Foodies Needed for Mission to Mars (Sort Of)

Cornell/University of Hawaii

Volunteers wanted for a mission to Mars.

​The world is apparently divided into two types of people -- those who wanted to be astronauts when they grew up and everyone else. In case you think your dreams of being part of a rocket to Mars have been dashed by cuts in the space program (and your inability to pass a NASA drug test), think again.

Cornell/University of Hawaii is seeking volunteers for a Mars Analogue Mission and Food Study. Volunteers chosen will spend 120 days on Hawaii's lava fields in a controlled environment meant to simulate life on Mars. There, the six chosen crew members will test various instant and prepackaged foods for taste and ease of use. 


The crew will live in a simulated space station, donning space suits when venturing out into the red Mars (OK, it's really Hawaii) landscape.

Cornell/University of Hawaii is searching for six crew members and two alternates for the study.  The crew members will receive room and board on "Mars" for 120 days, as well as a $25-per-day stipend. Volunteers who complete the mission will receive a $5,000 bonus. Travel expenses will be reimbursed. 

You don't have to be an astronaut to qualify, but you do have to have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in engineering, biological or physical sciences, mathematics, or computer science, be tobacco-free for at least 24 months, be fluent in English, and be able to pass a "Class 2' flight crew physical, along with other requirements (like being able to taste and smell) listed here.

If you think you've got "The Right Stuff" to taste in space, hurry up, because the deadline to submit an application and résumé is February 29.

---

Follow Clean Plate Charlie on Facebook and on Twitter: @CleanPlateBPB.