The CHAPEA mission 1 crew (from left: Nathan Jones, Ross Brockwell, Kelly Haston, Anca Selariu) exit a prototype of a pressurized rover and make their way to the CHAPEA facility ahead of their entry into the habitat on June 25, 2023. Credit: NASA/Josh Valcarcel

Martian Recruitment Drive:

Are you ready to boldly go where few have gone before?

NASA is once again extending its call to adventurous souls willing to embark on a simulated yearlong Mars mission. As part of its ongoing CHAPEA (Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog) program, NASA seeks volunteers to participate in this groundbreaking endeavor, aimed at informing future human exploration of the Red Planet.

Scheduled to commence in spring 2025, the upcoming CHAPEA mission will immerse a four-person crew into the challenges and rigors of life on Mars. Nestled within the confines of the Mars Dune Alpha habitat at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, participants will grapple with resource limitations, equipment malfunctions, communication delays, and other environmental stressors characteristic of Martian conditions.

From conducting simulated spacewalks to tending to crops vital for sustenance, crew members will engage in a myriad of tasks crucial for survival and mission success. The mission isn’t merely a test of physical endurance but also a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the human spirit.

So, who is NASA looking for?

Healthy, motivated individuals, preferably U.S. citizens or permanent residents, aged between 30 and 55, proficient in English, and non-smokers, are encouraged to apply. A thirst for adventure, a passion for exploration, and a commitment to contributing to NASA’s pioneering efforts in Martian exploration are essential qualities sought in potential candidates.

But what does it take to qualify?

Prospective crew members must meet standard NASA criteria for astronaut candidates, including holding a master’s degree in a STEM field or possessing relevant professional experience. Military training, flight hours, and progress toward advanced degrees are also considered valuable assets in the selection process.

And the perks?

Compensation is available for those selected to participate in the mission, with further details provided during the screening process. But the real reward lies in the opportunity to be at the forefront of space exploration, contributing to humanity’s collective quest to unlock the mysteries of the cosmos.

As NASA’s Artemis campaign gears up for establishing a sustainable presence on the Moon, missions like CHAPEA play a pivotal role in gathering essential data and validating systems critical for future endeavors, including crewed missions to Mars. Insights gleaned from ongoing research not only enhance crew health and performance support but also pave the way for monumental milestones, such as landing the first woman, first person of color, and international partner astronaut on the lunar surface.

In essence, the journey to Mars is a collective endeavor, one that transcends borders and unites humanity in pursuit of knowledge and discovery. By joining forces under NASA’s banner, volunteers for the CHAPEA mission become pioneers in their own right, heralding a new era of exploration and adventure that promises to redefine our understanding of the cosmos.

So, if you’ve ever dreamed of walking on Martian soil, of gazing up at a sky tinged with the hues of another world, now is your chance to turn that dream into reality. Join NASA’s mission to Mars, and together, let’s write the next chapter in the annals of human history. Martians wanted – will you heed the call?

For more about CHAPEA, visit: