Author: @engi_bob

Date: Feb 6th, 2025

Abstract#

In October 2025 the World's Biggest Analog (WBA) will carry out the largest space simulation mission of it's kind: 1 mission, multiple habitats, collaborative research. The WBA seeks to answer the question, "how will we live and work in space as a community?" As part of the training, prospective crewmembers must undergo mission training an preparation. The training can represent a substantial personal cost the the analog astronauts. This proposal seeks to provide 10 scholarships for a total of $12,000 USD to prospective WBA crewmembers.

Learn more about WBA here: www.worldsbiggestanalog.com

Problem#

The WBA is seeking to assemble the largest coordinated space analog of it's kind to generate collaborative research to advance the future of human spaceflight. Spread across (at least) 6 habitats simulations this mission will require the participation of 60-75 analog astronauts, alternate crewmembers, site mission control and central mission control support staff. Crewmembers and alternates (who will serve on local mission control) are undergoing several rounds of training and mission preparation. The cost of participation for each prospective member is high (up to US$5000, depending on crew position). This cost will be even more of a challenge for crewmembers from developing countries who may have limited access to funds or sponsorship.

Solution#

It is proposed that MoonDAO provide scholarships to candidates selected as crewmembers for the WBA mission.

Eligibility:

1. Must be a selected crewmember for the WBA mission
2. Must be or become a member of the Space Acceleration Network

Selection process:

1. All selected crewmembers are invited to apply; applicants must be members of the Space Acceleration Network; part of the application will consider country of origin (emphasis on developing country support) and financial need (financial need information will remain confidential to review committee ONLY and will not be part of the pitch to the DAO - see point 3)
2. Ten (10) applicants from the application pool will be selected as finalists.
3. Each of the finalists will be presented to the DAO (pitch video, live speech a the town hall, or similar)
4. Voting members will vote on finalists and finalists will receive scholarships from the ~$12,000* scholarship pool according to the following ranking:
   • 1st Prize - full scholarship ($5000)
   • 2nd Prize - half scholarship ($2500)
   • 3rd prize - $1000
   • All other finalists - $500

*In the event that flex is insufficient to cover downward fluctuation in ETH value, award money will be distributed to winners in proportion to their award amount, based on the total fiat equivalent available at the time of distribution.

Benefits#

MoonDAO will be directly supporting human spaceflight and space habitation research.

After selection, scholarship recipients will be asked to participate in documenting their Analog Astronaut Journey for MoonDAO (follow-on proposal if scholarship proposal approved)

Risks#

Low adoption of cryptocurrency and web 3 among WBA crew candidates leading to difficulty of onboarding crew members to the Space Acceleration Network.

Objectives#

Objective #1: Onboard applicants to the Space Acceleration Network

Key Results for Objective #1:

• Grow the Space Acceleration Network by at least 10 new citizens from among the Analog Astronauts selected for the WBA.
• Stretch goal of 25 new citizens.

Member(s) responsible for OKR and their role:

• @Engi_Bob - direct recruiting of new members from WBA selectees.

Objective #2: Establish selection criteria, develop an application questionnaire, and establish a selection committee

Key Results for Objective #2:

• Develop application questionnaire, to include qualifications, inspiration to join WBA mission, country of origin, and financial need.
• Make applications confidentially available to selection committee (Project Members and Senators).
• Selection committee to vote on top applicants; top 10 are selected as finalists.

Member(s) responsible for OKR and their role:

• @Engi_Bob - develop questionnaire; coordinate application process and vote with selection committee .

Objective #3: Coordinate Town Hall for applicant presentations and submit finalists for ranked choice vote to MoonDAO voting members.

Key Results for Objective #3:

• Organize applicants to either submit a video presentation, or make their pitch live in the Town Hall
• Submit a ranked choice vote of 10 finalists to DAO voting members.
• Monies submitted to WBA for reimbursement of fees already paid.

Member(s) responsible for OKR and their role:

• @Engi_Bob - coordinate presentations with Finalists; submit final selection vote for voting members.

Team (Table A)#

Timeline (Table B)#

Deadline for the project: End of Q2, 2025

Transactions (Table C)#

Any remaining surplus and unused flex funds will be returned to the treasury.

--- nance-actions
- type: Request Budget
  payload:
    budget:
      - token: ETH
        amount: "4.3866"
        justification: Scholarships
      - token: ETH
        amount: "0.1827"
        justification: flex
  uuid: bdc1db33311f499693d810cc6673a958
  chainId: 1