Category: Mission Plan

Commander and Crew Astronomer
Dr. Cesare Guariniello is a Research Scientist in the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics in Purdue University. He holds two Master’s degrees “Cum Laude”, in Automation and Robotics Engineering and in Astronautical Engineering, from the University of Rome “La Sapienza”, and a PhD in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Purdue University. His research focuses on System-of-Systems design and architecture, space applications, cybersecurity, and defense. He is also pursuing a Master’s degree in Planetary Geology.
Cesare is a senior member of AIAA and IEEE, and a member of INCOSE, AAS, and various other professional societies. He was the recipient of multiple awards for his research and his publications.
Always deeply passionate for space and for learning, Cesare enjoys a wide variety of activities outside academia. He represented Purdue University in various fencing collegiate tournaments, and he is now advisor of Purdue Archery Club. Cesare holds all three levels of amateur radio certifications five scuba diving certifications, a Wilderness First Responder certification, a commercial pilot license, drone pilot license, and ground instructor certifications. Crew 288 will be Cesare’s sixth rotation at MDRS, where he previously served as commander, executive officer, crew geologist, crew astronomer, and health and safety officer.

Executive Officer
Riley McGlasson is a fourth year PhD candidate in Planetary Science at Purdue University. Her research focus is based on trying to understand Mars’ climate history through radar sounding observation of Mars’ polar caps. Radar sounding data can penetrate kilometers beneath the surface of these ice caps, to the oldest preserved ice. To better understand the data we see from Mars, she also uses radar observations of constructed ice and dust stratigraphies in the lab as well as from analog sites in icy regions on Earth. Riley is looking forward to applying her radar experience as a part of Crew 288, where she will test the abilities of ground penetrating radar to search for near-surface water for in-situ resource utilization. In her free time, Riley enjoys backpacking, canoeing, and playing roller derby.
Crew geologist
Hunter Vannier is a 4th year planetary science PhD candidate at Purdue University. He is passionate about space exploration and discovery, and utilizes a wide range of laboratory and spacecraft spectral data to interpret the geology of planetary surfaces. In particular, Hunter researches diverse volcanoes on the Moon and igneous terrains on Mars. It is his goal to be at the forefront of the next generation of human space exploration to the Moon and beyond. One of Hunter’s favorite parts of planetary science is visiting spectacular analogue environments, places on earth that are most like other planets. It is fascinating that seemingly foreign worlds share significant similarities to Earth. At once, he develops a deeper connection to the Earth and other planets feel less alien. He is thrilled to experience MDRS and learn tangibly about challenges inherent to human exploration in an analogue environment. Outside of research, Hunter loves to cook, garden, hike, mountain bike, and play hockey.

Crew Engineer
Jesus Meza Galvan is a 2nd year PhD student in the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics at Purdue University. Before that, he worked as an applied physicist for a technology R&D company where he found his passion for developing space technology. His background is in solid-state physics and nano/microfabrication of semiconductor and optical devices. His PhD research is focused on developing MEMS micro-propulsion systems for small satellites. Jesus wants to work as a spacecraft engineer developing instrumentation for science missions and tools for in-space manufacturing. He aspires to be chosen by Bruce Willis to help drill the asteroid.

Health and Safety Officer
Jilian Welshoff is from Goshen, NY, and a 3rd year undergraduate student at Purdue University studying Brain and Behavioral Sciences/ Pre-Physicians Assistant but is super interested in space exploration. For Crew 288, she is the Health and Safety Officer and intends on keeping everyone in the crew safe! Her research will hopefully intend looking into isolation levels in crewmates and how to reduce it through working with plants and arts. She is also involved with the Undergraduate Research Society at Purdue as the secretary and is very active in Boiler Gold Rush, Purdue’s orientation program, serving as Team Leader and Supervisor. During her free time Jilian loves thrifting and baking, learning and listening to/about all music, and reading a good book in her hammock!

GreenHab Officer
Ryan DeAngelis is a junior in Industrial Engineering at Purdue, with a focus on aerospace systems engineering. He is passionate about everything life support related and is enthusiastic about anything regarding space exploration and habitation. He is also very involved in the Space and Earth Analogs Research Chapter (SEARCH) of Purdue, where he is helping design the first student-led analog space habitat, with a focus on bioastronautics and bio-regenerative systems. An Eagle Scout of Troop 30 in Los Altos, California, he loves anything outdoors along with hiking, backpacking, and scuba diving. His favorite board game is Terraforming Mars.

