Career Spotlight: What It's Really Like to Be an Analog Astronaut & Robotics Engineer

We sat down with Hanna, the first Armenian analog astronaut and a robotics engineer, to get an inside look at the challenges, rewards, and essential skills required for a career in simulated space exploration and crew training.

Key Insights:

• A Day in the Life: "My responsibilities often involve technical maintenance, like repairing equipment or 3D printing parts, and preparing for extravehicular activities (EVAs)... Once we’re suited up, we head out to the simulated lunar surface to conduct experiments."
• Essential Skill: "From soft skills, the ability to work effectively within a team is crucial, especially in high-pressure, isolated environments. From technical skills, programming in Python... and 3D Printing."
• Top Advice: "Get involved early! Join student-led initiatives, research projects, or analog missions. Don’t wait for the 'perfect' opportunity, or don’t follow traditional paths. Create one."

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Can you briefly describe your current role? What is the main mission of your work?

I’m an analog astronaut, which means I conduct scientific experiments during simulated space missions here on Earth in isolated habitats. I’ve completed two such missions already.

Now, I’ve taken on a new role at Asclepios, a student-led research facility recognized by EPFL, where I train future analog astronauts. For the past year, I’ve been organizing and conducting a variety of extreme environment training sessions, including avalanche training, zero-gravity simulations, firefighting, medical preparedness, and psychological resilience training. I also evaluate their performance to ensure they’re mission-ready.

What does a typical day or week look like for you during a mission?

Our day begins early with a thorough habitat check, which I conduct alongside the executive officer, ensuring all systems like electricity, water, and air quality are in check. I also fit in a morning workout, including a cardio session and an experiment called AstroStrength.

Afterward, we gather for the main briefing led by the commander, outlining the day's tasks. My responsibilities often involve technical maintenance, like repairing equipment or 3D printing parts, and preparing for extravehicular activities (EVAs). When it’s time for the EVA, I lead the donning process, which takes quite a bit of time. Once we’re suited up, we head out to the simulated lunar surface to conduct experiments, such as operating rovers or collecting samples.

After around five to six hours, we return, doff our suits, and freshen up. We then have lunch, and later in the day, we debrief about the EVA and the day's activities. The evening includes journaling our mission reports, answering scientific questions, and personal reflection before bed. During the mission, I temporarily pause my academic studies to dedicate my full focus to the mission. The good side is that analog missions are finite, so once the mission ends, I return to my studies.

What was your path to this role? What did you study, and what previous experience proved to be the most valuable?

I began my journey as a software engineer before transitioning into project management. Later on, I pursued a degree in robotics engineering, which sparked my interest in analog missions. My first experience in this field was with the Austrian Space Forum, where I served as a ground operations support member.

The combination of my project management skills and technical expertise has helped me stay organized, manage time effectively, and navigate complex technical challenges. For instance, my robotics engineering background means I can easily troubleshoot or create technical solutions, like 3D printing a part or fixing equipment. All these skills have proven invaluable in the field of analog missions, ensuring I’m well-prepared for any technical or logistical challenge that arises.

What are the 3-5 most essential skills or tools you use on a regular basis?

From soft skills, the ability to work effectively within a team is crucial, especially in high-pressure, isolated environments. Being flexible and quick to adjust to new challenges and having a Problem-Solving Mindset. The ability to think on your feet and find solutions quickly is essential.

From technical skills, programming in Python. This language is incredibly versatile and widely used in data analysis, robotics, and more. 3D Printing and CAD Modeling—having the skills to design and print parts on demand is a game-changer. Finally, Electrical Engineering, as basic knowledge of circuitry, soldering, and working with batteries is highly valuable. These skills ensure that I can tackle both the human and technical challenges of analog missions effectively.

What is the most challenging aspect of your job? On the flip side, what do you find most rewarding?

One of the most challenging aspects of an analog mission is the transition back to everyday life afterward. No matter how long the mission lasts, whether it’s a week, a month, or even longer, the crew becomes incredibly close, almost like a family. Once the mission ends, it can be quite difficult to readjust to the outside world, leaving behind the daily routines and the close-knit bond with the team.

The most rewarding part is seeing how these experiments contribute to real advancements in human spaceflight and witnessing how people from different countries and disciplines come together with one shared vision: space exploration.

What is one piece of advice you would give to someone who wants to land a role like yours?

Get involved early! Join student-led initiatives, research projects, or analog missions. Don’t wait for the “perfect” opportunity, or don’t follow traditional paths. Create one by combining your academic background with your curiosity for space. Passion, persistence, and teamwork will take you far.

What trend, technology, or opportunity are you most excited about in the European space sector?

What excites me the most is the growing collaboration and innovation in sustainable space technologies. The advancements in reusable launch systems, in-orbit manufacturing, and sustainable resource utilization are truly groundbreaking. These developments will not only make space more accessible but also pave the way for long-term human presence on the Moon and beyond.

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