If you read the actual requirements[1], they're going to be hard for a lot of people to meet. For one, you have to be able to drop everything for about two weeks near the end of the year, then about a third of 2013. You have to have a bachelor's degree, plus 3 years of experience (grad school counts for this), have to pitch a personal research project to them & have experience doing field research, be in good physical shape, not mind being cooped up with five total strangers for four months eating astronaut food, do all kinds of strange tests, etc.
I'm guessing the graduate student exception to professional experience is because that's where they're most likely to find reasonable candidates for this, because they might be able to take a semester off and possibly even get academic credit for doing something like this. Most other people couldn't just leave their jobs for a four month gig with NASA, however cool it might be.
Anyhow, it sounds like one of their goals is to have people who could be trained as NASA mission specialists. So if you want to be an astronaut someday, this might be your chance.
Specifically, they seem to be looking for bachelor of science grads, not arts. Also, you have to carry your own insurance. I'm assuming the class 2 flight physical should pare it down to fairly healthy specimens anyway. Hard to believe people who qualify aren't already employed; they may need to up the ante.
Speaking of space food, I received a package from a company I didn't recognize at work. It contained space food for me to eat at work, along with an advertising pitch that if I used their services, I'd have time to go home instead of having to eat at work.
Here's a photo of the space food package and advertising pitch: http://db.tt/bUDfgi48
When I was in college I remember seeing a box of snacks sent by some device company (maybe for laser equipment?) in the lab somewhere. Cute (and I bet effective) marketing in a world where decisions for $5000 purchases are made by people who eat ramen and are swayed by a $10 box of granola bars and stuff.
Sounds like a great opportunity for those qualified. They should film it as a reality series on the Science Channel -- "Real World" for aspiring astronauts.
I thought this was a joke; had to reread to be sure. just too bad there is little (to no) chance of actually going to mars. but hey, it's a foot in the door, eh? (riiiight)
I'm guessing the graduate student exception to professional experience is because that's where they're most likely to find reasonable candidates for this, because they might be able to take a semester off and possibly even get academic credit for doing something like this. Most other people couldn't just leave their jobs for a four month gig with NASA, however cool it might be.
Anyhow, it sounds like one of their goals is to have people who could be trained as NASA mission specialists. So if you want to be an astronaut someday, this might be your chance.
[1] http://manoa.hawaii.edu/hi-seas/