Opinion: So you want to spend a year (pretending) to go to Mars? Here are some things to consider

NASA has put out a call for applicants to apply to be test subjects for an upcoming Mars study that will last for a full Earth year. The study aims to simulate human space exploration and will take place in a 1,700 square-foot 3-D printed habitat. The requirements include being a healthy, non-smoking US citizen or permanent resident between the ages of 30 and 55 and having certain STEM qualifications or military experience. The mission will focus on studying individual and crew dynamics and observing their performance under stress. Participants should consider the impact on their personal lives and possessions before committing to the study.