In the 2030’s, NASA aims to send the first humans to Mars. A long-awaited event and one that needs preparing. Therefore, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration wants to carry out several ground-based simulations in order to be as ready as possible when the big day arrives. A first simulation has already taken place but for its second yearlong simulated Mars mission, called CHAPEA 2 (Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog), NASA is now looking for volunteers who are available from spring 2025 onwards.
As living circumstances on the red planet are very different to Earth, the agency is looking into the effects of living and working on Mars. Four crew members will thus live in a 3D-printed Mars Dune Alpha habitat at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston for one year. To make the simulation as true to reality as possible, it will include all negative aspects related to living on the remote planet: limited resources, equipment malfunctions, communication delays and more. Besides having to solve these issues, the crew of CHAPEA 2 will carry out simulated spacewalks, robotic operations, habitat maintenance, exercise and crop growth.
The first crew, consisting of Nathan Jones, Ross Brockwell, Kelly Haston and Anca Selariu, entered the CHAPEA 1 simulation on 25 June 2023 and are still inside the Mars Dune Alpha habitat. However, a second mission is already in preparation for spring 2025 and those who would like a chance to enter the mission are urged to apply before 2 April 2024.
“NASA is looking for healthy, motivated U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are non-smokers, 30-55 years old, and proficient in English for effective communication between crewmates and mission control. Applicants should 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”, NASA said in a statement.
Applicants must also have 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. 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 also be considered.
