Austrian Space Forum (OeWF)

We do research together with national and international research institutions and the space industry:
Space exploration made in Europe.

Research

The OeWF conducts interdisciplinary research \ with international partners on exploration strategies for future human Mars expeditions.
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Press

Experts of the Austrian Space Forum share their knowledge and independent opinions on current space topics: unbiased, factual and reliable.

Space interested?

Interested in space? The Austrian Space Forum is an active, cross-linked space association with a wide spectrum of topics – a true citizen science organisation.

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Recent OeWF blog entries

AMADEE-24 Science Series: Ultra-Wideband Sensor Based Localization of a Planetary Rover

AMADEE-24 Science Series: Ultra-Wideband Sensor Based Localization of a Planetary Rover

Many planetary robotics applications require (semi-)autonomous rover operation for which localization is essential. During the ESA-ESRIC Space Resources Challenge in 2021 and more recently AMADEE-24 in Armenia in March 2024, we put a methodology where a mobile system first distributes […]

10th February 2025

AMADEE-24 Science Series: Investigations on the indoor air quality – The IAQ-Habitat Experiment

AMADEE-24 Science Series: Investigations on the indoor air quality – The IAQ-Habitat Experiment

Investigations on the indoor air quality (IAQ) of spaceships are rare and were mainly performed on the ISS and MIR and are not known from habitats. However, the situation is expected to be comparable with that in stations. Layouts of […]

3rd February 2025

AMADEE-24 Science Series: The Hort3space Hydroponic System for Life Support

AMADEE-24 Science Series: The Hort3space Hydroponic System for Life Support

Future space exploration missions, particularly those targeting Mars, will require astronauts to achieve a high degree of self-sufficiency, minimising dependence on Earth-supplied resources. One promising solution to this challenge is the cultivation of food using hydroponic systems, which offer space […]

27th January 2025

AMADEE-24 Science Series: The GEOS Experiment – Mapping, Sampling, and Compositional Measurements

AMADEE-24 Science Series: The GEOS Experiment – Mapping, Sampling, and Compositional Measurements

During the AMADEE24 mission in Armenia, the GEOS experiment focuses on geologic survey activities at the simulated Martian landing site. GEOS applies classic geological field survey methods to a simulated mission to Mars, drawing on the experience of the lunar […]

20th January 2025

AMADEE-24 Science Series: EIEE – Emotions in Extreme Environments

AMADEE-24 Science Series: EIEE – Emotions in Extreme Environments

Introduction: Anger, fear, boredom or awe! Living and working in extreme environments confronts astronauts, analog-astronauts, professionals working in extreme environments but also adventurers with a high variety of emotions and requires complex emotional regulation strategies. Yet they have been rarely […]

13th January 2025

Book review: MARS. Photographs from the NASA Archives

Book review: MARS. Photographs from the NASA Archives

The publisher TASCHEN, known for its visually stunning publications, has published a new space book entitled “MARS. Photographs from the NASA Archives”. The illustrated book is 340 pages long, multilingual (German, English and French) and weighs 2.92 kg. As the […]

10th January 2025

Social Media Updates

Österreichisches Weltraum Forum / Austrian Space Forum

oewf_org

#AMADEE24 Mars Simulation. #simulateMars. Building analog spacesuits. Inspiring next-gen for space & science. #oewf #AMADEE24

🚀 Kids Innovation Day – Staunen, Entdecken, M

🚀 Kids Innovation Day – Staunen, Entdecken, Mitmachen! 🌍🔭
Neugierig auf den Weltraum? Dann schnapp dir deine Eltern und komm zum Kids Innovation Day! Hier kannst du spannende Experimente ausprobieren, Dinge selbst erforschen und dabei eine Menge Spaß haben – und das Beste: Es ist kostenlos!

✨ Wir sind mit einem Workshop dabei und bringen den Kosmos direkt zu dir:
👃 Wie riecht eigentlich der Weltraum? (Spoiler: nicht nach Vanille!)
⚖️ Wie fühlt es sich an, auf Jupiter zu stehen?
🎶 Und hast du schon mal gehört, wie ein Stern klingt?

Vielleicht hast du sogar die Chance, in einen echten Raumanzug zu schlüpfen! 🤫 Klingt aufregend? Dann sicher dir ab dem 1. März 2025 deinen Platz!

Und nicht vergessen, viele neugierige Fragen sind unbedingt erlaubt, das hilft euch später kreative Antworten auf viele Fragen zu finden

🔗 https://www.rauchzeichen.live/junior/

@rauchzeichen.live

Der Kids Innovation Day ist Teil der Tiroler Innovationswoche 2025 und wird präsentiert von der Standortagentur Tirol .

#STEM #Education #KidsInnovationDay

Four Years of Perseverance on Mars! 🚀🔴 On F

Four Years of Perseverance on Mars! 🚀🔴

On February 18, 2021, @marsroverperseverance made history, landing on Mars to explore Jezero Crater. Four years later, it’s still going strong—searching for ancient life and paving the way for future human missions!

Why Jezero Crater? 💫
Once a river delta, this crater could hold clues to whether life ever existed on Mars. Its ancient sediments are like a time capsule from billions of years ago!

What Perseverance Has Achieved So Far:
📍 30+ km traveled across Mars
🪨 26 rock & regolith samples + 3 air sample collected
🏔️ Reached the rim of Jezero Crater
🔬 Still making groundbreaking discoveries!

What do you think Perseverance’s next big find will be? Drop your predictions below! ⬇️

#PerseveranceRover #MarsAnniversary #NASA #SpaceExploration #JezeroCrater

📸 NASA/JPL-Caltech

#MarsMonday 🚀🔬 During the AMADEE-24 Science

#MarsMonday 🚀🔬 During the AMADEE-24 Science Workshop at the Vega observatory, we looked back at our #simulateMars mission in Armenia, where the stunning Ararat region mirrored Martian terrain. The workshop was a platform for Principal Investigators to present and discuss the results of their experiments conducted during the AMADEE-24 mission, fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration. Experiments in 🛠️ Engineering, 🧑‍🚀 Human Factors, 🤖 Robotics, 💎 Geoscience, 🧑‍🚀 Psychology, & 🍃 Life Science were presented. 200 scientists from 26 countries whose equipment, rovers, and experiments had been chosen for the expedition were involved in #AMADEE24.

Get a lot more insights in our detailed mission report (PDF download) at our website: https://ow.ly/jUCC50V0U0P.

📷: OeWF

#AMADEE24 #experiment #science #analogScience #spaceExploration #Armenia

#ScienceSunday 🚀 ESA supports the proposal to m

#ScienceSunday 🚀 ESA supports the proposal to make 2029 the UN International Year of Planetary Defence! 🌍🛡️ The goal is to raise awareness of asteroid defense and promote research on planetary protection. Learn more here: https://www.esa.int/Space_Safety/Planetary_Defence/ESA_endorses_Year_of_Asteroid_Awareness_and_Planetary_Defence

📷ESA - P.Carril

#PlanetaryDefense #IYPD2029 #Apophis #asteroid #ESA #UN #awareness #ScienceSunday

Are you interested in space exploration and want t

Are you interested in space exploration and want to gain exciting insights into event management or scientific research? We offer two fantastic internship opportunities – you can either get on board as a CASSINI Hackathon Event Manager or in a FemTech Internship focused on Mars-Analog Research!

