Each CHAPEA mission involves a four-person volunteer crew living and working inside a 1,700-square-foot, 3D-printed habitat based at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. The habitat, called the Mars Dune Alpha, simulates the challenges of a mission on Mars, including resource limitations, equipment failures, communication delays, and other environmental stressors. Crew tasks include simulated spacewalks, robotic operations, habitat maintenance, exercise, and crop growth.
NASA is looking for healthy, motivated U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are non-smokers, 30-55 years old, and proficient in English for effective communication between crewmates and mission control. 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.
The deadline for applicants is Tuesday, April 2. You would live in the Mars habitat on earth from the spring of 2025 to the spring of 2026.
Crew selection will follow additional standard NASA criteria for astronaut candidate applicants. 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. With four years of professional experience, applicants who have completed military officer training or a bachelor of science degree in a STEM field may be considered.
Compensation for participating in the mission is available. More information will be provided during the candidate screening process.
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Compared with inflatable habs, 3D printed habs won’t be the first ones because they:
– Won’t be made of the strongest materials
– Take much longer to set up,
– Require more energy to set up,
– The set up process will be more likely to have breakdowns.
The most genetically diverse crew should also be determined. The most diverse blood stem cell donors for resurrecting bone marrow should be considered. Immune failures on Mars may affect brain function. Can the participants be matched for blood transfusion and stem cell donation. Can a simulation prove immune failures can be anticipated and treatments created? Living on Mars will require careful immune monitoring. Can RNA and DNA tech be tested during simulation? MinION nanopore?