The analogue mission simulates the exploration of space by taking place on a remote and uninhabited island in Scotland – see header image. The island has no infrastructure or services, resources are limited to what can be carried, and evacuation from the island can be delayed due to challenging conditions, all of which are analogous to space exploration.
Before the analogue mission, there will be a selection and training weekend for analogue astronauts: 22-23 April 2023. This weekend will take place in Snowdonia National Park, North Wales, UK to assess potential analogue astronaut suitability for the mission (which could involve two weeks of continually challenging weather conditions). This weekend will also include training for the mission in leadership, teamwork, and problem solving. The selection and training of analogue astronauts is similar to that of astronauts before they embark on a space mission.
The analogue astronaut's
mission will begin when they leave mainland UK on 12 August 23 by boat, simulating spaceflight. On arrival, the analogue astronauts mission is to explore the planet (island) and conduct a programme of planetary science and research, just like during space missions. Analogue astronauts will arrive back on mainland UK on 26 August 23. Your research could feature
in this programme.
If selected, your research will be conducted by the analogue astronauts during their two-week mission. This could involve them testing a new product, service, or technology for you. Alternatively, you may want to propose a study that involves the analogue astronauts as research participants. Your research could include pre- and post-surveys, interviews, and/or focus groups with the analogue astronauts. You may like to collected visual/audio data, or conduct an observational study during the analogue mission.
If you would like to propose a study, please complete this form as an initial expression of interest. Meanwhile, we have an open call for analogue astronauts (there are 6 places) and another call for applicants to the analogue mission control team. Once the calls are closed on 31 March 2023, the team at Space Health Research will review all research proposals and analogue astronaut applications. We aim to include as much research as possible (just like a space mission), so studies will be selected based on their feasibility to be integrated into the analogue mission. Analogue astronauts will be selected based on the eligibility criteria (see analogue astronaut call) and the requirements of the selected research.
This call for analogue mission research is as open and flexible as possible to enable a whole spectrum of research to be included.
Please complete and submit your proposal by 31 May 2023. If you have any questions about how your research could feature during the mission, please email:
hello@spacehealthresearch.com.
