2 Pinoys make history after becoming analog astronauts in Hawaii

Two Filipinos experienced what it is like to be in the outer space after joining analog missions in Hawaii, United States.

According to Martin Javier's Game Changer report on "24 Oras," Monday, Kristine Jane Atienza, 32, and Dr. Marvic Alcantara, 31, were the first and second Pinoys to become crew members of analog missions at the Hawaii Space Exploration Analog and Simulation (HI-SEAS).

Analog missions are simulations of the environments that astronauts will encounter outside the Earth, such as the surfaces of the moon and Mars.

"Actually bata pa lang ako like pre-school I think mas natutunan ko 'yung mga planets, constellations than ABCs," Kristine said about her love for astronomy.

She studied community nutrition at the University of the Philippines, but she also joined the UP Astronomical Society to pursue her passion for outer space.

She served as a nutritionist during the analog mission in November at the Mauna Loa Volcano in Hawaii.

"I oversee  the food preparation, inventory ng food kung enough pa ba 'yung resources namin," she said.

Meanwhile, Marvic studied nursing before pursuing his doctor of medicine and masters in astronomy degrees.

He served as the medical officer during the analog mission in March.

"Nagme-medical checkup din ako sa kanila," he said.

Kristine and Marvic wore space suits while exploring the harsh environment in Hawaii. 

"We do cave explorations because that's what we’re gonna do on the moon if we have a lunar base or Martian base," Kristine said. "Ang bigat ng helmet tas wala kaming marinig bukod sa comms system namin."

"Nasa peak talaga kami medyo mataas siya," Marvic said. "Tumataas 'yung heart rate namin."

Kristine and Marvic are now working on their research papers after completing their respective six-day analog missions.

"Subukan n'yo lang kasi hindi mo malalaman pag 'di mo siya susubukan," Marvic said.

—MGP, GMA Integrated News