NASA is hiring volunteers for year-long Mars mission simulation: Here's how to apply

NASA is set to embark on a year-long Mars and Moon simulation-based missions and for these missions, the space agency is actively looking for four volunteers.

In the mission, the space agency will simulate challenges that astronauts could encounter during the Mars and lunar trips.

The primary objective of NASA’s mission is to assess risks and test countermeasures to improve human performance and health impacts for future missions. The duration will be around 14 months, in which the volunteers would stay inside the habitat for 12 months, including 2 months of intensive training.

During the mission, the agency will focus on key areas, such as studying how crew members adapt to Mars time, growing crops, maintaining health and performing simulated spacewalks.

According to the official website, NASA is taking applications from the qualified candidates, but it is expected that the mission will not begin earlier than August 2027.

Mission structure

The simulation would take place in three parts using two different habitats. The first one is the transit phase based on living in a 650-square foot mock spacecraft to simulate the journey to the Moon or Mars.

The second segment is the surface phase, including moving to a 900-square-foot facility to simulate living on the surface of another planet, including sandbox "spacewalks."

And the third part is returning to the original spacecraft where the volunteers will trip back to Earth.

Volunteers’ requirements

The candidates should be US citizens with an age generally around 30-55. Speaking about the qualifications, they must have a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field (engineering, biological/physical science, mathematics). Advanced degrees or military experience are highly preferred.

For selection, they have to pass physical and psychological assessments. They must be fluent in English.

There should be some restrictions like no dietary restrictions and no history of sleepwalking or use of sleeping aids. There is no clarification regarding compensation but in past NASA missions, volunteers have been paid.

How to apply

To apply for the Moon and Mars Exploration Analog (MMEA) mission, you should use the official NASA Analogs Recruiting portal.