Milena Zając, a psychology student of the USil College of Interdisciplinary Individual Studies, participated in the Libra analogue space mission in June 2026 at the LunAres Research Station in Piła (https://lunares.space/). Analogue missions are ground-based simulations of crewed spaceflight. Their purpose is to study human behaviour in isolation and under resource constraints, supporting preparations for future space exploration.
The six-member international crew consisted of three Poles, a Canadian, a Filipino and an American. The entire project lasted 18 days. It included a three-day preparation stage (preflight), two-week isolation inside the habitat and a post-mission summary day (postflight).
During the mission, in addition to conducting their own research projects, the participants served as subjects in studies of human performance under spaceflight-analogue conditions. The crew experienced partial sensory deprivation and complete isolation from the outside world – with no access to phones, the internet, social media or current news. There were no windows in the habitat and the daily rhythm was regulated entirely by LED lighting system. The crew also faced the challenge of rationally managing limited resources, including a 2,000-liter water supply intended for the entire crew for 14 days, as well as the daily monitoring of energy consumption and carbon dioxide levels.
Each day followed a detailed schedule, which included conducting scientific research, filling out questionnaires and reports, physical training and preparing for simulated spacewalks (Extravehicular Activity – EVA). During these walks, crew members performed various tasks such as collecting geological samples, maintaining solar panels or operating the rover, while the team members remaining inside the habitat coordinated the activities and responded to simulated emergencies.
Throughout the mission, Milena Zając served as the Medical Officer and was responsible for the daily monitoring and reporting of data concerning the crew’s psychophysical well-being. She also took on the role of Biolab Officer, which involved overseeing hydroponic and aquaponic experiments as well as documenting their progress. During her own research project, she also acquired practical skills in 3D printing and soldering.
The USil student’s participation in the international analogue space mission demonstrates how an interdisciplinary approach is applied to space research, while confirming the growing role of psychology in preparations for future crewed missions.
