132: So You Want to be an Analog Astronaut?

Awesome!  Join the growing community of scientists, researchers, innovators, writers, artists and explorers working to enhance space exploration efforts.  Now that Beth is back from her latest analog, Chad’s got some questions. On this episode, learn the who, what, where, when and why analogs are helping humans to better explore the universe!     NASA’s official definition of an analog, with additional notations from Beth:  Analog missions are field tests in locations that have physical similarities to the extreme space environments. NASA engineers and scientists work with government agencies, academia, and industry to gather requirements for testing in harsh environments before they are used in space. Analogs often look to test and research: new technologies, robotic equipment, vehicles, habitats, communications, power generation, mobility, infrastructure, design, and storage. Behavioral effects – such as isolation and confinement, team dynamics, menu fatigue, and others are also observed. Past generations used analog missions to prepare for leaving Earth’s atmosphere, landing on the moon, and permanently orbiting our planet. In keeping with this concept, NASA is using analog missions to actively prepare for deep space destinations, such as an asteroid or Mars. Analogs provide NASA with data about strengths, limitations, and the validity of planned human-robotic exploration operations. Analogs can help define ways to combine human and robotic efforts to enhance scientific exploration. Analog locations can be found all over the world, including the Antarctic, oceans, deserts, arctic and volcanic environments!   About Beth & Chad    Beth and Chad still implement the lessons and experiences they learned from their work at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, and the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama.  Chad has officially been named Beth’s favorite co-host, and joins Beth on the podcast to share his wisdom, unique perspective, and to add humor. Beth recently returned from her latest analog mission in Poland at the LunAres Research Station, where she spent the month of July in an isolation study with her LunAres X crew mates. What’s next for Beth (and Chad)? Tune in to find out!    To Learn More about Analog Astronauts:  From the NASA website: https://www.nasa.gov/analogs/what-are-analog-missions And  http://www.analogastronaut.com/   And, check out all of the Mund on Mars and Mund on the Moon podcast series right here on Casual Space! Enjoy interviews from each crew member- learn about their goals & experiments on the analog… and why their work on each mission matters.