NASA is inviting applications for its next year-long mock Mars mission, known as CHAPEA 2. This ground-based mission aims to simulate the challenges that future crews may face during expeditions to the Red Planet. The mission involves four volunteer crewmembers living and working inside a 1,700-square-foot 3D-printed habitat called Mars Dune Alpha, located at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. The habitat also includes a 1,200-square-foot enclosure used for simulated spacewalks.
NASA officials stated that the CHAPEA missions provide valuable scientific data to validate systems and develop solutions for future missions to Mars. As NASA focuses on establishing a long-term presence on the moon through the Artemis campaign, these missions contribute to the agency’s preparations for the first human journey to Mars.
The first CHAPEA crew is currently more than halfway through their year-long mission, which began in June 2023 and is set to end in July 2024. Now, NASA is seeking applicants for CHAPEA 2, scheduled to begin in spring 2025. The application process is open to the public until April 2, 2024.
NASA is specifically looking for healthy, motivated U.S. citizens or permanent residents between the ages of 30 and 55 who are non-smokers and proficient in English. Effective communication between crewmates and mission control is crucial. The agency emphasizes that applicants should have a strong desire for unique and rewarding adventures, as well as an interest in contributing to NASA’s work in preparing for Mars exploration.
During the year-long mission, the four-person crew will engage in various tasks, including robotic operations, habitat maintenance, crop growth, simulated spacewalks, and exercise. The Mars Dune Alpha habitat is designed to replicate the conditions and challenges that future Mars missions may encounter, such as resource limitations, equipment failures, communication delays, and environmental stressors.
A tour of the Mars Dune Alpha habitat reveals the crew quarters, a lavatory and shower area, a small-scale produce production area, an open kitchen and recreation space, a work area with equipment, fitness and laundry rooms, robotics control stations, a 3D printer, and a small medical bay. The habitat also features a primary airlock.
Applicants are required to have a degree in a STEM field or medicine, along with professional experience in STEM, military training, or test piloting. Detailed information about the application process and requirements can be found online.
CHAPEA 2 is the second of three planned missions inside the Mars Dune Alpha habitat. The research gained from these simulated missions will help NASA enhance crew health and performance during long-duration exploration missions on Mars in the future. As NASA continues its ambitious plans for space exploration, these mock missions play a crucial role in preparing astronauts for the challenges they may face on the Red Planet.
