Adamson University’s Associate Professor of the Electronics Engineering Department and Head of the Space Technologies and Applications Research Laboratory (STARLab), Dr. Mark Angelo C. Purio, is the fourth Filipino Analog Astronaut and the first Filipino Engineer Analog Astronaut to join the LunAres Analog Astronaut Mission M4.26 in Pila, Poland.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) conducts analog missions to test systems, technologies, and human performance in Earth-based simulations that imitate the conditions of space. These missions help engineers or astronauts to prepare for future expeditions to space. Dr. Purio completed the 18-day simulation and served as the Executive Officer and Resource Manager of the team.
During the mission, Dr. Purio also contributed to Adobo4Space—the joint project of the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), and University of the Philippines Diliman Department of Food Science and Nutrition. The project aims to bring Filipino cuisine in analog missions by evaluating how shelf-stable and freeze-dried adobo can support astronauts’ nutrition and psychological well-being. The initiative was launched by Kristine Atienza, the first Filipino analog astronaut, who introduced these specially prepared versions of adobo during her analog space mission.
As we progress in our march towards the new frontier, let’s continue to support our Filipino astronauts as they represent our country in these innovative endeavors.