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Austrian Space Forum (OeWF) Chooses Armenia for Mars-Analog Mission, AMADEE24, in 2024

• By Newsdesk
• Vienna, Austria
• Aug 13, 2023

News

The Austrian Space Forum (OeWF) proudly announces that it has selected Armenia as the host country for its highly anticipated Mars analog simulation, AMADEE24, scheduled to take place in March 2024. The mission will be carried out under the coordination of the National Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (NCIE) of the Republic of Armenia. This marks the 14th simulation organized by OeWF, signifying a significant milestone in space exploration and research.

AMADEE24 will see experts and scientists from around the world gather in Armenia to engage in groundbreaking research and tests aimed at exploring the limits of human survival in a simulated Martian environment. The mission will transform the Ararat Valley into a Martian landscape, complete with simulated habitats, rovers, and space suits, providing an unparalleled opportunity to study the challenges of future human missions to Mars.

In a press conference held in Vienna, OeWF Director Gernot Grömer expressed his excitement about the upcoming mission, stating, "Armenia's rocky high plateau offers a geological twin of the Red Planet, making it an ideal location for our Mars analog simulation. The unique landscape and appropriate healthcare and security systems in Armenia make it an excellent choice for ensuring the safety and success of the mission."

The decision to select Armenia as the host country was further elaborated by Mr. Hayk Margarian in an interview, where he highlighted Armenia's rich scientific and space heritage. Armenia has been at the forefront of space technology, with significant contributions to the space industry during the Soviet era. The first rovers launched to Mars were built by a team led by Alexander Kemurdzhian in Armenia, and the country successfully launched its first space satellite into Earth's orbit in May 2022.

Moreover, the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Austrian Space Forum for the AMADEE-2024 Mars Analog Mission took place during the National Innovation and Entrepreneurship Week (INNO Armenia) in April 2023. INNO Armenia brought together foreign and local entrepreneurs, scientists, and diplomats from across the globe for insightful panel discussions on space exploration, artificial intelligence, and sustainable economy, fostering international collaboration and knowledge exchange.

The NCIE, as the host organization, plays a pivotal role in supporting entrepreneurship, technology transfer, and innovation in Armenia. Their efforts in creating a technology transfer office and curating a portfolio of existing innovations will undoubtedly contribute to the success of AMADEE24 and further propel Armenia's position in the global space community.

As the world eagerly awaits the Mars analog mission, AMADEE24, the collaboration between OeWF and NCIE promises to bring forth groundbreaking research and innovation, pushing the boundaries of human space exploration and drawing the world's attention to Armenia's significant contributions in the field of space science and technology.