Event Manager CASSINI Hackathon
📍 Location: Innsbruck
📅 When: February – May 2025 (approx. 10 hours/week)
💰 Compensation: one-time 2,500 EUR

Would you like to be part of an international hackathon in the field of space exploration? Help us organize the CASSINI Hackathon, focusing on the use of Earth observation data for health and society. Your tasks will include event planning, team management, and assisting with marketing.

What you bring:
✔️ Enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's program in Event Management, Marketing, or similar.
✔️ Interest in event organization and space exploration.
✔️ Good knowledge of German and English.
✔️ Teamwork and communication skills.

FemTech Internship – Mars-Analog Research
📍 Location: Innsbruck
📅 When: Starting September 2025 or January 2026 (6 months)
💰 Compensation: 1,400 EUR gross at 30 hours/week

Become part of the Mars-Analog Research team and work on international space simulations! In this internship, you will be involved in the planning and execution of Mars simulations, work on scientific data analysis, and learn more about science didactics.

What you bring:
✔️ You are a student in a scientific or technical field (including MINT teaching degrees).
✔️ You are enrolled at an Austrian university or university of applied sciences.
✔️ Interest in space simulations and scientific research.

Apply now and experience firsthand how the future of space exploration is being shaped! More information and relevant documents can be found here: https://oewf.org/jobs/ 🌟

#FemTech #SpaceExploration #Hackathon #Internship #MarsSimulation #STEM #SpaceResearch #EventManagement #StudentJobs

🔬 From Mars Simulation to Future Mission Succes

🔬 From Mars Simulation to Future Mission Success: Workshop Highlights!
📍 Mission Support Center, Vienna
What happens when you gather space experts to improve future Mars analog missions? Our AMADEE-24 Workshop just showed us! 🚀

Last weekend, our mission teams transformed valuable insights from our Armenia Mars analog mission into concrete action plans. After carefully analyzing our April 2024 simulation data, we're strengthening our protocols for future Mars analog missions.

Imagine having analog astronauts, flight controllers, biomedical engineers, IT and science teams all in one room - that's how real space exploration progress happens! Together, we're building the foundation for more advanced Mars simulations right here on Earth. 🌍→🔴

with @gernotgroemer @astro_anika @astrokitsune @cosmoskhaleesi @hepoli @lplazovnik @judithkuemmel @pauline_delande and more

🚀 NASA is Going Live from Space – And You Can

🚀 NASA is Going Live from Space – And You Can Be Part of It!

For the first time ever, @nasa is streaming live from the International Space Station (ISS) on @twitch – and you can ask astronauts your questions in real time! 🧑‍🚀

On February 12, 2025, at 5:45 PM CET (11:45 AM ET), astronaut Don Pettit (currently on the ISS) and Matt Dominick (Crew-8 astronaut, recently back on Earth) will share insights into daily life in space, groundbreaking research, and what it’s like to live and work in microgravity.

This is just the beginning! NASA’s new Twitch series will bring live spacewalks, launches, landings, and exclusive content, giving you a direct look at human spaceflight like never before. 💫

If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming an astronaut or working in space exploration, this is your chance to see it up close and ask the experts—400 km above Earth!

📡 Watch live on NASA’s official Twitch channel → twitch.tv/NASA

#NASA #Twitch #FutureAstronauts #LiveFromSpace #SpaceExploration #AskAnAstronaut #ISS

#MarsMonday #AMADEE24 Science Series 🤖🔬 On o

#MarsMonday #AMADEE24 Science Series 🤖🔬 On our latest Mars simulation in Armenia in spring 2024, we tested a robust method for the (semi-)autonomous operation of a rover. By using ultra-wideband (UWB) transceivers, the team from @uniwuerzburg has advanced localization through trilateration!

This innovative approach enables precise navigation in unknown terrain - important for future Mars and Moon missions! 🔴🌖

Read more information and first results in our blog post: https://ow.ly/Rfc450UWkCC

📷: OeWF/vog.photo

#Robotics #SpaceExploration #Localization #InnovativeTech #UWB #simulateMars #Armenia

#ScienceSunday NASA’s analysis of the Bennu samp

#ScienceSunday NASA’s analysis of the Bennu sample reveals water-bearing minerals and carbon-rich compounds, key ingredients for life. This supports the hypothesis that asteroids contributed to the early Earth's prebiotic chemistry: https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasas-asteroid-bennu-sample-reveals-mix-of-lifes-ingredients/

📷NASA/James Tralie

#bennu #asteroid #samplereturn #soilsample #solarsystem #NASA #ScienceSunday

Time-traveling to February 2018 ⏰🔴 AMADEE-18

Time-traveling to February 2018 ⏰🔴
AMADEE-18 showed how to explore Mars step by step: First the AVI-NAV drone (University Klagenfurt) surveyed from above, then HUSKY rover (Technical University Graz) scanned the ground, followed by our analog astronauts collecting samples for later lab analysis. Like solving a cosmic puzzle! 🧩

This step-by-step approach was based on a new workflow instrument, our Exploration Cascade. Its effectiveness led to its integration in our subsequent Mars simulations. With each #simulateMars mission we improve the workflow to better plan and test planetary exploration strategies.

Fun fact: Each experiment had to follow this exact sequence to maximize our chances of finding potential biosignatures - just like we'll do on Mars!

Which exploration tool excites you most - drones, rovers, or astronaut field work? 🚀

Asteroid 2024 YR4: What You Need to Know 🌍💫

Asteroid 2024 YR4: What You Need to Know 🌍💫

The European Space Agency (ESA) is closely monitoring asteroid 2024 YR4, a near-Earth object (NEO) that was recently added to ESA’s Risk List due to a ~2.2% chance of impacting Earth in 2032. While this probability remains low, continued observations and refined orbital calculations are needed to further assess the likelihood of impact over time. ESA’s Near-Earth Object Coordination Centre (NEOCC) is working with international partners to track its trajectory.

About Asteroid 2024 YR4 🪨
Asteroid 2024 YR4 is classified as an Apollo-type asteroid, meaning its orbit crosses Earth’s orbit as it travels around the Sun. Preliminary size estimates suggest it could be between 50 to 100 meters in diameter. However, additional observations are needed to determine its exact size, composition, and structure.

Latest Updates & Observations 🛰️
7 Feb - ESA’s Near-Earth Object Coordination Centre published a new impact probability of 2.2%
3 Feb - The Space Mission Planning Advisory Group (SMPAG) has confirmed that continued monitoring is essential. If 2024 YR4 is confirmed to be larger than 50 meters and maintains an impact probability above 1%, recommendations will be made to the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) regarding potential planetary defense strategies.
30 Jan – The International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN) issued a Potential Asteroid Impact Notification, alerting global observatories to intensify tracking efforts.

What’s Next? 🔭
Asteroid tracking relies on continued observations to refine orbital models. The more data scientists collect, the more accurately they can predict its future trajectory. While the current risk is low, agencies like ESA, NASA, and IAWN will continue monitoring and preparing for any necessary mitigation measures.

For now, there’s no immediate cause for concern, but space agencies are keeping a close eye on 2024 YR4 as part of ongoing planetary defense efforts.
Stay tuned for updates as more data becomes available and find out more @europeanspaceagency website 🌟

📷: Asteroid impression (c) ESA

#ESA #Asteroid2024YR4 #PlanetaryDefense

🚀 Weltraum fasziniert dich? Dann mach dein Wiss

🚀 Weltraum fasziniert dich? Dann mach dein Wissen zum Beruf! 🌍✨

Wir suchen ab März 2025 einen Weltraum-Wissensvermittler (Education Coordinator) in Wien!

