Independent Habitat with
MENA Analog Mission 2025
After a year and a half of preparation, the MENA Analog Mission came to life in Wadi Rum, Jordan.
This mission marked a historic milestone for our organization and the region simulating life on Mars through teamwork, innovation, and science.
From habitat design to rover testing, every team contributed to shaping a vision of the future beyond Earth.
MENA-00-WR Analog Mission | October 24–29, 2025
Simulating Mars on Earth. Inspiring the Arab Future in Space.
Located in the heart of Wadi Rum’s Martian-like terrain, the MENA Analog Habitat is the first of its kind in the Arab region. Designed and operated by MENA Engineering Education and Training, this groundbreaking habitat is part of the MENA-00-WR Analog Mars Mission, a pilot simulation that brings together scientists, engineers, educators, and analog astronauts to pioneer space exploration and STEM innovation in the Middle East.
Our habitat serves as a testing ground for:
- Human-centered mission workflows
- Life support systems and environmental sensors
- Mars-like Extra Vehicular Activities (EVAs)
- STEM-based educational programs
- Interdisciplinary research in climate, robotics, geology, and health
Built using modular domes inspired by desert architecture and powered by solar energy, the habitat merges sustainability with scientific functionality. It features dedicated zones for crew quarters, scientific labs, EVA preparation, and command operations.
MORE TO KNOW!
FAST FACTS
Our Mission Control & EVA Capabilities
Our Mission Control & EVA Capabilities
- Location: Wadi Rum, Jordan
- Operational Period: October 24–29, 2025
- Capacity: 4–6 crew members
- Facilities: Crew & Lab dome, EVA engineering bay, mission control room
- Key Focus Areas: Human factors, planetary analog research, youth training.
Our Mission Control & EVA Capabilities
Our Mission Control & EVA Capabilities
Our Mission Control & EVA Capabilities
With integrated telemetry and communication systems, the habitat supports real-time monitoring of vital signs, environmental conditions, and suit data during EVAs. The surrounding terrain offers ideal conditions for simulating Mars exploration—challenging, inspiring, and unforgettable.
Eng. Mounir Alafrangy
Dr. Yussuf Abuelhaija, MD
Eng. Mounir Alafrangy
Commander
Dr. Dirk Raiser, PhD
Dr. Yussuf Abuelhaija, MD
Eng. Mounir Alafrangy
Engineering officer
Dr. Banu Cole, PhD
Dr. Yussuf Abuelhaija, MD
Dr. Yussuf Abuelhaija, MD
Mission specialist
Dr. Yussuf Abuelhaija, MD
Dr. Yussuf Abuelhaija, MD
Dr. Yussuf Abuelhaija, MD
Medical and Safety officer
Eng. Salam Abualhayjaa
Eng. Salam Abualhayjaa
Eng. Salam Abualhayjaa
Habitat Director
Cpt.Nadeen Qatameen
Eng. Salam Abualhayjaa
Eng. Salam Abualhayjaa
Flight Director & Earth Communication Officer
Yazan Odeh
Eng. Salam Abualhayjaa
Dr. Thurayya Hayajneh
Logistics & Media Officer
Dr. Thurayya Hayajneh
Eng. Salam Abualhayjaa
Dr. Thurayya Hayajneh
BME, Procedures & Safety Officer
Mus’ab Hamzat
Eng. Ahmad Alrbaidi
Eng. Ahmad Alrbaidi
BME, Procedures & Safety Officer
Eng. Ahmad Alrbaidi
Eng. Ahmad Alrbaidi
Eng. Ahmad Alrbaidi
Science & Experiment Officer
Eng.Majd Alsadi
Eng. Ahmad Alrbaidi
Eng.Majd Alsadi
Organizing & Logistics
