronauts by NASA, will reside within a 3D-printed habitat located in Houston, Texas.
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Participants will undergo a confinement period exceeding 12 months inside Mars Dune Alpha, a 1,700 square foot structure constructed using 3D printing technology at Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.
Scheduled to commence next year, the experiment, titled Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog (CHAPEA), will follow a 13-month selection process.
This marks the second group of volunteers for the CHAPEA program, succeeding the initial cohort that began their tenure in June 2023.
NASA’s Criteria for Simulated Mars Explorers
NASA is seeking “healthy, motivated US citizens or permanent residents” aged 30 to 55, proficient in English, and non-smokers, for its simulation astronaut program.
Similar to astronauts bound for space, candidates for NASA’s simulation astronaut role should possess a master’s degree in a STEM field, accompanied by either two years of relevant experience or 1,000 hours of jet piloting.
The agency stated, “Applicants should exhibit a strong inclination towards unique and fulfilling experiences, coupled with an eagerness to contribute to NASA’s efforts in preparing for the inaugural human expedition to Mars.”
Candidates must successfully pass a comprehensive screening process, including criminal background checks, psychiatric evaluations, and medical assessments, as they are committing to a year-long period of extreme isolation alongside three other individuals, adhering to a highly structured daily regimen.
The program entails monthly blood, urine, stool, and saliva analysis, limited access to social media platforms, and communication delays of 20 minutes with individuals external to the habitat.
According to NASA, food allergies, dietary restrictions, and gastrointestinal ailments are disqualifying factors due to the inability of CHAPEA to accommodate such conditions.
Moreover, specific medications like blood thinners and sleeping aids are also grounds for disqualification.