NASA is looking for ‘highly motivated individuals’ for a 3D-printed simulated Mars mission
NASA WANTS YOU to take part in a year-long 3D space simulation.
The National American Space Agency is planning to send humans to Mars by 2037. However, before transporting actual space travelers to the Red Planet, experiments and simulations still need to be done.
As Daily Mail reports, NASA is now seeking “highly motivated individuals” to take part in a year-long Mars surface simulation. They will live inside Mars Dune Alpha – a 1,700-square-foot 3D-printed module created by ICON.
In the recruiting announcement, NASA explains:
“The habitat will simulate the challenges of a mission on Mars, including resource limitations, equipment failure, communication delays, and other environmental stressors. Crew tasks may include simulated spacewalks, scientific research, use of virtual reality and robotic controls, and exchanging communications. The results will provide important scientific data to validate systems and develop solutions.”
Applications for a spot in NASA’s 3D-printed Mars simulation are now open.
You can apply for a place in the year-long mission through September 17, 2021, as long as you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, aged between 30 and 55, have a master’s degree in a STEM field, as well as at least two years of related professional experience.
As the Space Agency discloses, this mission will provide important scientific data “to prevent and resolve potential problems on future human spaceflight missions to the Moon and Mars.”
Grace Douglas, the lead scientist for NASA’s Advanced Food Technology research effort at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, said in a statement:
“This is a rare and unique opportunity. The analog is critical for testing solutions to meet the complex needs of living on the Martian surface. Those selected will have a historic role in preparing humanity for the next giant leap in space.”
Jason Ballard, co-founder and CEO, ICON, added:
“This is the highest-fidelity simulated habitat ever constructed by humans. Mars Dune Alpha is intended to serve a very specific purpose–to prepare humans to live on another planet.
We wanted to develop the most faithful analog possible to aid in humanity’s dream to expand into the stars. 3D printing the habitat has further illustrated to us that construction-scale 3D printing is an essential part of humanity’s toolkit on Earth and to go to the Moon and Mars to stay.”