NASA recruiting volunteers for year-long simulated moon and mars mission

NASA is seeking volunteers to take part in a year-long simulated mission designed to prepare astronauts for future expeditions to the Moon and Mars.

The agency announced it is recruiting participants for its next Moon and Mars Exploration Analog (MMEA) mission, which is expected to begin no earlier than August 2027 at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.

Selected volunteers will spend approximately 12 months living and working in two specially designed habitats that recreate the isolation, confinement and operational challenges astronauts are expected to face during deep-space missions.

The simulation will provide researchers with valuable data on how crews adapt to long-duration spaceflight and planetary surface operations, helping NASA improve astronaut safety and readiness for future lunar and Martian missions.

During the mission, participants will carry out astronaut-like tasks in immersive environments, including mock Moon and Mars excursions, rover operations and scientific exploration activities, while operating under limited resources and communication constraints similar to those expected in deep space.

NASA said the research will also support planning for a sustained human presence on the Moon through its future Moon Base concept and upcoming Artemis missions, while contributing to preparations for the first crewed mission to Mars.

The new program combines elements of NASA’s Human Exploration Research Anbhhhhh//////////nalog (HERA) and Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog (CHAPEA) projects into a single integrated mission. Volunteers will use the HERA habitat to simulate the journey through space before transitioning to the CHAPEA habitat, which will serve as a simulated lunar or Martian base.

Throughout the mission, scientists will monitor the crew’s physical health, psychological wellbeing and performance under the demands of prolonged isolation, confined living conditions and limited supplies. Researchers will also evaluate technologies, operational procedures and habitat systems intended to support astronauts on future deep-space expeditions.

NASA is inviting qualified applicants who meet the agency’s physical, educational and psychological requirements. Candidates must complete a multi-stage selection process and undergo comprehensive medical and psychological evaluations before being chosen for the mission.

The agency said it is looking for individuals who are motivated by challenging experiences and eager to contribute to research that will shape the future of human space exploration.