Spotlight: Alon Tenzer – An Analog Astronaut on a Simulated Mars Mission
What does it take to become an Analog Astronaut? Why do we run Mars simulations on Earth? How can you get involved?
Issue No 37. Subscribers 6031. With the endorsement of the Austrian Space Forum (ÖWF).
This week we spoke with Alon Tenzer, an Analog Astronaut, who participated in AMADEE-20, a Mars Analog Mission which is a simulation of a crewed mission to Mars taking place right here on Earth. The one-month-long mission (October 2021), managed by the Austrian Space Forum (ÖWF), was conducted in the heart of the Negev desert in Israel.
Alon was fortunate to be a member of the mission’s Flight Crew. Alon holds a Master of Science in Neuroscience from the Weizmann-Institute of Science and a BSc in Computer Science and Math. He is currently active in the field of AI, most recently as Deputy Head of NLP Hub at AI Singapore. He is also a veteran of the Israeli Air Force, where among other more confidential positions he was tasked to lead software development efforts for key projects.
Analog missions are not an easy feat and require tremendous efforts that push human capabilities to their limit. However, they present a great opportunity for us to simulate different aspects of missions to other planets and specifically prepare us for crewed missions to the Red Planet. The Austrian Space Forum focuses primarily on Mars analog research and previously organized quite a number of international expeditions, most recently in Israel, Oman, Austria & Morocco. Its next analog mission will be held in Armenia in 2024.
What is an ‘Analog Mission’? or AMADEE-20?
I think we should first clarify the first half of the term “Analog Mission”. When people hear “Analog”, they usually think about computers or anything in contrast to digital but in this case, the term and meaning actually stem from “analogy”. The word is used here to emphasize that while the missions aim to simulate many aspects of a mission to a different planet, it does not manage to simulate all aspects (due to our earthly limitations). Hence the mission is analogous to a mission on Mars (in this case) but definitely not a perfect model.
The AMADEE-20 mission simulated various aspects of a mission to Mars, where technologies, procedures, and human-robotic interactions were tested in a Mars-like environment and conditions. The mission’s international Flight Crew consisted of six analog astronauts (from 6 different countries). The crew resided in a modular Mars habitat and was isolated for the entire duration of the mission. During that time, they conducted over 25 scientific experiments, tested equipment, and performed simulated Mars exploration tasks. The experiments were mostly in the fields of geoscience, human factors, and robotics. The results of the experiments and valuable data gathered throughout the mission provide great insights for future Mars missions.
For more information and visuals from the mission, you can check out this documentary that came to light earlier this year.
What made Israel the perfect location for AMADEE-20?
Analog missions are conducted in challenging environments with specific terrain characteristics with some resemblance to the terrain on Mars. Previous analog missions of the Austrian Space Forum were held in deserts, caves, and even glaciers. The chosen site for this mission was located in the Negev desert in southern Israel within the erosion structures of the Ramon Crater. While not an impact crater like those found on the surface of Mars, it bears a resemblance to various Martian surface features and a variety of terrain types relevant to Mars exploration. The test site offers a wide range of sand and rocky surfaces combined with a broad variability in inclination.
Potential sites for the first habitat/colony on Mars are being continuously explored. One prime geological structure that is being considered is “lava tubes” - natural conduits formed by flowing lava, that if emptied leave a cave that can shield future colonists from harmful radiation.
What technologies did you test? How did the simulation play a part in those experiments?
During the mission, we got to work and test different technologies and procedures. We conducted more than 25 experiments, all requiring multiple sessions to achieve their research goals. We tested different drones and rovers at different levels of development, but all intended to bring value to the exploration of Mars. We operated those remotely from the habitat or manually in the field, and sometimes the operation required collaboration from both.
Some of the remotely-controlled rovers and UAVs we tested were used to scout areas and create 3D maps of various areas, so we can send them ahead of any human missions to those areas. It is believed that astronauts will be sent to Mars to build a habitat only after we’ve sent all the necessary robotic tools that can assist with the process. But even after we achieved that, we know robots will always remain an integral part of the exploration efforts.
Another experiment was done to evaluate whether a person who is not medically trained could produce meaningful ultrasound images and perform an examination in a Mars habitat (where a medical doctor may not always be available).
When it comes to the simulation, one of the main technologies that enables it is the Aouda Spacesuit Simulator. The suit is a highly sophisticated technological achievement developed by the Austrian Space Forum (one of 5 organizations worldwide to build one). The suit mimics a real spacesuit and helps us to figure out if those technologies can really be used on Mars and give meaningful feedback to the researchers.
Can you tell us more about the Aouda Spacesuit Simulator?
The suit is intricately designed with various sub-systems. It features a portable life support system, an array of sensors to monitor CO2 levels, temperature, humidity, biometrics, and other vital signs, as well as mission-critical systems for communication, navigation, and a head-up display. It's crucial that these systems operate harmoniously.
Constant refinement has been ongoing across different missions, with the suit being subjected to rigorous testing. One intriguing instance I can share is the suit's trial against an electrical discharge similar to a lightning strike, aimed at ensuring it could shield the astronaut inside. You might be curious about the relevance of such a test for a Martian environment. Well, lightning strikes can occur on Mars, triggered by sandstorms or dust devils (which on Mars can reach heights of 8 kilometers!), composed of electrically charged dust particles.
