Our next mission.
Mission Launch
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Meili-I:
Simulating Planetary Exploration
In August 2023, Space Health Research will launch their first Analogue Astronaut Mission. This space analogue mission will replicate elements of space travel to test ideas and new technologies under challenging conditions in Great Britain.
The mission name, Meili-1, is inspired by the Norse god who is revered as the god of exploration and travel. The god’s background is shrouded in mystery, just as the future of space travel carries many unknowns.
The mission name, Meili-1, is inspired by the Norse god who is revered as the god of exploration and travel. The god’s background is shrouded in mystery, just as the future of space travel carries many unknowns.
The purpose of the Meili-I mission is to conduct rigorous research
into simulated space environments, challenge analogue astronauts under harsh
physical and psychological conditions, and replicate elements of space
including remoteness, isolation, and scarcity of resources.
Throughout this mission we will share our stories in engaging and creative ways through various art mediums to bring our discoveries to life with the aspiration that Meili-I’s journey and outcomes will be useful to the scientific community and the public alike.
Throughout this mission we will share our stories in engaging and creative ways through various art mediums to bring our discoveries to life with the aspiration that Meili-I’s journey and outcomes will be useful to the scientific community and the public alike.
Meet our analogue astronauts:
Gidon Gautel Commander Gidon is a Project Manager at BryceTech, an analytic consultancy focused on the space sector. He is passionate about fostering space exploration and commercial developments, and maximising their terrestrial benefits. This passion drives his work with the Deep Space Initiative, the Moon Village Association and training in Air and Space Operations with the Royal Auxiliary Air Force. |
Alex Ribo Deputy Commander Alex is a fine art student turned software engineer with a passion for astronomy and space exploration. Despite being born and raised in warm regions (Colombia, France), Alex prefers below 0°C destinations such as the Pyrenees, Iceland and Lapland, and hopes one day to be part of an analogue mission in Antarctica. |
Megan Hammett Payload Commander Megan is a trained geologist and planetary scientist. She is currently in the final year of her PhD at the University of Manchester, where she explores how the first solid material in our Solar System was formed 4.57 billion years ago. Megan is keen to use her scientific knowledge and skills, along with her love for space exploration, to utilise new discoveries and technologies to benefit our own planet. |
Alastair Babington Engineer Alastair is a 4th year medical student at the University of Sheffield with a keen interest in the outdoors. Having already taken part and led expeditions in various locations such as Borneo, Morocco, and the USA, they are ready to explore the Scottish wilderness and conquer the challenges that it will bring. This mission will be an excellent opportunity to blend Alastair’s love for wilderness medicine with their love for adventure. |
Matilda Greenwood Medic Mati is a doctor currently working in London. Outside of medicine she enjoys rock climbing, hiking, and all things outdoors. She hopes to combine her love of the outdoors and medicine through expeditions and involvement with analogue missions. |
Jack Gordon Mission Specialist Jack is a Science Technician and MSc student in Space Science and Technology. His main interests are in Cubesat design and operations, crewed space missions, and space technology innovation. Jack is a former Army Reservist with over six years experience in a light infantry company, partaking in dozens of military exercises both in the UK and abroad, and being mobilised in the Covid support force. Jack aims to use his combined scientific knowledge and military training to further learn about astronaut operations. |
Reserve analogue astronauts:
Rory Eaton Reserve Commander Rory is a Paramedic working in London. He has a keen interest in remote/extreme environment medicine, and recently spent a month providing medical cover for an ecological research company in a cloud forest in Honduras. Rory has a big interest in space research and exploration and looks forward to the advancements the mission will provide. |
David Hefferman Reserve Deputy Commander David’s journey is one that showcases the human spirit. From overcoming homelessness to a thriving career as a software engineer. David embraces the lessons learned from rough sleeping, humorously reflecting on how his path has led him back to sleeping in a tent. This lighthearted perspective underscores his ability to be cheerful in the face of adversity. David's journey serves as a reminder that no challenge is insurmountable. |
