Nasa is looking for a crew for the second of three Chapea (Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog) missions, in which a volunteer group of 4 people will live and work in a 3D printed 1,700 sm habitat at Nasa's Johnson Space Center. Nasa. This space, called Mars Dune Alpha, will simulate the challenges of a mission to Mars, including limited resources, potential equipment failures, communication delays, and other factors that could cause stress. The team's activities will include simulated spacewalks, robotic operations, habitat maintenance, exercise and plant cultivation.

The selection of the team will follow Nasa's standard criteria for aspiring astronauts. A master's degree in one of the "Stem" disciplines (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) with at least 2 years of professional experience is required, but those who have obtained a degree in medicine, completed a test pilot program with a minimum of 1000 flight hours or military officer training with 4 years of practice will also be considered.

There is compensation for participation in the mission; further information will be provided during the participant selection process. Ideal candidates should be between the ages of 30 and 55, reside in the United States or be a legal resident with a good command of English, and show interest in contributing to Nasa's work to prepare for the first human trip to Mars.

The deadline for submitting applications is April 2nd.

Below, the dates of the Chapea missions:

Before: launched on 25 June 2023;

Second: scheduled for 2025;

Third: it will start in 2026.