Analog missions are simulated space missions conducted on Earth that simulate the living conditions of astronauts on a real space mission. These missions provide researchers with a controlled environment to study the physical and psychological effects of long-duration space travel on humans. Analog missions are crucial to the advancement of space science as they provide a means to test new technologies and methods for space exploration, improve our understanding of human behavior and physiology, and develop strategies for enhancing crew safety and performance.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has recognized the importance of analog missions in advancing space science and has actively pursued its analog program. The success of the first UAE Analog Mission, accomplished as part of the SIRIUS-21 program, highlights the nation’s commitment to supporting scientific research and its ambition to lead in the field of space exploration. The UAE’s participation in analog missions will not only contribute to the advancement of space science but also inspire the nation’s youth and promote the development of a highly skilled workforce in the field of space science and technology.
The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) has announced the successful completion of the first UAE Analog Mission, as part of the SIRIUS-21 programme, which aimed to test the effects of isolation on human psychology and physiology. Analog Astronaut Saleh AlAmeri from MBRSC took part in the mission with international collaborators from the Institute of Medical and Biological Research in Moscow and NASA. AlAmeri conducted 70 experiments, including five experiments from four Emirati universities covering the fields of physiology, psychology, and biology. The mission’s success will positively reflect on scientific research efforts and contribute to new knowledge and innovation. The UAE’s participation in the mission demonstrates the world’s confidence in the nation’s space exploration capabilities and reflects the high value of national initiatives and projects in the field of space exploration for the benefit of humanity and the global scientific community.
MBRSC is pleased to announce the second participation in partnership with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Human Research Program (HRP), on board of the HERA analog. ERA is a unique three-story habitat designed to serve as an analog for isolation, confinement, and remote conditions in exploration scenarios. The HERA analog spans over 45 days. The program follows a general campaign and in each campaign there are 4 missions. The objective from this analog is to ecplore the effects of isolation on the human body, and allows us to understand what are the implications on such mission in the future.