Nasa wants volunteers for year-long Mars simulation and has already built base

NASA is calling for volunteers to live in a simulated Mars colony for an entire year.

The Earth-based mission is due to kick off in early 2025 and will see a four-person crew living inside a 1,700-square-foot facility – just like one that would be built on Mars.

The simulated Martian environment will put Earth-bound 'astronauts' to the test — The simulated Martian environment will put Earth-bound ‘astronauts’ to the testCredit: SWNS

You'll have to cope well with isolation from the real world — You’ll have to cope well with isolation from the real worldCredit: SWNS

This is what the base might look like if it was actually on MarsCredit: Youtube / ICON – 3D Tech

Nasa has revealed the criteria for its prospective astronauts and warns that you can’t be older than 55.

The habitat you’ll be living in is called Mars Dune Alpha and is a 3D-printed structure inside the John Space Center in Houston, Texas.

It’s part of an ongoing mission called CHAPEA, or Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog.

Nasa says it “simulates a realistic Mars habitat” with the goal of supporting long-duration explorative missions in space.

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This is actually the second CHAPEA mission – the first mission crew entered the facility on June 25 last year.

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To apply, you’ll need to be a “healthy, motivated” US citizen or permanent resident.

Nasa asks that you’re a non-smoker and are aged between 30 and 55 years old.

You also need to be proficient in English so that you can communicate effectively with your 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,” Nasa said.

The spartan living quarters reflect what life would be like on MarsCredit: SWNS

You'll need to perform tasks, including simulated spacewalks and operating robots — You’ll need to perform tasks, including simulated spacewalks and operating robotsCredit: SWNS

There are also some technical requirements for getting the job.

“A master’s degree in a STEM field such as engineering, mathematics, or biological, physical or computer science from an accredited institution with at least two years of professional STEM experience or a minimum of one thousand hours piloting an aircraft is required,” Nasa explained.

“Candidates who have completed two years of work toward a doctoral program in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, completed a medical degree, or a test pilot program will also be considered.”

Thankfully, your hard scientific work won’t go unrewarded: Nasa said it will compensate anyone who participates in the mission.

Nasa says that more info about the compensation is revealed during the candidate screening process.