Deine Mission:
✨ Workshops an Schulen & Kindergärten gestalten
✨ EU- & ESA-Bildungsprojekte unterstützen
✨ Öffentlichkeitsarbeit mitgestalten

📍 Wien | 15h/Woche | Gleitzeit

👉 Bewirb dich jetzt & werde Teil unseres Teams! Mehr Infos unter: oewf.org/jobs

#SpaceJobs #STEM #Weltraum #ÖWF #OeWF #Education #WirStellenEin #Stellenangebot #SciComm #Wien #Teilzeit #teamworkmakesdreamwork

🚀Last chance! Tomorrow at TU Wien – Meet ESA

🚀Last chance! Tomorrow at TU Wien – Meet ESA Astronaut Luca Parmitano!🚀

Tomorrow, on Feb 5, ESA astronaut Luca Parmitano (@astro_luca) is coming to TU Wien to share his experience from 366 days in space, including his time as Commander of the ISS.

What’s it really like to live, work, and lead in microgravity? How do astronauts prepare for extreme environments? And what’s next for human spaceflight? Get first-hand insights, ask your questions and hear your answers from someone who's lived and worked in space!

📍 TU Wien, Gußhausstraße 27-29
⏰ Tomorrow, 6–8 PM
🎤 Q&A + Expert Talk

Don’t miss this rare opportunity! If you’re into space, science, and technology, this is your last chance to join. Tag a friend who should be there!💫

#LastCall #Space #AstronautLife #STEM #ESA #ISS #SpaceExploration #Innovation #MeetTheExperts #TUMoments

#MarsMonday #AMADEE24 Science Series 🚀🔬 Inve

#MarsMonday #AMADEE24 Science Series 🚀🔬 Investigations on the indoor air quality - The IAQ-Habitat Experiment: Over 150 volatile organic compounds were detected in our habitat's atmosphere, raising crucial implications for long-duration space missions. Notably, formaldehyde levels approached NASA's SMAC limits for various stay durations.

Continuous monitoring during the #AMADEE24 simulate Mars mission revealed that while most readings stayed below these thresholds, it's a reminder of the challenges in maintaining air quality on spacecraft.

Read more ➡️ https://ow.ly/BVUt50US0c7 by Jan Gunschera and Sebastian Wientzek (both Fraunhofer WKI) about the first results of IAQ-Habitat's experiments during the AMADEE-24 mission in the blog post on our website.

📷: OeWF/vog.photo / AMADEE-24 field crew in front of the Armash Mars Analog Research Station in Armenia.

#IAQHabitat #Experiment #airquality #exploringMars #simulateMars #Armash #Armenia

#ScienceSunday: Hubble's decade-long survey of And

#ScienceSunday: Hubble's decade-long survey of Andromeda reveals a stunning 2.5-billion-pixel mosaic, capturing 200 million stars. This view offers new insights into Andromeda's unique evolution.

Learn more: https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Hubble_traces_hidden_history_of_the_Andromeda_Galaxy

📷NASA, ESA, B. Williams (U. of Washington)

#ScienceSunday #Astronomy #Andromeda #galaxy #Hubble #astronomy #newinsights

🚀 Walking on Mars? Moonwalking? We’ve got tha

🚀 Walking on Mars? Moonwalking? We’ve got that covered. 🌕🔥

Picture this: you’re suspended horizontally, strapped onto a vertical treadmill, and suddenly you’re walking as if you’re on the Moon (1/6g) or Mars (1/3g). Using IMU sensors (high-tech tools creating a real-time digital twin of your movements) and a 3D motion capture system, we’re diving deep into the science of low gravity.

Why do we do it? To study how humans can thrive on other planets and prepare the next generation of explorers. No big deal, right? 😉

Check out Matthias, our fearless test subject, literally defying gravity! 💪

📍 Operated by oewf, this @europeanspaceagency ground-based facility in Innsbruck is redefining what’s possible in space research—and it’s happening right here in the Alps. 🏔️

Would you step into this future? Let us know below! 👇

🚀 Meet Our New Flightplan Team Lead! We're exci

🚀 Meet Our New Flightplan Team Lead!
We're excited to welcome Dr. Soumyajit Mandal as the new Flightplan Team Lead at oewf! Together with Laura Bettiol and the entire Flightplan team, he'll coordinate our Mars simulation missions - from crew safety to science experiments.

🔭 When he's not planning analog missions, Dr. Soumyajit Mandal works as a scientist at @sron_space, studying Earth's atmosphere from space.

✨ Having already contributed to #AMADEE24 in Armenia, he brings valuable mission experience to the team. His focus? Creating an environment where the whole team can collaborate and innovate together!

💭 "What I love most about oewf is being part of a team united by a shared passion for space exploration!"

Welcome to the Flightplan leadership! 🌍➡️🔴

📷: Soumyajit Mandal / AMADEE-24 Flightplan Team

We had the honor of attending the press conference

We had the honor of attending the press conference for ShakthiSAT, an inspiring initiative led by the Indian startup SpaceKidzIndia. This ambitious project unites 100 girls from 100 countries, including Austria, to design a lunar satellite. 👩‍🚀
The press conference was a success, with more than 300 participants joining via Zoom, showcasing the global excitement for this initiative!
Austrian girls have the exciting opportunity to join this mission, participating in online seminars on rocket science and engineering. The journey doesn't stop there - one participant will be selected to travel to India in summer 2025 to collaborate with national space agencies and work directly on the satellite! 🌟
We are thrilled to see such initiatives paving the way for the next generation of space enthusiasts. Let’s encourage Austrian girls to seize this opportunity and reach for the stars! 🤩

Find out more: https://ow.ly/R8ea50UOE8C
#ShakthiSAT #SpaceForEveryone #GirlsInSTEM

#MarsMonday #AMADEE24 Science Series 🚀🌱 The

#MarsMonday #AMADEE24 Science Series 🚀🌱 The Hort3space Hydroponic System is paving the way for sustainable food production in future space missions, particularly to Mars. This innovative experiment by ENEA and Sapienza University enhances self-sufficiency with a multi-level hydroponic setup featuring automation and integrated sensors. 🌌🤖

By cultivating micro-greens using energy-efficient full-spectrum LED lighting and advanced robotic technology, we're moving closer to the viability of agricultural practices beyond Earth!

🌱 More details about the Hort3Space experiment can be read in our blog post: https://ow.ly/EYm650UMO0b

📷: OeWF / Micro-greens, grown by our analog astronauts and the greenhouse with a lot of automation technologies to streamline the cultivation process.

#SpaceExploration #Hydroponics #SustainableFarming #MarsMission #exploringMars #AMADEE24 #Armenia #Hort3Space

#ScienceSunday After 10+ years mapping 2 billion s

#ScienceSunday After 10+ years mapping 2 billion stars, ESA’s Gaia has captured its last starlight. 🛰️🌌 This 3D galactic map transformed astronomy, unveiling stellar motions, compositions, and the Milky Way’s dynamic history. You'll have to check out these amazing new views on esa.int website.

📷ESA/Gaia/DPAC, Stefan Payne-Wardenaar

#Gaia #ESA #Astronomy #Science #Galaxy #MilkyWay #universe #ScienceSunday

Follow on Instagram

oewf_org

#AMADEE24 Mars Simulation. #simulateMars. Building analog spacesuits. Inspiring next-gen for space & science. #oewf #AMADEE24

🚀 Kids Innovation Day – Staunen, Entdecken, M

🚀 Kids Innovation Day – Staunen, Entdecken, Mitmachen! 🌍🔭
Neugierig auf den Weltraum? Dann schnapp dir deine Eltern und komm zum Kids Innovation Day! Hier kannst du spannende Experimente ausprobieren, Dinge selbst erforschen und dabei eine Menge Spaß haben – und das Beste: Es ist kostenlos!

