US NASA Begins Preparations for Building Humanity's 'Mars Colony' [Reading Science]

"Recruitment of Participants for Long-term Residence Adaptation Simulation Training"

The "Mars Sand Dune Alpha" set up by NASA at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] The United States is officially beginning basic research for building human "colonies" on the Moon and Mars. They are creating environments similar to the Moon and Mars to study and develop solutions and technologies for various problems that arise from long-term habitation.

The U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced on the 5th (local time) that it is recruiting astronauts to participate in the first one-year deep space stress simulation training starting in the fall of 2022.

NASA plans to build a habitat at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, that replicates the surface and environment of Mars, and will house participants in three separate one-year sessions to research solutions and technologies to prevent potential issues. The participants will live in a 1,700㎡ habitat module called "Mars Dune Alpha," which is 3D-printed. The main goal is to directly experience and develop solutions for difficulties that may be encountered during Mars exploration, such as resource limitations, equipment failures, communication delays, and other environmental stressors. Missions will also include spacewalk simulations, scientific research, virtual reality and robot operation training, and communication exchanges.

Applicants must be English-proficient, excellent communicators, non-smoking U.S. citizens or permanent residents aged 30 to 55. They must hold a master's degree in science or engineering fields such as mathematics, biology, physics, or computer engineering from an accredited research institution and have at least two years of work experience, or be pilots with a minimum of 1,000 flight hours. Preference will be given to those who have completed military officer training or hold a doctoral degree in science or engineering with over four years of relevant work experience.

NASA stated, "Participants will be selected according to the standard criteria set for astronaut candidates," and added, "If you have a strong desire for a unique and rewarding adventure and are interested in contributing to the preparation for humanity's first trip to Mars, please apply."

Meanwhile, through the "Artemis" program, NASA plans to conduct humanity's second manned lunar exploration by 2024. This mission will include, for the first time, female and people of color astronauts. NASA has also signed the "Artemis Accords" with more than ten countries, including South Korea, to jointly promote the construction of long-term habitation bases for lunar exploration and resource development. Manned Mars exploration is also planned by 2030.