If you believe you have what it takes to live on Mars for an entire year, this could be the adventure of a lifetime and an opportunity to make history.
If you have ever dreamed of living on Mars, now is your chance to turn that dream into reality. In a recent move, NASA is seeking brave volunteers to participate in a one-year simulated Mars mission, starting in the spring of 2025.
This mission, named CHAPEA 2 (similar to the Crew Health and Performance Exploration Program), is part of three terrestrial experiments aimed at studying the effects of living and working on the Red Planet. The goal of this program is to help NASA prepare thoroughly before sending humans to Mars in the 2030s.
To prepare for sending astronauts to Mars, NASA has begun accepting applications for a one-year stay at Mars Dune Alpha, with a selection of four individuals.
Mars Dune Alpha is a simulated living environment akin to Mars, covering nearly 160 square meters, created using 3D printing technology and located within a building at the Johnson Space Center in Houston.
Design concept image of Mars Dune Alpha.
Volunteers will be paid to conduct a simulated Mars exploration mission, which includes “spacewalks,” limited communication with family, and restricted food and resource availability, along with troubleshooting equipment failures.
NASA plans to conduct three of these experiments, with the first one commencing next fall. The food provided to volunteers will be space-grade fast food, and currently, there are no plans to equip the habitat with any windows. Some plants will be grown, but not potatoes, as depicted in the movie “The Martian,” where Matt Damon portrays an astronaut stranded on Mars.
However, if you think you’ll just eat, sleep, and repeat that routine, think again. Crew volunteers will have to perform various tasks, such as simulating spacewalks, operating robots, maintaining the habitat, exercising, and farming. They will also need to address psychological and social aspects of living in a small group in space for an extended period.
Currently, NASA is looking for candidates who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, non-smokers, aged 30-55, and fluent in English. Participants must also possess a master’s degree in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) or equivalent professional experience. Of course, they should have a passion for adventure and be willing to contribute to NASA’s space exploration mission.
The program’s lead scientist, Grace Douglas, stated, “We want to understand how humans operate in that environment. We are considering realistic scenarios on Mars.”
Illustration of humans living on Mars.
The application process is open until April 2, 2024, on the CHAPEA website. The mission is paid, but the exact amount has not been disclosed. Candidates will undergo a rigorous screening process, including medical and psychological evaluations, interviews, and training.
NASA hopes that the CHAPEA 2 mission will provide valuable insights into human factors and the technology necessary for future Mars explorations.
