Slovak Astrobiologist to Lead Simulated Space Mission Underwater

Bratislava, March 10, 2026 – Slovak astrobiologist Michaela Musilová will participate in a simulated space mission underwater at the Jules’ Undersea Lab in Florida later this year. She will command a four-member crew during the five-day mission, designed to prepare for future missions to the Moon and Mars.

Preparing for Lunar and Martian Missions

The underwater environment is considered the closest terrestrial analog to the conditions of space, making it ideal for testing equipment and studying the psychological and physiological effects of isolation and confinement. “We’ll be conducting various pieces of research relevant to preparing people for missions to the Moon and Mars. This involves various psychological, physiological and technical tests and equipment,” Musilová stated at a press conference on Monday, March 9th [TASR].

The crew will also focus on ecological research and environmental cleanup during the mission, living entirely underwater and venturing out only with diving gear [Pravda]. Technologies developed by Slovak students will be among those tested during the simulation.

MarsonautiSK: A Simulated Space Mission for Slovak Students

Musilová also announced the launch of MarsonautiSK, the first Slovak simulated space mission, scheduled to take place in June. Teams of four to six secondary school and university students, aged 18 and over, can apply to participate until May 5th [Teraz.sk].

The winning team will conduct their mission at the Kozmicky region station, part of the Roznava Observatory and the Gemer Educational Centre [Bleskovky.zoznam.sk]. A jury, including Slovak cosmonaut Ivan Bella, will select the winning team and experiment.

Ongoing Research and Collaboration

In addition to these initiatives, Musilová continues to lead the Astro Crown of the Earth project, a research and educational endeavor in collaboration with NASA and other international institutions. This project involves traveling to the highest peaks on each continent to collect samples and conduct research. She also collaborates with the Comenius University Science Park, collecting moss and lichen samples from cold environments around the globe [TASR].