What a time to be alive!
We’re a step closer to putting people on Mars… Well, a simulated analog habitat at least(cue Total Recall flashbacks). NASA has opened applications to become a crew member for a year long mission.
This mission will be one of three, Mars surface simulations based at NASA’s Johnson Space Center.
The module that they’ll live in, Mars Dune Alpha couldn’t be any more 21st century. It’s a 1,700-square-foot module, 3D printed by revolutionary construction company ICON.
The habitat will house the four crew members who will experience simulated challenges of living and working on an extraterestrial planet, as well as fun tasks like simulated spacewalks, use of virtual reality and robotics.
Before you get too excited, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that this isn’t for just anyone. The criteria and requirements for selection reads as a list for an almost superhuman.
NASA is looking for healthy, motivated U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are non-smokers, age 30 to 55 years old, and proficient in English for effective communication between crew and mission control. Crew selection will follow standard NASA criteria for astronaut candidate applicants:
Qualifications
Crew selection will follow standard NASA inclusion and exclusion criteria for Astronaut Candidate applicants.
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Be within the ages of 30-55
- Possess a master’s degree* in a STEM field, including engineering, biological science, physical science, computer science or mathematics, from an accredited institution.
- Have at least two years of related professional experience in a STEM field or at least 1,000 hours pilot-in-command time on jet aircraft.
- Be able to pass the NASA long-duration flight astronaut physical.
*The master’s degree requirement can also be met by:
- Two years (36 semester hours or 54 quarter hours) of work toward a doctoral program in a related science, technology, engineering or math field.
- A completed Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree.
- Completion (or current enrollment that will result in completion by June 2021) of a nationally recognized test pilot school program.*Participants with a Bachelor’s degree and other specific qualifications (e.g., relevant additional education, military, or at least 4 years of professional experience in a STEM field) may also be considered.
Application Process
Finalists will undergo medical evaluations, psychological testing, and psychiatric screening to determine suitability for a physically and mentally demanding long-duration isolation mission. All exams and their associated expenses will be arranged and paid for through NASA. Candidates will not be selected if they have any food allergies, avoidances, or gastrointestinal disorders, as these cannot be accommodated on a long-duration mission. Candidates must be willing to provide requested biological samples on required days and must eat the spaceflight-like diet provided during the mission. Candidates must not be prone to motion sickness with virtual reality equipment. Candidates on specific medications will be disqualified: Examples- blood pressure medications, blood thinners, seizure medications, daily allergy medications, diabetic insulin daily, sleeping aids, ADHD/ADD medications, antidepressants, anxiety medications. Food supplements will not be permitted during the mission. Vitamin D is provided during the missions. All other vitamins are available in the spaceflight food system and added vitamins are not permitted. Candidates will be required to have a COVID-19 vaccine and show proof of full vaccination. Candidates will be required to get their own COVID-19 PCR test and show proof of a negative test. Participants will be required to follow COVID-19 Risk mitigation protocols current to the JSC campus upon visiting.
One can dream though…
Images and information courtesy of NASA & ICON
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