Diversifying the concept of analogue missions to explore and evaluate new concepts for future space missions

Conference paper (2021)

Authors

Mona Nasser Plymouth University
Ana Margarida Esteves University of Lisbon
A.C.J. Vermeulen System Engineering - TPM
Diego Maranan University of the Philippines Open University
Ann Peeters Erasmus Hogeschool Brussel
Pieter Steyaert Universiteit Antwerpen
Research Group
System Engineering (TPM) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2021 Mona Nasser, Ana Margarida Esteves, A.C.J. Vermeulen, Diego Maranan, Ann Peeters, Pieter Steyaert
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Published Date

2021

Language

English

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Faculty

Technology, Policy and Management

Department

Multi Actor Systems

Research Group

System Engineering

Abstract

A range of analogue space missions has been successful in exploring the psychological impact of confinement, analysing team dynamics during long-term isolation, performing biomedical research, developing food strategies, testing space suit simulators, and investigating human-robot interactions. In this presentation, we compare three different environments that use sustainability and/or artistic practices that provide possibilities to expand and diversify the concept of analogue missions. This presentation uses a literature review and observations to identify possibilities for reciprocal learning and collaboration between currently run analogue space missions and the following three projects, in which the author team has been involved in as a participant or as a researcher: a) ecovillages, b) virtual futuristic space mission workshops called CTIM, c) a community developed art installation called Seeker. The relevance of this comparative exercise comes from the fact that all these scenarios inquire into how to create conditions for the sustenance of human and non-human life in adverse environments: disrupted terrestrial ecosystems and the life-threatening conditions of outer space. The scenarios explored by ecovillages, Seeker, and CTIM can provide complimentary perspectives and inform discussions on how to prepare for different aspects of short term or long-term future space missions.