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Monsaraz Mars Analog Mission, Observatory Lago-Alqueva, Monsaraz, Portugal
The Mars Analog Mission in Monsaraz has begun, and the team has entered the first day of isolation.
13 de outubro de 2025, Sol-1, 14:00
From October 13 to 25, the crew will conduct experiments advancing science and operations for human spaceflight, as part of the World Biggest Analog – a collaboration through simultaneous simulation of 17 habitats spread worldwide. The Monsaraz Mission, with a dome hosted at Alqueva Lake Astronomical Observatory, simulates Mars-like conditions, marking the first analog mission from Portugese soil.
“Two days before arrival in the habitat, it was fully empty from the inside”, reports Communications Officer Nadine Duursma. “We had to do the full set-up ourselves, from laying out a floor, to arranging the interior, to creating separations of the rooms inside the dome. These conditions immediately put our team under pressure, and I feel proud of how we worked together to set fully set up the habitat within this short timeframe”.
Upon arrival, the team completed the first EVA, or Extravehicular Activity. In this ‘spacewalk’, the crew has installed a seismologic station and performed tests of communication networks. Lead EVA Rafael Rebelo reports “As our first EVA, it was a successful activity, completed within just 11 minutes. The seismic station will be important for monitoring the seismic activity, measuring vibrances of the tectonic plates. This will help to understand the geology and subsurface distribution of a planet.” The seismic experiment was named after NASA’s Insight Lander, the first rover to study Marsquakes and the inner structure of Mars.
Monsaraz Mars Analog Mission, Observatory Lago-Alqueva, Monsaraz, Portugal
Extravehicular Activity (EVA).
14 de outubro de 2025, Sol-2, 14:00
The second day of the Monsaraz Mars Analog Mission has been successfully completed, marked by the mission’s first drone flight during an Extravehicular Activity (EVA).
“I was super excited to test the drone,” said Flight Engineer Diogo Paupério, reflecting on the mission’s first drone reconnaissance. “Imagery from the drone allows us to assess whether the area around the habitat is safe for an EVA and to identify the best locations for our experiments in advance.”
In addition to supporting the crew on-site, the drone imagery is also transmitted to the Mission Control Center, which oversees and plans mission operations. “When Mission Control can see what we’re doing in real time, it enhances our communication,” Diogo explained. “They can then evaluate our progress and adjust mission activities accordingly.”
Monsaraz Mars Analog Mission, Observatory Lago-Alqueva, Monsaraz, Portugal
Monsaraz Mars Analog Mission Completes Eventful Third Day with Emergency EVA and Unexpected Delivery
15 de outubro de 2025, Sol-3, 14:00
The third day of the Monsaraz Mars Analog Mission was marked by an emergency Extravehicular Activity (EVA) and an unexpected delivery.
“The goal of the EVA was to rehearse for the night operation, controlling the telescopes and observing the stars,” reported Lead EV Nadine Duursma. “Shortly before the end, a problem occurred with the ventilation system, forcing us to follow emergency procedures and return as quickly as possible.” The team repaired the ventilation system and continued the EVA retrieve the drone.
Demonstrating adaptability to unexpected conditions, the crew faced another surprise soon after the first EVA concluded. “When we came back, we received a message from Mission Control informing us that supplies had been delivered and needed to be collected from outside,” Nadine explained. “This immediately required us to perform a second EVA.”
After successfully recovering the delivery, the previously planned night EVA was postponed to Saturday October 18, due to unfavorable weather conditions.
In the evening, the crew officially named their mission ASP-1 Novares, derived from Novara, meaning “new place,” and Ares, the Greek counterpart of the Roman god Mars.
Monsaraz Mars Analog Mission, Observatory Lago-Alqueva, Monsaraz, Portugal
Novares Crew Engages with Students and Reports First Biolab Results
16 de outubro de 2025, Sol-4, 14:00
On Sol 4 of the Monsaraz Mars Analog Mission, the Novares crew conducted their first outreach activity: a live video call with 16 schools, reaching 600 students aged 12 to 18 across the country.
“It was a refreshing experience for the crew, talking to Earth and so many students,” said Commander Pedro Pedroso about the session. “We gave them a tour of the habitat, showing how we live, eat, and sleep in isolation, and it was a pleasure to answer so many great questions from students and teachers. We’re already looking forward to the next sessions in a few days.”
These outreach sessions aim to inspire the younger generation about STEM fields and spark interest in space exploration and its related disciplines.
