Speaker
Description
The Hypatia I mission is a scientific project led by a group of Catalan female researchers that embarked on a simulated journey to Mars through the Mars Research Desert Station (MDRS) analog station in the Utah desert, United States from April 16 to 29, 2023. For the first time, a team of nine Catalan scientists, from various disciplines and ages, were selected to carry out a mission at the analog station, where they lived for two weeks as if they were leading a real mission to Mars. The Hypatia I crew experienced an authentic adventure under isolated conditions: they had to eat dehydrated food, water was limited, and they were not able to communicate synchronously with Earth to maintain the simulation. Mobility outside the station was also restricted, and all members had to wear astronaut suits during their outdoor exploration activities. Through this mission, the researchers tested equipment and performed experiments related to the feasibility of a real mission to Mars. In addition to conducting research, the Hypatia I crew aims to contribute to science outreach and inspire vocations, especially among girls and young women. This involves making the role of women in STEAM disciplines visible and fighting against gender discrimination in science and space exploration.
Neus Sabaté, one of the two Crew Engineers of Hypatia I, will share the day-to-day details of the mission as well as the research conducted during the two weeks spent at the MDRS.
