Monsaraz will host the first analog mission carried out within a habitat on Portuguese soil. The Monsaraz Mars Analog Mission will take place from 13 to 25 October in the Lago-Alqueva Astronomical Observatory (OLA). Entry into the habitat is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Monday, 13 October, with scientists expected to exit at the same time thirteen days later, on 25 October. INESC TEC is responsible for the scientific and technological leadership of the mission.
The Monsaraz Mars Analog Mission is part of the World’s Biggest Analog (WBA), an international initiative that will carry out the largest proof-of-concept space simulation mission, preparing for life and work in space by connecting multiple habitats and collaborative research on Earth. Portugal’s participation in the WBA represents a further step in consolidating the presence on the global map of analog space exploration.
Following the success of the CAMões endeavour, carried out in November 2023 in the Azores – inside the Gruta do Natal on Terceira Island -, this new initiative brings the spirit of scientific exploration to the heart of Alentejo, where researchers and analog astronauts will simulate conditions similar to those on Mars.
The project in Monsaraz, including the operation and management of the habitat, is the responsibility of the Lago-Alqueva Astronomical Observatory (OLA). As previously mentioned, the scientific and technological leadership lies with INESC TEC, in partnership with NATIXIS. Once again, the mission benefits from the support of Associação Os Montanheiros, who led the CAMões project.
An international team with Portuguese leadership
During the two-week operation, the team will carry out a wide range of scientific experiments and technology tests, e.g., innovative software and drones, including collaborative projects with international institutions, thus highlighting the mission’s scientific relevance.
The team entering the habitat features three Portuguese researchers – Pedro Pedroso, Rafael Rebelo, and Diogo Paupério, from the University of Aveiro and INESC TEC respectively – and two young international scientists, Florence Basubas (Philippines) and Nadine Duursma (Netherlands).
Within the habitat, the mission will be led by Pedro Pedroso, an aerospace engineer, air traffic controller, and analog astronaut, ensuring the coordination of operations and the rigorous execution of scientific activities.
As in the CAMões mission, INESC TEC plays a prominent role, with researcher Ana Pires, the first Portuguese woman scientist-astronaut and commander of said mission, participating. This time, she will lead activities at the Mission Control Center (MCC) alongside Slavka Carvalho Andrejkovičová from the University of Aveiro – who also collaborates with NASA. Young INESC TEC researcher Diogo Paupério will act as the mission’s Flight Engineer / Robotics Expert.
“I’m proud to witness Portugal involved in a global initiative like this one, contributing to the scientific and technological advancement of space exploration and inspiring future generations,” said Ana Pires.
Ana Pires, who is also a fellow of The Explorers Club (a professional society dedicated to advancing scientific research and conservation), will bring the flag of the Portuguese chapter of the organisation to the mission, which will remain in the habitat under the mission commander’s care. “This flag carries significant symbolic value, having accompanied various national and international scientific expeditions in the fields of space, marine, ecological, paleontological research, and rewilding,” explained the INESC TEC researcher.
Exiting the habitat
The exit from the habitat, after thirteen days, is scheduled for 2 p.m. on 25 October, with an invitation extended to the press to visit the site where the scientists will have spent the entire mission. The command centre and OLA will also be open for visits.
On the afternoon of 25 October, technology demonstrations and live experiments are planned as part of the mission.
Science, Education, and Technology
As with the CAMões mission, these actions rely on an educational and outreach partner, responsible for connecting the mission with schools and the wider community; in this case, NUCLIO will be responsible for these activities. It’s worth mentioning that Portugal’s first outdoor analog space mission for students (EXPLORE 1) took place at OLA, in June this year – involving nine students from Portugal, Austria, and Greece in a five-day simulated Mars mission (also featuring NUCLIO as a partner).
Rosa Doran, President of NUCLIO, stated: “The mission features comprehensive educational aspects beyond the scientific component.”
INESC TEC acts as a technological and scientific partner, collaborating with the mission’s Visionary Partner, NATIXIS, a pioneer in Portugal thanks to the Solar System Workplace in Porto. This partnership enables Portuguese researchers to engage in cutting-edge projects.
Etienne Huret, CEO of NATIXIS, commented: “We are immensely proud to be part of this mission and to join such a great team, which positions Portugal in an innovative sector like space exploration. Beyond developing technological solutions, we aim to support our partners and contribute to the mission’s success and discoveries, which will certainly advance our understanding of the unknown space around us.”
João Claro, Chairman of the Board at INESC TEC, added: “This is a large-scale initiative that demonstrates the country’s potential, not only in terms of natural and geological resources – which offer exceptional analog fidelity – but also through the capabilities of our institutions, the quality of our researchers, and the impact we can achieve when collaborating at the highest level. This mission represents a new milestone in positioning Portugal within the European ecosystem of research and technological development in space.”
According to Artur Silva, Vice-Rector of the University of Aveiro (UA) – which also plays a significant scientific and technological role in this mission -, “it’s an honour for the University to contribute to the World’s Biggest Analog (WBA). By joining international teams to simulate life and work beyond Earth, this initiative reflects UA’s strategic priorities in research, internationalisation, and education, as well as our commitment to space.”
Leonel Godinho, Director of the Lago-Alqueva Astronomical Observatory, stated: “This project offers a unique opportunity to combine science, education, and astronomical tourism, reinforcing Monsaraz and the Alqueva region as references in research and innovation.”
Associação Os Montanheiros, leaders of the CAMões mission, also support this initiative, recalling that said initiative allowed seven scientists to live and work inside a lava tube, conducting studies in planetary geology, geotechnics, geophysics, astrobiology, and human factors – a historic milestone for Portuguese space research.
According to Gernot Grömer, Director of the Austrian Space Forum (OeWF), “Portugal’s representation in the WBA mission is a remarkable milestone, placing the country on the global map of planetary analog missions. The Austrian Space Forum is proud to support this effort, which will inspire young generations in Portugal and promote the future of human and robotic exploration.”
As a pioneering mission on Portuguese soil, the Monsaraz team also benefits from support from GLEX (Global Exploration Summit) as an Exploration Partner. Manuel Vaz (CEO GLEX and Expanding) said that “these are partnerships worth fostering, as they bring together vision, courage, and innovation to take Portugal further along the path of exploration of the unknown.”
With the Monsaraz Mars Analog Mission, Portugal strengthens the role in simulating space missions and developing technologies that may one day enable humans to reach and live on Mars. The team is counting down to explore Monsaraz and begin their adventure!
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