Stellar Training for Astronaut Readiness. Where the journey makes the astronaut.
Are you looking to join Summit as a crew?
in-person april 25-29, 2026 | oracle, az, U.S.
Registration closes April 12th at 10:00pm EST
STAR Summit
A 5-day immersive astronaut readiness experience combining human behavior and performance, analog mission skills, and field expedition challenge.
STAR Summit is a multi-day, in-person training expedition designed to take you out of your comfort zone.
Across the week, you move, navigate, problem-solve, and operate as part of a small crew in demanding conditions. Some moments are physically challenging. Others are mentally and operationally complex. All of them are intentional.
You will get out of it what you put into it.
You are inside the experience learning through action, shared challenge, and reflection.
Operational environments reveal patterns that virtual learning never does.
Most aspiring astronauts invest heavily in technical knowledge and experience, but real missions and selection environments test something harder to rehearse. They reveal how you communicate under pressure, how you make decisions with incomplete information, how you manage stress and uncertainty, and how you support a team when conditions aren’t controlled. These human and operational skills rarely show up in traditional training — yet they are often what determine performance when it matters most.
This Summit exists to close that gap.
Who is STAR Summit for?
Aerospace professionals
Analog mission candidates
Expedition leaders
High-performance operators
You’re preparing for analog missions or future astronaut opportunities and want experience that goes beyond technical checklists
You’ve trained hard, but haven’t had many chances to practice decision-making, communication, and teamwork when conditions are demanding
You want to understand how you actually perform under pressure, not just how you think you perform
You’re looking to optimize your readiness and competitiveness for selection environments by developing the skills evaluators observe in real time
You’re motivated by challenge, growth, and responsibility — not just adventure for its own sake
You want to train alongside others who take preparation seriously and are willing to show up fully
This experience is limited to 20 participants.
Designed to Match Real Mission Demands
Technical execution, communication, leadership, and teamwork are not trained separately — they’re practiced together, in environments where decisions, coordination, and adaptability all matter at the same time.
Executing the Missions
Apply EVA operations, navigation, communication protocols, and research execution in conditions where precision and teamwork matter.
Operating as a Crew
Experience how leadership, communication, and decision-making show up when stress, uncertainty, and team dynamics are real.
Workshops & Sessions
Focus Areas
Human behavior & performance
Develop the interpersonal and self-awareness skills that support effective leadership, communication, and collaboration in mission environments.
operational & technical skills
Practice mission-relevant skills that support coordination, safety, and performance during operational tasks.
Crew integration
Strengthen trust, shared purpose, and team cohesion through guided experiences designed to build resilient, high-performing crews.
Human behavior &
Performance
Interpret your personalized Human Behavior & Performance competency report
Practice active listening and information confirmation during communication exercises
Increase awareness of nonverbal communication and emotional cues within teams
Learn strategies for navigating conflict and repairing trust within crew dynamics
Operational &
Technical Skills
Learn EVA protocols and structured radio communication procedures
Practice coordinating tasks remotely using disciplined communication techniques
Explore planetary geology fundamentals and terrain-based navigation methods
Understand how analog environments function as research testbeds and how experiments are conducted
Crew Integration
Reflect on your individual purpose and contribution to a mission-driven team
Identify shared crew values and establish a collective sense of purpose
Translate that purpose into a collaborative visual representation of your crew identity
Strengthen interpersonal understanding through guided crew conversations
Operational Field Expedition
The Defining Adventure
At the center of STAR Summit is a full-day, guided cave expedition that brings everything together. You’ll move through a dynamic underground environment, navigating varied terrain, practicing clear communication, and working as a crew in a setting that naturally demands focus and teamwork. It’s hands-on, active, and a little adventurous — the kind of experience that builds confidence through doing. This is where skill development, shared challenge, and mission readiness come together in a way that’s both practical and memorable.
Activity is weather-dependent and may be replaced with an equally challenging and fun adventure.
What's Included?
STAR Summit is designed as a fully supported, immersive training expedition. When you arrive, everything you need to focus on the experience (and your development) is already in place.
- 5 days of instructor-led training
- Expedition leadership and safety guides
- Human behavior and performance competency assessment & report
- Biosphere 2 accommodations
- Meals & transrportation
- Summit workbook, training materials, & exclusive Summit t-shirt
“This training goes far beyond technical skills—it challenges you in meaningful and unexpected ways, sparking real growth in mindset, resilience, and teamwork. Surrounded by passionate, like-minded individuals, I discovered more about what it truly takes to achieve a successful mission, gained deeper insight into myself, and experienced the power of building a cohesive and trusting crew.”