The spacesuit consists of three layers, with the exoskeleton forming the middle layer. This presents an intriguing application of the technology, as exoskeletons are typically used to shoulder additional weight and lessen physical strain. However, in this context, the exoskeleton has been designed with heightened joint resistance, extending even to the fingers. The purpose of this design is to replicate the conditions within a pressurized spacesuit, wherein astronauts consistently exert extra effort at the joints.
The entirety of the hardware embedded in the suit weighs in at approximately 50kg. This significant load that astronauts have to bear while conducting experiments undoubtedly adds to the physical strain, but it's also a crucial element of the simulation.
As previously noted, the suit is under continuous development, with newer models always in progress. During our mission, we conducted tests on the suit's fabric as part of an ongoing effort to improve spacesuit materials. The objective is to create suits capable of withstanding the harsh conditions of the Martian environment.
Could you tell us about the training process and perhaps the requirements for becoming an analog astronaut?
Analog astronauts, like all astronauts, aren't trained from scratch. These are professionals with expert backgrounds who undertake specialized training to master a distinct set of skills necessary to become astronauts. Our analog astronaut corps comprises scientists, engineers, and medical doctors from diverse sectors. All members possess advanced degrees and experience pertinent to our mission objectives. While a considerable number work in the space sector, that isn't universally the case.
Upon training to become analog astronauts, we embarked on comprehensive learning. The aim was to elevate everyone's proficiency in a range of space and mission-related subjects. Consequently, the training and preceding screening processes were both thorough and wide-ranging. Just to give an idea, our training covered topics such as planetary science, geology, spaceflight and spacesuits, first-aid, outdoor survival, and psychology, as well as technical training in various technologies utilized by the ÖWF.
A substantial portion of our training was dedicated to the mission itself. We carried out five dress rehearsals, testing our procedures and familiarizing ourselves with the specific experiments slated for our mission. One significant challenge that we're addressing through technology and rigorous testing is the communication delay between the flight crew on Mars and the support center on Earth, which averages around 10 minutes. While this might not seem like a long time, it presents a considerable hurdle when managing a complex mission in a harsh environment, involving many stakeholders and intricate technologies. Should any complications arise, astronauts won't be able to receive immediate assistance from the support center.
What were some of the most challenging aspects of the simulation?
There are numerous challenges associated with such a mission, spanning both physical and psychological realms. On the physical front, executing precise measurements and experiments under the demanding constraints of the spacesuit can be particularly challenging. Psychologically, we grapple with being removed from familiar environments, under constant pressure to perform and adhere to a meticulously coordinated schedule (broken down into 15-minute increments) throughout the day.
The isolation protocol we observed further amplified these challenges. Beyond adapting to a different way of consuming media and information compared to life on Earth, our communication with the support center and Earth-based team was delayed by 10 minutes each way, mimicking the communication lag on Mars. This introduced another layer of complexity to the mission and accentuated the feeling of isolation.
Additionally, all of us had left our loved ones behind for the duration of the mission, with communication restricted beyond what one would usually experience when traveling. I, for instance, had to leave my 6-month-old twins at home. This was made possible by the tremendous support from our families.
We surmounted these challenges thanks to our past experiences, rigorous training, and specific preparation for the mission. This helped us not just to withstand, but also to learn, adapt and perform under these unique conditions.
Who else participated in the analog mission and was there any room for collaboration with startups?
Over 200 volunteers and researchers actively contributed to various aspects of the mission, including scientific support, field operations, finance, public relations, marketing, legal matters, and more. Notably, numerous researchers and scientists oversaw their experiments being conducted in the field. If you're interested in getting involved, I encourage you to explore the 'Collaborate' section on the ÖWF website.
The success of any analog mission is strongly tied to collaborations with universities, research centers, space agencies, and major enterprises, often providing industry-leading technologies for on-field testing. While we did not collaborate directly with startups for this mission, several of the research teams we worked with are keen on commercializing their technologies via partnerships, startups, and collaborations with reputable companies and agencies. They aspire to create technologies that not only advance Mars exploration but also yield beneficial applications here on Earth. Examples include drones, 3D mapping, and navigation software, among others.
While Mars is the ultimate goal, the generally accepted strategy involves first establishing a presence on the Moon. Moreover, significant innovation is still needed before we can inhabit either of these celestial bodies. We need to enhance exploration technologies, refine psychological training methods, advance medical devices, perfect life detection, master contamination prevention and control, and improve propulsion and spaceship landing technologies, among others.
Thank you Alon for your insights and inspiration!
Here at Space Ambition, we are captivated by the notion that our efforts towards colonizing Mars will also enhance life on Earth and progress our civilization. Feel free to check out our previous pieces about Mars, and don't hesitate to drop us an email at hello@spaceambition.org if you'd like to join the conversation about our shared Martian future.
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Thanks for the article. I’ve heard about such experiments, but didn’t know the details. Not sure I have guts to venture in such endeavor, but I hope someone of you will:)