Students in many high schools in Europe have been demonstrating more focus than usual. The reason? Keeping up with preparation for the next EXPLORE mission in April!
Here we share a few insider photos from three schools in Portugal, each of which will send one student to Monsaraz Analog Research Station (MARS), located at the Observatório do Lago Alqueva, Monsaraz, Portugal, for EXPLORE-2, running from 13 to 19 April 2026. Their dedicated Space Coaches (teachers) all report higher levels of concentration and focus in their classes.
Student Maria Francisco, from the Agrupamento de Escolas Frei Gonçalo de Azevedo says: “The EXPLORE project really stands out to me because it offers the opportunity to explore and learn more about analog missions. I also like that it brings together students from diverse cultures. I’m super excited to meet new people and continue expanding my knowledge through these experiences. During the preparation, I really appreciated being placed in groups, as it encouraged us to build connections and work more effectively as a team.”
Students at Escola Secundária de Paredes have grasped that teamwork is a vital part of any analog mission.
Even for donning the Delta suit, you need your teammates’ help, as students from Escola Básica e Secundaria Frei Gonçalo de Azevedo discover!
Breathable air is a non-negotiable for any space habitat! Students from Escola Básica Professor Agostinho da Silva learn to compare and analyse data sets while monitoring the air in their classroom.