Ludovica V.
Registration Closes on April 12th
at 10:00 pm EST
What can you expect?
day 1 - Orientation & baseline
Movement to orient to the environment, followed by team activities and technical tasks that establish communication norms, working styles, and baseline skills. You begin operating as a crew immediately.
day 2 - Execution & communication
Field movement and navigation combined with communication protocols and task execution. The focus is clear coordination and effective teamwork while in motion.
Day 3 - Decision-Making & Team Dynamics
More complex scenarios that require judgment, adaptability, and shared responsibility. Technical tasks and team dynamics intersect as conditions become less predictable.
day 4 - expedition day
A full-day, off-site adventure that brings everything together. Movement, trust, communication, leadership, and decision-making are tested in a demanding real-world environment.
day 5 - integration & closing
Lighter movement, technical wrap-ups, crew debriefs, and guided reflection focused on translating experience into future preparation.
Did we mention the stellar bonus?
A personalized competency assessment
Before the Summit begins, you complete a Human Behavior & Performance assessment used with astronauts that fly to the International Space Station. On arrival, you get a personalized report highlighting your strengths and growth edges — your roadmap for mission readiness.
We’ll kick off the Summit with a breakdown of the HBP framework and walk you through how to interpret your results so you know exactly which areas to focus on during training. It’s your personalized roadmap to becoming mission-ready.
About Us
Brought to you by
Interstellar Performance Labs, powered by Fort Hill Group
IPL prepares mission-driven aerospace professionals to grow their influence, elevate performance, and lead without burnout. Our instruction team includes:
- Human factors specialists
- Analog mission leads
- Leadership and team dynamics coaches
- Researchers
- Operational fitness trainers
This hybrid approach gives participants a rare combination of science, psychology, leadership, and real mission experience.
Meet the Team
Emily Apollonio
Lead Instructor
Analogs, Mission Readiness, & Crew Performance
dr. jason kring
Instructor
Human Performance in Extreme Environments
dr. sandra herrmann
Technical Skills Instructor
Geology, Navigation, & Research Skills
payment options available
Mission ready starts here
$3,497
Limited spots remaining
We're keeping this group small to ensure small crew training, individualized feedback, and real team dynamics.
Analog Astronaut Conference attendees receive $200 off STAR Summit Registration
Reduced pricing is availabe for crews. Please email our team at [email protected] for more information.
Let’s talk summit outcomes
Personal Performance
Understand how you perform under stress and manage it effectively.
Team & Communication
Communicate clearly and operate as part of a small, interdependent crew.
Leadership & decision making
Be confident in your decisions and adapt your role as conditions change.
Mission Task Execution
Execute EVA-style operations, navigation, communication protocols, and research tasks in real conditions.
Don’t wait to grow alone when you could train beside people who push you, challenge you, and support your mission. The STAR Summit is your next step toward becoming the kind of leader and teammate space exploration demands.
Still have questions?
FAQ
Do I need to stay for the full 5 days?
The Summit is intentionally structured as a complete progression, and leaving early means missing key components of your training and team development.
What’s included in the price?
Four nights at Biosphere 2, all meals, all training sessions, materials, transportation to off-site activities, movement coaching, swag, and a Summit workbook.
What physical level is required?
The Summit includes daily movement such as rucking, hiking, and stability sessions. You don’t need to be an elite athlete — just able to participate, move comfortably, and challenge yourself. Everything can be scaled to your level.
How does the HBP assessment work?
You’ll complete the HBP Competency Assessment prior to arrival. At check-in, you’ll receive your personalized report and we’ll guide you through how to interpret and use it throughout the Summit.
What should I bring?
A packing list will be provided, but expect to bring movement-friendly clothing, a hydration system, comfortable shoes, layers for variable weather, and a notebook. Expect warm days and cool nights in April-May. Temperatures at Biosphere 2 can reach 95°F during the day and drop to 40°F at night. We recommend comfortable, casual clothing and layers for early mornings and evenings.
Do we get breaks or personal time?
Yes. While the Summit is immersive and full, you’ll have daily reflection periods, optional evening activities, and time to recharge.
Will I have a roommate?
Private rooms are standard, but a shared room may be requested. You can request your preference during registration.
Got more questions? Please email us at [email protected].