✨ Wir sind mit einem Workshop dabei und bringen den Kosmos direkt zu dir:
👃 Wie riecht eigentlich der Weltraum? (Spoiler: nicht nach Vanille!)
⚖️ Wie fühlt es sich an, auf Jupiter zu stehen?
🎶 Und hast du schon mal gehört, wie ein Stern klingt?

Vielleicht hast du sogar die Chance, in einen echten Raumanzug zu schlüpfen! 🤫 Klingt aufregend? Dann sicher dir ab dem 1. März 2025 deinen Platz!

Und nicht vergessen, viele neugierige Fragen sind unbedingt erlaubt, das hilft euch später kreative Antworten auf viele Fragen zu finden

🔗 https://www.rauchzeichen.live/junior/

@rauchzeichen.live

Der Kids Innovation Day ist Teil der Tiroler Innovationswoche 2025 und wird präsentiert von der Standortagentur Tirol .

#STEM #Education #KidsInnovationDay

Four Years of Perseverance on Mars! 🚀🔴 On F

Four Years of Perseverance on Mars! 🚀🔴

On February 18, 2021, @marsroverperseverance made history, landing on Mars to explore Jezero Crater. Four years later, it’s still going strong—searching for ancient life and paving the way for future human missions!

Why Jezero Crater? 💫
Once a river delta, this crater could hold clues to whether life ever existed on Mars. Its ancient sediments are like a time capsule from billions of years ago!

What Perseverance Has Achieved So Far:
📍 30+ km traveled across Mars
🪨 26 rock & regolith samples + 3 air sample collected
🏔️ Reached the rim of Jezero Crater
🔬 Still making groundbreaking discoveries!

What do you think Perseverance’s next big find will be? Drop your predictions below! ⬇️

#PerseveranceRover #MarsAnniversary #NASA #SpaceExploration #JezeroCrater

📸 NASA/JPL-Caltech

#MarsMonday 🚀🔬 During the AMADEE-24 Science

#MarsMonday 🚀🔬 During the AMADEE-24 Science Workshop at the Vega observatory, we looked back at our #simulateMars mission in Armenia, where the stunning Ararat region mirrored Martian terrain. The workshop was a platform for Principal Investigators to present and discuss the results of their experiments conducted during the AMADEE-24 mission, fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration. Experiments in 🛠️ Engineering, 🧑‍🚀 Human Factors, 🤖 Robotics, 💎 Geoscience, 🧑‍🚀 Psychology, & 🍃 Life Science were presented. 200 scientists from 26 countries whose equipment, rovers, and experiments had been chosen for the expedition were involved in #AMADEE24.

Get a lot more insights in our detailed mission report (PDF download) at our website: https://ow.ly/jUCC50V0U0P.

📷: OeWF

#AMADEE24 #experiment #science #analogScience #spaceExploration #Armenia

#ScienceSunday 🚀 ESA supports the proposal to m

#ScienceSunday 🚀 ESA supports the proposal to make 2029 the UN International Year of Planetary Defence! 🌍🛡️ The goal is to raise awareness of asteroid defense and promote research on planetary protection. Learn more here: https://www.esa.int/Space_Safety/Planetary_Defence/ESA_endorses_Year_of_Asteroid_Awareness_and_Planetary_Defence

📷ESA - P.Carril

#PlanetaryDefense #IYPD2029 #Apophis #asteroid #ESA #UN #awareness #ScienceSunday

Are you interested in space exploration and want t

Are you interested in space exploration and want to gain exciting insights into event management or scientific research? We offer two fantastic internship opportunities – you can either get on board as a CASSINI Hackathon Event Manager or in a FemTech Internship focused on Mars-Analog Research!

Event Manager CASSINI Hackathon
📍 Location: Innsbruck
📅 When: February – May 2025 (approx. 10 hours/week)
💰 Compensation: one-time 2,500 EUR

Would you like to be part of an international hackathon in the field of space exploration? Help us organize the CASSINI Hackathon, focusing on the use of Earth observation data for health and society. Your tasks will include event planning, team management, and assisting with marketing.

What you bring:
✔️ Enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's program in Event Management, Marketing, or similar.
✔️ Interest in event organization and space exploration.
✔️ Good knowledge of German and English.
✔️ Teamwork and communication skills.

FemTech Internship – Mars-Analog Research
📍 Location: Innsbruck
📅 When: Starting September 2025 or January 2026 (6 months)
💰 Compensation: 1,400 EUR gross at 30 hours/week

Become part of the Mars-Analog Research team and work on international space simulations! In this internship, you will be involved in the planning and execution of Mars simulations, work on scientific data analysis, and learn more about science didactics.

What you bring:
✔️ You are a student in a scientific or technical field (including MINT teaching degrees).
✔️ You are enrolled at an Austrian university or university of applied sciences.
✔️ Interest in space simulations and scientific research.

Apply now and experience firsthand how the future of space exploration is being shaped! More information and relevant documents can be found here: https://oewf.org/jobs/ 🌟

#FemTech #SpaceExploration #Hackathon #Internship #MarsSimulation #STEM #SpaceResearch #EventManagement #StudentJobs

🔬 From Mars Simulation to Future Mission Succes

🔬 From Mars Simulation to Future Mission Success: Workshop Highlights!
📍 Mission Support Center, Vienna
What happens when you gather space experts to improve future Mars analog missions? Our AMADEE-24 Workshop just showed us! 🚀

Last weekend, our mission teams transformed valuable insights from our Armenia Mars analog mission into concrete action plans. After carefully analyzing our April 2024 simulation data, we're strengthening our protocols for future Mars analog missions.

Imagine having analog astronauts, flight controllers, biomedical engineers, IT and science teams all in one room - that's how real space exploration progress happens! Together, we're building the foundation for more advanced Mars simulations right here on Earth. 🌍→🔴

with @gernotgroemer @astro_anika @astrokitsune @cosmoskhaleesi @hepoli @lplazovnik @judithkuemmel @pauline_delande and more

🚀 NASA is Going Live from Space – And You Can

🚀 NASA is Going Live from Space – And You Can Be Part of It!

For the first time ever, @nasa is streaming live from the International Space Station (ISS) on @twitch – and you can ask astronauts your questions in real time! 🧑‍🚀

On February 12, 2025, at 5:45 PM CET (11:45 AM ET), astronaut Don Pettit (currently on the ISS) and Matt Dominick (Crew-8 astronaut, recently back on Earth) will share insights into daily life in space, groundbreaking research, and what it’s like to live and work in microgravity.

This is just the beginning! NASA’s new Twitch series will bring live spacewalks, launches, landings, and exclusive content, giving you a direct look at human spaceflight like never before. 💫

If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming an astronaut or working in space exploration, this is your chance to see it up close and ask the experts—400 km above Earth!

📡 Watch live on NASA’s official Twitch channel → twitch.tv/NASA

#NASA #Twitch #FutureAstronauts #LiveFromSpace #SpaceExploration #AskAnAstronaut #ISS

#MarsMonday #AMADEE24 Science Series 🤖🔬 On o

#MarsMonday #AMADEE24 Science Series 🤖🔬 On our latest Mars simulation in Armenia in spring 2024, we tested a robust method for the (semi-)autonomous operation of a rover. By using ultra-wideband (UWB) transceivers, the team from @uniwuerzburg has advanced localization through trilateration!

