Make an
impact today
Southeast Analog is an entirely student-run analog astronaut program preparing for its pilot mission in August 2026. Every contribution helps support astronaut training, mission operations, research execution, and the resources needed to run a high-fidelity analog mission.
Whether you donate directly or purchase items from our mission supply registry, your support helps make this mission possible.
Fundraising Goal
Our 2026 fundraising goal is $80,000. Your support helps fund the key systems, training, and operations needed to carry out the Southeast Analog mission.
Mission control & operations
Behind every successful mission is a dedicated team ensuring that everything runs smoothly. Our Mission Control team works behind the scenes to coordinate communication with astronauts, manage mission updates for the public, and support logistics and operations throughout the mission. This team is the backbone of Southeast Analog’s mission execution.
$30,000
Mission Site
We have received confirmation to conduct our analog mission at Biosphere 2, one of the most recognized research facilities for large-scale ecological and space mission simulations. While the Biosphere team has generously lowered the cost for us, hosting a mission at such a renowned facility still requires significant resources. This opportunity allows our team to conduct experiments and gain invaluable experience operating within a professional analog environment.
$32,000
$18,000Astronaut Training & Support
For our 2026 mission, Southeast Analog has selected six astronaut crew members who will participate in the simulation. Preparing astronauts for an analog mission requires specialized training such as scuba diving, aerial training, and physical activity. Our goal is to ensure these opportunities remain accessible and that our astronauts do not have to cover these costs out of pocket. (transportation, meals, activities, housing)
Donate to the mission
Support Southeast Analog by contributing directly to our mission fundraising campaign. Donations help fund astronaut training, mission operations, research support, and essential preparation for the 2026 pilot mission.
Sponsor an Astronaut
You can directly support the astronaut crew by helping fund meals, training supplies, transportation, and mission preparation.
Every contribution, no matter the size, helps support the students preparing for the Southeast Analog mission.
Amanda Galloway
Crew Commander and Chief Communications Office
Amanda Galloway, from Houston, Texas, is pursuing her Ph.D. in Bioengineering at Rice University and serves as Crew Commander and Chief Communications Officer for the Southeast Analog mission. Her passion for space exploration stems from the perspective it offers: that humanity is part of something much larger than ourselves. Outside of research, Amanda enjoys reading and spending time with her cats, and she has even met several NASA astronauts.
Sophia Karako
Crew Commander and Crew Communications Officer
Sophia Karako, originally from Alexandria, Virginia, is a first-year Aerospace Engineering student at the Georgia Institute of Technology. During the Southeast Analog mission, she will help lead the crew and manage communications with Mission Control. Sophia has played the violin since the age of five and is fascinated by extreme space environments, particularly space stations and orbital habitats.
Emilio Larrazabal
Crew Medical Officer
Emilio Larrazabal, from Los Angeles, California, serves as the Crew Medical Officer for the Southeast Analog mission. He is currently pursuing his M.D. at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine and works as a flight paramedic, bringing critical medical experience to the crew. Emilio’s favorite aspect of space exploration is microgravity, and outside of medicine he enjoys flying and spending time with his family and dogs.
Ariella Blackman
Crew Engineer
Ariella Blackman, from Purchase, New York, is studying Aerospace Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and serves as a Crew Engineer for the Southeast Analog mission. She supports research activities and habitat operations while bringing creativity and enthusiasm to the team. Outside of engineering, Ariella enjoys dance, musical theatre, stargazing, and singing along to Taylor Swift.
Umesh krishna ponugupati
Crew Engineer
Umesh Krishna Ponugupati, from Bethpage, New York, studies Aerospace Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology and serves as a Crew Engineer for the Southeast Analog mission. His interests in space exploration are driven by deep-space missions such as Voyager and New Horizons, which explore the outer reaches of our solar system. Outside of mission preparation, Umesh enjoys reading, competitive video games, and hiking.
Hailey Nelson
Crew Scientist
Hailey Nelson, from Phoenix, Arizona, is pursuing a Ph.D. in Astrophysics at Arizona State University and serves as the Crew Scientist for the Southeast Analog mission. She has worked on NASA missions including the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera and the Psyche mission, and her research focuses on exoplanet habitability. Outside of research, Hailey enjoys traveling, visited 32 countries, as well as figure skating and art.
$10 sponsors a meal for an astronaut
$25 supports astronaut training supplies
$50 supports mission operations materials
$100 helps fund astronaut training and preparation
Examples of impact
Mission Supply registry
You can also support Southeast Analog by purchasing items directly from our mission supply registry. These items help provide equipment and supplies used during astronaut training, mission operations, and simulation activities.
Your Support Makes This Mission Possible.
The Southeast Analog mission is built by students, researchers, and volunteers working together to create opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach.
Your support directly helps students train as astronauts, conduct research, and operate a simulated space mission environment that prepares the next generation of space professionals.
But the impact goes far beyond a single mission.
Every contribution helps build a program that will continue to train future scientists, engineers, and explorers for years to come. By supporting Southeast Analog, you are helping create a legacy of accessible spaceflight training and hands-on mission experience for students across the United States and around the world.
Together, we are not only preparing for a mission… we are helping shape the future of space exploration.