Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – NASA is looking for volunteers to go to Mars. The United States (US) Space Agency said it has no plans to send humans to the red planet in the near future.
However, they are preparing for a future manned Mars mission by creating simulations on Earth. The NASA team is also looking for volunteers for this.
The simulation mission will look at human psychological and health responses to conditions similar to what astronauts experience on space missions.
The simulation, called Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog or CHAPEA, aims to simulate the Martian environment using a 3D printed habitat and a series of Mars-related tasks that crew members must perform.
The CHAPEA study involved the first group of volunteers entering a 1,700-square-foot simulated Mars environment in June last year. They will stay for approximately one year.
Now NASA is recruiting a number of volunteers to join the future team.
“NASA is seeking healthy and motivated US citizens or US permanent residents, non-smokers, aged 30-55 years, and proficient in English for effective communication between crew and mission controllers,” NASA said in a release.
According to NASA, volunteers must have a strong desire for a rewarding adventure as well as an interest in contributing to NASA's work in preparing for the first human journey to Mars.
Quoting Digital Trend, the aim of this program is to recruit crew members similar to those who will carry out future Mars missions.
So NASA tried scientists, who had master's degrees in STEM fields such as biology, mathematics, or engineering, or pilots who had at least 1,000 hours of test experience.
This new group will enter the CHAPEA habitat in the spring of 2025 and will stay there for a full year.
Volunteers who join will be paid, but it's worth noting that it's not an easy job, as crew members must face simulated challenges that NASA says include resource limitations, equipment failures, communications delays and other environmental stressors.
They also perform daily operations including simulated spacewalks, robot operations, habitat maintenance, sports, and plant growth.
If you are interested in applying, the deadline is April 2, and can apply through the CHAPEA website.
[Gambas:Video CNBC]
(fab/fab)