Tuesday, June 24, 2025

February 22, 2012

NASA Now Recruiting Chefs For Mars

It's normally the scientists and engineers that go up into space, but NASA has realised that while people are up there, they need to eat. Whilst a little ahead of itself, a study has opened in Hawaii to find a chef for Mars. Do you have what it takes?

It’s normally the scientists and engineers that go up into space, but NASA has realised that while people are up there, they need to eat. Whilst a little ahead of itself, a study has opened in Hawaii to find a chef for Mars. Do you have what it takes?

The mission, should you choose to accept it, will be a ground-based “analogue mission”, testing different foods and what it would be like in space. The requirements for selection are as follows:

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, in engineering, biological or physical sciences, mathematics, or computer science.
  • Professional experience (including graduate school) of at least three years beyond the bachelor’s degree
  • Ability to pass a class 2 flight physical examination
  • No history of upper airway surgery, rhinoplasty, chronic rhinitis or chronic sinusitis
  • No other medical or psychological condition that would preclude participation in this study
  • Willingness and ability to eat a wide range of foods
  • Normal sense of taste and smell
  • Tobacco-free for at least 24 months
  • Demonstrated ability to conduct field research
  • Strong interest in human space exploration
  • Fluency in verbal and written English
  • Availability and willingness to take time to participate in the workshop and the two analogue missions

Household cooking skills are preferred. Think you’re up for it? Apply here.

[Source: Shortlist]