Alumni in the Spotlight

Joshua Bernard-Cooper

Who left Trinity in 2017 is heading off on an analog space mission this summer. We caught up with him in between his extreme environment training to hear all about it.

Josh on extreme environment training in Switzerland

What is an analog space mission?

An analog mission is a simulation of a crewed space expedition, carried out in locations with similarities to extreme space environments. They provide a testbed for researchers to verify hardware, methodologies, and experiments for use in space before they are implemented on actual missions. An analog astronaut is a member of the analog mission’s crew; they spend the duration of the mission living in isolation in a simulation base conducting experiments with many of the same constraints that would apply to a real astronaut.

Tell us about your mission

Asclepios II is a two-week analog space mission taking place in July 2022. Our base will be located at Sasso San Gottardo, a bunker at 2100m elevation in the Swiss Alps. Analog missions are simulations of space missions that provide researchers and companies with a testbed for technologies and procedures. Getting to space is expensive, so making sure things are working as effectively as possible before further testing or implementation in space is essential.

Our mission will be simulating a short expedition to the lunar South Pole, with the primary objective of finding sustainable methods of water extraction. Water will be a key resource in future lunar settlements for sustaining life and synthesising fuel for spacecraft, so understanding how astronauts can gather it effectively is paramount to the success of these settlements. Alongside this objective, we will be carrying out several other experiments during the mission, with research topics such as growing plants in simulated lunar soil, cognitive performance in isolated environments, and spacesuit helmet design.

How did you become an Analog Astronaut?

I was chosen through Asclepios’ selection process, a four-stage process based on the European Space Agency’s own astronaut recruitment program. Initially, applicants submit a CV and motivation letter and, if this passes the initial checks, are invited to record a video answering a selection of technical and personality-based questions. The videos are assessed by a team of psychologists to identify candidates with the correct personality profile for the position. Applicants that pass this phase then attend a virtual assessment day, with a variety of tests spanning numerical and verbal reasoning, memory, technical ability, group work, and further topics. The final stage is an in-person assessment weekend in Lausanne, where the project is based. Here, candidates are examined on teamwork and individual ability in practical and physically and mentally demanding situations as well as physical fitness, and undertake individual interviews with project leaders and mentors.

What has been your biggest challenge so far?

Despite all the excitement and fun associated with being an analog astronaut, the mission will primarily involve high pressure work in a stressful and uncomfortable environment. Preparing for this is why we've undergone extreme environment training, and more recently a dress rehearsal of the mission. Although it's been difficult to adapt to working in these settings, probably even more challenging has been learning how to work effectively as a crew when subject to these stressors. A crew thrives on communication and organisation even when you're exhausted, irritable, and not thinking clearly, so to ensure we can carry out the mission objectives under such conditions, training has involved relearning and perfecting some very simple aspects of socialising and communicating

What role did Trinity play in your journey to space?

Trinity was pivotal in my decision to pursue a career in the space industry. In the fifth form, I was lucky enough to be selected for Trinity’s UK Space Design Competition Team. We were tasked with designing a space settlement to a specific set of requirements in an industrysimulation setting and then presenting this to a panel of professionals. We won our regional heat and took part in the national finals at Imperial College London. The experience was so enjoyable and inspiring that I subsequently took A-levels in physics and maths and began my journey to the space sector. The fantastic support I received from the teaching staff at Trinity provided me with the academic basis to pursue a BSc in Physics and Philosophy at the University of St Andrews, and my MSc in Astronautics and Space Engineering at Cranfield University.