ICELAND SPACE AGENCY

 

The mission of the ISA is to develop Iceland based research / innovation initiatives, to advise on space policy, and to provide operational logistics and research support between foreign organizations, academia, government, and private enterprise as they relate to and are interested in the fields of space /earth science, exploration, and business in and around the country of Iceland. The Iceland Space Agency is privately organized but working directly with the Háskoli Íslands and the Ministry of Higher Education , Science and Innovation to develop and map the space sector of Iceland

´Charting a new path for future generations in Iceland can reach for the stars while nurturing a better understanding for the Earth beneath our feet!´

 

MÁNI

“Moon Analog Network of Iceland”

MÁNI is the Norse god of the Moon, it is also the Iceland Space Agency’s R&D program that stands for “Moon Analog Network of Iceland”. The MÁNI program will provide our partners in the public and private space sectors critical expertise and hi-fidelity Lunar and Martian environments that will inform humanity’s return to the lunar surface as we reach for Mars.  Iceland has the most diverse set of lunar and martian analogs than exist anywhere else on Earth, these terrestrial sites are a critical resource for space exploration.  In 1965 and 1967 all of the Apollo astronauts came to Iceland to train and conduct geological field research that provided mission confidence and informed the eventual lunar landings.  Today the Artemis astronauts, the sister to Apollo, have returned to Iceland to train, test and  develop the innovative technologies and procedures that will be essential for humanity’s next great leap.  As a signatory to the Artemis Accords, the ISA has developed MÁNI as Iceland´s contribution to the Artemis Missions.

The research, testing, development and training that will be conducted at our MÁNI terrestrial analog sites will include surface mobility, human robot teaming, crew health / performance, life support, Astro Agriculture, robotic & AI/ML support, and In-situ Resource utilization aka ISRU.

Mission Director Daniel Leeb field testing the MS1 Mars Analog Spacesuit at the polar martian analog of Grímsvötn Volcano atop the Vatnajökull Icecap. The MS1 design team was lead by RISD ID Professor & Nasa Coordinator Michael Lye.Photo taken o…

Mission Director Daniel Leeb field testing the MS1 Moon / Mars Analog Spacesuit at the polar martian analog of Grímsvötn Volcano atop the Vatnajökull Icecap. The MS1 design team was lead by RISD ID Professor & Nasa Coordinator Michael Lye.

Photo taken on our ISAGEVR1 Mars analog expedition by Dave Hodge

 
 

IMM ( Iceland Moon Mars)

The mission of the IMM Working Group is to develop Iceland based analogue initiatives and to coordinate Research, testing, design, and operational logistics, while providing Icelandic expertise between sister workgroups at NASA, ESA, and private space enterprise specifically as It relates to Iceland’s diverse terrestrial analogs of both the Moon and Mars.

To get in touch with our IMM team for future or ongoing projects please email IMM@IcelandSpaceAgency.is

#IcelandMoonMars

 
 

> Currently Deployed

NASA DIGMARS

DIGMARS is a NASA funded Solar System Workings (SSW) project that explores Iceland as a terrestrial analog for Mars. The field research took place during Summer 2021 & 2022.


DIGMARS is lead by Pi Dr. Michael Thorpe & Dr. Elizabeth Rampe, the project brings together a team with diverse expertise who are researching how lakes in Iceland, a basalt dominated terrain, can inform scientists about surface and groundwater processes of early Mars, particularly places like Gale and Jezero craters.

The Iceland Space Agency is a collaborating organization for DIGMARS, we are responsible for in-country logistics, research documentation, and field research support.

Information about the initial results as well as project & team profiles can be found at Pi Dr.Michael Thorpe’s website here and from NASA’s technical report server here

Jezero Crater, Mars 3.5 billion years ago

Sandvatn, Iceland today

https://www.ruv.is/frett/2022/06/19/geimferdalandid-island-fimm-visindahopar-i-sumar

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https://www.ruv.is/frett/2022/06/19/geimferdalandid-island-fimm-visindahopar-i-sumar 〰️

06_ISAGEVR1_byDanielLeeb-8139.jpg
 

MS2ERE1

Documentation from our Aug 2021 MS2ERE1 Expedition to both the Lunar and Martian Analogs of Iceland. This project was featured both on the BBC and WIRED magazine. The Purpose of this research expedition was to inform development of an Artemis generation MS2 Moon and Mars analog spacesuit. We partnered with AdventureX in order to test the advanced spacesuit simulator with former Royal Airforce & Navy aviators. The MS1 was Designed by a team at RISD lead by Prof Michael Lye with input from NASA/JSC.

 

Logistical & Research Support

The ISA provides expert logistical & field research support for our clients and partners while in Iceland. We work closely with foreign research teams, universities, private enterprise, and space agencies to mitigate risks, provide situational awareness, and to create the environment where the highest returns for both science and innovation are possible.

Our Clients, Partners, & Collaborators

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, NASA Johnson Space Center, Lunar & Planetary Institute, Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, University of Manitoba, Old Dominion University, Rhode Island School of Design, University of Iceland, EFLA Consulting & Engineering, Iceland Pro Guides,

ISA News & Press

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Iceland Space Agency, Reykjavik , Iceland info@icelandspaceagency.is

©️ 2021 Iceland Space Agency ehf. / Geimvísindastofnun Íslands ehf. ™️

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