Agenda Spaceward Bound Planning Session #2 April 11, 2006 1.Homework review (Liza) 2.Group discussion on exploration processes (Chris) 3.Homework (Liza)

AgendaSpaceward Bound Planning Session

#2April 11, 2006

1.Homework review (Liza)

2.Group discussion on exploration processes (Chris)

3.Homework (Liza)4.Questions (and answers!)

TunisiaGeomorphologyMicrobial StructuresRobots & Drills

Jebel UweinatExtremely aridMars-like soils

Negev DesertExtremely aridWater: environmental limiting factorComparison with Gobi: lack water but dissimilar climatic factors

South PoleExtreme environmentHabitationHuman factors

Dry ValleysMicrobiologyPluvial environment

Lake VostokAncient iceMicrobiology

Svalbard IslandHydrothermal activityWater-rock interactions

Axel Heiberg IslandMcGill Arctic Research StationPermafrost hydrologyGeomorphologyMicrobiology

Devon IslandHaughton CraterFlashline Mars Arctic Research StationSIMULATIONHabitationHuman factorsSystems Engr.Techniques for human exploration of Mars

Krafla RegionEuro-MarsSIMULATIONHabitationHuman factorsGeologySystems engr.Astrobiology

Mauna LoaKilaueaShield volcanoes

Lassen Volcanic Nat’l ParkSnowpacksSnow algae

Nevada Test Siteand China LakeComparison of remote IR spectra here and from Mars

Great Sand DunesGeomorphology: sand: dunes, waves, ripplesWind effect

UtahMars Desert Research StationSIMULATIONGeology

Grand CanyonGeomorphology: canyon formation

Mojave DesertRover software devel; operations team trainingGeomorphology: stream beds, sandSedimentary geochemistryAeolian, pluvial feature formation

Pilbara RegionAncient lifeGeology

Aerodrome LakeSaline lake environment

ArkaroolaMARS-OzSIMULATIONGeology

Mt. EtnaShield volcano

Rio TintoSubsurface lifeBasaltic volcanismHydrothermal activitydrilling

Kolya RiverAncient permafrostDrilling

KhubsughulMicroorganisms from ancient phosphorites

Gobi DesertExtremely aridWater: environmental limiting factorComparison with Negev: lack water but dissimilar climatic factors

Atacama Desert !!!

LicancaburVery high, very coldUV studiesSaline environmentsMicrobial habitation

Take Home IdeasMars Analog

Sites• There are LOTS of them! (maybe some in your own backyard - discovered or not yet discovered!)

• International cooperation is key!

• Some are hot and some are cold ….??

• Some focus on science, others on technology ….??

• --> Simulation

The Next Generation of

Space Explorers Must….• understand how to establish and

maintain outposts in harsh environments

• be trained to live and work in these environments

• learn how to the explore the surfaces of other worlds

Their experience base must include a deep understanding of human factors, life support, transportation, safety through redundancy, and technology-assisted exploration in a remote (off-the-grid) setting.

Simulation - where theory meets practicality

• Processes of exploration in the field– Logistics and transportation

– Energy and life support– Human factors– Exploration and EVA activities

• Science content and processes– Atacama science– Concepts and theories of Moon/Mars analog research

Teacher Learning Content

Homework due April 28

1. Study the analog sites developed by the Mars Society1. MDRS - Hanksville, UT2. MARS-Oz - Arkaroola, Australia3. Euro-MARS - Iceland4. Flashline MARS - Devon Island

2. Write four brief essays on how each of the exploration processes is simulated at each of the sites1. Logistics and transportation2. Energy and life support3. Human factors4. Exploration and EVA activities

3. Write two brief essays that compare and contrast the differences between the sites with respect to the exploration processes simulated, for example….1. Why one site simulates a process and

another doesn’t2. What are the strengths and weaknesses of

each site with respect to simulation fidelity

4. Summarize all the above with an essay on what we can do on our expedition to as effectively as possible to simulate the processes in our focus area

5. Everyone must do #1-3 individually. For #4, submit one essay from your team.