If you’ve ever wanted to visit Mars, NASA has an offer for you. Although the agency is not yet sending humans to the red planet, it is preparing for a future crewed Mars mission by creating a simulated mission on Earth and is seeking volunteers. Simulated missions examine people’s psychological and health responses to conditions similar to those astronauts would experience on a deep space mission. In the Mars mission, called Crew Health and Performance Research Analog, or CHAPEA, the goal is to simulate a Martian environment using a 3D-printed habitat and a series of Mars-related tasks that crew members must perform.
NASA is preparing a Mars simulation on Earth
The first group of volunteers from the CHAPEA probe entered the 1,700 square meter simulated Martian environment in June last year, where they will stay for just over a year. Now NASA is recruiting another group of volunteers to join a future team.
“NASA is seeking individuals who are 30-55 years of age, non-smokers, proficient in English, healthy, highly motivated U.S. citizens or permanent residents for effective communication between crew members and mission control,” NASA said in a statement. “Applicants must have a strong desire for unique, rewarding adventures and an interest in contributing to NASA’s work to prepare for the first human journey to Mars.” said.