How was your experience at the Mars Academy?
It was my first time in the mission and was very thrilling. The mission included Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics, Exponentials, Digital VRAR and human factors projects wherein crew members conducted simulations and Extra-Vehicular Activities (EVA) in a replicated Mars-like environment. I already knew about the programme beforehand and I have also carried out the emergency concerned tasks, planning and leaving offshore and others. Thus, to sum it up my whole experience at the Mars Academy was very exciting.
What did you learn from the entire programme?
The whole programme comprised of two sections-initially I had to undergo through training and after completion of it, I joined the mission. During the training programme we were taught about EVA (Extra-Vehicular Activity), and underwater training like scuba diving. And on the commencement of the later part, we went through Neutral Buoyancy Training, engineering projects such as 3D/4D Printing, Martian Robotics, Rovers & Drones and Artificial Intelligence, GreenHab projects such as Vertical Hydroponics Gardening System, Plant Study in Martian and Lunar Regolith, Plant & Medicinal Seed Growth in Martian & Lunar Regolith and intensive medical care as well.
How did you apply and got selected?
I started to work in this field around August last year and by November I was in touch with the Academy. i then went to Poland Mars Analogue Simulation (PMAS). After PMAS I was awarded with a full scholarship and got the opportunity to be trained at the USA Mars Academy, so that I can learn about a lot of things of the field and contribute in a much larger scale later on. When I went there and successfully completed the whole mission, they asked me if I am available for medium to high category missions in USA, Norway and lastly in Antarctica.
How were the other members of your crew?
I was the youngest one in the crew and all the other members included doctors from various field like space medicine, and engineers.
Where do you think Indian students lack to get selected at such a platform?
The mission that I was a part of included mostly professionals who work mostly in the astronautical field, and even if someone like me who has undergone through training in all the missions wish to continue in India, wouldn’t be able to because hardly any man-mission is conducted here.
Do you aspire to become an astronaut?
My dream is not to become an astronaut, I wish to be an rocket or missile engineer.
What are your expectations from the training in Antarctica?
As of now I will have to clear some stages to get selected to go to Antarctica. It is a long phase and I am just in the initial one. But I expect that I will get select for the three months mission in USA and from there I will get the opportunity to go to Antarctica in the final stage.