Crew Journalist
Lipi Roy is a Master’s student in the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics at Purdue University. She received her bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, India, back in 2019. For a few years after that, she worked as a scientist in the Indian Space Research Organization where she contributed to crew module systems for the upcoming human space mission of India. She is passionate about building safe and optimal extra-terrestrial systems. Outside work, Lipi enjoys hiking, cooking, and playing music.

[title  Crew biographies, photos and mission patch – November 26th]

Crew HSO; Dulsaikhan "Duluu" Zorig:

I specialize in children’s dental care. My professional interests lie in promoting dental health. Since 2020, I’ve been part of the MARS-V program, initially as a member of the program development team. I’ve since taken on the role of leading the module development team.

Outside of work, I enjoy archery, a sport I began training in a year ago. My ambition is to compete in the 2028 World Olympics.

In 2020, I played a pivotal role in shaping the MARS-V analog station program, researching the various protocols used by MDRS. It’s been an exciting journey, and I’m thrilled to be a part of the 287th crew at the MDRS.

Crew Psychologist; Tungalag "Tungaa" Bat-Erdene:

I have a strong interest in business, especially in managing finances and investments, as well as planning strategies and projects. My studies in Business Administration have equipped me with the tools to find new and smart ways to work in these areas.

I’m also fascinated by the study of the mind. Over the last few years, I’ve been learning about psychology and how our brains work, which shows my broad range of interests.

I love tackling new challenges and learning new things, whether it’s in the business world or understanding human behavior. I’m all about getting better and broadening my knowledge.

Let’s discover and succeed together!

Crew Engineer; Munkh-Erdene "Muggi" Altankhuyag:

I work as an electrical engineer with a focus on designing electrical systems at Oyu Tolgoi, part of RioTinto LLC. Since 2021, I’ve been involved with the Mars-V project, where I’ve taken the lead on designing the mission command center and currently serve as the engineering specialist for the 287th crew.

Crew Commander; Enkhtuvshin "Dono" Doyodkhuu:

I have a background in astrophysics, and I’m fascinated by Mars’ evolution and its significance for astrobiology, space resource extraction, and its potential as a secondary home for humanity. Since joining the MARS-V project in 2020, I’ve been part of program development, technology, and foreign affairs teams. Currently, as the operations manager for MARS-V, I’m committed to advancing Mongolia’s contribution to space exploration. I’m excited to lead the 287th crew at the MDRS, where we’re experimenting with Mongolian freeze-dried meals, testing a newly developed Mars analog suit, and refining the MARS-V station program. This experience, alongside my fellow Mars enthusiasts at MDRS, promises to be a profound learning opportunity.

Crew Journalist; Munkhnaran "Sunny" Davaatseren:

I’m Sunny, and I lead the Human Resources for the MARS-V project back home in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. With my HR Management Master’s degree, I focus on guiding our team strategically while nurturing my love for community involvement and the great outdoors, especially hiking.

I played basketball competitively in school, which taught me a lot about working together and staying strong through challenges. These days, as a proud JCI Senator and the founder of the JCI Nomadic chapter, I work hard for community betterment and equal opportunities for all, especially in my role on the board of the JCI Women’s Club.

Whether I’m at work or volunteering, I’m all about creating spaces where everyone feels valued and making a difference that counts. Leading by example, I hope to motivate others to reach for their best and make an impact that matters.

Crew Geologist; Davaa-Ochir "Davaa" Dashbaatar:

As a Geologist and lead of projects with over 20 years of experience in Mongolia and Southeast Asia, my geology background has been a key asset in understanding planetary exploration and science. I have a deep understanding of the unique geological landscape of Mongolia and have leveraged this expertise to successfully lead teams in mineral exploration, development, and production. Throughout my career, I have been instrumental in developing and implementing strategic plans, optimizing operational processes, and building strong relationships with stakeholders for the mining projects. My ability to navigate complex regulatory and environmental challenges has enabled me to successfully deliver on projects and build a reputation as a trusted industry leader.

There are 4 main results we want to achieve by the end of the rotation:
Operate for 12 days according to the MARS-V analog station training program. Individually jot down all comments and improvements.
Make 3 freeze-dried recipes everyday for 2 weeks. Individually jot down all comments and improvements.
Take the MARS-V analog Mars suit and MDRS suit on every EVA. Individually jot down all comments and improvements.
Learn all that we can from MDRS.

