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Aug 5, 2021
As NASA ventures farther into the cosmos, the astronaut experience will change. In preparation for the real-life challenges of future missions to Mars, NASA will study how highly motivated individuals respond under the rigor of a long-duration, ground-based simulation.
Image above: Mars Dune Alpha Conceptual Render: Visualization on Mars. Image Credit: ICON.
NASA is now accepting applications for participation as a crew member during the first one-year analog mission in a habitat that will simulate stressors of deep space, set to begin in Fall 2022.
Known as Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog (CHAPEA), the series of missions includes three one-year Mars surface simulations based at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. The analogs will support research to develop methods and technologies to prevent and resolve potential problems on future human spaceflight missions to the Moon and Mars.
Each mission will consist of four crew members in a 1,700-square-foot 3D-printed habitation module, called Mars Dune Alpha. The habitat will simulate the challenges of a mission on Mars, including resource limitations, equipment failure, communication delays, and other environmental stressors. Crew tasks may include simulated spacewalks, scientific research, use of virtual reality and robotic controls, and exchanging communications. The results will provide important scientific data to validate systems and develop solutions.
NASA is looking for healthy, motivated U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are non-smokers, age 30 to 55 years old, and proficient in English for effective communication between crew and mission control. Crew selection will follow 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 STEM, or completed a medical degree, or a test pilot program will also be considered. Additionally, with four years of professional experience, applicants who have completed military officer training or a Bachelor of Science in a STEM field may be considered.
If you have a strong desire for unique, rewarding adventures and are interested in contributing to NASA’s work in preparing for the first human journey to Mars, click link below to learn more and apply. Compensation for participating in the mission is available. More information will be provided during the candidate screening process.
https://www.nasa.gov/chapea/participate
The United States is called upon to lead the return of humans to the Moon for long-term exploration and then send humans to Mars and other deep space destinations. Through Artemis, NASA will land the next American astronauts, including the first woman and the first person of color, on the Moon. At the Moon, NASA and its partners will implement innovative new partnerships, technologies and systems to study and explore more of the lunar surface than ever before. Lessons learned in space and on the ground will prepare NASA to take the next giant leap – sending astronauts to Mars.
https://www.nasa.gov/chapea
Advanced Exploration Systems (AES) is charged with planning and conducting Artemis missions beginning with Artemis III. This will include landing the first woman and first person of color on the Moon, as well as future long-duration missions building up to a sustainable presence on the lunar surface and in orbit. AES is developing the lunar-orbiting Gateway, exploration spacesuits, the Human Landing System (HLS), surface mobility systems (rovers), and all capabilities required to keep astronauts safe and healthy.
https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/heo/aes/index.html
Image (mentioned), Text, Credits: NASA/Kelli Mars.
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