OeWF Representatives meet with Egyptian Space Agency

At the invitation of the Egyptian Space Agency (EgSA), a few days ago representatives of the Austrian Space Forum (OeWF) met the CEO of the Egyptian Space Agency, Prof. Dr. Mohamed El-Koosy, high-ranking Egyptian ministry representatives and the Austrian Ambassador to Egypt, Dr. Georg Stillfried in Kairo. The talks aimed to prepare for the OeWF’s next Mars analog mission, for which Egypt has now officially been added to the shortlist of candidates. The next Mars analog mission is expected to take place in 2024/2025.

Dr. Gernot Grömer, Director of the OeWF: “After completing our last mission in Israel in 2021 we are now entering the first phase of preparations for our next Mars analog mission. We are currently looking for a suitable location for the next Mars simulation and above all for a reliable, competent partner with whom we can carry out such an extensive and complex project that will involve up to 200 international researchers. We were very impressed by the representatives we spoke to in Cairo. Therefore, we have included the Egyptian Space Agency in the short list of candidates for our next Mars simulation.”

Significant support also came from the Austrian Embassy in Cairo, in particular from Ambassador Dr. Georg Stillfried, who also accompanied the first exploratory talks: “I am very pleased that these exploratory talks have come about between the OeWF and the EgSA: This project has sustainable future potential for both sides and will also strengthen Austrian-Egyptian cooperation in the research area.”

Prof. Dr. Mohamed El-Koosy, CEO of the Egyptian Space Agency, on the meetings: “We were delighted to host the delegation of the Austrian Space Forum. The Egyptian Space Agency acknowledges both the scientific and technical prospects of having an analog mission in Egypt, but is also aware of its potential to inspire and mobilize the next generation of researchers, contributing to the thriving space sector in our country.”

Finally, Gernot Grömer: “As a private research institution that is not subject to state funding, the Austrian Space Forum plays a key role in making Austria internationally known as a high-tech location. The last few years have shown that we generate enormous international media coverage with our Mars simulations and thus position Austria in the best possible way in the industry. This is also reflected in the keen interest of countries around the world to be able to act as host country. One must not forget that an average of 20 international experiments – from scientific institutions such as NASA and ESA as well as private companies – take part in an OeWF Mars simulation.”

What is analog research?

The Austrian Space Forum simulates the work of astronauts in Mars-like environments on Earth. To that end, as one of five organizations worldwide, the OeWF has developed and built a prototype space suit that analog astronauts wear during their EVAs. The suit simulates wearing a space suit so that EVAs feel as Mars-like as possible. With its analog research, the Austrian Space Forum tests and looks for weak points in equipment and procedures so that everything may run smoothly in actual use on the Red Planet. Analog research also makes it easier to understand the advantages as well as limitations of future astronautical missions on foreign planets./p>

About the Austrian Space Forum
The Austrian Space Forum (OeWF) is a private space research institution and a network for spaceflight specialists, business/industry and people interested in space. We cooperate with international research institutions and companies and are in constant dialog with the media and decision makers. With 250 members from 20+ nations, the Austrian Space Forum focuses on scientific excellence, starts, shapes and networks careers and has been inspiring people all over the world since 1998. www.oewf.org

Media contact:
Mag. Monika Fischer
Media Officer
Austrian Space Forum
Tel: +43 699 1213 4610

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