[title 

Crew biographies, photos and mission patch – November 12th]

BIO – Roger G. Gilbertson

PAST

I studied Aerospace at USC, switched to robotics and film/video at Hampshire College. Joined a Silicon Valley startup, then started an internet and robotics business (Mondo-tronics and RobotStore.com) with friends. We contributed a tiny, unique “Muscle Wire” component to the Mars Pathfinder Sojourner Rover. After selling the business to a key supplier, I became the first full time “media guy” at SpaceX, sharing the adventure starting with Falcon 1 Flight 3, through Dragon arriving at the ISS, and the first successful reentry of a Falcon 9 first stage (2007-2014).
Have since worked on various documentary films, new articles, and non-fiction and fiction stories. Some of my research led to a TEDx talk <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HytJn6uaRk> now with more than 1.3 million views.

PRESENT

I’m married, father of four kids now aged 21 to 34. (When they were younger, I got to take each of them to Parent-Child Space Camp.) I live in Los Angeles with my wife, and in March 2023 we returned from a month exploring the history and mysteries of Egypt and Jordan.

MISSION

For our upcoming mission I’m eager to explore the range of projects we have lined up—from the science of life-supporting bacteria, to the sounds of music on the Martian surface.

MARS
I’ve been a huge fan of space exploration and Mars for as long as I can remember. As a Mars Society “Mars Ambassador” I have been developing a series of talks / short videos with the theme “What I Love Most About Living on Mars.” The presentations are given by a Mars settler from the near future when there are around 10,000 humans on the Red Planet. The goal is to make Mars a “real place” in people’s minds, especially today’s youngsters who will lead our settlement efforts.

BIO – Donald Jacques

PAST

I have enjoyed multiple careers over the years: USAF, Ballroom Dance Teacher, Author of three novels, Electrician, Commercial Maintenance. I even had the auspicious opportunity to portray Duckie, the Maintenance Chief for Luna City in an Arizona State University theater production. For the past 10 years I have served as Chief Scientist of EarthSeed, Inc researching Compact Biological Life Support. (www.EarthSeed.Space)

The culmination of the research is the Mobile Analog Space Habitat (MASH), a 40 ft mobile habitat built on a school bus as a living space for one person. It was built to develop the baselines, and foundation for a scalable biological life support system for Earth and Space. The MASH contains kitchen and living quarters, plus a small workshop, and mini-farm (fishpond, garden, chicken coop, algae PBRs, composting toilet, and distillation gray-water recovery).

In December 2022, I retired from my handyman business after 20 years to accept a Site Manager position at MDRS from Jan-Mar of 2023. As Crew Engineer, I come with a solid foundation in the systems that will sustain us during our mission.

I have added an EarthSeed Brochure-MASH.pdf to the group’s shared folder.

PRESENT

My home base is the home of one of my daughters in central Utah. I just completed my 2nd cross-country, shake-out cruise in the MASH. My first stop was the Analog Astronaut Conference held at Biosphere2 near Tucson, AZ where I presented “The Application of Integrated Biological Life Support components in the Analog.”

During the rest of the journey, I visited the Tucson Air Museum, Houston Space Center, had the opportunity to take a swamp tour in Louisiana, helped my friend set up her RV in Waxau, North Carolina, then a two week visit with another daughter and kids in Kentucky, and finally back to Utah.

I hope to complete needed repairs and upgrades in time for our mission in November.

MISSION

Like a few of you, this will be my first opportunity to be part of an analog crew, and I am looking forward to serving, and getting to know you all. It is my hope to bring a prototype of our Biological Life Support unit for testing in the hab environment during the mission.

SPACE AND… OUT THERE
I can remember being glued to the tv as a young boy watching the first lunar landing, and the excitement of that event has been at my core for these many decades. My dream is not to just get… somewhere. My dream is to spend time on each of the following destinations: Moon, Mars, Calypso, Ganymede, and Titan. SpaceX has given us reusable rockets, and made Mars more reachable than ever. It is my belief that we will achieve some form of a star-drive by the time we reach Titan. I want to be on that ship to the stars.

BIO – Elizabeth Jane Cole

PAST

I co-founded a speakers bureau that represents leading thinkers, scientists and artists for public appearances in academic, institutional and experiential arts oriented venues, film, publishing, advisory services and more worldwide (eviltwinbooking.org). Occasionally covered art, technology and robotics for WIRED Magazine, and produced a podcast for the Love and Radio series.

