About Us

The Paired In-situ Research Analog and Technology Evaluation (PIRATE) project is the non-simulation project branch of AARG. PIRATE missions are designed to target facilities and locations required for specific analog research projects that do not require a full mission simulation like what AARG conducts at ILMAH and MDRS. The current focus of PIRATE is to build partnerships with undersea facilities and shape the program’s diving and undersea analog research portfolio and competencies.

Our Story

AARG’s actions to enable undersea space analog research for APUS students began in early 2022. Discussions with Aquarius Reef Base, popular for hosting many of the NASA NEEMO missions, led to two students attending Aquarius Reef Base’s week-long Introduction to Saturation course in December 2022. Continued planning at Aquarius resulted in a scheduled 4-day multi-university research project utilizing the Aquarius habitat in January 2024. However, this project is currently delayed due to ongoing habitat maintenance.
The resources for the January 2024 mission shifted to conducting an overnight stay inside Jules Undersea Lodge, which is the former Puerto Rico International Undersea Laboratory. Jules was the site of the recent Neptune 100 mission, a 100-day, 1-person mission with a focus on hyperbaric physiology and a goal of progressing both diving and space research. Students and faculty from both APUS and the University of North Dakota will stay overnight in the Jules habitat conducting research, educational outreach, and learning what it takes to live and work underwater.
https://amuedge.com/aquarius-the-worlds-only-undersea-research-laboratory

Meet The Team

APUS Analog Astronaut Flag and Hard Hat Diving.jpg

Scott Van Hoy

Pirate Lead

Scott Van Hoy is a professional pilot and a PhD student in Human Factors at Capitol Technology University. His research interests include using space simulation for habitability risk management. In 2020 he co-founded the APUS Analog Research Group and he graduated with an MS in Space Studies from APUS in 2022. He also holds an MS in Technology Management from the University of Illinois.

Dr. Kristin Drexler

Faculty Advisor

Dr. Kristin Drexler is a full-time faculty member in the Space Studies and Earth Sciences Department. She teaches geography, environmental science, earth system history, conservation of natural resources, and earth and planetary sustainability for the School of STEM. She earned her Ph.D. in educational leadership at New Mexico State University by researching socioecological systems, sustainable agroecology and community education. Dr. Drexler earned her Master of Arts in international affairs with an emphasis in natural resources management from Ohio University. She earned the Undergraduate Excellence in Teaching Award for the School of STEM (2020) and the Dr. Wallace E. Boston Leadership Award (2021). Dr. Drexler has conducted numerous community surveys in Belize regarding agroforestry, conservation, and sustainable agriculture. Dr. Drexler serves as a
faculty advisor for the University’s wSTEM and AWIS chapters. She is a co-investigator for the research study “A Case Study Comparison
of Pandemic Experience of Indigenous Groups in the Americas.”

Luis Gonzalez

Mission Specialist

Luis Gonzalez was recently a Mission Specialist on APUS’s fifth Analog Astronaut Research Group mission to University of North Dakota’s Inflatable Lunar/Martian Analog Habitat. He conducted research in integrating the NDX-2AT spacesuit with the Persistent Systems Wave Relay radio system. He also investigated the cognitive decay experienced on short duration missions. He is currently serving in the
United States Air Force as an instructor pilot,
accumulating over 1,500 hours in 8 different aircraft while conducting operations worldwide. He is also an FAA commercial pilot with single and multiengine instrument ratings and a seaplane rating. After completing his Masters of Science in Space Studies, he plans to eventually connect his passion for space
exploration with his aviation skills. Beyond his
professional achievements, Luis enjoys sailing races, cooking, and spending time with his dog.

Olivia Turner

Mission Specialist

Olivia Turner is a Master of Management student with the American Public University System. She is an active and supporting APUS-Analog Research Group (AARG) member and a new Communication Officer of the Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (wSTEM) and Association for Women in Science (AWIS). Olivia thoroughly enjoys being active and outdoors and pushing her boundaries. She is thrilled to participate in the AARG-Pirate mission and cannot wait to experience first-hand the connection between sea and space.

Our Research & Outreach

During PIRATE, Scott Van Hoy is conducting a pilot study investigating the usability and feasibility of using a portable ultrasound system to measure the inter-variability of decompression stress after saturation dives.
Dr. Kristin Drexler is providing outreach and education for Ms. Wang's 5th-grade science class in San Jose, California. She'll record a video for Ms. Wang's students on topics such as SCUBA diving, Jule's habitat and science research there, and marine and coastal ecology, among other topics.
Luis Gonzalez is doing outreach with Niceville High School. It is one of the few high schools with a scuba diving team conducting global research on behalf of the Natural Geography In-Shore Areas (NaGISA). The organization aims to better understand the coastal waters impacted by human activity. Luis hopes to help showcase future scientific diving opportunities to the students of Niceville High.
Olivia Turner is conducting a habitat reconnaissance and testing research equipment for future missions. By surveying the habitat and surrounding area, she will gather information, identify potential risks or opportunities, and determine the feasibility and next steps in research projects.

About Us

Our Story

Meet The Team

Our Research & Outreach

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