This innovative approach enables precise navigation in unknown terrain - important for future Mars and Moon missions! 🔴🌖

Read more information and first results in our blog post: https://ow.ly/Rfc450UWkCC

📷: OeWF/vog.photo

#Robotics #SpaceExploration #Localization #InnovativeTech #UWB #simulateMars #Armenia

#ScienceSunday NASA’s analysis of the Bennu samp

#ScienceSunday NASA’s analysis of the Bennu sample reveals water-bearing minerals and carbon-rich compounds, key ingredients for life. This supports the hypothesis that asteroids contributed to the early Earth's prebiotic chemistry: https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasas-asteroid-bennu-sample-reveals-mix-of-lifes-ingredients/

📷NASA/James Tralie

#bennu #asteroid #samplereturn #soilsample #solarsystem #NASA #ScienceSunday

Time-traveling to February 2018 ⏰🔴 AMADEE-18

Time-traveling to February 2018 ⏰🔴
AMADEE-18 showed how to explore Mars step by step: First the AVI-NAV drone (University Klagenfurt) surveyed from above, then HUSKY rover (Technical University Graz) scanned the ground, followed by our analog astronauts collecting samples for later lab analysis. Like solving a cosmic puzzle! 🧩

This step-by-step approach was based on a new workflow instrument, our Exploration Cascade. Its effectiveness led to its integration in our subsequent Mars simulations. With each #simulateMars mission we improve the workflow to better plan and test planetary exploration strategies.

Fun fact: Each experiment had to follow this exact sequence to maximize our chances of finding potential biosignatures - just like we'll do on Mars!

Which exploration tool excites you most - drones, rovers, or astronaut field work? 🚀

Asteroid 2024 YR4: What You Need to Know 🌍💫

Asteroid 2024 YR4: What You Need to Know 🌍💫

The European Space Agency (ESA) is closely monitoring asteroid 2024 YR4, a near-Earth object (NEO) that was recently added to ESA’s Risk List due to a ~2.2% chance of impacting Earth in 2032. While this probability remains low, continued observations and refined orbital calculations are needed to further assess the likelihood of impact over time. ESA’s Near-Earth Object Coordination Centre (NEOCC) is working with international partners to track its trajectory.

About Asteroid 2024 YR4 🪨
Asteroid 2024 YR4 is classified as an Apollo-type asteroid, meaning its orbit crosses Earth’s orbit as it travels around the Sun. Preliminary size estimates suggest it could be between 50 to 100 meters in diameter. However, additional observations are needed to determine its exact size, composition, and structure.

Latest Updates & Observations 🛰️
7 Feb - ESA’s Near-Earth Object Coordination Centre published a new impact probability of 2.2%
3 Feb - The Space Mission Planning Advisory Group (SMPAG) has confirmed that continued monitoring is essential. If 2024 YR4 is confirmed to be larger than 50 meters and maintains an impact probability above 1%, recommendations will be made to the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) regarding potential planetary defense strategies.
30 Jan – The International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN) issued a Potential Asteroid Impact Notification, alerting global observatories to intensify tracking efforts.

What’s Next? 🔭
Asteroid tracking relies on continued observations to refine orbital models. The more data scientists collect, the more accurately they can predict its future trajectory. While the current risk is low, agencies like ESA, NASA, and IAWN will continue monitoring and preparing for any necessary mitigation measures.

For now, there’s no immediate cause for concern, but space agencies are keeping a close eye on 2024 YR4 as part of ongoing planetary defense efforts.
Stay tuned for updates as more data becomes available and find out more @europeanspaceagency website 🌟

📷: Asteroid impression (c) ESA

#ESA #Asteroid2024YR4 #PlanetaryDefense

🚀 Weltraum fasziniert dich? Dann mach dein Wiss

🚀 Weltraum fasziniert dich? Dann mach dein Wissen zum Beruf! 🌍✨

Wir suchen ab März 2025 einen Weltraum-Wissensvermittler (Education Coordinator) in Wien!

Deine Mission:
✨ Workshops an Schulen & Kindergärten gestalten
✨ EU- & ESA-Bildungsprojekte unterstützen
✨ Öffentlichkeitsarbeit mitgestalten

📍 Wien | 15h/Woche | Gleitzeit

👉 Bewirb dich jetzt & werde Teil unseres Teams! Mehr Infos unter: oewf.org/jobs

#SpaceJobs #STEM #Weltraum #ÖWF #OeWF #Education #WirStellenEin #Stellenangebot #SciComm #Wien #Teilzeit #teamworkmakesdreamwork

🚀Last chance! Tomorrow at TU Wien – Meet ESA

🚀Last chance! Tomorrow at TU Wien – Meet ESA Astronaut Luca Parmitano!🚀

Tomorrow, on Feb 5, ESA astronaut Luca Parmitano (@astro_luca) is coming to TU Wien to share his experience from 366 days in space, including his time as Commander of the ISS.

What’s it really like to live, work, and lead in microgravity? How do astronauts prepare for extreme environments? And what’s next for human spaceflight? Get first-hand insights, ask your questions and hear your answers from someone who's lived and worked in space!

📍 TU Wien, Gußhausstraße 27-29
⏰ Tomorrow, 6–8 PM
🎤 Q&A + Expert Talk

Don’t miss this rare opportunity! If you’re into space, science, and technology, this is your last chance to join. Tag a friend who should be there!💫

#LastCall #Space #AstronautLife #STEM #ESA #ISS #SpaceExploration #Innovation #MeetTheExperts #TUMoments

#MarsMonday #AMADEE24 Science Series 🚀🔬 Inve

#MarsMonday #AMADEE24 Science Series 🚀🔬 Investigations on the indoor air quality - The IAQ-Habitat Experiment: Over 150 volatile organic compounds were detected in our habitat's atmosphere, raising crucial implications for long-duration space missions. Notably, formaldehyde levels approached NASA's SMAC limits for various stay durations.

Continuous monitoring during the #AMADEE24 simulate Mars mission revealed that while most readings stayed below these thresholds, it's a reminder of the challenges in maintaining air quality on spacecraft.

Read more ➡️ https://ow.ly/BVUt50US0c7 by Jan Gunschera and Sebastian Wientzek (both Fraunhofer WKI) about the first results of IAQ-Habitat's experiments during the AMADEE-24 mission in the blog post on our website.

📷: OeWF/vog.photo / AMADEE-24 field crew in front of the Armash Mars Analog Research Station in Armenia.

#IAQHabitat #Experiment #airquality #exploringMars #simulateMars #Armash #Armenia

#ScienceSunday: Hubble's decade-long survey of And

#ScienceSunday: Hubble's decade-long survey of Andromeda reveals a stunning 2.5-billion-pixel mosaic, capturing 200 million stars. This view offers new insights into Andromeda's unique evolution.

Learn more: https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Hubble_traces_hidden_history_of_the_Andromeda_Galaxy

📷NASA, ESA, B. Williams (U. of Washington)

#ScienceSunday #Astronomy #Andromeda #galaxy #Hubble #astronomy #newinsights

🚀 Walking on Mars? Moonwalking? We’ve got tha

🚀 Walking on Mars? Moonwalking? We’ve got that covered. 🌕🔥

Picture this: you’re suspended horizontally, strapped onto a vertical treadmill, and suddenly you’re walking as if you’re on the Moon (1/6g) or Mars (1/3g). Using IMU sensors (high-tech tools creating a real-time digital twin of your movements) and a 3D motion capture system, we’re diving deep into the science of low gravity.

