BY Tasbiha Fatima Hasan  

Writer/Reporter 

HOUSTON – Imagine spending an entire year living in a confined habitat with a small crew, limited supplies, delayed communication, and no opportunity to step outside into the real world. While it may sound like science fiction, NASA is looking for volunteers willing to do exactly that as part of its next Moon and Mars Exploration Analog (MMEA) mission at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.  

NASA is searching for volunteers willing to spend approximately one year living inside a simulated space habitat as part of a new research mission designed to prepare astronauts for future exploration of the Moon and Mars. The agency announced it is recruiting participants for the MMEA mission, scheduled to begin no earlier than August 2027. The ground-based simulation will recreate many of the challenges astronauts are expected to face during long-duration deep-space missions. 

Selected volunteers will live and work in confined habitats that simulate months-long travel to – and from – planetary surfaces. Participants will carry out astronaut-like responsibilities, including scientific research, habitat maintenance, mock Moon and Mars walks, rover operations, and other mission tasks while adapting to limited resources and isolated living conditions. NASA researchers will also study crew health, performance, and decision-making throughout the mission to improve planning for future human spaceflight. 

According to NASA, the new program combines elements of its previous Human Exploration Research Analog (HERA) and Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog (CHAPEA) missions into a single research initiative. The findings are expected to support NASA’s Artemis campaign, future lunar surface operations, and eventual crewed missions to Mars.

Applicants must meet several eligibility requirements, including being a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, between the ages of 30 and 55, proficient in English, and able to successfully complete physical and psychological evaluations. NASA also seeks candidates with strong technical backgrounds, particularly in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM), along with a desire to contribute to advancing human space exploration. 

Those interested in participating can learn more about the mission and apply through NASA’s official Moon and Mars Exploration Analog program. Questions regarding the recruitment process can be directed to JSC-DL-CHAPEA@mail.nasa.gov.