In sum, not really like being 210 million miles off, in the night sky -- with no way home, for a year. But we must crawl before. . . we walk. This will be the second of these four member "crews" to be studied in isolation at NASA Houston:
. . .NASA is seeking applicants to participate in its next simulated one-year Mars surface mission to help inform the agency’s plans for human exploration of the Red Planet. The second of three planned ground-based missions called CHAPEA (Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog) is scheduled to kick off in spring 2025.
Each CHAPEA mission involves a four-person volunteer crew living and working inside a 1,700-square-foot, 3D-printed habitat based at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. The habitat, called the Mars Dune Alpha, simulates the challenges of a mission on Mars, including resource limitations, equipment failures, communication delays, and other environmental stressors. Crew tasks include simulated spacewalks, robotic operations, habitat maintenance, exercise, and crop growth.
NASA is looking for healthy, motivated U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are non-smokers, 30-55 years old, and proficient in English for effective communication between crewmates and mission control. Applicants should have a strong desire for unique, rewarding adventures and interest in contributing to NASA’s work to prepare for the first human journey to Mars. . . .
I am by no means claustrophobic, having worked in deep mines -- but living in 1,700 sq. ft., for a year -- with the occasional Mars-quake, and not being able to get a foamy root beer float, tacos or fresh cherries. . . that might be a. . . problem.
In any event, the deadline to apply is April 2, 2024. Mark your Barsoomian calendars!
नमस्ते
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