From April 5 to 18, 2027, six analog astronauts from five countries will test challenges of and solutions for live and research on Mars. The mission AMADEE-27 will be carried out under the lead of the Austrian Space Forum (OeWF). It will feature 17 experiments developed by 22 international research institutions, a 50-kilogram spacesuit simulator, and a Mission Support Center in Vienna, Austria—all designed to create realistic conditions to simulate the human exploration of the Red Planet.
Gebrüder Weiss is supporting the mission for the third time as its logistics partner.
For AMADEE-27 the Austrian Space Forum continues its collaboration with the Portuguese institutions Monsaraz Analog Research Station, Nuclio, Inesc Tec and Observatorio Lago Alqueva and has also established valuable cooperation with the University of Evora. The mission is supported by Tekever.

How will humans one day be able to live and conduct research on Mars? With the Mars analog mission AMADEE-27, the Austrian Space Forum (OeWF) and its Portuguese partners are preparing the next stage of the OeWF’s international research efforts. From April 5 to 18, 2027, a six-person crew will test technologies, scientific methods, and operational workflows under Mars-like conditions at the Monsaraz Analog Research Station in Portugal. The program includes a total of 17 experiments from international research institutions and universities in Europe and the USA. AMADEE-27 is the 16th Mars analog mission conducted by the OeWF and serves as an important preparatory step for a larger-scale mission in 2028.

Research under Mars-like conditions

A Mars analog mission simulates specific challenges of a crewed mission to Mars here on Earth. The analog astronauts live and work in a specially designed habitat, conducting scientific research and technical tests outside their living quarters. In the process, they evaluate technologies, medical protocols, and robotic systems—among other elements—that could potentially be used in future Mars missions.

A key component of this is the Austrian Space Forum’s (OeWF) spacesuit simulator. During excursions outside the habitat, the analog astronauts wear a simulator weighing approximately 50 kilograms, which replicates the significant constraints of an actual pressurized spacesuit. These include restricted joint mobility, a limited field of vision due to the helmet, and the necessity of communicating exclusively via radio. The crew must carry out their tasks under these demanding conditions, balancing scientific precision and safety with efficient teamwork.

Dr. Gernot Grömer, Director of the Austrian Space Forum, emphasizes the significance of the mission:
“The AMADEE-27 Mission will further advance international Mars analog research and provide vital insights into how humans, technologies, and scientific processes interact under the demanding conditions of an expedition to another planet. Our goal is to identify challenges and develop solutions before they become critical during an actual mission to Mars. For this Mars analog mission we have teamed up with Observatorio Lago Alqueva, Nuclio, Inesc Tect and the University of Evora in Portugal as well as Gebrüder Weiss. Their expertise and valuable support will prove crucial to ensuring the success of AMADEE-27 – our 16th Mars analog mission. AMADEE-27 also serves as a preparatory mission for a larger Mars simulation in 2028.”

Six Analog Astronauts, One Common Goal

The AMADEE-27 crew brings together experts from five countries and a variety of specialized fields. The six analog astronauts hail from Portugal, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Sweden. They contribute qualifications and experience in space exploration, physics, biology, and medicine, forming an interdisciplinary team well-suited to the mission’s demanding tasks.

João Lousada– Portugal | Crew Commander
Joao Lousada ist Missionsmanager der Europäischen Weltraumagentur ESA und leitet die PLATO Mission, die 2027 ein Weltraumteleskop zur Suche nach erdähnlichen Planeten starten wird. Als Crew Commander übernimmt Lousada die Leitung des internationalen Teams. Er koordiniert die Aufgaben der Crew während der Mission und stellt gemeinsam mit den Teammitgliedern sicher, dass die geplanten Experimente und operativen Abläufe umgesetzt werden.

João Lousada – Portugal | Crew Commander
João Lousada is a mission manager at the European Space Agency (ESA), responsible for PLATO, a space telescope launching in 2027 to search for Earth-like planets. He previously spent over ten years in ISS operations as a flight director, and in 2022 was the first Portuguese candidate to reach the final stages of ESA’s astronaut selection. As Crew Commander of AMADEE-27, Lousada heads the international team. He coordinates the crew’s tasks throughout the mission and, together with the other team members, ensures that the planned experiments and operational procedures are carried out.

