CHAPEA mission will help develop solutions for future Mars missions
NASA announced that it is looking for candidates to participate in a mission that simulates a one-year stay on the surface of Mars. The goal of this mission, called CHAPEA, is to create conditions as close as possible to those encountered by a crew going to Mars. The second of three planned CHAPEA missions will begin in the spring of 2025. The application deadline is April 2.
Four crew members will live and work in a specially created space printed on a 3D printer. It is a habitat of approximately 160 square meters, called Mars Dune Alpha, located at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. The facility will simulate the challenges crews face during real missions to Mars, including resource constraints, equipment failures, communication delays and other stressors. Crew tasks will include simulating spacewalks, using robots to perform various tasks and manipulations on the surface of Mars, maintaining equipment, and growing crops.
Selection of participants will be carried out in accordance with NASA criteria for astronaut candidates. A master's degree in a STEM field such as engineering, mathematics or biology and at least two years of work experience in the field are required. Applicants with a minimum of 1,000 hours of aircraft piloting or two years of doctoral training in an engineering or mathematics field, as well as applicants with a medical degree or test pilot experience, are also considered. Candidates with a bachelor's degree in a STEM field and at least four years of professional experience or military officer training are also eligible.
Details of the reward for participation in the mission will be announced during the candidate selection process.