About the Mission
In Purdue's Space and Earth Analogs Research Chapter (SEARCH), we not only dream of the impossible, but work
to make it a reality. Since 2022, we have coordinated the recruitment and logistical planning of Purdue's Mars
Desert Research Station (MDRS) analog astronaut crew alongside The Mars Society. In our newest collaborative
initiative with Purdue Space Program (PSP) and Purdue Lunabotics, the Student-Analog Astronaut Training
Program (SA2TP), we are reaching higher than ever before, truly bound by nothing but our lofty aspirations of
making space exploration accessible for all.
We're going places, And we can't wait to meet you there.
About SA2TP
A program unlike any other, the SA2 TP aims to build a community of space-minded individuals
that train, network, and learn together in an environment that supports their career
aspirations. For the program's inaugural run, the top 6 applicants (both graduate and
undergraduate students) will be selected to explore the themes of Science and
Technology, Health and Fitness, and Astronautics and Spaceflight over 3 weeks
of intensive training, taking place from July 24 to August 13, 2023.
We are collaborating with industry experts and organizing a number of skill-building
activities, including 3D printing challenges, hackathons, flight tests, fitness/nutrition workshops, and more. The SA2TP will
culminate in the once-in-a-lifetime experience of attending NASA's Adult
Space Academy (Aug. 11-13) in Huntsville, AL, where our participants will put their
new skills to use and experience a simulation of life as an astronaut candidate.
Goals
Science and Technology
Astronauts must have a comprehensive
knowledge of science, technology, engineering,
and math (STEM) to solve space exploration's
2biggest challenges in real time. The SA2TP is
leading coding hackathons, space agriculture
workshops, 3D printing challenges, and more for
participants to learn to think like an astronaut.
Health and Fitness
A healthy astronaut corps in mind, body, and
soul is essential to ensure a successful mission.
Space psychology, nutrition, and fitness
2workshops during the SA2TP will highlight the
challenges the human body experiences in
space and educate on mitigation strategies.
Astronautics and Spaceflight
Co-led by PSP and Lunabotics, SA2TP
participants will gain a firsthand understanding
of the mechanical systems keeping space
missions alive, including rocket propulsion and
human-rover interfacing.
Activities
Astrodynamics
- Intro to Orbital Mechanics Lecture
- Astrodynamics Simulation Workshop
- Kerbal Space Program Team Bonding Challenge
Health
- Space Nutrition Seminar with former CSA space nutrition specialist Katherine Dulong
- Space Psychology Seminar
- Fitness Sessions
Mechanical
- Intro to Rocketry Lecture
- Cubesat Lecture and Workshop
- Rover Autonomy and Sensors Lecture
- Rover Mechanical Design Lecture (CAD, FEA Workshop)
- Rover Demonstration and Operation
Technical Skills
- Simulations Lectures and Workshops
- 3D Printing Challenge
- SA2TP Hackathon
- Test Flights
Survival Skills
- Orienteering and Celestial Navigation Crash Course
- First Aid Seminar
- Essential Survival Skills
Soft Skills
- Outreach Workshop
- Space Program Selection and Planning
- All About the Astronaut Experience with Sirisha Bhandla
- Space Policy Seminar with Prof. Dan Dumbacher
