NASA Recruits for Second Mars Simulation Mission to Prepare for Future Exploration

Volunteers will live and work in a Mars-like habitat for a year, facing challenges similar to those on the Red Planet.

NASA is conducting three immersive, year-long Mars simulations at its Johnson Space Center in Houston, with the first mission already underway and the second set to begin in spring 2025.
The Mars Dune Alpha simulator is a 1,700-square-foot, 3D-printed habitat designed to replicate the challenges of life on Mars, including resource limitations, equipment failures, and communication delays.
Volunteers for the simulation must be healthy, nonsmoking U.S. citizens or permanent residents aged 30 to 55, proficient in English, and have a strong STEM background.
Participants will engage in activities such as simulated spacewalks, robotic operations, habitat maintenance, exercise, and crop growth, all while experiencing Mars-realistic communication delays.
Compensation is available for participants, who will contribute to NASA's preparation for future human exploration of Mars.