CSE student participates in space mission simulation in Poland

Aspiring astronaut actively researched helping humans in space

MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (07/29/2024) — Donovan Magney, a University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering computer engineering graduate student and aspiring astronaut received a glimpse into space travel when he recently participated in a LunAres Analog Astronaut Mission, an astronaut simulation research program.

Analog astronaut missions are field tests in locations that have physical similarities to the extreme space environments and play a significant role in problem solving for spaceflight research, according to NASA. 

The LunAres Research Station in Piła, Poland was established in 2017 and specializes in lunar and Martian mission simulations. These missions simulate certain aspects of space missions to conduct research in a safe and cost-effective environment. Members of these missions come from around the world and are experts from fields like medicine, psychology, robotics, engineering, and space architecture.

"Participating in LunAres, as a student, was one of the most rewarding experiences and an excellent opportunity to work with people from all over the world. I was able to actively contribute toward research helping humans in space and am looking forward to participating in many more analog missions in the future," said Magney, who graduated this past spring with a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering from the University’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

Students working on computers during a LunAres Analog Astronaut Mission.
CSE graduate student Donovan Magney (standing center) along with other crew members (from left) Marcin Paszczak, Aarón López-González, and Yakine Zerrad conducted research and completed engineering projects during the LunAres Analog Astronaut Mission. Photo credit: Dawid Adamiak

Magney participated in a two-week isolation mission that simulated a lunar habitat and lunar terrain, where participants conducted research, took part in extra-vehicular activity (EVAs)—projects by the crew in the space outside a spacecraft—and worked on engineering projects to improve mission equipment. This type of training is very similar to what astronauts experience. 

Graduate student Donovan Magney featured in an Instagram post from a  LunAres Analog Astronaut Mission.

The research was focused on human factors in space, such as isolation, habitat layout, lack of sunlight, and crew makeup (or looking at what personalities work well together in these environments).  Magney served as the commander of the Space Bears crew and was responsible for the safety, performance, and well-being of the crew. He coordinated each day’s objectives and served as the main contact between the crew and mission control. 

Donovan Magney collecting samples during an extravehicular activity project (EVA) in the LunAres Analog Astronaut Mission.
Donovan Magney collecting samples during an extravehicular activity project (EVA) in the LunAres Analog Astronaut Mission. Photo credit: Donovan Magney

As an undergraduate student, Magney took part in the College of Science and Engineering  Mentor Program, one of the largest mentor programs at the University of Minnesota. Through this program, he was paired with a mentor who worked with NASA. Because of his interest in becoming an astronaut, the mentor recommended looking at analog astronaut mission programs like LunAres. He was also a recipient of the Roger Nordby Electrical Engineering Scholarship.

Magney serves as the hardware lead for avionics on the University of Minnesota Rocket Team and served in the Minnesota Army National Guard for nine years. He also is a licensed pilot and scuba certified. He has had internships with NASA and Cirrus Aircraft. 


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