AMOS-7 satellite operator Space-Communication (Spacecom) has collaborated with Israel’s D-MARS Desert Mars Analog Ramon Station to carry out a joint experiment to test aspects of long-range interplanetary space communications.

The partnership also expects to examine the challenges and issues that arise from manned planetary missions.

As part of the experiment, the AMOS-7 will be used to provide communication links for analogue astronauts based in a simulated Mars habitat situated near Ramon Crater in southern Israel to an off-base operations and control centre.

“The D-MARS project pulls Israel to the forefront of space, and particularly Mars, exploration.”

Austrian Space Forum (OeWF) will also participate in the experiment, which will see the D-MARS space analogue centre simulate the conditions of a real Mars scientific exploration mission to better understand the experiences of analogue astronauts and find solutions for potential challenges.

D-MARS project manager Hillel Rubenstein said: “The D-MARS project pulls Israel to the forefront of space, and particularly Mars, exploration.

“With the AMOS-7 satellite, we are adding an interplanetary-type communications facet to our experiments by simulating various challenges for our analogue astronauts to handle and overcome.”

D-MARS is specially built to simulate the Martian habitat and its analogue space exploration mission is designed to simulate missions to Mars or other planets.

Situated in a harsh desert environment, the centre will feature ‘Ramonauts’, who will live as real astronauts with similar daily routines, food and communication as those used during real planetary missions.