Brazilian Aerospace Engineer Selected for Simulated Space Agency Mission

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – She was selected to be part of a simulated mission of the European Space Agency (ESA). Of the six youths chosen, among professionals of various nationalities, five are women.

Currently, Ana Paula holds a Master’s degree in Space Law from Beihang University in China. “I like space because it gives me a very realistic and broad perspective on our life here on Earth. Being a simulation astronaut will allow me to experience what it’s like to live on the Moon or on Mars, from a very realistic angle”.

“I hope to be able to be part of this project and bring opportunities for future students or young professionals in the aerospace sector in Brazil, showing that they can also be part of big projects,” he added.

The mission for which Ana Paula was selected is the second EuroMoonMars in Hi-Sea project campaign of the European Space Agency, where a number of NASA astronauts, the US space agency, also train for their missions. The simulation stage will take place in the Hawaii desert for two weeks in December.

The team is expected to meet in the Netherlands for workshops and training, and on December 5th it will meet again in Hawaii for the last training round. From December 9th, for two weeks, they will experience a simulated lunar mission.

“This means living like an astronaut, eating astronaut food, leaving the habitat with only a space suit for extra-vehicle activity and conducting several scientific experiments. We will perform a number of studies addressing psychological factors in a lunar habitat. For instance, remaining isolated, interacting with only six people, lack of fresh air, short showers, and other factors.”

Female astronauts

The professionals involved in the experiment work in areas such as space architecture, aerospace engineering, geology, astrobiology and astronomy. Ana Paula’s primary motivation is to include women in areas that are traditionally taken up by men.

“I believe it is crucial to show that women can be just as successful in the scientific field as men. Our almost all-female crew is a great example of this modern development of space science. A further great example is the recent women’s spacewalk. It was a milestone. We have a long way to go, but I believe that through education and a greater proportion of women in science, more girls will pursue their scientific goals”.

The financial issue is yet another challenge to be faced by Ana Paula to achieve her dream since half of the expenses must be borne by the professional selected.

“I’m very happy to bring positive visibility to Brazil, but for me to be able to take part in this mission, I need approximately R$16,000 (US$4.000),” said the aerospace engineer, hoping to get support from government bodies, educational institutions or the private sector.

She has developed a website to raise approximately R$9,000. By Friday afternoon. November 8th, however, she had totaled only R$835.

To contribute, access here.