NASA seeks volunteers for yearlong simulated moon and Mars deep space missions

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FOX Local
Published July 9, 2026 6:50 PM EDT

FILE - A research volunteer uses augmented reality goggles to perform astronaut-like tasks during a simulated space mission. Participants selected for NASA’s first Moon and Mars Exploration Analog mission also will perform tasks in immersive, interac …

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The Brief

    • NASA is seeking volunteers to participate in a yearlong mission simulating future trips to the moon and Mars.
    • Participants will live in isolated habitats to help researchers prepare for future deep space missions.
    • Applicants must meet age, health, education, and technical qualifications to be considered.

NASA is asking for volunteers to participate in the agency’s simulated deep space missions.

Participants will be simulating upcoming missions to the moon and Mars. 

Moon and Mars Exploration Analog

Dig deeper:

Research volunteers will spend one year living and working in interplanetary environments at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. 

The project, dubbed the Moon and Mars Exploration Analog, is slated to begin no earlier than August 2027.

Insights gathered from the simulations will be used to help keep astronauts safe and mission-ready during future planetary surface operations, NASA said. 

FILE - This composite image of the moon using Clementine data from 1994 is the view we are most likely to see when the moon is full. (Credit: NASA)

Who can apply? 

  • A United States citizen or green card holder.
  • Between 30 and 55 years old (candidates outside the range may be considered with additional approvals).
  • No more than 74 inches tall.
  • Proficient in English.
  • Willing to consent to an approximately 14-month long mission, including 12 months in two different confined habitats and two months of pre- and- post-mission training and data collection.
  • Willing to participate in a multiday selection activity.
  • Able to pass a NASA physical and psychological assessment.

Additional requirements for applicants:  

  • Strong technical skills.
  • No dietary restrictions.
  • No history of sleepwalking or taking sleeping aids.
  • Astronaut-like qualifications, such as:A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in engineering, biological science, physical science, or mathematics. Quality of academic preparation is important.An advanced degree in a STEM field is preferred and may be substituted for experience: a master’s degree equals one year of experience, and a doctoral degree equals three years of experience.Military experience may count as equivalent years of experience.
  • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in engineering, biological science, physical science, or mathematics. Quality of academic preparation is important.
  • An advanced degree in a STEM field is preferred and may be substituted for experience: a master’s degree equals one year of experience, and a doctoral degree equals three years of experience.
  • Military experience may count as equivalent years of experience.

FILE - NASA's Mars Perseverance rover acquired this image using its onboard Left Navigation Camera (Navcam). The camera is located high on the rover's mast and aids in driving. This image was acquired on July 8, 2026 (Sol 1913) at the local mean sola …

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Also, participants will be reimbursed, NASA said, although some restrictions may apply.

For more information, click here. Anyone who have more questions regarding this program can email jsc-analog-application@mail.nasa.gov.

If you tick all the requirements, click here to apply. 

The Source: Information for this article was taken from NASA’s website.

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