You can help answer the question posed by David Bowie in his eternal ballad: Is there Life on Mars? NASA has put out an open listing for aspiring martians seeking to participate in one-year Mars surface simulation.
What is the job?
This will be the second installment of three planned ground-based CHAPEA (Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog) missions. Scheduled for April 2025, the CHAPEA will comprise of a team of four volunteers to reside and operate within a 1,700-square-foot 3D-printed habitat located at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.
This habitat, named the Mars Dune Alpha, replicates the difficulties of a Mars mission, encompassing constraints on resources, equipment malfunctions, communication delays, and various environmental challenges. The crew will engage in tasks ranging from simulated spacewalks and robotic maneuvers, to habitat upkeep, physical exercise, and cultivating crops.
What are the requirements?
Prospective martians are healthy, non-smoking US citizens or permanent residents between the ages of 30 and 55. Proficiency in English is essential for effective communication with both crewmates and mission control.
A master’s degree in a STEM field such as engineering, mathematics, biological science, physical science, or computer science from an accredited institution is mandatory, coupled with at least two years of professional STEM experience or a minimum of one thousand hours of piloting an aircraft.
Candidates who have accomplished two years of progress in a doctoral program within the realms of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, earned a medical degree, or completed a test pilot program will also be taken into consideration. Additionally, individuals with four years of professional experience, including completion of military officer training or possession of a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field, may be considered eligible.
Prospective candidates should possess a strong enthusiasm for distinctive and fulfilling experiences, along with an interest in actively contributing to NASA’s efforts in preparing for the inaugural human expedition to Mars.
How to apply?
The application process is relatively simple. Just hit this link and fill out an application. The application deadline is April 2, 2024. The selection process will take 12-14 months.
See also: A Total Solar Eclipse Happening This Spring Will Be The Longest And Most Visible In The US In Over 100 Years