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NASA is looking for four “Martians” for a test

NASA is looking for "Mars residents" for a new simulation that is to last one year.(Bild: APA/AFP/Mark Felix)

The US space agency NASA is looking for "Martian residents" for a one-year simulation of life on the red planet. Starting in spring 2025, four volunteers are to spend twelve months in the "Mars Dune Alpha" in Houston, Texas, a simulation site measuring around 160 square meters and modeled on Mars, as NASA announced on Friday. 

Among other things, the participants will be responsible for harvesting, living quarters, machinery and maintenance, as well as doing sports.

This is already the second such simulation that is part of NASA's "Chapea" program, which is intended to prepare missions to Mars.

"Healthy and motivated"
According to NASA, anyone with a university degree in natural sciences and at least 1,000 flight hours can apply by April 2.

Applicants must also be between 30 and 55 years old, "healthy and motivated", non-smokers and have US citizenship or permanent residency. The assignment will be compensated.