Visegrad Spaceflight Analog Challenge

Experience what it’s like to be an astronaut or space scientist in a space mission simulation!

Basic info

We are proud to announce the Visegrad Spaceflight Analog Challenge, an extraordinary opportunity for students from the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia in particular to immerse themselves in the exciting world of space science and technology.
Selected participants will undergo a 24-hour mission in the Hydronaut facility, where they will perform experiments and various activities similar to those performed by real astronauts, with the support of the control team.

The competition offers two opportunities to participate:

• Science and Engineering Experiment Teams.
• Analogous astronauts and their mission control teams.

“Imagine leaving the ordinary world for a few days and becoming part of something extraordinary – an analogue mission that simulates the conditions experienced by astronauts on real space missions. It’s a unique opportunity to experience working in an international team, facing challenging conditions and discovering what you’re really made of. This experience will open doors to the world of space exploration, but it will also make you stronger on a personal level – you’ll gain greater confidence, the ability to work under pressure and practical skills that will set you apart from the rest. You’ll take away not only an unforgettable experience, but also something much more important – a deeper understanding of yourself and perhaps a new direction for your life. “ – Lucie Ráčková, PhD, project organizer

“Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) carry out a variety of projects in the relatively cramped space of habitable modules. The crew currently consists of seven astronauts who, in addition to venturing out into open space in spacesuits, are engaged in experiments on microbiology, botany, human health and physiology, materials science, human factors and so on. The astronauts on board the ISS do not plan the “science” of their stay on the station themselves. The experiments are designed and prepared by scientists on Earth. Habitat Hydronaut provides similarly cramped quarters to those on the ISS, so a successful mission will require strong teamwork. I recommend participation in an analog mission to anyone who is interested in astronautics and for whom such challenges are appealing. a k And if you have an interesting idea or concept that the crew could test during the mission, feel free to volunteer as a researcher or research team – there is no limit to imagination!” – Matej Poliaček, ISS Flight Director for the European Columbus module.

More information: https://www.v4kosmos.org/space-analog-mission/

Who is it for

• Scientists or members of the management team: no age limit.
• Analogous astronauts: age 18-26 years (inclusive); good knowledge of English required.

What makes it interesting

Participants will experience a simulated space mission in the prestigious Hydronaut H03 Deep Lab (https://hydronaut.eu/cs), where, for example, Italian astronaut Paolo Nespoli and Czech backup astronaut Ales Svoboda have worked.

The selection process follows the procedures of the European Space Agency (ESA).

A renowned selection committee:

• Matej Poliaček – an expert in ISS mission management in Europe.
• Romain Charles – ESA engineer and participant in the 520-day analogue mission.
• Doc. Iva Poláčková Šolcová – expert in spaceflight psychology.
• Robert Cenker – veteran NASA astronaut.

The analogue astronauts will receive a fully funded stay and transportation to the Hydronaut facility.

Key information

What: Visegrad Spaceflight Analog Challenge

Who: Anyone, age and language restriction for trainee astronauts only (18-26 years old inclusive, good English language skills eq. B2) .

How: Visit https://www.v4kosmos.org/space-analog-mission/ for detailed information on the documents needed to apply, as well as a link to the Masaryk University e-learning course. This course serves not only for registration and submission of documents (for science experiments, analogue astronauts and members of management teams), but also as a platform for the first round of the selection process for analogue astronaut candidates.

Where: Online selection, mission at Hydronaut H03 Deep Lab (Prague, Czech Republic).

When:
Start of applications: 1 February 2025.
Closing date for applications: 31 March 2025.
Misson simulation: April 25-27, 2025.

Contact person

Lucie Ráčková, PhD
rackova.lucie@gmail.com
+420 725 084 083