Are you free for the next 17 months?

Just in case you don't have anything planned for the next 17 months, it may be quite adventurous to sign up with the European Space Agency for a simulated trip to Mars. Volunteers will be isolated in a space craft (located in Moscow) for 17 months, and the only link to the outside world would be through a radio – with a realistic time delay such as the real astronauts would face.

The goal is to gain insight into human behavior and group dynamics under such conditions. The volunteers would experience weightlessness, radiation, a high workload in cramped conditions, lack of privacy, and limited supplies. Besides that, the volunteers can enjoy a simulated launch, outward journey of up to 250 days, and a return home.

If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, here are the details: In all, 12 European volunteers will be needed. They must be aged 25-50, be in good health, have "high motivation" and stand up to 185cm tall. Smokers, or those with other addictions, to alcohol or illicit drugs, for example, will be rejected. Knowledge of both English and Russian is required and volunteers will be paid 120 Euros (US$ 158) per day.

Unfortunately, Dino does not qualify, but if you don’t have anything planned for the next 17 months, and enjoy working in cramped environments while being exposed to large amounts of radiation, then go ahead and apply. How could you reject such an offer at 120 Euros a day?