CNN —For anyone who has ever dreamed of living on Mars, NASA is seeking potential “Martians” for a simulated mission to the red planet. Inside Mars Dune Alpha, participants will grow crops, maintain their habitat, exercise, carry out robotic operations and go on simulated spacewalks. When it comes to selecting the CHAPEA crew, the agency has specific criteria in mind that aligns with how they select astronauts. Inside the habitat, the CHAPEA 1 crew conducts "Marswalks" (left) and grows crops using a system with appropriate lighting, water and nutrients for growing plants indoors. A series of Mars simulationsThe first CHAPEA mission, which began on June 25, 2023, is set to conclude on July 6.

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Persons: Alpha, Kelly Haston, Ross Brockwell, Nathan Jones, Josh Valcarcel, “, ”, Anna Schneider Organizations: CNN, NASA, NASA’s, Space Center, Johnson Space Center Locations: Houston