PRESENT

Manage Evil Twin Booking, a speakers bureau that advances new ideas while transforming culture.

Media strategy, concept development and creative consulting for live events and organizations. With collaborators and like-minded organizations, we sometimes develop the concept and scripts and provide media strategy for live events and actions that draw media attention to critical issues, and that have occasionally led to policy changes in domestic and international law.

I’m driven by curiosity to video document the Starship Integrated Flight Test and capture scans of antiquities in upper and lower Egypt with Scott Beibin.

MISSION

I am excited to join MDRS crew 286 as Crew Journalist.

As part of my involvement, I will be documenting the crew’s experiences throughout the analog mission, for the purpose of highlighting MDRS as a resource for researchers and aspiring astronauts alike, to inspire future analog astronauts to stay curious and keep exploring, and inspiring and informing the public about analog astronauts, exploring Mars, and human spaceflight in general. I’m excited to assist with the Green Hab to explore growing edible crops to support physical fitness on future long term space travel.

BIO – Guillaume Gégo

PAST
In a quest to quench my thirst for space-related biological endeavors, as well as a never-ending ambition to become an astronaut, I stumbled upon European Space Agency’s “MELiSSA projet” (Micro-Ecological Life Support System Alternative) during a public conference given 5 years ago by Dr. Baptiste Leroy at the University of Mons while working on a school project.

That steppingstone was what convinced me to continue my projects during a "second last year of secondary school" at SFDCI in Smiths Falls, ON, Canada. While having automotive and programming classes, I worked on the spiritual child of my old project and presented it at the St-Lawrence Regional Science Fair (https://www.owensoundsuntimes.com/news/local-news/gallery-onward-to-mars-by-way-of-fredericton/wcm/b367933a-394f-427b-9a54-a0f1814ed243/amp). To my delight, I got selected to go to the Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF 2019) to present my project, which was called "Growing Plants on Mars: A Computer Simulation" (https://www.insideottawavalley.com/news-story/9339320-smiths-falls-high-school-student-headed-to-canada-wide-science-fair-for-out-of-this-world-simulation/).

When I came back to Belgium, I pursued my education at UMons as a biologist while waiting to seize the chance to work on space-related projects. I worked over the summer on ESA’s Astroplant at the Proteomics and Microbiology lab under the supervision of Dr. Ruddy Wattiez, got to teach English and Botany classes as an assistant, and started diving lessons.

PRESENT
5 years after the original MELiSSA conference, I finally managed to get a Master internship position at the MELiSSA Pilot Plant (https://www.melissafoundation.org/page/melissa-pilot-plant#:~:text=The%20MELiSSA%20Pilot%20Plant%20(MPP,in%20Universitat%20Aut%C3%B2noma%20de%20Barcelona) in Barcelona, Spain, from the 6th of February till the 6th of August 2023. I’m now two months in this beautiful endeavor and mainly focusing on these three topics:
Continuous operation of bench-scale bioreactors for urea and organic acid degradation of synthetic urine
Shake flask characterization of the bacterial consortium used in Compartment 3 of the MELiSSA loop
MATLAB + SIMULINK modeling of single-strain kinetics of C3 bacterial consortium

