Dr. Michaela Musilová is an astrobiologist, author and so-called analogue astronaut or marsonaut. Michaela has conducted space-related research at institutions around the world such as CalTech, University College London and Chiba University (Japan). She has existing collaborations with NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA) and has worked for world-class observatories such as the London and Canada-France-Hawaii Observatories.
As a crew commander, she has led over 30 simulated missions to Mars and the Moon, under the auspices of NASA, ESA and many international organizations. Michaela was also the director of the HI-SEAS space research station in Hawaii for several years. She is currently at the International Space University and is the head of research at the space technology firm NEEDRONIX.
Among the awards she has received are Emerging Space Leaders Grant, Women in Aerospace – Europe Young Professional Award and she has been listed among the 30 most talented young Slovaks under 30 in Forbes Slovakia, as well as in the 100 top professionals in the space and aeronautics sector to follow via LinkedIn (2021 & 2022).
Michaela is currently working on her unique global project called Astro Crown of the Earth. It represents a world first in combining a climb to the Earth’s Crown (the highest mountain on each continent) with scientific research and in collaboration with NASA, educational and popularization activities to inspire.
Michaela regularly teaches and makes presentations to audiences of all ages around the world; and works with international media. In addition, she writes articles for Space.com and co-authored her biography, The Woman from Mars.
