![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/mmea.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>NASA is recruiting research participants for the agency\u2019s next simulated deep space mission. Beginning no earlier than August 2027, research volunteers will spend one year living and working in interplanetary environments at the agency\u2019s Johnson Space Center in Houston, operating under isolated conditions expected during crewed missions to the Moon or Red Planet. \u00a0NASA Analogs Recruiting<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n As part of the Golden Age of innovation and exploration, NASA will send astronauts on increasingly difficult missions to explore more of the Moon for scientific discovery, economic benefits, establish an enduring human\u00a0presence on the lunar surface, and to build on the foundation for the first crewed missions to Mars. https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/hrp\/<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
\u00a0
Insights from this new, yearlong experience, called the Moon and Mars Exploration Analog, can be used to help keep astronauts safe and mission-ready during future planetary surface operations. The results also could inform plans for a sustained lunar presence through the agency\u2019s Moon Base<\/a> and future Artemis<\/a> missions.
\u00a0
NASA is looking for applicants for the approximately year-long mission simulation, which will take place in two confined habitats. In addition to specific physical and education requirements, volunteers must be willing to take part in a multi-day selection process and pass NASA\u2019s physical and psychological assessments, found on the Moon and Mars Exploration Analog web page<\/a>. Candidates also should have a strong desire for unique, rewarding experiences, and interest in contributing to NASA\u2019s work to prepare for extended stays on the lunar surface and the first crewed mission to Mars.
\u00a0
The Moon and Mars Exploration Analog evolves elements of the agency\u2019s HERA (Human Exploration Research Analog<\/a>) and CHAPEA (Crew Health And Performance Exploration Analog<\/a>) missions into a single, integrated mission to streamline how researchers evaluate astronaut adaptation across the full range of potential mission scenarios. Using the HERA habitat as a spacecraft and the CHAPEA habitat as a base, the volunteers will live and work in confined, isolated environments that simulate months-long flights to and from other planetary surfaces. They also will mimic surface operations, including mock Mars walks and using a rover to travel to exploration sites located beyond the main habitat.
\u00a0
Throughout the Moon and Mars Exploration Analog mission, researchers will study crew health and performance under resource limitations and mission demands. These missions also help NASA assess and validate hardware, technologies, protocols, requirements, and other systems designed to support crew health and performance on long-duration deep space missions, all without leaving Earth. The effort will provide valuable data for NASA\u2019s Human Research Program<\/a>, which innovates ways to keep astronauts healthy and mission-ready.
\u00a0
To apply, visit:<\/p>\n
\u00a0
For more about NASA\u2019s Human Research Program, visit:<\/p>\nShare<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n