Why do we do it? To study how humans can thrive on other planets and prepare the next generation of explorers. No big deal, right? 😉

Check out Matthias, our fearless test subject, literally defying gravity! 💪

📍 Operated by oewf, this @europeanspaceagency ground-based facility in Innsbruck is redefining what’s possible in space research—and it’s happening right here in the Alps. 🏔️

Would you step into this future? Let us know below! 👇

🚀 Meet Our New Flightplan Team Lead! We're exci

🚀 Meet Our New Flightplan Team Lead!
We're excited to welcome Dr. Soumyajit Mandal as the new Flightplan Team Lead at oewf! Together with Laura Bettiol and the entire Flightplan team, he'll coordinate our Mars simulation missions - from crew safety to science experiments.

🔭 When he's not planning analog missions, Dr. Soumyajit Mandal works as a scientist at @sron_space, studying Earth's atmosphere from space.

✨ Having already contributed to #AMADEE24 in Armenia, he brings valuable mission experience to the team. His focus? Creating an environment where the whole team can collaborate and innovate together!

💭 "What I love most about oewf is being part of a team united by a shared passion for space exploration!"

Welcome to the Flightplan leadership! 🌍➡️🔴

📷: Soumyajit Mandal / AMADEE-24 Flightplan Team

We had the honor of attending the press conference

We had the honor of attending the press conference for ShakthiSAT, an inspiring initiative led by the Indian startup SpaceKidzIndia. This ambitious project unites 100 girls from 100 countries, including Austria, to design a lunar satellite. 👩‍🚀
The press conference was a success, with more than 300 participants joining via Zoom, showcasing the global excitement for this initiative!
Austrian girls have the exciting opportunity to join this mission, participating in online seminars on rocket science and engineering. The journey doesn't stop there - one participant will be selected to travel to India in summer 2025 to collaborate with national space agencies and work directly on the satellite! 🌟
We are thrilled to see such initiatives paving the way for the next generation of space enthusiasts. Let’s encourage Austrian girls to seize this opportunity and reach for the stars! 🤩

Find out more: https://ow.ly/R8ea50UOE8C
#ShakthiSAT #SpaceForEveryone #GirlsInSTEM

#MarsMonday #AMADEE24 Science Series 🚀🌱 The

#MarsMonday #AMADEE24 Science Series 🚀🌱 The Hort3space Hydroponic System is paving the way for sustainable food production in future space missions, particularly to Mars. This innovative experiment by ENEA and Sapienza University enhances self-sufficiency with a multi-level hydroponic setup featuring automation and integrated sensors. 🌌🤖

By cultivating micro-greens using energy-efficient full-spectrum LED lighting and advanced robotic technology, we're moving closer to the viability of agricultural practices beyond Earth!

🌱 More details about the Hort3Space experiment can be read in our blog post: https://ow.ly/EYm650UMO0b

📷: OeWF / Micro-greens, grown by our analog astronauts and the greenhouse with a lot of automation technologies to streamline the cultivation process.

#SpaceExploration #Hydroponics #SustainableFarming #MarsMission #exploringMars #AMADEE24 #Armenia #Hort3Space

#ScienceSunday After 10+ years mapping 2 billion s

#ScienceSunday After 10+ years mapping 2 billion stars, ESA’s Gaia has captured its last starlight. 🛰️🌌 This 3D galactic map transformed astronomy, unveiling stellar motions, compositions, and the Milky Way’s dynamic history. You'll have to check out these amazing new views on esa.int website.

📷ESA/Gaia/DPAC, Stefan Payne-Wardenaar

#Gaia #ESA #Astronomy #Science #Galaxy #MilkyWay #universe #ScienceSunday

Follow on Instagram

oewf_org

#AMADEE24 Mars Simulation. #simulateMars. Building analog spacesuits. Inspiring next-gen for space & science. #oewf #AMADEE24

🚀 Kids Innovation Day – Staunen, Entdecken, M

🚀 Kids Innovation Day – Staunen, Entdecken, Mitmachen! 🌍🔭
Neugierig auf den Weltraum? Dann schnapp dir deine Eltern und komm zum Kids Innovation Day! Hier kannst du spannende Experimente ausprobieren, Dinge selbst erforschen und dabei eine Menge Spaß haben – und das Beste: Es ist kostenlos!

✨ Wir sind mit einem Workshop dabei und bringen den Kosmos direkt zu dir:
👃 Wie riecht eigentlich der Weltraum? (Spoiler: nicht nach Vanille!)
⚖️ Wie fühlt es sich an, auf Jupiter zu stehen?
🎶 Und hast du schon mal gehört, wie ein Stern klingt?

Vielleicht hast du sogar die Chance, in einen echten Raumanzug zu schlüpfen! 🤫 Klingt aufregend? Dann sicher dir ab dem 1. März 2025 deinen Platz!

Und nicht vergessen, viele neugierige Fragen sind unbedingt erlaubt, das hilft euch später kreative Antworten auf viele Fragen zu finden

🔗 https://www.rauchzeichen.live/junior/

@rauchzeichen.live

Der Kids Innovation Day ist Teil der Tiroler Innovationswoche 2025 und wird präsentiert von der Standortagentur Tirol .

#STEM #Education #KidsInnovationDay

Four Years of Perseverance on Mars! 🚀🔴 On F

Four Years of Perseverance on Mars! 🚀🔴

On February 18, 2021, @marsroverperseverance made history, landing on Mars to explore Jezero Crater. Four years later, it’s still going strong—searching for ancient life and paving the way for future human missions!

Why Jezero Crater? 💫
Once a river delta, this crater could hold clues to whether life ever existed on Mars. Its ancient sediments are like a time capsule from billions of years ago!

What Perseverance Has Achieved So Far:
📍 30+ km traveled across Mars
🪨 26 rock & regolith samples + 3 air sample collected
🏔️ Reached the rim of Jezero Crater
🔬 Still making groundbreaking discoveries!

What do you think Perseverance’s next big find will be? Drop your predictions below! ⬇️

#PerseveranceRover #MarsAnniversary #NASA #SpaceExploration #JezeroCrater

📸 NASA/JPL-Caltech

#MarsMonday 🚀🔬 During the AMADEE-24 Science

#MarsMonday 🚀🔬 During the AMADEE-24 Science Workshop at the Vega observatory, we looked back at our #simulateMars mission in Armenia, where the stunning Ararat region mirrored Martian terrain. The workshop was a platform for Principal Investigators to present and discuss the results of their experiments conducted during the AMADEE-24 mission, fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration. Experiments in 🛠️ Engineering, 🧑‍🚀 Human Factors, 🤖 Robotics, 💎 Geoscience, 🧑‍🚀 Psychology, & 🍃 Life Science were presented. 200 scientists from 26 countries whose equipment, rovers, and experiments had been chosen for the expedition were involved in #AMADEE24.

Get a lot more insights in our detailed mission report (PDF download) at our website: https://ow.ly/jUCC50V0U0P.

📷: OeWF

#AMADEE24 #experiment #science #analogScience #spaceExploration #Armenia

#ScienceSunday 🚀 ESA supports the proposal to m

#ScienceSunday 🚀 ESA supports the proposal to make 2029 the UN International Year of Planetary Defence! 🌍🛡️ The goal is to raise awareness of asteroid defense and promote research on planetary protection. Learn more here: https://www.esa.int/Space_Safety/Planetary_Defence/ESA_endorses_Year_of_Asteroid_Awareness_and_Planetary_Defence

📷ESA - P.Carril

#PlanetaryDefense #IYPD2029 #Apophis #asteroid #ESA #UN #awareness #ScienceSunday

Are you interested in space exploration and want t

Are you interested in space exploration and want to gain exciting insights into event management or scientific research? We offer two fantastic internship opportunities – you can either get on board as a CASSINI Hackathon Event Manager or in a FemTech Internship focused on Mars-Analog Research!

