TOURINFO-March 12, 2024-The Austrian Space Forum, in collaboration with the Armenian Space Agency, is gearing up to launch its AMADEE-24 Mars analog simulation in Armenia on Tuesday, March 12, 2024.

AMADEE-24 marks the 14th Mars Analog Mission undertaken by the Austrian Space Forum (OeWF), in partnership with the Armenian Space Agency. Set to commence on March 12, 2024, this mission signifies a significant step forward in preparing for future astronautical Mars missions. A team of six analog astronauts, comprising two women and four men from Austria, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain, will work in isolation from March 12 to April 5, 2024. Over 200 scientists from 26 countries are actively participating in this international endeavor.

The mission equipment, which includes valuable and mostly unique resources, has already been transported to the test site near Armash, Armenia. The analog astronauts will reside and operate within a specially designed habitat, venturing outside only while wearing the OeWF’s Mars suit prototype. Throughout the mission, communication with the Mission Support Center in Vienna, Austria will incur a 10-minute delay to simulate the communication lag experienced between Earth and Mars.

Engaging in experiments across various domains such as human factors, robotics, and geology, the analog astronauts will utilize drones and robotic vehicles (rovers) to explore and map their environment, collect soil samples, and transport heavy payloads. Cut off from the outside world, the analog astronauts will rely solely on their team to complete tasks and resolve emergent challenges. On-site specialists will provide support and ensure crew safety, undertaking any necessary repairs without direct interaction with the analog astronauts.

The Austrian Space Forum plans to broadcast the final hour before the mission commencement live from the test site in Armenia and the Mission Support Center in Vienna, Austria. During this broadcast, scientists and mission members will elaborate on the goals and significance of analog research, as well as the unique features of AMADEE-24. The highlight of the live broadcast will be the moment when the analog astronauts enter their habitat and seal the door.

Simulating human-robotic surface activities on Mars in terrestrial analogs has emerged as a valuable tool for developing exploration mission architectures. These simulations aid in understanding the advantages and limitations of future human planetary missions, thereby enhancing remote science operations and technology development. The selection of the test site in the province of Ararat was based on its geological and topographic resemblance to Mars, offering an ideal setting for the AMADEE-24 mission.

AMADEE-24 presents an exceptional opportunity to:

• Study equipment behavior through the simultaneous usage of instruments with human-in-the-loop capabilities.
• Develop platforms for testing life-detection and geoscience techniques, as well as robotic support tools for human missions.
• Explore the analog as a model region for its Martian counterparts.
• Increase the visibility of planetary sciences and human exploration.
• Enhance the management of human missions to Mars by deploying a realistic model for Mission Support Center operations and astronaut actions.

In summary, the AMADEE-24 Mars Analog Mission represents a crucial step forward in advancing our understanding and readiness for future human endeavors beyond Earth.

Watch it live: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtokTylgR5g

TOURINFO-JUANITA MOURADIAN