European students complete immersive analog Mars mission in Portugal

European students complete immersive analog Mars mission in Portugal
by Erica Marchand
Paris, France (SPX) Jul 02, 2025

This pioneering analog mission, part of the EU-backed EXPLORE project, has brought a cohort of European high school students out of isolation following their participation in a simulated Mars expedition in Monsaraz, Portugal. Launched in 2023 under the Erasmus+ program, EXPLORE-short for EXpeditionary Program for Learning OppoRtunities in analog space Exploration-seeks to ignite interest in STEAM fields through experiential learning in space analog environments.

Led by a consortium that includes the Austrian Space Forum (OeWF), COSPAR, NUCLIO, Ellinogermaniki Agogi (EA), and OLA - Observatorio do Lago Alqueva, the initiative allows students to engage in immersive, technology-intensive simulations of lunar and Martian conditions. These missions are designed not only to test tools and procedures but also to examine the psychological and physiological impacts of isolation on crew members.

"Simulated Mars missions pose cognitive, emotional, and intercultural challenges," said OeWF's Gernot Gromer, who leads the project. "Yet these nine students excelled, showing discipline, resilience, and contagious enthusiasm. This generation could be the one to lead us to Mars."

The Monsaraz site, with its arid, red terrain, offers a near-perfect Martian analog. During the mission, students operated as analog astronauts, managing experiments and procedures while fully immersed in an isolated habitat. The broader cohort also included classmates working remotely in support roles.

"The transformation in the students was profound," said Rosa Doran of NUCLIO and COSPAR's Education Panel. "Hands-on experiences like this are key to cultivating teamwork, adaptability, and critical thinking."

Pedro, a student from Cascais, Portugal, said: "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." His teammate Patricia added: "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."

Teacher Teresa Sousa highlighted the mission's lasting value. "EXPLORE inspires dreams and reveals the best in young people. They not only advanced in science and engineering, but also in essential life skills."

Local officials, including Marta Prates, mayor of Reguengos Monsaraz, attended the mission's conclusion, interacting with the student crew and support teams. Media representatives toured the habitat and participated in astronaut-style activities.

EXPLORE 1 received national media attention in Portugal and is expected to be followed by another mission in summer 2026. Applications are open to educators via here.

Companies can support or participate in future missions, including through team-building opportunities. Inquiries may be directed to alquevahab at oewf.org.

Research Report:EXpeditionary Program for Learning OppoRtunities in analog space Exploration