NASA Moon and Mars Exploration Analog research volunteers

NASA is recruiting four research volunteers for its first Moon and Mars Exploration Analog mission at Johnson Space Center in Houston. Participants would spend one year in ground-based habitats simulating interplanetary travel and planetary-surface work, with approximately two additional months for training and data collection. This is human-research participation, not astronaut recruitment or a spaceflight. Applicants need technical capability, relevant academic preparation and suitability for prolonged isolation, alongside medical and psychological screening. The official mission page describes ongoing recruitment and a start no earlier than August 2027. Volunteers will be reimbursed, but no amount is disclosed.

An unusual route to contribute directly to research on long-duration exploration while remaining on Earth.

Research volunteers will be reimbursed; amount not disclosed. No advertised salary or guaranteed selection. Confirm compensation, expenses and employer leave arrangements with NASA before committing.

• Read the official MMEA mission requirements and use NASA’s live Application for Analog Missions form. Complete eligibility screening and subsequent NASA selection steps; this magazine does not collect applications or health data.

• Ongoing recruitment; mission no earlier than August 2027. About 12 months confinement plus 2 months training/data collection, not closing dates.
• Ground-based research only, not employment as an astronaut or actual space travel. Prolonged confinement, medical/psychological assessment and approximately 14-month total commitment are material. Mission starts no earlier than August 2027; ongoing intake may change and selection is not guaranteed.

Confirm current terms with the issuer before applying.