NASA is calling for volunteers to live in a simulated Mars colony for an entire year.
The Earth-based mission is due to kick off in early 2025, and will see a four-person crew living inside a 1,700-square-foot facility – just like one that would be built on Mars.
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Nasa has revealed the criteria for its prospective astronauts, and warns that you can’t be older than 55.
The habitat you’ll be living in is called Mars Dune Alpha, and is a 3D-printed structure inside the John Space Center in Houston, Texas.
It’s part of an ongoing mission called CHAPEA, or Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog.
Nasa says it “simulates a realistic Mars habitat” with the goal of supporting long-duration explorative missions in space.
“Life in Mars Dune Alpha will resemble the expected experience for those living in a future Mars surface habitat,” Nasa explains.
“The layout of the 3D printed habitat was designed to provide separate areas within the habitat for living and working.”
Nasa said that you’ll have to endure challenges, like equipment failures, communication delays, and mysterious “environmental stressors”.
And you’ll be tasked with taking simulated spacewalks, operating robots, maintaining the habitat, growing crops, and exercise.
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This is actually the second CHAPEA mission – the first mission crew entered the facility on June 25 last year.
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To apply, you’ll need to be a “healthy, motivated” U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Nasa asks that you’re a non-smoker and are aged between 30 and 55 years old.
You also need to be proficient in English so that you can communicate effectively with your crewmates – and mission control.
And Nasa says: “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.”
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There are also some technical requirements for getting the job.
Nasa explains: “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 is required.
“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.”
Thankfully, your hard work won’t go unrewarded: Nasa said it will compensate anyone who participates in the mission.
Nasa says that more info about the compensation is revealed during the candidate screening process.
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The deadline to apply for the mission is Tuesday, April 2.
You can apply here, and you’ll even be asked how you fared during the Covid-19 isolation.
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