Event Manager CASSINI Hackathon
📍 Location: Innsbruck
📅 When: February – May 2025 (approx. 10 hours/week)
💰 Compensation: one-time 2,500 EUR

Would you like to be part of an international hackathon in the field of space exploration? Help us organize the CASSINI Hackathon, focusing on the use of Earth observation data for health and society. Your tasks will include event planning, team management, and assisting with marketing.

What you bring:
✔️ Enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's program in Event Management, Marketing, or similar.
✔️ Interest in event organization and space exploration.
✔️ Good knowledge of German and English.
✔️ Teamwork and communication skills.

FemTech Internship – Mars-Analog Research
📍 Location: Innsbruck
📅 When: Starting September 2025 or January 2026 (6 months)
💰 Compensation: 1,400 EUR gross at 30 hours/week

Become part of the Mars-Analog Research team and work on international space simulations! In this internship, you will be involved in the planning and execution of Mars simulations, work on scientific data analysis, and learn more about science didactics.

What you bring:
✔️ You are a student in a scientific or technical field (including MINT teaching degrees).
✔️ You are enrolled at an Austrian university or university of applied sciences.
✔️ Interest in space simulations and scientific research.

Apply now and experience firsthand how the future of space exploration is being shaped! More information and relevant documents can be found here: https://oewf.org/jobs/ 🌟

#FemTech #SpaceExploration #Hackathon #Internship #MarsSimulation #STEM #SpaceResearch #EventManagement #StudentJobs

🔬 From Mars Simulation to Future Mission Succes

🔬 From Mars Simulation to Future Mission Success: Workshop Highlights!
📍 Mission Support Center, Vienna
What happens when you gather space experts to improve future Mars analog missions? Our AMADEE-24 Workshop just showed us! 🚀

Last weekend, our mission teams transformed valuable insights from our Armenia Mars analog mission into concrete action plans. After carefully analyzing our April 2024 simulation data, we're strengthening our protocols for future Mars analog missions.

Imagine having analog astronauts, flight controllers, biomedical engineers, IT and science teams all in one room - that's how real space exploration progress happens! Together, we're building the foundation for more advanced Mars simulations right here on Earth. 🌍→🔴

with @gernotgroemer @astro_anika @astrokitsune @cosmoskhaleesi @hepoli @lplazovnik @judithkuemmel @pauline_delande and more

🚀 NASA is Going Live from Space – And You Can

🚀 NASA is Going Live from Space – And You Can Be Part of It!

For the first time ever, @nasa is streaming live from the International Space Station (ISS) on @twitch – and you can ask astronauts your questions in real time! 🧑‍🚀

On February 12, 2025, at 5:45 PM CET (11:45 AM ET), astronaut Don Pettit (currently on the ISS) and Matt Dominick (Crew-8 astronaut, recently back on Earth) will share insights into daily life in space, groundbreaking research, and what it’s like to live and work in microgravity.

This is just the beginning! NASA’s new Twitch series will bring live spacewalks, launches, landings, and exclusive content, giving you a direct look at human spaceflight like never before. 💫

If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming an astronaut or working in space exploration, this is your chance to see it up close and ask the experts—400 km above Earth!

📡 Watch live on NASA’s official Twitch channel → twitch.tv/NASA

#NASA #Twitch #FutureAstronauts #LiveFromSpace #SpaceExploration #AskAnAstronaut #ISS

#MarsMonday #AMADEE24 Science Series 🤖🔬 On o

#MarsMonday #AMADEE24 Science Series 🤖🔬 On our latest Mars simulation in Armenia in spring 2024, we tested a robust method for the (semi-)autonomous operation of a rover. By using ultra-wideband (UWB) transceivers, the team from @uniwuerzburg has advanced localization through trilateration!

This innovative approach enables precise navigation in unknown terrain - important for future Mars and Moon missions! 🔴🌖

Read more information and first results in our blog post: https://ow.ly/Rfc450UWkCC

📷: OeWF/vog.photo

#Robotics #SpaceExploration #Localization #InnovativeTech #UWB #simulateMars #Armenia

#ScienceSunday NASA’s analysis of the Bennu samp

#ScienceSunday NASA’s analysis of the Bennu sample reveals water-bearing minerals and carbon-rich compounds, key ingredients for life. This supports the hypothesis that asteroids contributed to the early Earth's prebiotic chemistry: https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasas-asteroid-bennu-sample-reveals-mix-of-lifes-ingredients/

📷NASA/James Tralie

#bennu #asteroid #samplereturn #soilsample #solarsystem #NASA #ScienceSunday

Time-traveling to February 2018 ⏰🔴 AMADEE-18

Time-traveling to February 2018 ⏰🔴
AMADEE-18 showed how to explore Mars step by step: First the AVI-NAV drone (University Klagenfurt) surveyed from above, then HUSKY rover (Technical University Graz) scanned the ground, followed by our analog astronauts collecting samples for later lab analysis. Like solving a cosmic puzzle! 🧩

This step-by-step approach was based on a new workflow instrument, our Exploration Cascade. Its effectiveness led to its integration in our subsequent Mars simulations. With each #simulateMars mission we improve the workflow to better plan and test planetary exploration strategies.

Fun fact: Each experiment had to follow this exact sequence to maximize our chances of finding potential biosignatures - just like we'll do on Mars!

Which exploration tool excites you most - drones, rovers, or astronaut field work? 🚀

Asteroid 2024 YR4: What You Need to Know 🌍💫

Asteroid 2024 YR4: What You Need to Know 🌍💫

The European Space Agency (ESA) is closely monitoring asteroid 2024 YR4, a near-Earth object (NEO) that was recently added to ESA’s Risk List due to a ~2.2% chance of impacting Earth in 2032. While this probability remains low, continued observations and refined orbital calculations are needed to further assess the likelihood of impact over time. ESA’s Near-Earth Object Coordination Centre (NEOCC) is working with international partners to track its trajectory.

About Asteroid 2024 YR4 🪨
Asteroid 2024 YR4 is classified as an Apollo-type asteroid, meaning its orbit crosses Earth’s orbit as it travels around the Sun. Preliminary size estimates suggest it could be between 50 to 100 meters in diameter. However, additional observations are needed to determine its exact size, composition, and structure.

Latest Updates & Observations 🛰️
7 Feb - ESA’s Near-Earth Object Coordination Centre published a new impact probability of 2.2%
3 Feb - The Space Mission Planning Advisory Group (SMPAG) has confirmed that continued monitoring is essential. If 2024 YR4 is confirmed to be larger than 50 meters and maintains an impact probability above 1%, recommendations will be made to the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) regarding potential planetary defense strategies.
30 Jan – The International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN) issued a Potential Asteroid Impact Notification, alerting global observatories to intensify tracking efforts.

What’s Next? 🔭
Asteroid tracking relies on continued observations to refine orbital models. The more data scientists collect, the more accurately they can predict its future trajectory. While the current risk is low, agencies like ESA, NASA, and IAWN will continue monitoring and preparing for any necessary mitigation measures.

