EMMPOL 10 & 11 Space Analog Simulation Campaigns: studies on physiology, space technologies and life support
Abstract
Since 2020, it has been possible to participate in space analog missions in Poland. Thanks to the Analog Astronaut Training Center (AATC), a series of EuroMoonMars POLand (EMMPOL) habitat isolation missions are taking place. The aim of these campaigns is to investigate the effects of isolation on the crew as well as to conduct unique scientific experiments to advance space science. These missions also serve as training simulations to prepare future astronauts for the rigours of space exploration. The EMMPOL 10-11 missions will take place in April 2022. The crew will be supported by mission control. Both these seven-day isolation periods will give the crew the opportunity to broaden their scientific skills and knowledge as they perform their individual and collective experiments. Communal activities, such as eating, physical training and rests, will aid the crew to work as a collective. The EMMPOL 10-11 campaigns have crews of five to six analog astronauts, with each crew member being assigned a role based on their expertise and background. Crew composition for EMMPOL 10/11 is the following: commander (I. Bustamante/P. Frering), vice-commander/Capcom (W. Dobney/K. Gautam), medical officer / biomedical engineer (F. Palma, S. Solbiati), engineer (S. Mutte/ L. Bryne/J. Renaghan), public relations officer (K. Claeys/A. Gigimon). During these isolation periods, a series of important scientific experiments will take place to investigate different aspects of space travel. These experiments include comprehensive physiological studies related to nutrition, sleep, blood, cognitive skills, mental health, memory, and the effects of cryotherapy. Furthermore, the impact of virtual reality on stress levels, metabolism and other physiological parameters including breathing and heart activity will be monitored. Simultaneously, studies focusing on living quarter usage and proxemics will take place. The use of remote-controlled telescopes from inside this isolated, confined and artificial environment representative of a space habitat, will be evaluated. Lastly, space life support systems (plants, rotifers and bacteria) and crystal structure growth, in specifically designed 3D printed modules, will be subjected to simulated microgravity using a Random Positioning Machine (RPM) along with cryogenic treatments to study the effects of microgravity and temperature dependant behaviour. To further aid the mission, a dedicated imaging system will be developed and mounted on the RPM. The results obtained during EMMPOL 10 & 11 will further broaden our scientific understanding and the effects of isolation in a space analog habitat. Such missions will be discussed in detail in this presentation. Acknowledgements: Student grants and support provided by KU Leuven, SCK CEN and EMMESI. This work was funded by ESA/BELSPO/Prodex IMPULSE-2 contract (PEA 4000109861). The mission was made possible with the organization of EuroMoonMars and AATC Poland.
- Publication:
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44th COSPAR Scientific Assembly. Held 16-24 July
- Pub Date:
- July 2022
- Bibcode:
- 2022cosp...44.2881D