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Flashline Mars Arctic Research Station (FMARS) 2009 Expedition Crew PerspectivesThe Flashline Mars Arctic Research Station (FMARS), located on the rim of the Haughton Crater on Devon Island in the Canadian Arctic, is a simulated Mars habitat that provides operational constraints similar to those which will be faced by future human explorers on Mars. In July 2009, a six-member crew inhabited the isolated habitation module and conducted the twelfth FMARS mission. The crew members conducted frequent EVA operations wearing mock space suits to conduct field experiments under realistic Mars-like conditions. Their scientific campaign spanned a wide range of disciplines and included many firsts for Mars analog research. Among these are the first use of a Class IV medical laser during a Mars simulation, helping to relieve crew stress injuries during the mission. Also employed for the first time in a Mars simulation at FMARS, a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) was used by the space-suited explorers, aiding them in their search for mineral resources. Sites identified by the UAV were then visited by geologists who conducted physical geologic sampling. For the first time, explorers in spacesuits deployed passive seismic equipment to monitor earthquake activity and characterize the planet's interior. They also conducted the first geophysical electromagnetic survey as analog Mars pioneers to search for water and characterize geological features under the surface. The crew collected hydrated minerals and attempted to produce drinkable water from the rocks. A variety of equipment was field tested as well, including new cameras that automatically geotag photos, data-recording GPS units, a tele-presence rover (operated from Florida), as well as MIT-developed mission planning software. As plans develop to return to the Moon and go on to Mars, analog facilities like FMARS can provide significant benefit to NASA and other organizations as they prepare for robust human space exploration. The authors will present preliminary results from these studies as well as their perspectives on topics including human factors, logistics, EVA operations, and the use of social media throughout the mission.
Document ID
20090029361
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Cusack, Stacy
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Ferrone, Kristine
(United Space Alliance United States)
Garvin, Christy
(Vaughan Elementary School Powder Springs, GA, United States)
Kramer, W. Vernon
(Del Mar Coll. Corpus Christi, TX, United States)
Palaia, Joseph, IV
(4Frontiers Corp. New Port Richey, FL, United States)
Shiro, Brian
(North Dakota Univ. United States)
Date Acquired
August 24, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2009
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration
Report/Patent Number
JSC-CN-18647
Meeting Information
Meeting: SpaceOps 2010: Delivering on the Dream
Location: Huntsville, AL
Country: United States
Start Date: April 25, 2010
End Date: April 30, 2010
Sponsors: American Inst. of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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