James Robinson Reserve Engineer James Robinson, a graduate of UCL's architecture program, merges his passions for (outer) space and (architectural) space through his MArch. Recognising the importance of accommodating off-world needs, he believes that successful architecture is crucial for the growth of space exploration. Recently, he delved into the growth of human, architectural, and environmental systems on Mars, developing designs based on the concept of the Non-essential Essentials for thriving in Martian environments. Notably, he has envisioned a dedicated space for his easel on Mars, nurturing his dream of painting the captivating Martian landscape one day. |
Moiz Siddiqi Reserve Mission Specialist Moiz has a background in Space Engineering and Public Healthcare, specifically academic research on mental health. He currently works at Rolls-Royce Small Modular Nuclear Reactors with aspirations of working with nuclear in space. Prior to this, Moiz was the Youth Mayor for the City of Derby, and multi-award winner for his work in sustainability and social mobility. Alongside his career, Moiz is an avid solo traveller - currently visiting one new country a month. |
Our research programme:
Our research programme:
Geological Surveys of Impact Regions (GSIR) Study
The GSIR study featured on our 2023 analogue mission is focused on using the sedimentological characteristics of debrites within the Scarba Conglomerate as an analogue for the deposition of melt-rich impact breccias. GSIR additionally aims to test how new technologies (ie, smartphone applications) can support geological mapping on future geology-based analogue missions and future crewed planetary missions.
Arthur Goodwin leads the GSIR study from the University of Manchester.
Data collected during GSIR will fit into Arthur’s PhD research of the Stac Fada Member - a terrestrial impactite in North-west Scotland.
Field geology conducted on analogue missions will contribute to the development of new techniques and technologies used to conduct geological experiments. Geology is a major focus point for NASA and ESA on their respective Mars exploration programs.
The GSIR study featured on our 2023 analogue mission is focused on using the sedimentological characteristics of debrites within the Scarba Conglomerate as an analogue for the deposition of melt-rich impact breccias. GSIR additionally aims to test how new technologies (ie, smartphone applications) can support geological mapping on future geology-based analogue missions and future crewed planetary missions.
Arthur Goodwin leads the GSIR study from the University of Manchester.
Data collected during GSIR will fit into Arthur’s PhD research of the Stac Fada Member - a terrestrial impactite in North-west Scotland.
Field geology conducted on analogue missions will contribute to the development of new techniques and technologies used to conduct geological experiments. Geology is a major focus point for NASA and ESA on their respective Mars exploration programs.
Impact of Extreme Environments on Personal Identity (IEEPI) study
IEEPI is a 1-year study that aims to understand how simulated space journeys (ie. analogue missions) can impact and transform the identities of analogue astronauts. The IEEPI study forms part of a larger 5-10 year project that will explore the identity transformation experienced by astronauts as a result of space travel.
Interpersonal relationships form a tremendously important part of space missions. Astronauts must live in constant close proximity to one another for long periods of time. The IEEPI study performed on the analogue mission will give researchers insight into the effect of a simulated space mission on the identity, thoughts and feelings of analogue astronauts, living in close proximity in a remote environment, without contact with the outside world.
The IEEPI study is led by Michael Murphy in collaboration with Dr Aaron Parkhurst. Both researchers are affiliated with the University College London (UCL) Space Health Risk Research Group, as well as the UCL Ethno-ISS project.
Heart Rate Variability in Analogue Astronauts (HRV-AA) study
The HRV-AA study seeks to understand the changes in the heart rate variability (HRV) of analogue astronauts (AA) when participating in an analogue mission in a green space environment. Findings from HRV-AA will serve as a basis for further research into the beneficial effects of green space on people in high-stress environments, with the overall aim to develop interventions that could benefit a range of people such as astronauts, patients undergoing surgery and endurance athletes.
Our analogue astronauts will use body-worn sensor technology to monitor heart rate variability during the mission.
HRVAA is coordinated by Dr Samatha Moore, Dr Chris Gaffney and Dr Cliff Shelton. All researchers are affiliated with the Lancaster Medical School at the University of Lancaster.
