NASA is seeking research participants for its next simulated deep‑space mission. Beginning no earlier than August 2027, volunteers will spend a full year living and working in isolated, confined environments at the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. The simulation, designed to mirror conditions encountered on crewed missions to the Moon and Mars, will test how humans adapt to long‑duration interplanetary travel and surface operations.
Findings from this yearlong analog—known as the Moon and Mars Exploration Analog—will help NASA safeguard astronauts and keep missions ready for future planetary exploration. The data will also support plans for a sustained lunar presence under the Moon Base initiative and upcoming Artemis flights.
Applicants must meet specific physical and educational criteria and be prepared for a multi‑day selection process that includes NASA’s physical and psychological assessments. Interested candidates should demonstrate a strong desire for unique, rewarding experiences and a commitment to advancing NASA’s efforts for extended lunar stays and the first crewed mission to Mars. The volunteer program will be detailed on the Moon and Mars Exploration Analog website, where the full application package is available.
This new mission integrates elements from NASA’s existing HERA (Human Exploration Research Analog) and CHAPEA (Crew Health And Performance Exploration Analog) programs. The HERA habitat will serve as the spacecraft while the CHAPEA habitat functions as a surface base. Volunteers will simulate months‑long transit to and from planetary surfaces, conduct mock extravehicular activities on a Mars‑like terrain, and use rovers to reach exploration sites beyond the primary habitat.
Throughout the simulation, researchers will monitor crew health and performance under resource constraints, evaluate hardware and operational protocols, and validate systems designed for deep‑space missions. The study will feed critical insights into NASA’s Human Research Program, which develops technologies and procedures to maintain astronaut health and mission readiness during long‑duration flights.
NASA Analogs Recruiting