Teacher Tom is an Analog Astronaut assigned to a crewed mission at the Mars Desert Research Station in Spring of 2026!

Analog missions are field tests in locations (both natural and simulated) that have physical similarities to extreme space environments. They are used by astronauts, engineers, scientists, government agencies, academia, and others in the industry to gather requirements for testing in harsh environments before they are used in space. Analog astronauts simulate long-duration space missions, in geographically similar areas to the real missions that are being planned for future Moon and Mars crewed explorations.

In this class, we will learn all about Analog Astronauts and Analog Missions including: -What the experience of an Analog Astronaut may look like. -The requirements for being an Analog Astronaut. -A variety of different Analog Facilities all over the world, their locations & layouts, & their purpose. -Why Analog Missions are essential when training for missions that will take you to Space. -How Solving for Space, Solves for Earth -What the Ocean, Caves, and Volcanoes have to do with Analog Missions -The Analog Astronaut skills you may have inadvertently acquired during a Global Pandemic ...and more!

This class will be a combination of slides, discussion, and Q&A. By default, we will learn about many interesting terms, facts, and events regarding space technology and the space industry.

Come find out if you have what it takes to be an Analog Astronaut, the type of Analog Missions you would love to try out, and the skills you would need to develop in order to do so!