The purpose of this international experiment conducted with the Austrian Space Forum (OeWF) will be to further test aspects of long range interplanetary space communications as well as examine challenges and issues that arise from manned planetary missions.
Artistic rendition of the AMOS-7 satellite.
The D-MARS space analog center will simulate the conditions of a real Mars scientific exploration mission to better understand the experiences of analog astronauts and find solutions for challenges that could occur. Located in the harsh desert environment near the Ramon Crater in Southern Israel that holds similarities to the Martian environment in its geology, aridity and isolation, D-MARS goal is to promote the space sector, science and technology in Israel, by creating infrastructure for academic research, technological development and educational programs.
Hillel Rubenstein, D-MARS project manager stated that the D-MARS project pulls Israel to the forefront of space, and particularly Mars, exploration. With the AMOS-7 satellite, an interplanetary-type communications facet is being added to these experiments by simulating various challenges for the analog astronauts to handle and overcome. This is an amazing opportunity and made even more so by our cooperation with Austria's OeWF, which will be conducting a simultaneous analog experiment in collaboration with ours in Israel.
David Pollack, Spacecom President and CEO, remarked that this opportunity to bring the company's team's skill sets and expertise to the D-MARS experience. The company's duty will be to nurture the next-generation of outer-space specialists and prepare them to engage a new world. AMOS-7 will play an important role in furthering their knowledge of space-based communications.
