Analog Mission¶

A mission is defined as a journey to a specific place to achieve a specific goal. In the case of analog missions proposed by us, we simulate journeys to the Moon, Mars, or asteroids. Simulation starts at the landing site and ends just before the rocket launch back to Earth, so the entire scenario happens at the site, and the analog astronaut crew is focused on realizing scientific, technical, and educational mission objectives.

The habitat allows us to simulate an extraterrestrial environment with time-delayed communication and full Mission Control Center (MCC) support. It was created for organizing scientific, educational, and exploratory missions to identify problems, test in-situ resource utilization technologies, and train future astronauts.

Analog astronauts participate in one-week simulations where Primary Investigators conduct research on or with human subjects. Thanks to the world's unique HabitatOS (TRL level 5) operating system, participants can immerse themselves in a full-fledged simulation using Artificial Intelligence support in everyday tasks.

Mission Schedule for 2025¶

All missions start on Saturday morning (10:00 A.M.) with a crew meeting and briefing. Each mission ends on Sunday, 7 days later, with a crew debriefing and a mission summary.

What is an analog simulation?¶

Educational and scientific missions are inspiring alternatives to conventional learning. They are increasingly becoming professional platforms for conducting space studies, offering a wide range of opportunities for the development of new technologies. These missions act as incubators for innovative science, where science fiction is transformed into reality. Participants can unleash their imagination and creativity without limits, using it as a trampoline to leap directly into professional space projects. This is what we observe at AATC. Analog missions motivate participants to write publications in relevant scientific journals and popular science media, providing valuable experience and training dedicated to working in the space sector. They are unique for team-building, with independent access and international activity.

Why analog simulations at AATC?¶

At the end of 2024, the company has successfully organized 93 analog simulations. We have gained unique know-how, and each mission makes us better organizers. Every year, we increase the number of organized missions. Most of the trained analog astronauts continue their careers in the space sector. AATC helps them develop and grow by supporting the publication of collaborative work on international platforms, sharing valuable international contacts, and involving them in professional space projects.

What is the difference between AATC and other analogs?¶

• Standardized physiological and psychological data collection enabling statistical analysis
• Standardized emergency simulations
• Elevated levels of carbon dioxide, altered lighting systems, and acoustic impressions
• Professional laboratory equipment to run non-invasive physiological and psychological health monitoring
• Personal coaching and advanced training with the possibility to develop after the mission experience

We have been the initiators and creators of all analog mission research stations and bioastronautics laboratories in Poland.

People who visited our missions develop the space sector worldwide, work at space agencies, and even fly to space.

Science at Our Research Station¶

With bioethical committee approval, research subjects are voluntarily and continuously monitored. Observed parameters include medical, psychological, and team dynamics. A full investigation of activities, interactions, food nutrition intake, sleep-work patterns, and waste products helps analyze the needs for further investigations of Moon/Mars missions. In the habitat, analog astronauts experiment with 3D Printing and In-Situ Resource Utilization, using components such as soil, minerals, and rocks collected during EVA.

Current research in our habitat:

• Sociodynamics, team-dynamics, psychology research
• Light influence on circadian rhythms research
• Telerobotics research
• Telemedicine research
• Virtual reality enhanced astronaut training research
• Astrobiology research
• Neuropsychology research
• Food nutrition and intake control research
• Biomimetics and bio-inspired engineering techniques research
• Material sciences, 3D-printing, and material outgassing in vacuum research
• Chemical and geological rock outcrop analysis research
• EVA procedures for human-robotic interaction and habitat maintenance research
• Human subject medical research
• Mission operations and effective communications Astronauts-MCC research
• Water and waste management research
• Eatable plants grow research
• Sensors and environmental control monitoring research

A unique feature of the habitat is complete isolation from sunlight and time. The base is fully monitored and equipped with hundreds of smart sensors, combined with the dedicated operational system - HabitatOS. The Mission Control Center (MCC) can remotely control the habitat and its environment.

What's included in the price?¶

Below, you can find a list of what's included in the price. All our missions are all-inclusive, and there are no hidden costs. We can issue payment confirmation documents or a personal/company invoice upon request (after payment). So, in the price, you will get:

• Flight suit
• Custom-made patch with mission logo (optionally with participant names)
• Online pre-training by MCC
• In-person pre-training in Poland
• Integration dinner during pre-training
• Optional cryotherapy session in a cryochamber and pre/post medical evaluation (available only when we run hypothermia studies)
• 24/7 full MCC support during the mission
• Travel to the habitat from AATC office
• Food during the mission (one of three dietary plans to choose from: regular, vege, celiac)
• Consumables and supplies for the habitat
• Accommodation at the habitat
• Scientific experiment resources for AATC experiments (note that for your own experiments, you must bring your own supplies)
• Travel back from the habitat to AATC office
• Certificate of participation
• Farewell dinner to conclude and debrief the mission
• Support in writing manuscripts and scientific publications based on mission results

What's not included in the price?¶

The price does not include travel to/from Cracow, Poland, from your respective location. You are also responsible for getting to/from the airport or a train station to our office on your own. However, this is a 5 EUR Uber ride or a 1 EUR direct bus ticket (no transfers). We discourage the use of regular taxis and other means of transportation. Note that Uber is more affordable here and is the easiest and fastest way of transportation to/from the city or airport, especially if you are in a hurry for your flight. Make sure you have an active Uber account and a valid payment method attached to your account.

Additionally, you are responsible for the cost and arrangement of your experiment materials and resources. We can assist you with buying and logistics, but you need to inform us as soon as possible! Shipment can take time, and it will not be possible to buy things while you are in Cracow. Usually, we depart for the habitat on the very next day. The habitat is also in a rural area, so there are no shops available

Timeline¶

After paying the registration fee, your spot on the mission is secured. Then you can plan your trip (buy plane tickets, book hotel for a day before/after, etc.)

We will contact you 28 days before the mission and invite you to the introductory webinar, where all the preparation details will be mentioned. During the next few days, you will be asked to submit your bio, photo, and experiment details. If you don't have your own experiment, we will assign you to one of ours.

Here, you will learn more about the habitat, experiments, and participate in team-building exercises. Soon after, we will depart for the habitat, which is approximately 90 minutes away from AATC's office. In the habitat, you will be introduced to scientific equipment and all the safety protocols. You will be assigned a role during the mission. This is the last moment before the mission. You will sleep that night in the habitat. Your mission will start on the very next day as soon as you and your team wake up.

After the mission, you will return to the AATC office in Cracow at 15:00 (Europe/Warsaw time). Return time is subject to change due to traffic or other unforeseen circumstances. Please plan your return flight accordingly.

For the next few days, we will work with you to analyze the data. After two weeks, we will have a mission conclusion webinar with a presentation of the results.

Payment¶

The total mission cost is 650 EUR, and we offer a two-installment payment plan:

• Pay 250 EUR as a registration fee now.
• Pay the remaining 400 EUR upon arrival at AATC.

Upon successful payment, your spot on the mission is guaranteed! When you receive a payment confirmation via email, you can arrange your travel itinerary. We will contact you a month before the mission with mission pretraining.

If you need more information, email us at info@astronaut.center

Application¶