NASA, the United States’ space agency renowned for its pioneering achievements in Mars exploration, including rover landings and detailed planetary studies, is currently recruiting participants for its next simulated Mars mission, CHAPEA, set to begin in spring 2025, according to a recent announcement on the agency’s website,
This yearlong adventure, the second of three ground-based missions, will involve a four-person crew living in a 1,700-square-foot, 3D-printed habitat at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. Designed to mimic Mars’ environment, the Mars Dune Alpha habitat will challenge participants with simulated spacewalks, robotic operations, and other tasks under conditions such as equipment failures and communication delays.
Eligible applicants are healthy, motivated U.S. citizens or permanent residents aged 30–55, non-smokers, fluent in English, and possess a master’s degree in a STEM field with relevant experience or other specified qualifications. The selection process aligns with NASA’s astronaut criteria, emphasizing the importance of a STEM background and professional experience. Selected participants will receive compensation, details of which will be provided during screening.
This initiative is part of NASA’s broader efforts to prepare for human Mars exploration, complementing the Artemis campaign’s goals of establishing a sustainable presence on the Moon as a precursor to manned Mars missions. Through Artemis, NASA aims to achieve significant milestones including landing the first woman and first person of color on the Moon, in partnership with international collaborators, setting the stage for future expeditions to Mars.
Featured image: The CHAPEA mission 1 crew (from left: Nathan Jones, Ross Brockwell, Kelly Haston, Anca Selariu) exit a prototype of a pressurized rover and make their way to the CHAPEA facility ahead of their entry into the habitat on June 25, 2023. Credit: NASA/Josh Valcarcel
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