Österreichisches Weltraum Forum Austrian Space Forum
Support Space Research from Austria
Over 20 Years: Leading Research and STEM Education
The Austrian Space Forum is one of the world’s leading organizations in Mars analog research. Since August 2024, we operate Austria’s first ESA Ground Based Facility with a vertical treadmill to simulate different gravity levels.
We conduct research at international standards: Mars analog missions in extreme environments, two CubeSat missions for space debris detection (2022-2024), publications in scientific journals. At the same time, we are one of Austria’s most important educational providers for space exploration – from water rocket workshops for kindergarten children to supervising university theses.
200+ volunteers from science, technology, and industry make this work possible. Your contribution funds concrete projects – transparent and measurable. 95% of your donation flows directly into projects. 5% covers administrative costs.
Support our Projects!
Why Your Support Matters
The first person to set foot on Mars has already been born. We contribute to preparing this mission – with research that sets international standards. Your donation makes the difference between theory and practical implementation.
Dr. Gernot Groemer, OeWF Director
Education & Next Generation
What you fund:
- Water Rocket Workshop for 25 Children: Materials, supervised program, introduction to rocket physics and propulsion technology
- Girls in STEM Workshop: Full-day workshop for 15 students, hands-on experiments with Mars Rover, conversation with female space role models
- Internship for Students: 5-day internship opportunity, introduction to scientific/technical work in teams
Why important: STEM education maintains natural curiosity and promotes initiative. Only 20% of space jobs are held by women.
Science & Publication
What you fund:
- Open-Access Paper: Publication fee for scientific journal, research results freely accessible to everyone
- Laboratory Analysis: Rock sample analysis in laboratory, mineralogical composition
- Students at Conference: Travel to international conference, presentation of research work, networking
Specifically: Samples from AMADEE missions are examined in the laboratory. Results are published in open-access journals (ca. 3-4 per year).
Mars Research Components
What you fund:
- One Day Mars Simulation at Mission Support Center: 8 hours of simulated Mars operations, testing communication protocols under time delay, conducting scientific experiments
- Aouda Spacesuit Deployment: 4-hour EVA with Aouda suit, testing spacesuit technology, geological sampling in Mars-like terrain
- Experiment Team for Mission: Participation of international research team, equipment transport and setup
Specifically: Analog astronaut collects rock samples in Mars-like terrain while the Mission Support Center supports the EVA with a ten minute time-delay.
Custom Amount
Would you like to donate a different amount or leave it to us to decide where your donation has the greatest impact?
Other Ways to Support
- Organize a Talk: Expert for your organization (at cost)
- School Project: Space day with workshops and telescopes
- Corporate Partnership: Corporate sponsorship available
Testimonials
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