Monsaraz is set to host a simulation of human exploration on Mars between April 5 and 18. The Austrian Space Forum announced the initiative on Tuesday, revealing that the project is led by Portuguese mission manager João Lousada, who currently works for the European Space Agency.
The mission team consists of six analog astronauts representing Portugal, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Sweden. These participants will test various technologies, scientific methods, and operational procedures under conditions designed to mimic the Martian environment.
During their tasks, which include the execution of 17 distinct scientific experiments, the crew members will utilize space suit simulators weighing 50 kilograms each. Communication with the operations center in Vienna, Austria, will be subject to an intentional 10-minute delay to replicate the average time required for radio signals to travel between Earth and Mars.
The project is a collaborative effort involving several Portuguese institutions, including the University of Évora, the Institute of Systems and Computer Engineering, Technology and Science, the Alqueva Lake Observatory, and the Interactive Nucleus of Astronomy and Innovation in Education. Additionally, Tekever, a Portuguese company specializing in space and defense technology, is participating in the initiative.
Sources: Observador.