This call for projects aims to enable space-related projects and experiments to be integrated into the space analog mission Asclepios II. In particular, the call targets any research groups, companies, students and start-ups that do research in the fields of environmental sciences and agriculture, engineering, life sciences and medicine in a space-exploration context. Key research areas include lunar water probing and surface simulations, life support systems, robotics and rockets, physical and mental health of astronauts as well as microbiology.
The mission
In the analog mission Asclepios II, launching in July 2022, a habitat on the Moon’s South Pole will be simulated. The main goal of the mission is the discovery, extraction and use of water. Secondary goals include aspects of sustainable life and research on the Moon. During the mission, eight analog astronauts will be trained for isolation, performing experiments inside the simulated lunar base and on extravehicular activities (EVAs). The astronauts are students who will go through extensive training in order to master the successful execution of the selected projects and experiments. The location of the mission will be announced no later than November 2021.
On which criteria are projects selected?
Selection criteria include feasibility, scientific value, coherence with the mission topics, economical and ethical considerations, the complexity of operations and logistics. The sought out projects generate valuable scientific output and contribute to space exploration and sustainability
Does your project need ethical approval?
If yes, the approval has to be sent to Asclepios by March 1st 2022. You might need ethical approvals from your own country and the respective canton the mission will take. The Asclepios team can inform you and/or assist you after your submission if your project needs an ethical approval.
How to apply?
The selection of the projects and experiments will consist of two rounds of evaluation. First, all interested candidates have to submit an outline proposal of their experiment or project in English until the 19th of November 2021. The candidates that have successfully been pre-selected will be notified on the 24th of November and subsequently advance into the second round, where they will have to submit a full proposal by the 1st of January 2022, 12:00 CET. The requirements and details for the full proposals will be communicated to the project leaders.
Please submit the outline proposal until November 19th 2021, 23:59 CET.
Please note that applications submitted after the deadline or via other means than the application form will not be considered. Keep in mind also that we only offer limited funding since we are a non-profit student association with a small budget. Our goal is to be a platform for researchers and companies to test their space-related projects and experiments.
For more information, please contact asclepiosmission@gmail.com.
