August 29, 2026
GYP students joined Austrian Space Forum experts for an interactive introduction to Mars analog missions, spacesuit technology, astronaut training, and youth opportunities.
Global Youth Philanthropy’s Chapter of the Mars Society and the Austrian Space Forum (OeWF) co-hosted “Live Mars Mission Simulation for Youth,” a virtual educational event introducing students to the science, technology, and teamwork behind Mars analog missions.
The event was hosted by GYP student leader David Wang and Manfred Xirinachs, president of the Mars Society Costa Rica Chapter. Speakers from the Austrian Space Forum included Reinhard Tlustos, Willibald Stumptner, Guillaume Thirion, and analog astronaut Olivia Dresen. Ron Storie, Director of Chapters and Membership for the Mars Society, also joined the program.
Simulating Mars on Earth
Mars analog missions use locations on Earth to recreate some of the conditions and operational challenges that future astronauts may face on Mars. Researchers use these missions to test equipment, scientific procedures, communication systems, crew cooperation, and emergency responses.
The Austrian Space Forum has nearly three decades of experience in space research and education. Its teams have conducted more than 14 analog missions in deserts, glaciers, mountains, caves, and crater-like environments.
Unlike organizations with permanent analog stations, OeWF travels to different locations for its missions. This allows researchers to examine a variety of Mars-like landscapes while involving local scientists, students, and organizations.
One distinctive feature of OeWF missions is a simulated ten-minute communication delay in each direction between the field crew and the Mission Support Center. Because astronauts on Mars cannot receive immediate instructions from Earth, they must be able to make decisions independently.
The Mission Support Center brings together flight directors, scientists, medical experts, psychologists, communications officers, information-technology specialists, and media teams. The presentation showed students that Mars exploration requires contributions from many professions—not only astronauts and engineers.
Training as an Analog Astronaut
Olivia Dresen shared her experience joining OeWF’s 2026 Analog Astronaut Corps. Her background includes physics, aerospace engineering, biology, and research into the effects of space radiation on the brain.
OeWF’s selection process included interviews, medical evaluations, physical-fitness tests, teamwork exercises, rover operations, and engineering challenges. Six candidates were ultimately selected from approximately 100 applicants.
Their training covered planetary science, mission operations, radio communication, first aid, firefighting, engineering, physical conditioning, and spacesuit operations.
A highlight of Dresen’s presentation was the approximately 50-kilogram Aouda spacesuit simulator. Its systems monitor temperature, oxygen, carbon dioxide, communications, and the astronaut’s physical condition. An internal exoskeleton also makes movement more difficult, helping reproduce some of the challenges of working in a pressurized spacesuit.
Dresen described a spacesuit as a “one-person spacecraft.” Even simple activities—such as handling tools, folding paper, or tying shoelaces—become difficult while wearing three layers of gloves.
Opportunities for Young People
During the discussion, students asked what qualities are needed to become an analog astronaut. Dresen emphasized curiosity, adaptability, teamwork, and a willingness to leave one’s comfort zone. Young people do not necessarily need advanced qualifications to begin exploring analog-mission opportunities.
Manfred Xirinachs also shared his experience participating in a five-day analog mission in Brazil at age 19. He encouraged students, including those outside traditional STEM fields, to apply for programs and find ways to contribute.
OeWF has previously supported analog missions for high school students. Young adults can also become involved through research, education, communications, media, and Mission Support Center activities.
The event supported GYP’s plan to develop the Youth Space Analog Hub, which will include a worldwide analog directory and a youth-led media desk. Through this initiative, students will research active programs, interview scientists and mission organizers, and identify educational and volunteer opportunities for young people.
The program demonstrated that preparing for Mars begins on Earth—with scientific testing, international cooperation, and young people willing to explore new possibilities.
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