The Natal Cave, one of the main natural attractions on the island of Terceira, will host the first similar mission carried out in Portugal, which aims to simulate the environment on the Moon.

For seven days, the astronauts will be isolated on a stage of experiments related to science, psychology and space technology.

From the 22nd to the 28th of November, seven people of five different nationalities will be biomonitored and cared for by a medical team that will be in a control room, allowing remote medicine themes to be simulated. A team of experts in speleology, volcanism, microbiology, geochemistry and space medicine will also act as “mission control”.

The choice of the Natal Cave is related to the characteristics of this lava tube, which has similarities with the volcanic geological structures already studied and identified both on the moon and on Mars.

This project, promoted by the “Os Montanheiros” Association, which manages the cave, and by INESC TEC, will make it possible to place the country and the region as a flagship in similar missions taking place around the world.