NASA is seeking applicants for its next simulation of a one-year mission on the surface of Mars to help inform the agency’s plans for human exploration of the Red Planet. The second of three planned ground missions, called CHAPEA (Crew Health and Performance Research Analogue), is scheduled for spring 2025.

Each CHAPEA mission involves a team of four volunteers living and working in a 1,700-square-foot 3D-printed environment at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. The habitat, called Mars Dune Alpha, simulates the challenges of a Mars mission, including resource constraints, equipment failures, communications delays and other environmental factors. The crew’s duties include spacewalk simulation, robotics, habitat maintenance, exercise and crop growth.

NASA is looking for healthy, motivated, non-smoking U.S. citizens or permanent residents between the ages of 30 and 55 with good English skills who can communicate effectively among crew members and flight control staff. Applicants must have a strong desire for unique, rewarding adventures and an interest in NASA’s work to prepare for the first human journey to Mars.

The application deadline is Tuesday, April 2. https://chapea.nasa.gov/

Crew selection will be based on NASA’s additional standard criteria for astronaut candidates. A master’s degree in a STEM field such as engineering, mathematics, or biological, physical, or computer science from an accredited institution, at least two years of professional STEM experience, or at least 1,000 hours of aircraft piloting experience is required. Applicants who have completed two years of study towards a doctoral program, medical degree or test pilot program in science, technology, engineering and mathematics will also be considered. Applicants who have completed military officer training or completed a Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM field may be considered to have four years of professional experience.

Compensation for participation in the mission is possible. More information will be provided during the selection process.

As NASA works to establish a long-term presence for scientific exploration and research on the Moon through the Artemis campaign, CHAPEA missions provide critical scientific data to validate systems and design solutions for future missions to the Red Planet. With the first CHAPEA crew halfway through their year-long mission, NASA is using research from simulated missions to inform crew health and performance during Mars expeditions.

As part of NASA’s Artemis campaign, the agency will establish a foundation for long-term scientific exploration of the moon, landing the first woman, first person of color and first international astronaut partner on the lunar surface, and preparing human expeditions to Mars. for the benefit of everyone.