NASA Seeks Volunteers for Space Exploration Projects

NASA invites explorers globally to join its bold human space efforts—from yearlong Mars habitat simulations to student internships and citizen science projects—offering exciting roles for all ages to help shape humanity’s next giant leap into the cosmos.

NASA is calling on adventurers, scientists, and space enthusiasts worldwide to join its ambitious plans for human exploration beyond Earth. The agency’s latest opportunities range from yearlong simulated Mars missions to student programs and citizen science projects, offering diverse ways for the public to contribute to humanity’s next giant leaps in space.

One standout initiative is the CHAPEA (Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog) program, which seeks four-person crews to live in a 3D-printed Mars habitat at Johnson Space Center in Houston. The simulated mission, launching in spring 2025, will test how humans handle challenges like resource limits, communication delays, and equipment failures over 378 days. Volunteers aged 30-55 with STEM expertise—especially those holding advanced degrees or piloting experience—can apply until April 2 for this paid, ground-based “Martian” adventure.

For students, NASA’s 2025 LSP Student Volunteer Experience provides an insider’s view of Kennedy Space Center operations. College attendees with unconventional schedules can shadow professionals in engineering, public outreach, or business during weeklong sessions in May or August. The program includes facility tours, networking events, and potential launch viewings, targeting majors from aerospace engineering to communications. Younger space enthusiasts aged 8+ can join the NASA Exploration Camp in California next June, blending rocket science with clean-energy art projects. Mornings focus on engineering challenges like aerodynamics, while afternoons explore sustainability through solar-powered crafts and other hands-on activities.

Beyond structured programs, NASA invites global participants to contribute through citizen science. Volunteers can analyze real data, classify galaxies, or track wildlife migrations, with over 450 contributors earning co-authorship on published research. The agency’s open science curriculum also democratizes access to space research, teaching best practices for collaborative discovery.

These initiatives coincide with NASA’s Artemis missions, which aim to establish a lunar base as a stepping stone for Mars. By simulating Mars conditions and nurturing tomorrow’s scientists, the agency hopes to solve the twin challenges of interplanetary travel and inclusive innovation. Whether you’re a seasoned researcher, a college student, or a curious child, NASA’s expanding volunteer ecosystem offers a launchpad for cosmic curiosity—no rocket required.