In 2026, the proposals can be sent continuously, providing multiple opportunities submissions. Each application process includes an interview phase, followed by acceptance and implementation. The duration of the acceptance and implementation phases may vary depending on the complexity of the proposed study.
Research scope
- Psychology – Studies on crew dynamics, psychological responses to stressors and mission architecture factors, well-being, and performance in isolation and confinement (ICE) conditions;
- Extreme Medicine – human factors, endurance, physical performance in variable conditions, health, aspects of microbiology, chronobiology, in the medical context of the isolation, studying behavioural stressors, team cohesion, crew autonomy, circadian rhythms, diet;
- Architecture (ergonomics, well-being, station telemetry and operation)
- Experiments on plant growth (hydroponic, aquaponic, aeroponic units available)
- Geological and planetary science studies
- Test of technological equipment for EVA simulations
- The research proposal can suggest other topics.
Standard LunAres Data will be gathered and available for the researchers during the mission. Currently, there can be more than 50 different types of data gathered. The LunAres Data concerns human and environmental telemetry, and mission architecture. To learn more regarding the available Standard Data, fill in the research proposal form.
Submit a research proposal - submissions reopened in February 2026
Disclaimer – the submission is currently off. Will be reopened in February 2026!
To submit your research project please follow the steps:
- Fill out our Preliminary Research Form
- LunAres Research Team will contact you during the Review and Interview sessions (see the dates for each Research Call)
- Have an interview with us to discuss further details.
- The LunAres Team contacts the researcher regarding the research approval and agreement signing.
- Fill out the Final Research Form. Final Research Form is provided to the researchers after interview.
LunAres service
LunAres Research Station specializes in the coordination and implementation of analog research during mission simulations, replicating scientifically relevant mission conditions. Our services include planning, covering procedures, methodologies, environmental conditions, logistical requirements, and safety protocols to ensure the success of your research.
We provide comprehensive support during the preparatory phases, guiding teams through every step leading up to the mission. Research projects can be conducted either through a fee-based arrangement or via a barter agreement. Research costs are determined by various factors, including the duration of the study and the time commitment required from crew members and mission control during preparation and execution.
LunAres research service is categorized into 4 types: Preliminary, Mini, Expanded and Prime Study. Each differs in scope, services, limitations, costs, responsibilities and risks. More information on the service, shared in the submission form and later, during interview process.
Mini Study (MS Research) is intended to enable low-overhead scientific investigations to be realised in simple, standardised way during the Lunares mission simulations. The idea is to minimize the operational disruption of study implementation and minimize costs for researchers. It serves as feasibility tests, pilot studies or exploratory data collection. This allows for statistical data collection with minimized costs.
Expanded Study (ES research) is a mid-tier research option designed for studies requiring increased operational support and higher mission priority than a Mini Study. It provides extended crew time, enhanced access to mission data, and guaranteed placement within the mission schedule, including the designation of a trained crew member to coordinate the study internally. Expanded Studies are integrated earlier into mission planning, reducing the risk of study disruption and mitigating the impact of potential crew attrition prior to mission start. Due to the additional resources, guaranteed priority, and coordination support, Expanded Studies are subject to higher costs and stricter pre-mission preparation requirements. Expanded Studies balance cost and control, offering increased priority, richer data, and on-board coordination while preserving realistic mission constraints. Expanded Studies are best suited for research that requires more time, more data, and more coordination – while still operating within realistic mission constraints.
Prime Study is the highest-priority research option, offering full integration of the study into the mission architecture in collaboration with the LunAres team. It allows the research team to adapt the mission schedule, procedures, and select crew members based on established requirements to optimize study execution. All LunAres data can be included, and the research team may collaborate with LunAres in preparing grant proposals or mission funding applications. Prime Studies take precedence over all mission activities, with the exception of emergencies and safety measures, ensuring maximum operational support and comprehensive data collection. Due to the extensive customization, priority, and collaborative effort required, Prime Studies incur the highest costs and require detailed pre-mission planning.
The Preliminary Study is a single, free-of-charge mission option intended to allow researchers to test procedures, tools, or methodologies for Mini or Expanded studies. It provides limited operational support, crew time, and access to basic mission infrastructure. Data collected is considered preliminary, may be incomplete, and is intended solely as a proof of concept, test of procedures and methodology. Due to unpaid service that LunAres is providing in such cases – the limitations and requirements differ significantly from Mini or Expanded Studies.