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If you're interested in living on Mars, now may be your chance.
NASA is on the hunt for volunteers who want to take part in its second simulated Mars mission, a yearlong experience that’s meant to demonstrate what it's like to live on the Red Planet.
The Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog (CHAPEA 2) mission is expected to kick off in the spring of 2025 and will house four crew embers inside a 1,700-square-foot 3D-printed habitat in Houston.
The Mars Dune Alpha habitat where crew members will stay is meant to simulate what life will be like on the planet. During their stay, crew members will be expected to perform maintenance on the habitat as well as grow crops and complete other tasks.
The mission is the second of three that NASA has planned for the space. The first mission began on June 25 with research scientist Kelly Haston, structural engineer and public works administrator Ross Brockwell, board-certified emergency medicine physician Nathan Jones, a microbiologist Anca Selariu.
It’s a paid gig, though it's unclear how much ("More information will be provided during the candidate screening process," NASA says) you'll get beyond a free place to stay for a year.
Interested? In order to qualify, you'll need a master’s degree in a STEM field such as engineering, mathematics, or biological, physical, or computer science from an accredited institution, with at least two years of professional STEM experience or a minimum of 1,000 hours piloting an aircraft is required.
NASA will also consider you if you have two years of work toward a doctoral program in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; completed a medical degree; or a test pilot program. If you have four years of professional experience, and completed military officer training or a bachelor of science degree in a STEM field, you may also have a shot.
You'll need to pass a criminal background check. The deadline to apply is April 2, 2024, and the selection process could take between 12-14 months.
Another option? Hitch a ride with Elon Musk, who says he's still sketching out a "game plan" to get a million people to Mars...someday.