Kato Claeys

2022 — 2024

Kato has a background in architectural engineering and space studies. She has been a pilot for over 10 years. Her passion for space and aviation started as a glider pilot with the Belgium Air Cadets. Kato has been an analogue astronaut on several missions where she performed the roles of Vice-Commander or Commander. Her hobbies are hiking, traveling, and any kind of adventures.

Michaela Musilova

2018 — 2022

Dr. Michaela Musilova organized over 40 simulated missions to the Moon and Mars as the Director of HI-SEAS between 2018 to 2022. She was also the Commander of over 30 simulated missions to the Moon and Mars, the most missions led to date, in collaboration with NASA, the European Space Agency and many international organizations.

Michaela is an award-winning astrobiologist, explorer, keynote speaker and author. Michaela has been conducting space-related research at institutions around the world, including: NASA, ESA, CalTech, University College London, Chiba University (Japan), Canada-France-Hawaii telescope and many others. 

Currently, Michaela is the President and Founder of the non-profit XtremeFrontiers. She is pioneering a unique global project: Astro Seven Summits. It represents a world-first in combining expeditions to the highest mountain on each continent together with scientific research in cooperation with NASA and institutions worldwide, educational activities and filming documentaries. 

Michaela’s work has been recognised through numerous awards, including Forbes Slovakia’s Most Promising 30 Under 30; Top 100 Aerospace and Aviation Professionals on LinkedIn in 2021 & 2022; and the Emerging Space Leaders Grant. She was even selected to journey to Antarctica with the largest all-female in STEM expedition.

A great part of Michaela’s work is teaching and giving keynote presentations to audiences of all ages around the world. Her outreach work, work with international media and her biography, A Woman from Mars, aim to help educate and empower young people worldwide.