On AMADEE-27, João Lousada says:
“Leading this mission in my home country is something truly special. It is also a testament to the progress Portugal has already made in analog research and human space exploration. Excellent Portuguese institutions such as the University of Évora, NUCLIO, the Observatório do Lago Alqueva and INESC TEC are hosting and supporting the mission, and Portuguese research teams are contributing experiments. I am pleased that Portugal is purposefully building expertise and experience in the field of human space exploration, enabling it to take on a more active role.”

Adam Crellin – United Kingdom
Adam Crellin has been a member of the OeWF (Austrian Space Forum) analog astronaut corps for some time. He studied medicine and surgery and specializes in anesthesia and emergency medicine in remote environments.

Renana Bruckstein – Germany
Renana Bruckstein combines medical expertise with experience in high-performance sports. She is particularly interested in the challenges that extreme environments pose to the human body and its capacity for adaptation.

Ludovica Valentini – Italy/Sweden
Ludovica Valentini is a space engineer and has professional experience in the development and integration of space systems. Her technical perspective complements the interdisciplinary focus of the mission.

Nathan Pili – UK/Italy
Nathan Pili combines physical and engineering questions with a particular interest in technical applications and innovative solutions.

Olivia Drayson – United Kingdom
Olivia Drayson brings scientific expertise in physics, aerospace engineering, and research into the biological effects of ionizing radiation. Having previously participated in an analog space mission in northern Canada, she is well-acquainted with the specific requirements of international analog research projects.

Earth in Vienna, Mars in Portugal

Mission Support Center in Vienna, Austria. There, experts from the fields of technology, space exploration, medicine, robotics, and meteorology work together. They create detailed schedules for each mission day, assist in conducting experiments, monitor the crew’s health, and relay the data collected to research teams around the world.

A particular challenge is the artificial delay in communication between the Mission Support Center and the crew. Messages between “Earth” in Vienna, Austria and “Mars” in Portugal are delayed by ten minutes, simulating the average signal travel time between Earth and Mars. As a result, the crew must be equipped to handle tasks independently and make decisions without being able to wait for immediate feedback from the Mission Support Center.

Gebrüder Weiss supports the Mission as its Logistics Partner

A Mars analog mission requires extensive logistical planning, reliable processes, and the precise coordination of numerous stakeholders. Through its support, Gebrüder Weiss helps facilitate the scientific work of the Austrian Space Forum (OeWF) and the preparation for future crewed space expeditions.

As an international logistics company, Gebrüder Weiss possesses extensive experience in organizing complex transport and supply chains. This expertise, combined with a commitment to innovative projects, makes the partnership a valuable asset to the mission.

“A Mars analog mission can only succeed if the logistics are spot on. That is why we are pleased to contribute our experience once again to AMADEE-27, serving as the official logistics partner for the Austrian Space Forum for the third time. Our team ensures that the sensitive research equipment is transported safely and on schedule from Austria to Portugal,” says Klaus Bannwarth, Branch Manager at Gebrüder Weiss Wels.

About the Austrian Space Forum
The Austrian Space Forum (OeWF) is one of the world’s leading organizations in the field of analog research, contributing to the preparation for human exploration of other planets. The OeWF plays a key role in two international CubeSat missions that have been tracking space debris in Earth’s orbit since 2022. The Austrian Space Forum’s work is driven by experts from a wide range of disciplines within the organization. In collaboration with national and international research institutions, as well as partners from industry and various other sectors, the OeWF conducts high-level research. Leveraging its strong connections with opinion leaders, policymakers, and the media, the OeWF promotes and raises the international profile of cutting-edge Austrian research and technology. Furthermore, the Austrian Space Forum serves as a major educational provider in Austria, fostering interest in space exploration among young people and facilitating their entry into the sector. In addition to supervising university-level projects, the OeWF frequently offers internship opportunities for both university and school students to expand their knowledge. For more information, please visit www.oewf.org

About Gebrüder Weiss
Gebrüder Weiss Holding AG, based in Lauterach (Austria), is a global full-service logistics provider with approximately 8,600 employees and 180 company-owned locations. The company most recently generated an annual turnover of 2.72 billion euros (2025). Its portfolio encompasses transport and logistics solutions, digital services, and supply chain management. A combination of digital and physical expertise enables the group to respond quickly and flexibly to customer needs. Through a wide range of ecological, economic, and social initiatives, the family-owned company—which boasts a history in the transport sector spanning more than 500 years—pursues a long-term sustainability strategy. Further information: www.gw-world.com

Media Contact: 
Austrian Space Forum
Mag. Monika Fischer
OeWF Media Team Lead
Phone: +43 699 1213 4610
monika.fischer@oewf.org

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