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Sick of Earth? NASA is recruiting volunteers for a yearlong Moon and Mars simulation
By Mustafa Qadri at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate)
· July 9, 2026
· 5 min read
For anyone who has ever wondered whether they could handle life on another planet, NASA is offering a chance to find out well, sort of.The U.S. space agency is looking to recruit four participants for its Moon and Mars Exploration Analog (MMEA), a yearlong simulation program that is designed to ...
Key takeaway The 12-month program begins no earlier than August 2027 and will be based at the Johnson Space Center in Houston.
Why this matters in The Nashville
Nashville residents with a passion for space exploration may be intrigued by NASA's recruitment for its Moon and Mars Exploration Analog program. While the program itself will be based in Houston, the research conducted could have significant implications for Tennessee's own thriving aerospace industry. The state is home to a number of companies and organizations involved in space-related research and development, and the insights gained from this simulation could inform and improve their work. Additionally, the program's focus on characterizing risks and testing countermeasures for long-duration space missions could have relevance for local universities and research institutions with strong STEM programs. As NASA moves forward with its plans for lunar and Mars exploration, Tennesseans may have opportunities to contribute to and benefit from these efforts, making this recruitment a notable development for the local community.
About this story
Original reporting by NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 9, 2026 ·
Source: NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? For anyone who has ever wondered whether they could handle life on another planet, NASA is offering a chance to find out well, sort of.The U.S. space agency is looking to recruit four participants for its Moon and Mars Exploration Analog (MMEA), a yearlong simulation program that is designed to ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 9, 2026 by NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Mustafa Qadri at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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