Africa’s First Lunar Analog Research Station
Mission MWEZI 1 is being led by The Futures Forum’s Open Afrika Space Exploration Analog Simulation (OASEAS) Initiative.
Located in North Horr, Marsabit County, Kenya, the mission brings together engineers, scientists, artists, and explorers to simulate life and research on the Moon — from the heart of Africa’s desert frontier.
“The road to Mars runs through Marsabit — and from here, Africa steps into the Space Age.”
— Dr. Claire Nelson, The Futures Forum
WHY MWEZI 1 , WHY KENYA
Kenya’s Marsabit Desert is one of the most Mars-like environments on Earth — remote, arid, and filled with geological features ideal for analog testing.
North Horr’s landscape offers a natural laboratory for studying human adaptation, habitat resilience, and sustainable living under extreme conditions.
The mission also honors ancient African sky wisdom — from the Namoratunga observatory stones to the Dogon star traditions — reminding us that Africa has always looked to the stars.
Vision: To make Africa a recognized leader in analog space research and inclusive space innovation
THE OPEN AFRIKA INITIATIVE
OASEAS (Open Afrika Space Exploration Analog Simulation) is a Pan-African effort by The Futures Forum (TFF) to democratize access to space through frugal innovation, education, and collaboration.
The initiative’s mission is to build a network of analog research sites across Africa, powered by local talent, sustainable materials, and digital collaboration tools.
Our Approach:
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Frugal Innovation: Doing more with less — leveraging local materials, local labor, and open-source design.
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Community Partnership: Empowering local communities to co-create and benefit from the space economy.
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Talent Development: Training African students, Scouts, and Guides to become analog astronauts and planetary stewards.
Learn About Open Afrika
BUILDING THE MWEZI 1 HABITAT
Mission MWEZI 1 is an experiment in self-reliant innovation.
Teams are constructing Hexayurt habitats — modular shelters designed for desert and space analog conditions — using locally sourced plywood and insulation panels.
Each hexayurt represents a living lab for studying:
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Thermal regulation and energy efficiency
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Water collection and waste management
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Team resilience and health protocols
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Systems for sustainable living in remote environments
Key Components:
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12-foot × 12-foot research and living modules
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Solar micro-grids donated by LEECORP Energy Systems
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Communications and mission control support from Machakos University and partner institutions across Africa
PARTNERSHIPS IN ACTION
Land Partnership:
North Horr community provides land and stewardship for the analog base.
Research Partnership:
Machakos University leads the scientific program, with Mission Control links to Nigeria, Ghana, and Malawi.
Talent Partnership:
Youth networks — including the Kenya Girl Guides Association (KGGA) and Scouts — train as analog astronauts, engineers, and health officers.
Technology Partnership:
LEECORP Energy Systems supplies renewable power and energy research support.
Partner With Us
MISSION OBJECTIVES
Mission MWEZI 1 aims to:
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Train Africa’s first cohort of analog astronauts
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Prototype low-cost, modular habitats for lunar and Martian research
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Develop health, safety, and sustainability protocols for analog missions
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Advance Africa’s participation in global space exploration
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Inspire youth and women in STEM through practical engagement and mentorship
Duration: 14-day analog mission
Theme: “Living in Space: How We Share the Moon” (aligned with World Space Week 2025)
IMPACT AND LEGACY
For Kenya
MWEZI 1 positions Marsabit as a Desert Gateway to the Moon, creating a foundation for future research tourism, STEM education, and local innovation.
For Africa
It advances the Open Afrika movement — connecting universities, communities, and industries in a continental space network.
For the World
It demonstrates how inclusive, low-cost analog missions can help humanity prepare for space settlement while advancing sustainability goals on Earth.
“From the desert of North Horr to the stars above, we are proving that Africa’s ingenuity belongs among the constellations.”
MISSION PARTNERS
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The Futures Forum (TFF) – Lead Organizer
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OASEAS – Open Afrika Space Exploration Analog Simulation
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Machakos University – Research & Engineering Partner
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Kenya Girl Guides Association (KGGA) – Youth & STEM Partner
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Juhudi Mashinani - Community Land Trust CBO
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LEECORP Energy Systems – Renewable Energy Partner
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North Horr Community Trust – Land Host
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African University of Science & Technology, Nigeria – Mission Control
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Kabete Polytechnic = Technical Partner for Habitat Construction
Mission MWEZI 1 is more than an analog simulation — it’s a symbol of possibility.
It reminds us that Africa’s deserts can become launchpads for planetary hope, and that every young person, no matter where they stand on Earth, can dream of walking among the stars.
Kwa Mwezi. Kwa Nyota. For the Moon. For the Stars.