local
Sick of Earth? NASA is recruiting volunteers for a yearlong Moon and Mars simulation
By Mustafa Qadri at KXXV (ABC 25) News
· 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 Waco
For Waco residents fascinated by space exploration, NASA's recruitment for its Moon and Mars simulation program may spark interest in the local community's own contributions to the field. Although the program will be based at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, the research conducted there can have a ripple effect on the state's overall approach to STEM education and career development. As McLennan County continues to grow and invest in its schools and workforce, initiatives like NASA's simulation program can inspire local students to pursue careers in engineering, biological science, and mathematics, potentially leading to a more skilled and diverse talent pool in the area. The program's focus on characterizing risks and testing countermeasures for long-duration space missions can also inform local discussions on the importance of investing in science and technology education, ultimately benefiting the Waco community's economic development and quality of life.
About this story
Original reporting by KXXV (ABC 25) News . The Waco 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 KXXV (ABC 25) News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 9, 2026 ·
Source: KXXV (ABC 25) News ·
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 KXXV (ABC 25) News and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Mustafa Qadri at KXXV (ABC 25) News. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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