Explaining what SIRIUS in fact entails, NASA says: “Ever dreamed of what it would be like to be on a long period spaceflight?

“NASA needs volunteers to assist in finding out regarding the physical as well as psychological impacts of isolation as well as confinement on people to help prepare for objectives to the Moon and also on to Mars.

Speaking about the employment drive, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine claimed: “We’re celebrating our 20th year of continual existence aboard the International Space Station in low-Earth orbit this year, as well as we’re on the brink of sending out the first female and also following guy to the Moon by 2024.

However, by taking part, you will go some way to helping mankind get one step closer to the red planet.

Explaining what SIRIUS actually entails, NASA says: “Ever dreamed of what it would be like to be on a long duration spaceflight?

“NASA needs volunteers to assist in learning about the physiological and psychological effects of isolation and confinement on humans to help prepare for missions to the Moon and on to Mars.

“The Human Research Program partners with the Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences’ ground experimental facility, or NEK, to conduct a series of analog missions as part of the SIRIUS, or Scientific International Research In Unique terrestrial Station in Moscow, Russia.”

Like all projects such as these, there are a few requirements that volunteers have to meet if they wish to apply.

You must be:

• A US citizen
• 30-55 years old
• Successful completion of a modified US Air Force Class III Physical, dental and oral examination, and psychological screening
• Technical skills demonstrated through an advanced educational degree, professional experience or completion of military officer training
• Willing to be confined and isolated for 8-months
• Proficient in the Russian and English languages

If you think you fit the bill and fancy taking the leap, then you can find out more information by getting in touch with NASA at [email protected] or visiting the programme’s website here.

This comes a few months after the space agency launched another project looking for people to send to the Moon in just four years time.

Speaking about the recruitment drive, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said: “We’re celebrating our 20th year of continuous presence aboard the International Space Station in low-Earth orbit this year, and we’re on the verge of sending the first woman and next man to the Moon by 2024.

“For the handful of highly talented women and men we will hire to join our diverse astronaut corps, it’s an incredible time in human spaceflight to be an astronaut.

“We’re asking all eligible Americans if they have what it to takes to apply beginning 2 March.”