MISSION
I applied to many analogs this year and this will be my second in chronological order, the first one taking place in Poland’s Analog Astronaut Training Center.
The CO2PROT project I will develop during both analogs aims to assess the possibility of:
Using bacteria (L. indica, R. capsulatus…) to remove CO2 from the confined environment of the analog mission. The fixation of CO2 within the bacteria will produce high-protein novel food with other health benefits, while avoiding the loss of organic matter, and also reducing the energy required for CO2 removal.
Assess the feasibility of a bench scale photobioreactor made during the analog mission, with limited control on the axenicity of the bioreactor itself, since the analog is a “scarce” environment with less equipment compared to a fully-fledged lab.
Test out the edibility of the biomass produced if allowed by the analog’s guidelines.
UPDATE: DETAILS OF THE MASTER THESIS
Promoters (scientific-administrative co-supervision): M. Leroy & M. Wattiez
Subject: CO2 fixation by purple bacteria for the production of "Novel Food" for space exploration and terrestrial application: comparison of three electron sources.
Experiments planned:
o Study of the growth of:
o Rhodospirillum rubrum in volatile fatty acids with high electron content (Butyrate/Valerate) = photoheterotrophy. Dimension applied in analogous low-cost missions to add practical added value to the brief. Allows exploration of Novel-food applications for space exploration.
o Rhodobacter capsulatus in the presence of hydrogen = photoautohydrogenotrophy. Laboratory internship in collaboration with Siegfried Vlaeminck (UAnvers) and/or Gabriel Capson-Tojo (Université de Narbonne).
o Rhodovulum sp or Rhodopseudomonas palustris in the presence of electron flow = photoauto "electro "trophy. Laboratory collaboration with Arpita Bose (St. Louis University).
o Comparison of the interest of the three systems (qualitatively and quantitatively) on the following points:
o Biomass composition and characteristics:
o Protein composition: is it close to egg (ideal protein for humans)? Does it vary according to the electron source chosen? Analysis of free or polymerized aa (in total biomass). Via protein assay and aa analyzer.
o Pigment composition: nature via absorbance spectrum analysis (carotenoids and bacteriochlorophyll).
o Lipid composition: quantitative via kits, natural via mass spectrometry.
o Antioxidant composition.
o Additional interest: LDL cholesterol, etc…
o Study of CO2 fixation rates for the three systems, as well as the rate of assimilation of electron sources:
o Efficiency of CO2 metabolism.
o Analysis of other sources of CO2.
o Human respiration in confined spaces
o Biogas 50/50 CO2/Methane from bacterial digestion of agri-food digestate.
o Efficient use of electron source and economic/ecological interest.
o Fatty acids/Industrial molasses.
o Hydrogen.
o Electron flow.
o Justification of the use of these electron sources in the context of:
o Space exploration (CO2 remediation + novel-food).
o Feed production (livestock/pets).
o Food production (human).
o Which system is more profitable?
o Economically/ecologically/food-wise?

FUTURE
Master thesis, PhD and working around the MELiSSA technology + ESA Young graduate trainee programme.

BIO – Scott Beibin

PAST

Space exploration and aerospace engineering have both been deep passions of mine since early childhood. Early in life I picked up hobbies of model rocketry and astronomy. I would also build machines, take apart radios and generally play with electronics. Thanks to encouragement from my parents and teachers, I managed to become an early attendee of Space Camp in Huntsville AL (1984 & 1985). I believed then that I would eventually work in aerospace or the hard sciences based upon my interests, however life ended up taking me along interesting twists and turns.

My academic career focused on Anthropology and Archaeology, however I eventually quit university while I was running my punk / emo / screamo record label, Bloodlink Records. I became more deeply involved in Do-It-Yourself culture, environmental and social activism, collectives and cooperatives, built large puppets for protests, distributed free vegan food in my city, helped start a pirate radio station, and found myself co-founding the Lost Film Festival which I toured around the globe with as the host, presenter and VJ. I eventually co-founded the Evil Twin Booking Agency as a spin off project of Lost Film Fest with Elizabeth Jane Cole where we continue to participate in organizing live speaking events around the globe for a roster of amazing people. In 2009 my interest in the sciences and engineering were rekindled. I put together a new stage performance called Scientists Are The New Rockstars that gave me the impetus to start deeply researching my interests, and dove into developing eco-technologies and open source hardware – including robotic plotters and 3D printers. I also began to design 3D printable buildings intended to be constructed with natural materials – both for earth and offworld. I also began experimenting with surface mount Brain Computer Interface devices and building bicycle powered generators for off-grid electrical production.

PRESENT

Currently, my life is immersed in Liberation Ecotech based creative projects which I use to feed into my primary goal of designing ecologically sound technologies with respect to collectivism and individual freedom (I deeply believe this will be valuable to our human civilization in a changing Earth environment and settlement in Space.) I live off-grid in the city of Philadelphia. My main projects, Mandelbot Ecotech* and AncientScan** have emerged from my traveling science comedy performance I’ve done since 2009 called Groucho Fractal aka Scientists Are The New Rockstars – which features my inventions and has the goal of making STEAM education fun and accessible. I experiment with audio resonance research via my compositional music project, Ptelepathetique. I also contribute to various open source and decentralized tech projects. My multidisciplinary approach to projects has been deeply inspired by minds such as Nikola Tesla, Buckminster Fuller and Gene Roddenberry.

