M.A.R.S. UCLouvain - Martian simulation program for researchers and students

Sirga Drouet

Role : Crew Journalist
Studies : Biology Sciences
Email : sdrouet@marsuclouvain.be

Passionate of science and discovery, I am currently running a bachelor in biology. I enjoy to learn every day a little bit more of our mysterious world. I am in the midst of beekeeping training which motivates me to explore the world of insects for my future experiences at the station.

Sirga’s project:

Evaluate different living conditions in the breeding of insects in order to integrate them into the astronauts’ diet.

I would like to conduct an experiment that would contribute to improving the nutritional qualities of a future crew of astronauts through an alternative food solution with a good yield for a minimum of space and energy used by using insects. There are very interesting contrary to the other living beings from different points of […]

Julie Manon

Role : Crew Health & Safety Officer
Studies : Orthopaedic Surgery
Email : jmanon@marsuclouvain.be

The desire to go further has led me to follow different cycles of studies such as master’s degrees in physiotherapy and medicine, certificates in advanced trauma life support up to specialized master’s in orthopaedic surgery. All in one person can ensure the safety of the crew while decreasing the weight of the rocket at take-off. I am currently pursuing a PhD project in bone reconstruction surgery.

Julie’s project

Julie experiment

Imagine being on a mission on Mars, suffering from an accident or trauma following an EVA that would require surgery and prevent your repatriation to the Earth… Wouldn’t it be incredible to be able to find a device to treat the problem on the spot and without the need of a surgeon? It is exactly […]

Julien Meert

Role : Crew Engineer
Studies : Hypnose & Medicine
Email : jmeert@marsuclouvain.be

Currently in Master 2 of Medicine, I am very curious and interested about Astronomy, this is why I am very excited to be part of this crew for this awesome mission. I’m also currently in formation in Systemic Therapy and Psychosomatic.

Julien’s project:

Sleeping Hypnosis experiment.

Based on a previous experimentation at the MDRS, we learned that the sleep quality of an astronomer in the station is not as good as at home. Therefore, I would like to see if some hypnosis technique as we use in medicine before falling asleep would help to have a deeper and better sleep. In […]

Ignacio Sánchez Casla

Role : Crew Astronomer
Studies : Aeronautical Engineering
Email : isanchezcasla@marsuclouvain.be

I am currently starting my master’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering at the Louvain School of Engineering. As the astronomer of the crew, I will make observations of solar flares as well as various celestial objects thanks to the absence of light pollution in the middle of the Utah desert.

Ignacio’s project:

Ignacio Experiment

3D printing is a relatively new technology with endless possibilities! Easily scalable and transportable, future marstronauts will undoubtedly bring multiple 3D printers to our sister planet. My experiment will consist of 3D printing scaffolds in bio-ink to seed stem cells and then perform mechanical stress-strain tests on the resulting micro-architecture.

Cheyenne Chamart

Role : Crew Greenhab Officer
Studies : Environmental Sciences
Email : cchamart@marsuclouvain.be

Bioengineering student, starting my master’s degree with a specialization in Science and Technology of the Environment this year at the AGRO faculty of UCLouvain, I am passionate about space exploration and the protection of the environment. I want to add my contribution to this project and to put into practice the knowledge I acquired during my studies, because I think space exploration will allow us to deepen not only our knowledge of the universe but also to understand our own planet and perhaps find solutions to the climate crisis we are currently experiencing.

Cheyenne’s project:

Study of the effect of biofertilizers on the germination rate of edible plants of interest in a Martian soil substrate.

During my studies, a strong emphasis is given to plant biology and physiology, and I am familiar with plant experiments and the work environment of greenhouses. I will therefore direct my research to help find a solution to the great question of: the supply of food for a crew that would live in complete autarky […]

Audrey Comein

Role : Crew Scientist
Studies : Microbiology
Email : acomein@marsuclouvain.be

I graduated with a master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences and am currently pursuing my studies with a PhD in microbiology at the ”Louvain Drug Research Institute”. I am also a teaching assistant in molecular and cellular biology in the Medicine faculty.

Audrey’s project:

Study of the survival of human flora bacteria as well as efficacy of several antibiotics under Martian environmental conditions.

When we will colonize Mars, we will not come alone: the microorganisms of the intestinal, oral, cutaneous flora, etc. will accompany us. It is therefore essential to predict what type of microorganisms in these floras would be able to survive and colonize Mars. Audrey proposes to carry out experiments to study the survival of some human flora bacteria and the efficacy of several antibiotics under Martian environmental conditions found on the mission site.

Jean Jacobs

Role : Crew Executive Officer
Studies : Human metabolism
Email : jjacobs@marsuclouvain.be

I have always been drawn to the unknown, this is why I am doing a PhD in biochemistry at the de Duve institute. Mars exploration is the ultimate frontier mankind is currently pushing. By taking part in this adventure, I can contribute to this journey. I am also convinced that our work during this mission will have significant applications here on earth throughout all the experiments carried out during the simulation.

Jean’s project:

Assessment of metabolic changes due to alterations in physical activity and nutrition.

Mars colonization is a technological challenge but also a physical challenge for the future marstronautes.Microgravity, environment and nutrition changes will have a big impact on the crews’ health. My goal is to develop a protocol for the monitoring of essential parameters of the health and metabolism of the crew members. The collected data will help […]

Cyril Wain

Role : Crew Commander
Studies : Electrical Engineering
Email : cwain@marsuclouvain.be

Already present during the previous mission, we were unfortunately unable to carry out the simulation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, my objective is simple: to do my best to allow this new team to reach the station and to realize its mission for which it is so involved.

Now graduated as an electrical engineer, my goals remain the same: improving my knowledge and my know-how in the space domain as well as meeting new passionate people with whom to discuss and exchange on the space field.

Cyril’s project:

Terrain modelling by Synthetic Aperture Radar

As part of his thesis on the Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Cyril Wain will carry out an imaging campaign. SAR is a form of radar that is used to create 2D images or to perform 3D reconstructions of objects or landscapes. The principle of SAR is that it uses its motion to obtain radar images […]

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