The Space Analog for the Moon & Mars (SAM) was set in motion by entrepreneur and researcher Kai Staats, MSc in the summer of 2018. Construction began in January 2021 at the University of Arizona Biosphere 2, giving form to a hermetically sealed, pressurized habitat research center with pressure regulation module, controlled environment with hydroponics, engineering bay, crew quarters, airlock, 4-chamber CO2 scrubber, and a 3000 sq-ft, indoor, geologically accurate Mars yard. SAM received its first visiting team in April 2023 and operated through May 2026. The primary research objectives of this hi-fidelity, world-class facility were met, concluding with a six months study in vapor pressure deficit for a food cultivar combined with a two weeks, sealed, human-in-the-loop study in bioregeneration.

To learn about the design, engineering, construction, visiting teams, and science conducted at SAM, visit www.moonandmars.space.