In addition, the Novares crew reported initial results from their first biolab experiment. “We initially expected our quinoa to sprout in about two days, and the spinach in six,” explained Biomedical Officer Florence Basubas. The experiment investigates which type of soil is best for Martian crop growth, comparing organic cocopeat (a coconut-based substrate) with a Mars regolith simulant and regular garden soil.
“We hope the plants continue to grow well,” Florence added, “and that we’ll be able to taste some young quinoa and spinach by the end of the mission.”
Monsaraz Mars Analog Mission, Observatory Lago-Alqueva, Monsaraz, Portugal
Emergency EVA on Sol Five Tests Drone-Based Supply Delivery
17 de outubro de 2025, Sol-5, 14:00
On Day 5 of the Monsaraz Mars Analog Mission, the crew faced an emergency during an Extravehicular Activity (EVA) when a pressure leak was detected in the EVA Lead’s suit.
“From the sensor readings, we detected a pressure drop in the EVA Lead’s suit,” reported Habitat Communicator Rafael Rebelo. “The EVA team was geo-sampling at that moment, collecting Martian soil samples. I called to abort and initiated an emergency supply operation.”
This incident provided an opportunity to test a new technology: a miniature robot mounted on the drone to deliver emergency supplies during EVA operations. “I immediately contacted our Engineering Lead, Diogo Paupério, to deploy the drone and deliver the repair material as quickly as possible,” Rafael explained.
“Timely delivery was critical, as the astronauts would be at risk if the pressure wasn’t stabilized.”
In addition to managing the EVA incident, the Novares crew held a video call with Habitat Marte in Brazil, another Martian analog habitat participating in the World’s Biggest Analog. On Mars, crews can only maintain real-time communications with other analog habitats, while direct contact with Earth is limited to text and email due to the 20-minute signal delay.
Monsaraz Mars Analog Mission, Observatory Lago-Alqueva, Monsaraz, Portugal
Crew Completes First Nighttime EVA and Recovers Drone in Close Call
18 de outubro de 2025, Sol-6, 14:00
Sol 6 of the Monsaraz Mars Analog Mission marked a long-awaited milestone: the crew’s first Extravehicular Activity (EVA) conducted at night.
“It was an event I have been looking forward to for a long time,” said Lead EV Florence Basubas. “Because I dive, I always enjoy experiences that add an extra challenge, something different from the usual.”
An EVA in daylight already poses difficulties due to limited visibility and mobility in the spacesuit, while navigating uneven terrain. At night, these challenges intensify. “When the terrain isn’t flat, you can’t always see where you’re stepping, which makes it much harder to plan your movements,” Florence explained.
During the night EVA, a critical moment occurred when the drone suddenly went silent mid-flight. Support EVA Rafael Rebelo recalled, “Normally, we can hear the drone flying, but suddenly the sound disappeared.” Turning around, he saw the drone only a few centimeters from an obstacle. “I immediately radioed the habitat: ‘Stop the drone!’ I thought we were too late and that it was permanently lost.”
Fortunately, moments later, the sound of the drone returned. “I said, ‘Let’s go, let’s try to find it!’ It was a challenge in the dark, searching with the torch. After a while, we saw it resume normal operation and felt relieved the drone was safe,” Rafael said.
Despite the difficulties of operating in darkness, the team successfully completed all EVA objectives: operating the telescope, recalibrating the seismic station, and capturing images of the habitat beneath the Martian night sky. Setting a record duration of 1 hour and 14 minutes, the longest EVA of the mission so far.
Monsaraz Mars Analog Mission, Observatory Lago-Alqueva, Monsaraz, Portugal
Crew Takes First Rest Day and Completes Psychological Study
19 de outubro de 2025, Sol-7, 14:00
Sol 7 marked the first, and only, rest day for the Monsaraz Mars Analog Mission crew. Aside from mandatory exercise and reporting duties, the day allowed personal time for individual activities.
“After a full week, it was a much-needed rest day for the crew. It’s always refreshing to return to work after a short break,” said Commander Pedro Pedroso. “Even simple housekeeping, doing laundry or cleaning the habitat together, helped us switch off from work. We feel recharged and ready for the remaining sols.”
With no direct internet connection to Earth, crew members spent their free time reading, writing emails to family, and watching a movie together.
The day also included a psychological experiment in which each crew member selected one item inside the habitat to which they had formed a special connection during the mission. The chosen items were the plants, elliptical bike, compass, mini-fridge, and chocolate mousse dessert.
“Being in isolation makes you realize that little things are enough to brighten the day,” reflected Engineering Lead Diogo Paupério. The activity reminded the team of the importance of simple comforts and shared moments for maintaining well-being during long-duration missions.
