NASA wants volunteers for Mars simulation for a year and has already built a base

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

The Earth mission will launch in early 2025 and will see a crew of four living in a 1,700 square meter facility – just like one would be built on Mars.

The simulated environment on Mars will put Earth-bound 'astronauts' to the testCredit: SWNS

You will have to cope well with isolation from the real worldCredit: SWNS

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

NASA has revealed the criteria for its future astronauts and warns that you must not be older than 55.

The habitat you will live in is called Mars Dune Alpha and is a 3D printed structure at the John Space Center in Houston, Texas.

It's part of an ongoing mission called CHAPEA, or Crew Health and performance exploration analogous.

NASA says it “simulates a realistic Martian habitat” with the aim of supporting long-duration space exploration missions.

“Life in Mars Dune Alpha will resemble the expected experience for those living in a future habitat on the surface of Mars,” NASA explains.

“The layout of the 3D printed habitat is designed in such a way that there are separate spaces within the habitat for living and working.”

NASA said you'll have to endure challenges such as equipment failures, communications delays and mysterious “environmental stressors.”

And you will be tasked with performing simulated space walks, operating robots, maintaining the habitat, growing crops and exercising.

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 must be a “healthy, motivated” U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

NASA requires that you be a non-smoker and between the ages of 30 and 55.

You must also be proficient in English so that you can communicate effectively with your crewmates and with mission control.

And NASA says, “Applicants must have a strong desire for unique, rewarding adventures and an interest in contributing to NASA's work to prepare for the first human journey to Mars.”

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

You have to perform tasks including simulated space walks and operating robotsCredit: SWNS

There are also some technical requirements to get the job.

NASA explains: “A master's degree in a STEM field such as engineering, mathematics or biological, physics or computer science from an accredited institution with at least two years of professional STEM experience or a minimum of one thousand hours of flying an aircraft is required.

“Candidates who have completed two years in a doctoral program in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, obtained a medical degree or completed a test pilot program are also eligible.”

Fortunately, your hard work won't go unrewarded: NASA said it will compensate everyone who takes part in the mission.

NASA says more information about the compensation will be revealed during the candidate screening process.

The deadline to register for the mission is Tuesday, April 2.

You can apply hereand you will even be asked how you have fared during Covid-19 isolation.