[* Mandelbot Ecotech has produced the Mandelbot SURFA (Scalable Universal Robotic Frame Assembly) and Mandelbot HAB, a 3D ecotecture printer for natural building projects. Other projects within the framework include flying electric vehicles and atmospheric water generation units.]
[** Ancientscan, uses LiDAR, audio recording and spectral analysis with the purpose of reverse engineering the technological feats of past civilizations. ]

MISSION

During MDRS mission 286 I will conduct research on several fronts.

As the acting Crew Astronomer I will be responsible for operating the robotic telescope and doing astrophotography in addition to my crewmates, Roger Gilbertson and Liz Cole.

I plan to conduct research on the behavior of sound in a low air pressure and Carbon Dioxide rich Martian atmosphere. To do this I will be using a custom built software filter that I collaborated on the design of with professional audio engineer, John Knott. The parameters for the filter were sourced from the paper published by NASA in Journal Nature which revealed the findings about acoustics on Mars based upon data gathered by the Perseverance Rover. My research will culminate in a Ptelepathetique concert performed in a valley at sunset during an EVA in which the sound of Mars will be simulated and recorded through our filter. Simultaneously, an unfiltered version will be recorded in order to compare the sounds later. The sounds will be recorded both within the software and using precision microphones that will serve various recording purposes – including the Zylia ZM-1 which will be used to record ambisonically. I will produce a video to talk about the process which will be released on various social media platforms.

In addition to experiments with sound, I will be utilizing my invention, the Mandelbot SURFA2 to print objects using locally found clay and gypsum found in the vicinity of the MDRS. I will also mke vegan snacks for the crew.

I plan to scan the geographic surroundings of MDRS using precision LiDAR, as well as recording sounds by utilizing various microphones and a Geophone – with the goal of contributing data to the ongoing MDRS VR project.

MARS (OR BUST!)

My intense fascination with Mars started as a small child. I remember being intrigued by the photos that came back from the Viking 1 mission. I kept a newspaper clipping of the desolate Mars landscape in my bedroom which fueled my imagination and desire to one day visit the Red Planet. Over the years I would keep up with developments from NASA and other space agencies and wondered if I would be able to visit Mars in my lifetime even though I had not taken the traditional path toward working in aerospace.

While touring with my various projects, I was lucky enough to have friends who worked in the labs at Carnegie Mellon University where I would visit full scale models and prototypes of Mars Rovers Spirit and Opportunity. I was also able to observe the Curiosity and Perseverance Rovers while they were being assembled at JPL. I’ve closely followed development of the Mars-bound SpaceX Starship program and have attended several of the rocket launches. Over the years I have developed an intense desire to spend time on a Mars analog mission and even tried to visit the Hi-Seas research station on Big Island in Hawaii – but it was not to be, due to the eruption of Mauna Loa. Instead of visiting the station I made LiDAR scans of the surrounding volcanic environment near the entrance, which has inspired the LiDAR scanning part of my mission that I will do while at MDRS.

BIO – Hugo Saugier

Born in 1992, I grew up between the French mountains of Vercors and Hautes-Alpes. A few years ago, I looked up at the Pic de Bure astronomical observatory, perched above my village, and I realized the edifying connection between its work on the origins of the world and its involvement in a series of cable car accidents that hit the territory. This sudden awareness in this setting so ordinary to me inspired me with the idea of a first documentary film, La première étoile.

This long-term work gradually arouses in me a curiosity for the stories and representations that we invent to connect to the world, and more particularly the imaginary fantasies that can bring out from situations of isolation. Later, I realized the links between these themes and my personal trajectory, by taking an interest in the visionary thought of my grandfather Claude Chipaux, a wacky aerospace engineer who dreamed of growing plants on Mars, who was also a collector of Malabar images and oranges papers, and trade unionist engaged against one of France’s biggest industrial groups. From there begins Mars Academy, a second film project for which I am preparing to share this experience with you all in the depths of Utah.

Through my audiovisual studies and then in an art school, where I had performance work on the very materiality of the video media, I also consider cinema as an element that can extend and be intertwined in other accomplishments. The creation and the video management in the theater field therefore allow me to link the image to what can come alive outside its frame, in the space and the temporality of the live performance. Finally, I am one of the initiators of Échos, an improvised music festival where the sound is broadcasted by giant horns in a mountain valley with unique acoustics, a device allowing there too a listening that goes beyond the frontality of the concert.

