You can spend a year in a simulated space habitat for NASA. Here's how

• The simulation will take place at the Johnson Space Center in Houston starting in August 2027.
• Data gathered will help NASA prepare for future human missions under its Artemis program.
• Applicants must meet several physical, mental and education requirements.

Let's be real: You'll almost certainly never have an opportunity to step foot on another world like the moon or Mars.

Heck, unless you have deep pockets, you probably won't even have a shot of leaving Earth's atmosphere – not even briefly.

But you might have a better chance of living in an environment that imitates life in space and on another celestial body without even leaving Earth.

NASA is looking for qualified volunteers willing to spend a year secluded in simulation of space travel and interplanetary life. "Qualified" is, of course, the key word here, as not just anyone will be eligible to be selected for the excursion – which comes as the U.S. space agency prepares to send humans to the real-life moon and Mars.

Think you got what it takes? Here's everything to know about the venture, and how to apply.

Here's how to spend a year in a simulated space environment for NASA

NASA is looking for research volunteers willing to spend a year living in an environment simulating conditions astronauts would be expected to experience on the moon and Mars.

Expected to begin in August 2027, the deep space mission simulation would take place at the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

The simulation will comprise two isolated habitats – one a spacecraft, the other a base – that simulate months-long flights to and from other celestial bodies. Those selected will carry out tasks mimicking future surface operations, including conducting mock Mars walks and using a rover to travel to and explore sites located beyond the main habitat.

NASA to send astronauts to moon, Mars under Artemis program

The data NASA gathers will inform how it designs future human missions to both the moon and Mars under its Artemis program.

Earlier in 2026, a crew of four astronauts circled the moon without landing during the Artemis II mission. Next, four more Artemis III astronauts are due in 2027 to test docking capabilities with two commercial lunar landers in Earth orbit.

Both the missions would precede a historic moon landing attempt during Artemis IV in 2028, which would mark the first time in more than 50 years that astronauts stepped foot on the lunar surface.

NASA is working toward constructing a moon base by 2032 where astronauts could live and work long-term as the space agency uses a series of missions to prepare it for its next giant leap: the first crewed expeditions to Mars.

How do I know if I'm qualified?

Here's a brief look at some of the basic requirements for applicants:

• U.S. citizen or green card holder;
• Between the ages of 30 and 55 (though there can be exceptions;)
• No taller than 6'1;
• Proficient English speaker;
• Astronaut-like qualifications, including at least a bachelor's degree in engineering, biological science, physical science, or mathematics.

Four candidates will ultimately be selected following a multi-day selection process and after passing NASA’s physical and psychological assessments.

Space simulations common for NASA

NASA regularly conducts similar simulations in Houston. In fact, the simulation, known as the Moon and Mars Exploration Analog, will use elements of the agency's other mock space environments. In fact, four volunteer researchers have since Oct. 19 been living in a Mars simulation expected to last 378 days.

For the newly announced simulation, NASA will replicate life in a spacecraft traveling from Earth using a two-story, four-port habitat at a facility that includes a workspace, living area and sleeping quarters.

The surface habitat, meanwhile, will be a one-story, 3D-printed facility that mirrors the conditions of another planetary surface. The habitat is complete with private crew quarters, a crop cultivation area, an airlock and a sandbox for simulated Mars walks.

Eric Lagatta is the Space Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at [email protected]