The US space agency NASA is looking for “Martians” for a year-long simulation of life on the red planet. Starting in spring 2025, four volunteers will spend twelve months in “Mars Dune Alpha” in Houston, Texas, a 160 square meter simulation area modeled on Mars, NASA announced on Friday.
There, the participants should, among other things, take care of the harvest, living area, machines and maintenance, as well as do sports. This is the second such simulation that is part of NASA’s “Chapea” program, which is intended to prepare missions to Mars.
NASA said anyone who has a university degree in natural sciences and at least 1,000 hours of flight can apply until April 2nd. In addition, applicants must be between 30 and 55 years old, “healthy and motivated,” not smoke and have US citizenship or a permanent residence permit. The use will be compensated.
