If you love extreme challenges, we have the perfect opportunity for you. The space agency on Friday called for volunteers to participate in the Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog (CHAPEA 2), its second two-year simulated mission to Mars. During the mission, which begins in spring 2025, the four selected crew members will reside in a 1,700-square-foot 3D-printed habitat in Houston. NASA is accepting applications now through April 2nd. Although it is a paid gig, NASA has not publicly disclosed how much compensation it will pay to participants.
The Mars Dune Alpha Habitat at NASA’s Johnson Space Center is designed to simulate what life will be like for future explorers on the Red Planet, where the environment is harsh and resources are limited. There is currently a crew living and working there as part of the first CHAPEA mission, which is now more than halfway through its 378-day mission. During their stay, volunteers perform tasks such as maintaining habitat and growing crops. The habitat also has a 1,200-square-foot sandbox attached for simulated space walks.
To be considered, applicants must be a U.S. citizen between the ages of 30 and 55, be proficient in English, have a master’s degree in a STEM field, have at least two years of professional experience, and at least 1,000 hours of aircraft piloting or two years of experience. do. Working toward a PhD in STEM. Certain types of professional experience can also qualify applicants without a master’s degree. CHAPEA 2 is the second of three missions NASA has planned for the program, the first of which launched on June 25, 2023.