NASA is looking for volunteers to participate in a Mars life simulation in a 157 square meter 3D printed habitat at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. The project aims to simulate life on Mars for a year to gain insights into the challenges of human colonization of the planet.
Participants will encounter scenarios that mimic real-life missions, including constraints on resources, equipment malfunctions, and communication lag.
Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, aged between 30 and 55, a non-smoker, proficient in English, hold a postgraduate degree in STEM or medicine, and possess relevant professional or piloting experience.
This initiative is a component of the CHAPEA program, aiming to ready NASA for upcoming extended missions beyond Earth.
Participants in the simulation will perform research tasks, engage in simulated hikes, and manage resources while living and working as though they are on Mars. This will provide NASA with crucial data on the psychological and physical impacts of living in isolated and confined environments, aiding in the preparation for future manned missions to Mars.
A video below shows the process of constructing homes using large 3D printers.
How can one take part?
Registration for the 12-month Mars Simulation Mission of CHAPEA will be available from February 16, 2024, until Tuesday, April 2, 2024, exclusively for U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Once submitted, responses cannot be changed, and the selection process may span 12 to 14 months, which includes a criminal background check.
