NASA trials human expeditions to Mars through 3D printed experiment

As well as system failures, those playing cosmonaut will be subjected to environmental stressors, restricted food and resources, and limited communications with home.

For this reason, applicants with connections to current or former astronauts will have an edge in the vetting process. You’re no doubt already familiar with that ‘experience’ chestnut customary with every job vacancy.

Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield – who once headed up operations at the International Space Station – stated that a similar experiment conducted by the Russians called Mars 500 proved ineffective in 2007, because participants were ‘too much like everyday people.’

Summarising the aims of the project, scientist Grace Douglas said, ‘We want to understand how humans perform. We are looking at realistic situations that could occur on Mars.’

When they’re not troubleshooting interstellar tech or playing endless games of Monopoly, this foursome will simulate space walks using virtual reality headsets and comms to NASA engineers.

Eventually building and maintaining any sort of infrastructure on Mars will most likely depend on gathering resources from the surrounding environment, and NASA wants to gauge how difficult that process may be in practice.

Whether you believe this sounds like a dystopian reality show or a year-long vacation from everyday living, it’s essential to begin practically preparing for first-hand interplanetary exploration before considering raising the stakes.

Social isolation projects have a somewhat problematic history in cognitive science, but NASA is adamant that this project will provide vital insight to best prepare real life astronauts both mentally and physically for lengthy expeditions.

Three such studies will take place over the next few years, with the first slated for August 2022.

If you’re a tech savvy introvert with an ex astronaut for an uncle, throw your name in the hat here.