Defining a Management Structure for University Space Analog Research Programs

To learn how humans can safely and effectively live on the surface of the moon or Mars, missions are conducted on Earth that simulate operations on the surface of other planetary bodies. These missions, called space analog missions, require substantial mission planning and organizational management to ensure safe and effective research and operations. The American Public University System’s Analog Research Group developed and tested management structures and philosophies that enable scalable, replicable, and safe analog missions. This fully online research endeavor’s management and internal organization offers a model that academic institutions and private industry can implement to contribute to space exploration research and education by developing their own space analog research programs.