TUM Student Embarks on a Unique Underground Space Mission in Swiss Alps

TUM Student Embarks on a Unique Underground Space Mission in Swiss Alps

(IN BRIEF) A student from the Technical University of Munich (TUM), Ilyasse Taame, participated in the Asclepios IV mission, a student-led space simulation in the Swiss Alps. The mission replicated a lunar mission, with six students living in an underground fortress to simulate the conditions of space exploration. They conducted scientific experiments, navigated challenges like communication breakdowns, and followed a strict daily routine similar to that of real astronauts. The mission provided valuable insights into human behavior in isolation and tested critical space technologies. This experience brings Ilyasse closer to his dream of becoming an astronaut.

(PRESS RELEASE) MUNICH, 28-Aug-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — A student from the Technical University of Munich (TUM), Ilyasse Taame, recently participated in a groundbreaking student-led space simulation, Asclepios IV, which took place deep inside the Gotthard massif in the Swiss Alps. The mission, which mimicked the experience of a lunar mission, involved six students from various countries who spent two weeks living and working in an underground fortress, replicating the conditions of space exploration.

The Asclepios IV mission was designed to test the students’ ability to conduct scientific experiments and handle the psychological and physical challenges of isolation in a confined space. The students followed a strict daily routine similar to that of real astronauts, including conducting experiments with lunar rovers and adhering to real space station protocols.

One of the mission’s most critical moments occurred when the field team lost contact while setting up a radio telescope, highlighting the intense pressures and real-life challenges the students faced. Despite these challenges, the mission was a success, providing valuable insights into human behavior in isolated environments and testing life support systems and communication protocols essential for future space missions.

The Asclepios IV mission is notable for being entirely organized by students, with guidance from experienced astronauts and space professionals. This mission is part of a series of analog space missions that serve as critical test beds for scientific and technological research in space exploration, offering a high degree of realism.

Ilyasse, who is pursuing a double Master’s degree in Energy and Process Engineering at TUM, sees this experience as a significant step toward his dream of becoming an astronaut. While the path to space may be challenging, his participation in Asclepios IV has only strengthened his determination to pursue a career in space exploration.

Further information and links

• Analog space missions serve as critical test beds for scientific and technological research in space exploration, providing a high degree of realism. Among the few such missions worldwide, Asclepios stands out as the only one organized entirely by students for students, while still benefiting from the mentorship of experienced astronauts and various space professionals. Asclepios IV simulates a 14-day crewed mission to the Moon, with a focus on exploration and habitat optimization.
• In the run-up to the mission, Ilyasse Taame attended the “Manned Spaceflight” lecture course by Gisela Detrell, Professorin für Human Spaceflight Technology, covering topics such as science in space, mission analysis and space stations and their subsystems. This proved to be particularly helpful for Ilyasse, both in the planning phase and during the mission itself.
• WARR is a student group at TUM, working on ambitious projects around the theme of space.

Media Contact:

Corporate Communications Center
Undine Ziller
presse@tum.de

SOURCE: Technical University of Munich