image: Angelika (a student from Ellinogermaniki Agogi, Greece) carries out a solo EVA (Extra Vehicular Activity) to search for meteorites using the rover
Credit: Erasmus+ project EXPLORE
This pioneering mission is part of the EXPLORE project, an EU co-funded Erasmus+ program launched in 2023. EXPLORE, short for EXpeditionary Program for Learning OppoRtunities in analog space Exploration, aims to inspire a passion for STEAM subjects in the next generation by bringing the thrill of space exploration into classrooms through immersive simulations of Mars and Moon environments.
A collaborative effort of leading organizations in space education and research, namely the Austrian Space Forum (OeWF), the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR), NUCLIO, Ellinogermaniki Agogi (EA), and OLA – Observatório do Lago Alqueva, it provides an exceptional opportunity for students to leave their comfort zones and experience life in an extreme, isolated environment.
Project lead Gernot Grömer (OeWF) said: “A simulated Mars mission presents unique challenges – from the cognitive and mental workload to challenges of working in an international, interdisciplinary and intercultural environment, whilst embedded in an immersive tech-dominated setting. Yet these nine students not only faced these conditions head-on but actually thrived on that learning journey with self-discipline, resilience, and a truly impressive level of dedication and enthusiasm. Watch out for this generation of future explorers: they will be the ones that will realize the first actual human Mars mission."
Analog missions, like this one, are critical for preparing for actual space missions. They provide realistic simulations of the extreme conditions found on Mars or the Moon, allowing for the testing of equipment, procedures, and the study of the psychological and physiological effects of isolation on crews. The barren, reddish landscape of the Monsaraz site in summer almost perfectly replicates the terrain of Mars, making it an ideal location for such a simulation.
Rosa Doran (NUCLIO, Chair of COSPAR’s Panel on Education) commented on the mission's impact: “The transformation we observed in these students throughout the mission was remarkable. This type of hands-on, immersive learning experience is crucial for developing essential skills like problem-solving, collaboration, and adaptability. I am looking forward to following the progress of these young people. And let’s not forget their classmates, working behind the scenes to support them, following from a distance, as much a vital part of the mission as the analog astronauts themselves.”
Student analog astronaut Pedro (from Escola Secundária Frei Gonçalo de Azevedo in Cascais, Portugal) shared his experience: "At first in the habitat I was a little nervous, but afterwards it was great. I learned that it is important to follow procedure, and when we work as a team, everything is easier.” He and his teammate Patricia (Portugal) agree: “Science is a topic which connects people, even if they have different opinions on everything else, we can relate to each other easily because of our passion, and EXPLORE is all about that."
Teresa Sousa, a teacher from Escola Secundária Frei Gonçalo de Azevedo in Cascais, Portugal, added: “The EXPLORE project inspires dreams and makes us believe in the best that young people have to give. The students not only deepened their understanding of science and engineering but also developed critical life skills. This extraordinary educational adventure provided them with a first-hand look at the challenges and rewards of space exploration, and I have no doubt it will shape their future paths."
The mayor of the municipality of Reguengos Monsaraz, Marta Prates, was present at the closing of the mission to meet the students that emerged from their habitat, and she visited the Mission Support Centre. Media representatives present had the opportunity to interact with the EXPLORE 1 team, examine the mission toolkits and experience for themselves a little of the life of an analog astronaut through various hands-on activities, including trying on parts of the space suits, as used by the students.
EXPLORE 1 has already received extensive coverage in Portugal’s leading press, such as Público and Forbes Portugal, as well as other major media, including the highest-rated television channel, SIC.
The next EXPLORE mission is scheduled for early summer 2026. Teachers eager to offer their students this life-changing experience in the world of analog missions are encouraged to apply through the EXPLORE website: https://explore-project.eu/join-explore/ .
Opportunities for sponsorship and support are still available for companies seeking visibility in Europe's only open-field Mars simulation station. Innovative companies and institutions can also leverage this unique setting for team-building events, offering clients or employees an unforgettable analog mission experience. Contact alquevahab@oewf.org for more information.
Issued by: leigh.fergus@cosparhq.cnes.fr
Website: https://explore-project.eu
Social media: www.facebook.com/EXPLOREprojectEU and www.instagram.com/exploreprojecteu/
Press kit in English
Press kit in Portuguese
Selected photos from EXPLORE 1 mission here.
Please note that photos should be used only in connection with the EXPLORE – EXpeditionary Program for Learning OppoRtunities in analog space Exploration project – an Erasmus+ funded project under Action Type: KA220-SCH – Cooperation partnerships in school education. Grant Agreement nº 2023-1-AT01-KA220-SCH-000154094. Period: September 2023 – August 2026
For any photo used, credit should be given to Erasmus+ project EXpeditionary Program for Learning OppoRtunities in analog space Exploration (EXPLORE).