This was announced today as part of the Israeli Space Week
The Israel Space Agency in the Ministry of Science and the Austrian Space Forum announced today, as part of the Israel Space Week events, an international Mars simulation project that will take place in Israel. The simulation, considered among the largest in the world, will take place in November 2020 at the Ramon Observatory with the participation of six astronauts from around the world, including an Israeli simulation astronaut, and another one who will serve as backup as usual in space missions, which were announced today. Preparations for the mission have already begun.
The memorandum of understanding for the execution of the project was signed today by the Director of the Israel Space Agency, Avi Blasberger, and the CEO of the Austrian Forum, a non-profit citizen science organization, Gernot Grommer. At the event, the Israeli astronauts who will participate in the mission were announced: Alon Tanzer and Liad Yosef. The visualization is taking place for the 13th year, each year a different place in the world is chosen to perform it. This is how last year the simulation took place in Oman.
According to Science Minister Ofir Akunis, "We are proud to have chosen the beautiful and special area of Mitzpe Ramon for imaging. The visualization will have scientific value, along with explanatory and even touristic value for Israel's breathtaking landscapes. The simulation is one of the most advanced in the world and will advance space exploration and Israel's magnificent space industry."
The terrain conditions at Mitzpe Ramon have characteristics similar to the terrain that exists on Mars and allows to explore different aspects of the planet in an authentic environment. As part of the project, a building in the shape of a geodesic dome will be erected in an isolated area of Mitzpe Ramon simulating astronauts' living quarters with life support systems, a research station, communication antennas and solar energy sources. The astronauts will be cut off from the world for three weeks, will move outside buildings dressed in space suits that simulate suits worn by astronauts on Mars, will move in the field on rovers that simulate rovers destined for Mars and will be engaged in researching scientific questions.
The astronauts were selected after a strict and lengthy selection process that included submitting applications, meeting strict threshold conditions of good physical and mental health, high physical fitness, in the age range of 25-45, a master's degree in science or a relevant military background, command of English and a relevant scientific or engineering technological background. Out of 83 candidates selected by the Austrian forum and with the assistance of Netta Wiesel from the D-MARS association, an Israeli association working for the exploration of Mars, four Israelis were selected and sent to three days of intensive selections that took place in Austria in December. 40 candidates from all over Europe participated in the screenings and at the end the participants were selected by simulation. In the coming year, the participants will undergo intensive preparation for the simulation, which includes: suitability tests, interviews, situational simulations, group dynamics, an online training program and four forays to participate in field preparation in Austria.
Alon Tanzer, who holds a master's degree in neurobiology from the Weizmann Institute and is currently a senior engineer in the field of artificial intelligence in Singapore. In the past, he volunteered at Beit Apel, a shelter for children who suffered from domestic violence, and supported young campers from low socioeconomic backgrounds as part of a mentoring program. Black belt in karate, swimmer and beach volleyball player. A fan of skiing and electronic music.
Liad Yosef, a graduate of the International Space University and holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from the Hebrew University and a bachelor's degree in economics from Tel Aviv University. Currently a team leader at the start-up company Duda. A graduate of the Talpiot program of the Air Force, he was discharged with the rank of captain. Member of the Tel Aviv University Debate Club and the Israeli Astronomy Club. Lover of running, cycling and diving.
The Austrian Space Forum (OeWF) is a citizen science organization for space professionals working in cooperation with national and international research institutions, industry and politics. Mars simulation is the flagship program of the Austrian Space Forum. It is a framework for the development of scientific missions, planetary research and the search for life on Mars.
