RAF-analog space mission: Simulation of a Martian research outpost in a mining environment

Abstract

The RAF-Analog Space Mission was a ten-day simulation conducted on a post-mining heap in Bytom, Poland, designed to replicate aspects of living and working on Mars. The project, was organized by the Scientific Club of Geophysics at the University of Warsaw and aimed to test principles of habitability, astronaut behavior, and interdisciplinary scientific research in an analog environment. The mission crew, consisting of three students: Natalia Godlewska (astronomy) – co-leader of the project and mission commander, Norbert Nieścior (physics) – geolab officer, and Piotr Lorek (biotechnology and medical chemistry) – biolab officer, lived in a mobile base composed of a camper serving as living quarters and a delivery van adapted as a laboratory, connected by an airlock.

Research activities encompassed geophysical, geological, astrobiological, and psychological studies, simulating the scientific and operational tasks anticipated in futureMars missions. The analog conditions allowed the team to assess logistical challenges, teamwork dynamics, and technical feasibility of field operations in a constrained setting.

Results indicated that the mobile habitat successfully maintained both living and research functions, though psychological aspects and procedural limitations emphasized the necessity of flexibility and compliance with established protocols. The mission demonstrated the value of low-cost terrestrial analogs for preparing methodologies, technologies, and human factors research relevant to future planetary exploration.