Monsaraz Mars Analog Mission, Observatory Lago-Alqueva, Monsaraz, Portugal
All-Female EVA Overcomes Technical Challenges and Drone Images Prevent Potential Habitat Risk
20 de outubro de 2025, Sol-8, 14:00
On Sol 8, the crew conducted their second all-female Extravehicular Activity (EVA).
“The tasks initially seemed like standard EVA activities: isolating power cables and collecting geological samples,” reported Lead EVA Nadine Duursma. “However, due to the high humidity from the rainy night before, we experienced interruptions with the electronics that had to be resolved. For example, we had to re-calibrate the seismic station and reboot the rover.” Despite these challenges, the EVA team successfully completed all assigned objectives.
A drone inspection of the habitat was also carried out during the EVA. While originally planned as an additional safety check, it proved to be critical. Science Officer Rafael Rebelo explained, “While reviewing the drone footage, I noticed debris in the connection between the habitat and the airlock. Over time, this could have damaged the seal and caused a pressure leak, putting the crew at risk of losing oxygen and causing irreparable harm to the habitat.”
In the evening, the crew spent time on team bonding activities, watching The Martian together before turning in early to prepare for the sunrise EVA scheduled for Sol 9.
Monsaraz Mars Analog Mission, Observatory Lago-Alqueva, Monsaraz, Portugal
Crew Loses Rover “Resilience” During Sunrise EVA but Completes Extensive Geological Survey
21 de outubro de 2025, Sol-9, 14:00
On Sol 9, the crew experienced a setback when their rover, Resilience, was lost during the sunrise Extravehicular Activity (EVA).
“It was a last-minute call to proceed with the EVA,” reported Support EV Nadine Duursma. “Given the Martian storms ongoing, it was uncertain whether to abort the sunrise EVA. We drove up the mountain, but on the way back, our rover Resilience failed to start. It was likely an issue with electrified sand attenuating the control signals.”
After troubleshooting, the team decided to leave the rover behind and make the long walk back to the habitat. “When the storms subside, we’ll attempt to recover the rover. Until then, we must continue operations without it,” Nadine added.
Later that day, the crew conducted an extensive second EVA. “It was a long EVA,” reflected Support EV Pedro Pedroso. “Science Officer Rafael Rebelo and I had to collect numerous geological data points, 205 in total. It was a repetitive and demanding task, but we were satisfied to complete it without major issues.”
These measurements will help the crew assess the stability of the habitat’s foundation. “By combining and comparing these data points, we can evaluate whether the habitat is established on solid ground,” Pedro explained. “It’s important to confirm there’s no subsidence, especially for future long-term missions.”
Monsaraz Mars Analog Mission, Observatory Lago-Alqueva, Monsaraz, Portugal
Crew Engages 30 Portuguese Schools and Completes Second Night EVA with Drone Recovery
22de outubro de 2025, Sol-10, 14:00
Sol 10 featured two major milestones for the Monsaraz Mars Analog Mission: a large-scale outreach session with over 30 Portuguese schools and the second nighttime Extravehicular Activity (EVA), which included a drone search and recovery operation.
“The session with the schools was an even greater success than the previous one,” reflected Commander Pedro Pedroso. “We had over 30 schools participating, including some from other Portuguese-speaking countries like Angola and Mozambique.”
The engagement was highly interactive. “We received more than 100 questions from students and teachers, far more than we could answer live,” Pedro added. “We’ll prepare written replies to respond to the rest.”
Mission Control is now working to prepare the egress ceremony, scheduled for October 25 at 14:00 at the Observatório do Lago Alqueva. “We expect a large attendance to welcome our crew back on Earth,” Pedro said. “We’re looking forward to sharing what we’ve learned from this two-week mission.”
In the evening, the crew performed their second night EVA, which brought new challenges. Drone operator Diogo Paupério recounted, “Because of the stiff suit and thick gloves, one of the control buttons was accidentally pressed forward, causing the drone to crash.”
With limited visibility under the dark Martian sky, the EVA team could not locate the drone immediately. “Fortunately, we used the controller map to track its position,” Diogo explained. “We followed the route and found it undamaged on soft ground. After checking all systems run nominally, we managed to resume the flight.”
Drone operations at night involve higher risks due to reduced visibility, but they remain crucial for advancing scientific objectives. “Every EVA carries risks and demands responsibility and preparation,” Diogo emphasized. “It’s essential to manage and mitigate these challenges to achieve our scientific goals.”
