Enrolment options
Learn the fundamentals of analog astronaut operations through the Mars Society's established program at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) in southern Utah. Since 2001, more than 300 crews from over 60 countries have rotated through MDRS, simulating the conditions of Mars surface operations and producing hundreds of peer-reviewed publications.
This self-paced course covers the core disciplines of analog astronaut work: crew dynamics and leadership in isolated environments, extravehicular activity (EVA) planning and execution, field science under operational constraints, habitat systems management, and mission reporting. Each module is grounded in real protocols and lessons learned from crews who have lived and worked at the station.
Whether you are a researcher, educator, aspiring astronaut, or space enthusiast, this course provides a practical foundation in the principles and practices that shape how humanity prepares to live and work on Mars. Upon completion, participants will be prepared to apply for crew rotations at MDRS and contribute meaningfully to the next chapter of Mars analog research.
Format: Five self-paced learning modules with three progress checks and a final assessment.
Duration: Approximately one to two hours to complete.