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NASA is looking for for the next crew of four to participate in a year-long program at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, simulating life and conditions on the planet Mars.
The mission will be the second of three years. Simulations of the surface of Mars called Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog, or CHAPEA, and is expected to begin in spring 2025.
The first crew of four was locked into the habitat, called Mars Dune Alpha, in June 2023, and is more than halfway through its mission.
The inaugural crew consists of Commander Kelly Haston, a research scientist with experience in stem cell-based projects; flight engineer Ross Brockwell, structural engineer and public works administrator; Medical Officer Nathan Jones; and scientific officer Anca Selariu.
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A crew of four entered a Mars simulator in June 2023, where they will live for the next 378 days. (POT)
The data acquired through the simulations is intended to help NASA prepare for human exploration of Mars.
NASA said in a news release that the Mars Dune Alpha habitat simulates the challenges of a mission to Mars, including resource limitations, equipment failures, communications delays and other environmental stressors.
Some of the tasks that crew members may participate in are robotic operations, spacewalks, habitat maintenance, exercise, and crop growth.
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The crew will practice space acting in the spacewalk area. (Joy Addison/Fox News)
NASA is looking for U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are healthy, non-smoking, between 30 and 55 years old, and fluent in English.
The selection follows the standards NASA uses when considering astronaut candidates.
Specifically, a master’s degree in a STEM field such as engineering, mathematics, or biological, physical, or computer sciences from an accredited institution, plus two years of professional experience, is required. Alternatively, anyone with more than 1,000 hours piloting an aircraft will be considered.
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NASA was unable to simulate gravity on Mars. (Joy Addison/Fox News)
NASA said it may consider candidates with two years of work completed for a STEM doctoral program, a medical degree, four years of professional experience, military officer training or a bachelor of science in a STEM field.
The deadline to apply is April 2.
With a background in science and engineering, crew members will be part of a simulated mission to Mars, where the crew will eat, drink and exercise during the simulation.
The 1,700-square-foot, 3D-printed facility is about the size of a three- or four-bedroom house and will be used for NASA’s longest analog mission to date: 378 days.
The habitat will be a place where the crew will practice personal hygiene and medical care, such as drawing blood, while also allowing them to exercise, grow food and collect geological samples.
The habitat will be filled with all the supplies that will go to Mars. What the habitat will not be able to simulate, however, is the gravity of the red planet.
But that’s where virtual reality comes into play. While in the habitat, virtual reality will allow crew members to simulate space walks or Mars walks, as well as other tasks the crew may encounter on Mars, including removing dust from the spacesuit or solar panels or repairing the habitat.
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While crew members live within the confines of the simulator, scientists will measure their performance, cognition and health throughout the year to understand what the crew will go through.
The data collected will be delivered to vehicle planners.
