Ana Pires, Rui Moura and António Gaspar, INESC TEC researchers, were three of the guest speakers of the second edition of the event “Space on Earth” – an initiative by SANJOTEC, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia de São João da Madeira and the Municipality of São João da Madeira. This event aimed to foster a debate on a promising ecosystem for space tech-based businesses.
António Gaspar, Business Developer at INESC TEC, presented INESC TEC activities in the Space sector, emphasising the institution’s cross-cutting actions.
The second panel of the conference focused on the future of human space exploration, with INESC TEC researchers Rui Moura and Ana Pires sharing their experiences.
Rui Moura presented important aspects about the world of astronauts’ training, based on his experiences in the United States of America and Canada. “Understanding the profile of astronauts that space agencies seek and the specific skills they must possess is vital”, explained the researcher. The discussion highlighted the reason why scientific research in microgravity environments is crucial, and highlighted the opportunities available in Portugal, showing the activities carried out by INESC TEC and other entities.
Ana Pires presented the CAMões (Caving Analog Mission for Ocean, Earth, and Space Exploration) project, the first analog mission in Portugal – led by Associação Os Montanheiros and INESC TEC. This mission took place in November 2023 on Terceira Island, inside the lava tube of Gruta Natal. The panel also explored the importance of similar missions and the broader challenges and opportunities that Portugal faces in space exploration and robotics.
“The CAMões project, a collaborative effort with the Associação Os Montanheiros, represents a significant milestone for Portugal,” said the researcher, adding that the analog mission in the Gruta Natal lava tube” allowed to test equipment and study human behaviour under conditions similar to those of the Moon – highlighting the Autonomous Region of the Azores and Terceira Island as areas with great potential, and a strategically important location between Europe and the U.S.A. “
The event highlighted INESC TEC cross-cutting approach to the development of technologies and the experience acquired throughout various missions, which can be applied to space research. The Institute’s work also involves other areas critical to space exploration, including robotics, AI, and environmental monitoring systems.
The researchers mentioned in this news piece are associated with INESC TEC and the University of Aveiro.
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