For now, there’s no immediate cause for concern, but space agencies are keeping a close eye on 2024 YR4 as part of ongoing planetary defense efforts.
Stay tuned for updates as more data becomes available and find out more @europeanspaceagency website 🌟

📷: Asteroid impression (c) ESA

#ESA #Asteroid2024YR4 #PlanetaryDefense

🚀 Weltraum fasziniert dich? Dann mach dein Wiss

🚀 Weltraum fasziniert dich? Dann mach dein Wissen zum Beruf! 🌍✨

Wir suchen ab März 2025 einen Weltraum-Wissensvermittler (Education Coordinator) in Wien!

Deine Mission:
✨ Workshops an Schulen & Kindergärten gestalten
✨ EU- & ESA-Bildungsprojekte unterstützen
✨ Öffentlichkeitsarbeit mitgestalten

📍 Wien | 15h/Woche | Gleitzeit

👉 Bewirb dich jetzt & werde Teil unseres Teams! Mehr Infos unter: oewf.org/jobs

#SpaceJobs #STEM #Weltraum #ÖWF #OeWF #Education #WirStellenEin #Stellenangebot #SciComm #Wien #Teilzeit #teamworkmakesdreamwork

🚀Last chance! Tomorrow at TU Wien – Meet ESA

🚀Last chance! Tomorrow at TU Wien – Meet ESA Astronaut Luca Parmitano!🚀

Tomorrow, on Feb 5, ESA astronaut Luca Parmitano (@astro_luca) is coming to TU Wien to share his experience from 366 days in space, including his time as Commander of the ISS.

What’s it really like to live, work, and lead in microgravity? How do astronauts prepare for extreme environments? And what’s next for human spaceflight? Get first-hand insights, ask your questions and hear your answers from someone who's lived and worked in space!

📍 TU Wien, Gußhausstraße 27-29
⏰ Tomorrow, 6–8 PM
🎤 Q&A + Expert Talk

Don’t miss this rare opportunity! If you’re into space, science, and technology, this is your last chance to join. Tag a friend who should be there!💫

#LastCall #Space #AstronautLife #STEM #ESA #ISS #SpaceExploration #Innovation #MeetTheExperts #TUMoments

#MarsMonday #AMADEE24 Science Series 🚀🔬 Inve

#MarsMonday #AMADEE24 Science Series 🚀🔬 Investigations on the indoor air quality - The IAQ-Habitat Experiment: Over 150 volatile organic compounds were detected in our habitat's atmosphere, raising crucial implications for long-duration space missions. Notably, formaldehyde levels approached NASA's SMAC limits for various stay durations.

Continuous monitoring during the #AMADEE24 simulate Mars mission revealed that while most readings stayed below these thresholds, it's a reminder of the challenges in maintaining air quality on spacecraft.

Read more ➡️ https://ow.ly/BVUt50US0c7 by Jan Gunschera and Sebastian Wientzek (both Fraunhofer WKI) about the first results of IAQ-Habitat's experiments during the AMADEE-24 mission in the blog post on our website.

📷: OeWF/vog.photo / AMADEE-24 field crew in front of the Armash Mars Analog Research Station in Armenia.

#IAQHabitat #Experiment #airquality #exploringMars #simulateMars #Armash #Armenia

#ScienceSunday: Hubble's decade-long survey of And

#ScienceSunday: Hubble's decade-long survey of Andromeda reveals a stunning 2.5-billion-pixel mosaic, capturing 200 million stars. This view offers new insights into Andromeda's unique evolution.

Learn more: https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Hubble_traces_hidden_history_of_the_Andromeda_Galaxy

📷NASA, ESA, B. Williams (U. of Washington)

#ScienceSunday #Astronomy #Andromeda #galaxy #Hubble #astronomy #newinsights

🚀 Walking on Mars? Moonwalking? We’ve got tha

🚀 Walking on Mars? Moonwalking? We’ve got that covered. 🌕🔥

Picture this: you’re suspended horizontally, strapped onto a vertical treadmill, and suddenly you’re walking as if you’re on the Moon (1/6g) or Mars (1/3g). Using IMU sensors (high-tech tools creating a real-time digital twin of your movements) and a 3D motion capture system, we’re diving deep into the science of low gravity.

Why do we do it? To study how humans can thrive on other planets and prepare the next generation of explorers. No big deal, right? 😉

Check out Matthias, our fearless test subject, literally defying gravity! 💪

📍 Operated by oewf, this @europeanspaceagency ground-based facility in Innsbruck is redefining what’s possible in space research—and it’s happening right here in the Alps. 🏔️

Would you step into this future? Let us know below! 👇

🚀 Meet Our New Flightplan Team Lead! We're exci

🚀 Meet Our New Flightplan Team Lead!
We're excited to welcome Dr. Soumyajit Mandal as the new Flightplan Team Lead at oewf! Together with Laura Bettiol and the entire Flightplan team, he'll coordinate our Mars simulation missions - from crew safety to science experiments.

🔭 When he's not planning analog missions, Dr. Soumyajit Mandal works as a scientist at @sron_space, studying Earth's atmosphere from space.

✨ Having already contributed to #AMADEE24 in Armenia, he brings valuable mission experience to the team. His focus? Creating an environment where the whole team can collaborate and innovate together!

💭 "What I love most about oewf is being part of a team united by a shared passion for space exploration!"

Welcome to the Flightplan leadership! 🌍➡️🔴

📷: Soumyajit Mandal / AMADEE-24 Flightplan Team

We had the honor of attending the press conference

We had the honor of attending the press conference for ShakthiSAT, an inspiring initiative led by the Indian startup SpaceKidzIndia. This ambitious project unites 100 girls from 100 countries, including Austria, to design a lunar satellite. 👩‍🚀
The press conference was a success, with more than 300 participants joining via Zoom, showcasing the global excitement for this initiative!
Austrian girls have the exciting opportunity to join this mission, participating in online seminars on rocket science and engineering. The journey doesn't stop there - one participant will be selected to travel to India in summer 2025 to collaborate with national space agencies and work directly on the satellite! 🌟
We are thrilled to see such initiatives paving the way for the next generation of space enthusiasts. Let’s encourage Austrian girls to seize this opportunity and reach for the stars! 🤩

Find out more: https://ow.ly/R8ea50UOE8C
#ShakthiSAT #SpaceForEveryone #GirlsInSTEM

#MarsMonday #AMADEE24 Science Series 🚀🌱 The

#MarsMonday #AMADEE24 Science Series 🚀🌱 The Hort3space Hydroponic System is paving the way for sustainable food production in future space missions, particularly to Mars. This innovative experiment by ENEA and Sapienza University enhances self-sufficiency with a multi-level hydroponic setup featuring automation and integrated sensors. 🌌🤖

By cultivating micro-greens using energy-efficient full-spectrum LED lighting and advanced robotic technology, we're moving closer to the viability of agricultural practices beyond Earth!

🌱 More details about the Hort3Space experiment can be read in our blog post: https://ow.ly/EYm650UMO0b

📷: OeWF / Micro-greens, grown by our analog astronauts and the greenhouse with a lot of automation technologies to streamline the cultivation process.

#SpaceExploration #Hydroponics #SustainableFarming #MarsMission #exploringMars #AMADEE24 #Armenia #Hort3Space

#ScienceSunday After 10+ years mapping 2 billion s

#ScienceSunday After 10+ years mapping 2 billion stars, ESA’s Gaia has captured its last starlight. 🛰️🌌 This 3D galactic map transformed astronomy, unveiling stellar motions, compositions, and the Milky Way’s dynamic history. You'll have to check out these amazing new views on esa.int website.

📷ESA/Gaia/DPAC, Stefan Payne-Wardenaar

#Gaia #ESA #Astronomy #Science #Galaxy #MilkyWay #universe #ScienceSunday

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