Website (in french) : https://hugosaugier.fr/

Roger Gilbertson – Commander
Donald Jacques – Executive Officer, Crew Engineer
Liz Cole – Health & Safety Officer, Crew Journalist
Guillaume Gégo – Crew Scientist
Scott Beibin – Crew Astronomer, Artist In Residence
Hugo Saugier – Documentary Filmmaker

INTRODUCTION

The six person crew of MDRS 286 came from individual applicants and invited people. We represent a range of cultures, talents, experiences, backgrounds, and varied interests.

We plan to perform a good variety of projects; hard science of bacteria growth helpful for creating closed-loop life support systems, conducting advanced extended range EVA capabilities, technology demonstrations using in situ resources, and various artforms including music performance, videography, photography, and storytelling.

Additionally, we plan to host two visiting photographers and have invited them to remain “in sim” with us as much as physically possible. An educational outreach may be performed via a live link to science museums and/or Mars Society groups in Europe.

OUR PROJECTS

PROJECT 1: CO2 Fixation by Purple Bacteria for Space Food Production: A Comparison of Three Electron Sources & Terrestrial Applications.

Lead: Guillaume Gégo

Background: Master degree in Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology at UMONS, BE.

Process: The CO2PROT project aims to develop an efficient, sustainable and reliable Bacteriological Life Support System for manned space exploration using purple bacteria.

Purple bacteria are known for their metabolic heterogeneity, which allows for different compounds, like wastes or in situ resources, to be envisaged as substrates.
Among these, carbon dioxide remediation is by far the most attractive option, as it traps waste into potentially edible biomass. With the carbon source defined, multiple electron sources are available, but no comparative data has ever been accumulated to rule out the better option, would it be for space exploration or terrestrial applications.

In this study, three main metabolisms leading to CO2 fixation will be compared by studying the growth of purple bacteria model Rhodospirillum rubrum in:
Photoheterotrophy: High-electron-content volatile fatty acids (Butyrate/Valerate).
Photoautohydrogenotrophy: Hydrogen.
Photoautoelectrotrophy: Electron flux (current).
The bacteria will be grown inside low-cost bag photobioreactors to assess the possibility of mass-production in altered gravity, while reducing costs of terrestrial downfalls of the study. Analog missions are therefore ideal platforms to test if such installations are feasible on other planets. Since photoheterotrophy was already studied in another analog (AATC, Poland), photoautohydrogenotrophy will be tested at MDRS as a follow-up.
Deliverable: Master thesis mission report.

PROJECT 2: Performing Extended Extra-Vehicular Activities Using a Mobile Analog Space Habitat

Lead: Donald Jacques

Background: EVA’s at MDRS are constrained by the range of the rovers, time necessary to recharge the batteries, as well as the physical strain on participating crew members, exposed to the elements during travel, much less being able to replenish food, air, water during an extended EVA.

Process: For our MDRS Mission 286, we wish to include the MASH (Mobile Analog Space Habitat) in the mission simulation, for the purpose of an Extended Excursion EVA. The MASH vehicle is a former school bus converted into a mobile habitat with an integrated Ecological Life Support system including heating, cooling, food and water supply, and waste handling. The habitat and life support are powered by an on board solar array with battery backup, and can operate overnight as a shelter if the need arises. These qualities closely approximate the features that NASA is including in the SEV. Our purpose in incorporating the MASH is to assess and evaluate the Extended Excursion EVA for long duration exploration and science study as an adjunct to the science study of the EVA.

Deliverable: Final report, photos & video.

PROJECT 3: Creating High Resolution Interactive Digital Assets of MDRS and Local Geological Sites Using 3D Scanning techniques.

Lead: Scott Beibin

Background: LiDAR, Photogrammetry, Neural Radance Fields (NeRFs) and other techniques can be used for accurately creating detailed high resolution digital twins that can be utilized for remote study of objects and landscapes. This can include examining equipment that has undergone stresses (rocket motors, fuel tanks, protective shielding) and looking at geological features. The advantage of having high resolution scans is that there can be coordination of examinations between explorers on Mars as well as remote support teams on Earth and elsewhere. Currently I have been using a variety of LiDAR devices for my own archaeological explorations.

Process: This project proposes using multiple scanners and techniques to create digital twins of the equipment at the station as well as the station itself. Local geological features will also be scanned during EVAs.

Deliverable: 3D scans of varying resolutions will be created in order to be used in the MARS VR Project.

