We are recruiting !
To further expand Mars’ exploration we are looking for motivated and passionate people.
As a member of the M.A.R.S. UCLouvain 2026 crew, you will spend a year preparing for the 2-week simulation mission at the Mars Desert Research Station in March-April 2026. This preparation will consist of gathering the needed budget by contacting sponsors, designing and developing scientific experiments, sharing and getting people excited about space exploration, meeting passionate and interesting people and getting your space suit all ready and shiny.
The deadline to send in your CV and motivation letter is the 1st of May 2025.
Send your application to apply@marsuclouvain.be. Don’t forget to mention which role you’re interested in and what scientific experiment you would like to realize.
As a big part of the mission consists in the development of a scientific experiment, we advise you to look at what has previously been done to get some inspiration. Of course, we always appreciate original and exciting new ideas.
We are trying to professionalize the experiments by, for example, partnering up with the industry. So do not hesitate to propose a collaboration with academics or companies. We can get you oriented with this if you wish to. In doing so, the experiments developped during the project have a much larger impact, which we highly value.
For which role?
Commander
The Commander gets the glory, but they are also responsible for the overall safety, organization and management of the mission. From the initial planning phase to the mission’s completion, they oversee all crew operations and logistics, delegating tasks to the XO when needed. They are accountable for every aspect of the mission while at MDRS but must also respect the authority of MDRS staff and the HSO in health and safety matters.
Prior leadership skills acquired through fieldwork and training in remote or challenging environments.
Executive Officer
The XO’s role adapts to the leadership style of the Commander, assisting with logistics and daily scheduling at MDRS. They support the Commander’s decisions and ensure smooth mission execution by managing crew relations and problem-solving. Strong organizational skills and experience in small group leadership are essential for this role.
Prior experience with logistics and mission planning is highly desirable, as the XO plays a crucial role in ensuring efficiency and cohesion within the team.
Health and safety officer
The HSO ensures the crew’s health and safety by monitoring compliance with protocols and responding to medical situations. At a minimum, they must have first aid and CPR certification, with first responder training preferred. EMTs, nurses, and doctors are highly valued in this role. Additionally, they oversee the operational safety of both the crew and the MDRS.
Required certifications can be obtained after selection but must be completed before departure. First aid training typically takes 8 weeks at a rate of 3 hours per week.
Engineer
The Crew Engineer is responsible for maintaining and monitoring the station’s infrastructure, ensuring all systems function properly. They must assess equipment, address technical failures, and coordinate with Mission Support for problem resolution.
While an engineering background is beneficial, experience maintaining large facilities or projects is more critical. The Crew Engineer must think strategically and adapt to MDRS’s unique challenges, ensuring equipment reliability and mission continuity.
Greenhab Officer
The GreenHab Officer manages plant growth in the GreenHab, overseeing environmental controls, maintenance, and crop documentation. Experience in biology, gardening, or greenhouse management is preferred, but dedication to plant care and data collection is essential.
They must take and pass the GreenHab Exam before arrival at MDRS. This role ensures food sustainability for the crew and contributes to research on plant cultivation in controlled environments, vital for future space missions.
Scientist
The Scientist conducts research and maintains the ScienceDome and its equipment, aligning studies with mission goals. They plan EVAs based on research needs and must secure approval from their home institution for any studies conducted at MDRS, especially in human factors research.
Their work is essential to advancing knowledge in space-related sciences, making this role crucial for mission success and broader scientific contributions.
Astronomer
The Crew Astronomer operates MDRS observatories and conducts research approved by the MDRS Astronomy Team. They collaborate with the Director of Observatories before arrival and must pass an online test to use the telescopes.
Prior telescope experience is preferred but can be gained after selection. This role involves capturing astronomical data and supporting space science initiatives, contributing valuable observations to ongoing research efforts.
Journalist
The Crew Journalist documents daily mission life through reports and photos, providing updates for MDRS and external audiences. They manage social media pages for M.A.R.S UCLouvain (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) and maintain public relations to enhance visibility for sponsors and the broader community. This role is vital for outreach, ensuring the project gains recognition and engagement from the public, media, and potential supporters through compelling storytelling and strategic communication.
For whom ?
We are looking for talent and passion in all fields, from Engineering and Sciences to Sociology, Law and Arts. You can apply for this project if you are a UCLouvain student (bachelor, master or PhD).
Afraid of not fitting ? Please don’t ! We’ve had a large variety of people participating already (you’d be surprised!) and the more diverse the team, the better !
More information ?
Any other questions ? Take a look at the events we are organizing to meet us and to get to know us better. Or simply reach out to us (please do!) – by mail or directly through our social pages!