Move over, Matt Damon.
The space agency is calling for applicants to participate in their next simulated one-year Mars surface mission if you’re hoping to live out your space dreams.
NASA is recruiting people to take part in the second of three planned ground-based missions, Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog (CHAPEA), to help plans for human exploration of the Red Planet.
Four volunteers lead the crew, living and working inside a 1,700-square-foot, 3D-printed habitat at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. Where you’ll be living, called the Mars Dune Alpha, simulates challenges people may face on Mars, from resource limitations and communication delays to equipment failures and environmental stressors.
As part of the crew, you’ll undertake simulated spacewalks, habitat maintenance, exercise, robotic operations and crop growth.
To take part, NASA needs healthy, motivated US citizens or permanent residents who are non-smokers. They’re looking for people who are aged between 30 and 55, proficient in English, and 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”.
They clarify: “Crew selection will follow additional standard NASA criteria for astronaut candidate applicants.
“A master’s degree in a STEM field such as engineering, mathematics, or biological, physical or computer science from an accredited institution with at least two years of professional STEM experience or a minimum of one thousand hours piloting an aircraft is required.
“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.
“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.”
NASA says compensation for participating in the mission is available.
You can apply here, with applications closing on April 2.
