In February, Southeast Analog (SEA) hosted its final astronaut selection weekend at the Georgia Institute of Technology, bringing together the organization’s top 10 astronaut candidates for a series of evaluations designed to simulate the challenges of long-duration space missions. The event marked a key milestone as SEA prepares for its upcoming analog mission scheduled for August.

Over the course of the three-day selection process, candidates participated in physical assessments, technical exercises, interviews, and team-based mission simulations. SEA members documented candidate interactions and evaluated key mission competencies including communication, leadership balance, adaptability, and cognitive performance under fatigue.

The activities were designed to reflect the collaborative and unpredictable nature of mission environments. Candidates worked through problem-solving exercises such as assembling structures while wearing thick gloves, simulating the limited dexterity experienced during spacesuit operations, and completing technical troubleshooting tasks that required teamwork and systems thinking.

Throughout the weekend, candidates also took part in navigation and decision-making challenges across the Georgia Tech campus, including nighttime exercises that tested endurance, coordination, and communication within rotating teams. These scenarios allowed evaluators to observe how candidates approached complex problems, supported teammates, and adapted to changing conditions.

In addition to operational activities, candidates completed individual interviews and medical screenings. Suit measurements were also conducted in coordination with SEA’s habitat and spacesuit development teams to prepare for mission readiness.

The selection process focused not only on technical background, but also on the interpersonal and collaborative qualities necessary for analog missions. SEA evaluators assessed how candidates organized tasks, communicated ideas, and balanced leadership with followership within a team environment.

Following the conclusion of the selection weekend, six candidates were chosen to advance as the final astronaut crew for the upcoming mission.

The event marked an important step forward for Southeast Analog as the organization continues preparing for its August mission and expanding opportunities for students and researchers to participate in immersive spaceflight simulations.

Learn more about the mission and meet the selected astronaut crew below.