Decision-Making in High-Performance Environments (DMHPE) study
DMHPE examines how the decision-making and situational judgement of analogue astronauts develops following the high-fidelity training created by an analogue mission. The DMHPE study will utilise the reflective decision-making tool BIG5E, an enhanced version of the original BIG5, with the aim of potentially enhancing understanding of how to optimise the training and development of decision-making tools used in complex high-stake environments.
The DMHPE study is led by Dr Loel Collins from the University of Edinburgh, in collaboration with James Dyer - an expedition leader affilitated with the University of Lancashire.
Our research programme.
Geological Surveys of Impact Regions (GSIR) Study
The GSIR study featured on our 2023 analogue mission is focused on using the sedimentological characteristics of debrites within the Scarba Conglomerate as an analogue for the deposition of melt-rich impact breccias. GSIR additionally aims to test how new technologies (ie, smartphone applications) can support geological mapping on future geology-based analogue missions and future crewed planetary missions.
Arthur Goodwin leads the GSIR study from the University of Manchester.
Data collected during GSIR will fit into Arthur’s PhD research of the Stac Fada Member - a terrestrial impactite in North-west Scotland.
Field geology conducted on analogue missions will contribute to the development of new techniques and technologies used to conduct geological experiments. Geology is a major focus point for NASA and ESA on their respective Mars exploration programs.
The GSIR study featured on our 2023 analogue mission is focused on using the sedimentological characteristics of debrites within the Scarba Conglomerate as an analogue for the deposition of melt-rich impact breccias. GSIR additionally aims to test how new technologies (ie, smartphone applications) can support geological mapping on future geology-based analogue missions and future crewed planetary missions.
Arthur Goodwin leads the GSIR study from the University of Manchester.
Data collected during GSIR will fit into Arthur’s PhD research of the Stac Fada Member - a terrestrial impactite in North-west Scotland.
Field geology conducted on analogue missions will contribute to the development of new techniques and technologies used to conduct geological experiments. Geology is a major focus point for NASA and ESA on their respective Mars exploration programs.
Impact of Extreme Environments on Personal Identity (IEEPI) study
IEEPI is a 1-year study that aims to understand how simulated space journeys (ie. analogue missions) can impact and transform the identities of analogue astronauts. The IEEPI study forms part of a larger 5-10 year project that will explore the identity transformation experienced by astronauts as a result of space travel.
Interpersonal relationships form a tremendously important part of space missions. Astronauts must live in constant close proximity to one another for long periods of time. The IEEPI study performed on the analogue mission will give researchers insight into the effect of a simulated space mission on the identity, thoughts and feelings of analogue astronauts, living in close proximity in a remote environment, without contact with the outside world.
The IEEPI study is led by Michael Murphy in collaboration with Dr Aaron Parkhurst. Both researchers are affiliated with the University College London (UCL) Space Health Risk Research Group, as well as the UCL Ethno-ISS project.
Heart Rate Variability in Analogue Astronauts (HRV-AA) study
The HRV-AA study seeks to understand the changes in the heart rate variability (HRV) of analogue astronauts (AA) when participating in an analogue mission in a green space environment. Findings from HRV-AA will serve as a basis for further research into the beneficial effects of green space on people in high-stress environments, with the overall aim to develop interventions that could benefit a range of people such as astronauts, patients undergoing surgery and endurance athletes.
Our analogue astronauts will use body-worn sensor technology to monitor heart rate variability during the mission.
HRVAA is coordinated by Dr Samatha Moore, Dr Chris Gaffney and Dr Cliff Shelton. All researchers are affiliated with the Lancaster Medical School at the University of Lancaster.
Decision-Making in High-Performance Environments (DMHPE) study
DMHPE examines how the decision-making and situational judgement of analogue astronauts develops following the high-fidelity training created by an analogue mission. The DMHPE study will utilise the reflective decision-making tool BIG5E, an enhanced version of the original BIG5, with the aim of potentially enhancing understanding of how to optimise the training and development of decision-making tools used in complex high-stake environments.
The DMHPE study is led by Dr Loel Collins from the University of Edinburgh, in collaboration with James Dyer - an expedition leader affilitated with the University of Lancashire.
