PH's first engineer analog astronaut takes part in Poland research mission

Dr. Mark Angelo Purio represented the Philippines in a space research mission in Poland, making him the country’s first engineer analog astronaut and fourth analog astronaut.

In Adamson University’s (AdU) post, it recognized Purio’s participation in the LunAres Analog Astronaut Mission M4.26, where he joined an international crew in advancing research that “supports future lunar and Martian exploration.”

Purio is an associate professor at AdU’s Electronics Engineering Department and the head of its very own Space Technologies and Applications Research Laboratory (STARLab).

“This remarkable milestone reflects Adamson University's commitment to research, innovation, and global engagement, inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and space explorers,” the university said Monday.

"During the mission, he also contributes to Adobo4Space, a collaborative initiative with the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), and UPD Department of Food Science and Nutrition, bringing Filipino innovation—and even Filipino flavors—to space research."

An Analog Mission is a research method focused on investigating one or several aspects of crewed space missions using earthly real-life situations as an analogue to an off-world scenario, the LunAres Research Station Director said.

According to the research station, joining the research program as an analog astronaut is open to individuals from all fields — whether they are an artist, researcher, journalist, engineer, student, or even a person with disabilities.

The Philippines’ first and second analog astronauts are Kristine Jane Atienza and Dr. Marvic Alcantara, who joined the Hawaii Space Exploration Analog and Simulation (HI-SEAS) in 2024.

Meanwhile, the third analog astronaut is Florence Pauline Basubas, according to the Philippine Space Agency. — BAP, GMA News