Science & Exploration
NEEMO 21: An analogue mission to Mars
In July 2016, ESA astronaut Matthias Maurer took part in NASA’s Extreme Environment Mission Operations, or NEEMO – a 16-day underwater sortie to enact a mission to Mars and test equipment for astronauts.
NEEMO’s underwater habitat off Florida acts as makeshift a space base for astronauts to make regular ‘waterwalks’ in full scuba gear. Both underwater missions plan sorties for the astronauts to simulate spacewalks.
For NEEMO 21, a rotating crew of four complemented Matthias and NASA astronaut Megan McArthur who tested new techniques, operation procedures and technology.
