Analog Astronaut Conference Meets at Biosphere 2 as SIRIUS-21 Long Duration Simulation Ongoing
Preparatory ‘analog’ space missions, vital to understanding effects of long-term Moon habitation on human physiology / psychology, also advance techniques and technologies applicable to terrestrial stewardship as expressed by 2nd Analog Astronaut Conference themed “Learning from Space to Improve Earth and Humanity”; Gathering May 6-8 at UArizona Biosphere 2 features virtual keynote by (L-R) ‘Overview Effect’ writer Frank White, talks by professional Astronaut Nicole Stott, private Astronaut Sian Proctor, Grant Anderson (Paragon), Barbara Belvisi (Interstellar Lab); Meanwhile 6 international participants (TL) continue SIRIUS-21 in Moscow (3 Russia, 2 USA, 1 UAE); 240-day experiment runs until July
Space Launch System, fully stacked with Orion spacecraft in Block 1 configuration stands 98 m tall / 8.4 m diameter at KSC FL; to undergo interface, stage systems, communications, countdown sequencing, wet dress testing prior to Artemis I inaugural uncrewed Moon flyby, launch window opening 12 Feb 2022; SN20 prototype at Starbase TX is 120 m high / 9 m diameter stacked; Elon Musk claims orbital test ending near Kaua’i HI NET November, with utilization of Mechazilla “robot chopsticks” affixed to launch tower to catch Super Heavy first stage