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 two-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 2024

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 2023, the company has successfully organized 75 analog simulations. We have gained unique know-how, and each mission makes us better organizers. Every year, we double 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

Until 2023, 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 (drinks are not included)
• 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 (drinks are not included)
• 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

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

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