NASA Is Seeking Crew Members to Spend a Year in a Mars Simulation

In an effort to replicate what it would be like to live on the Red Planet, NASA is looking for volunteers for its second simulated Mars mission, which will run for one year.

A 1,700-square-foot 3D-printed habitat in Houston will house four crew members of the Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog (CHAPEA 2) mission, which is scheduled to launch in the spring of 2025.

The crew's dwelling, the Mars Dune Alpha habitat, is designed to replicate planetside living. In addition to tending to crops and other duties, crew members will be expected to maintain the habitat during their stay.

NASA has three missions planned for the space, this being the second. On June 25, research scientist Kelly Haston, public works administrator Ross Brockwell, structural engineer, board-certified emergency medicine physician Nathan Jones, and microbiologist Anca Selariu embarked on the first mission.

It's a paid position, though it's unclear how much you'll receive beyond a free one-year stay ("More information will be provided during the candidate screening process," according to NASA).

Curious? A master's degree in a STEM field—such as engineering, mathematics, biology, physics, or computer science—from an accredited university is necessary to be eligible, as is at least two years of professional STEM experience or at least 1,000 hours of aircraft piloting.

In addition, NASA will take into account your two years of work toward a doctorate in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics; completion of a medical degree; or participation in a test pilot program. Additionally, you might stand a chance if you have four years of professional experience, have finished your military officer training, and have a bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline.