When thinking about outer space perhaps eyewear isn’t the first thing that comes to mind, unless you’re IC! BERLIN and the AUSTRIAN SPACE FORUM (OeWF). In hopes of getting closer to discovering life on Mars, the Austrian Space Forum conducted a series of field simulations and experiments in the Omani desert using eyewear supplied by ic! berlin.

The AMADEE-18 Mars Analog Mission studied equipment, work flows, and procedures and techniques to detect life on Mars in extreme Martian-like conditions of the deserts of Dhofar, the largest governorate in the Sultanate of Oman. With a history of exploring new eyewear territories, ic! berlin provided lightweight screwless styles that are ideal for shielding the eyes of the analog astronauts from everything in the Earth’s atmosphere. The rubberized sunglasses weigh approximately 20 grams and can uniquely withstand the severe conditions of the Omani desert. During the simulations, the astronauts wore 45-kilogram robotic spacesuits built with communication systems, air and power supplies, and sensors so it was vital that the eyewear be as light as possible. All photographs were taken on location in the Sultanate of Oman by Florian Voggeneder and showcase the astronauts wearing the ic! berlin frames during the simulations. Together ic! berlin and the Austrian Space Forum are testing the limits of the screwless eyewear collection. The next stop—Mars.

–Alexandra Hough