Memories and Lessons Learned from an Analog Space Mission
Adam Małagowski
Space Mission Analysis Engineer, PSPA Secretary
Analog Space Missions: Will They Prepare Us to Colonize the Mooon and Mars?
Analog space missions are simulations conducted on Earth that replicate conditions in space. They allow scientists to test technologies, procedures and prepare crews for future space missions. These missions take place in specially designed habitats that mimic some of the conditions on the Moon or Mars.
There are several well-known analog habitats in the Visegrad countries, such as Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. For example, Poland has the LunAres habitat and the Analog Astronaut Training Center, and the Czech Republic operates the Hydronaut H03 DeepLab.
During analog space missions, participants face many challenges that are inherent in real space missions. Living in isolation and under time pressure, being in a confined space with a limited group of people, and having to adapt technical skills to the situations at hand are just some of them. Participants must be versatile and be able to deal with a variety of problems that may arise during the mission.
Trial of character is another essential element of analog space missions. Determination, patience and the ability to cooperate under stressful conditions are crucial to mission success. Participants must be willing to obey instructions and orders, which is essential under mission conditions.
Analog space missions are an important step in preparing for future missions to the Moon and Mars. They allow us to better understand the challenges that await us in space and to develop effective strategies for dealing with them, and each analog astronaut can feel that he or she is contributing to these preparations.
Adam Małagowski – Few facts about me and my motivation to take part in the mission
I graduated with a degree in aeronautical engineering from Imperial College London, where I wrote my master’s thesis on 3D printing in space. In the first years after graduation, I worked on the onboard software for passenger aircraft computers. Currently, I work on analysis for space missions, which is crucial in their planning. My day-to-day responsibilities include issues related to orbital mechanics and Earth observation.
I am inspired by how new technologies can be used to solve some of the biggest challenges in space exploration, such as the inability to repair or service objects in orbit, or the effects of microgravity on the human body. The LunAres Habitat particularly interested me because of its use of 3D printing and prototyping as part of an analog mission. I wanted to test on myself the extent to which humans are capable of creating prototypes that solve everyday challenges under the conditions of a simulated space mission.
I’m also committed to promoting awareness of space technologies among children and young people. So my adventure at Habitat Lunares has provided the canvas for a variety of lectures and workshops over the past few years.
What did the Hyperion mission teach me
Participation in an analog mission is a unique experience. Space exploration takes on a very personal perspective and prompts me to ask myself frequently: would I have been able to handle a real mission? Here are some of the main lessons I learned from the “Hyperion” lunar mission simulation, in which I participated as an engineering support and 3D printing specialist
Daily tasks require a lot of self-discipline and a good sense of passing time.
An astronaut’s daily schedule is planned in great detail, sometimes even down to
the minute. Delays in completing tasks accumulate throughout the day and cause
fatigue and stress. Sticking to the daily schedule was a big challenge for me,
because it required total focus on the tasks at hand.
The wellbeing of each crew member affects the work of the entire team.
I think it will not be an exaggeration if I say that the survival of all astronauts on a
real space mission depends on the health and well-being of each individual.
Motivation, energy for work, mutual trust and a sense of security are built on the
emotions and capacity for action of the mission members.
Station crew must be flexible and creative to face unexpected events.
The number of possible unplanned events is beyond any manuals and handbooks.
Malfunctions, spacewalk accidents, shortages of resources and materials are just
some of them. The key to mission success is an effective and team-developed
model for dealing with challenges.
What surprised me at the misssion
Participating in the LunAres habitat analog mission was an incredibly inspiring experience that opened my eyes to many aspects of preparing for real space missions. One of the most surprising discoveries was that an analog mission can be a path to becoming a real astronaut. An example is Sara Sabry, who flew into space after participating in an analog mission. Her story shows that such simulations can be a key step in an astronaut’s career.
Another surprise was how little water can be used to meet a person’s daily needs. When used sparingly, daily water needs can be reduced to less than 10 liters, taking into account water for drinking, food preparation and washing. This is an extremely important lesson that demonstrates the importance of resource management in a space environment.
During the mission, I also noticed that stress and fatigue accumulate over time. Prolonged isolation, time pressure and the need to work together in a confined space with a limited group of people can lead to physical and mental exhaustion. It’s a challenge that requires participants to have patience and the ability to manage stress.
I was also surprised by how different the physical exercises will be for astronauts living on the moon compared to those we do on Earth. Because of the reduced gravity, astronauts will have to adjust their workouts to keep fit. Examples of exercises that will be useful on the Moon include resistance training with rubber bands, treadmill exercises with weights, and special training programs to help maintain muscle mass and bone density.
Participating in the LunAres analog mission was not only an opportunity for me to gain valuable experience, but also to understand how many challenges await us in space. These surprising findings show how important such simulations are in preparing for future missions to the Moon and Mars.
Do I really want to fly to space?
It’s probably no surprise that participating in the analog mission prompted me to confront this question from a whole new perspective. I think I now have a much better understanding of what would cause me difficulty and what areas of knowledge and skills I would need to develop to get closer to that goal. I know that there are a number of universal skills to work on in terms of preparing to become an astronaut candidate, such as the ability to manage my time, focus on the important things, make quick decisions and take care of my mental wellbeing.
I also think that an important lesson from participating in the mission was to understand and appreciate the magnitude of the undertaking of a manned space mission. A few astronauts can go into space thanks to the strenuous efforts of thousands of scientists, engineers, designers, managers, technicians, doctors or lawyers. Therefore, each of them can feel part of such a mission, because it is a joint effort. Although today I’m not sure if I would be the best candidate to be an astronaut, I continue to make it my goal to participate in space missions – in the role of an engineer here on Earth.