What Does Analog Mean in Reference to Space?
- NASA uses analog testing to train personnel and test equipment that may one day make up an important part of a human exploration of space. Analog tests are conducted where NASA cannot use the actual terrain of a planet to test equipment and train personnel.
- Analog tests are conducted in extreme environments that are used to simulate the extreme environments found on other planets, such as the use of the uninhabited Devon Island in Canada to test equipment for future missions to Mars.
- Field experiments are conducted by NASA in locations around the world, including the training of future astronauts for moon walks underwater off the Florida Coast. Regions of Antarctica have also been used to test the ease of use of inflatable buildings by astronauts wearing full space equipment in an environment of extreme cold temperatures.