PROJECT 4: Producing Functional Artifacts Using Local Clay Resources and a 3D Extrusion Printer

Lead: Scott Beibin

Background: This project proposes collecting local clay and gypsum from the vicinity of MDRS and processing it into 3D printed objects intended for either durability or ecologically minded disposability. I have designed a 3D plotter/printer that will be used for this project (Mandelbot Ecotech SURFA2 Goostruder).

Process: Dry clay and gypsum will be gathered from geotagged local deposits during EVAs. The aggregate materials will be sifted from and examined for their various pozzolan qualities using a microscope as well as other tests. The materials will be reconstituted then printed using a 3D printer specifically designed for printing objects using clay, pastes and colloids.

Deliverable: A variety of 3D printed objects will be created either from digital twin LiDAR scans or creations within CAD software. This will include clay and/or gypsum planters for the Green Hab as well as molds for Project 5.

PROJECT 5: Using Local Gypsum Resources to Produce Molds for Metal Casting

Lead: Roger Gilbertson

Background: Residents of Mars will take advantage of local resources as much as possible. After fulfilling their original purposes, metal components of spaceships and other equipment brought from Earth can be melted and reformed into other useful items. The age-old techniques of mold making and metal casting will find new uses on Mars.

Process: This project proposes collecting local gypsum from the vicinity of MDRS, processing it into plaster (as demonstrated by previous MDRS missions), and using it to make molds for metal casting. The “original” form can be designed and 3D printed at MDRS, then used to make negative molds in plaster. Using low-temperature, non-toxic bismuth metal, we will demonstrate casting of small, complex metal components.

Deliverable: 3D original, plaster molds, metal castings, final assembled metal item, photos and videos.

PROJECT 6: Mars Academy – A Documentary Film About ESA Scientist Claude Chipaux and the Past, Present and Future of Mars Life Sciences

Lead: Hugo Saugier

Background: When my grandfather Claude died in 2010, I discovered that he was the founder of a research program of the European Space Agency, dedicated to the question of the autonomy of the crews of long journeys in space. I then understood that the popular figure of the high-tech astronaut is gradually changing, being replaced by a new kind of galactic explorers: astronaut-farmers. For a while, I didn’t know what to do with such a heritage, until I recently decided to write a movie about Mars dreamers in which my grandfather would be one of the characters.

Process: I will film the crew during its daily life in MDRS and do a sort of a travelog which will be useful for the writing of the movie. I want to collect the reality of each one’s experience. Collective moments, organization of the place, maintenance, etc, will be interesting moments to be filmed. As we’ll be simulating, I may want to add a bit of simulation by fictionalizing some scenes (for example during an EVA, doing an emergency situation). I want to show how we imagine living on Mars is. I will do individual interviews with each that wants, more in the shape of confessionals.

Deliverable: Documentary movie.

PROJECT 7: Simulating Acoustics of Mars for an Outdoor Martian Music Performance

Lead: Scott Beibin

Background: Using recordings from the electret microphone mounted on the Supercam on the Perseverance Rover a ground truth for the modeling of acoustic processes in the environment on Mars was characterized for the first time in the audible range and beyond (20 Hz to 50 kHz). SuperCam’s microphone recorded air pressure fluctuations from 20 Hz to 12.5 kHz or 50 kHz, at sampling rates of 25 kHz or 100 kHz. Recordings of the Ingenuity rotorcraft and laser-induced sparks were used as reference sources of sound.

It was discovered that:
– The acoustic impedance of the martian atmosphere results in approximately 20 dB weaker sounds on Mars than on Earth – if produced by the same source.
– The acoustic attenuation range on Mars was discovered to be roughly between 20Hz to 20kHz.
– Two different speeds of sound were observed on Mars. Low-pitched sounds travel at about 537 mph (240 meters per second), while higher-pitched sounds move at 559 mph (250 meters per second) because of the low-pressure 96 percent CO2-dominated atmosphere (compared to 0.04 percent CO2 on Earth).
– The atmospheric pressure on Mars is about 0.6 kPa (170 times lower than on Earth).

Process: Using the data that was published in Journal Nature [https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-022-04679-0] and on the Nasa website [https://mars.nasa.gov/mars2020/participate/sounds] I collaborated with audio engineer John Knott to create a filter in a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) that accurately simulates the way sound travels on Mars.

I composed two Ptelepathetique tracks to be performed on synthesizer at Barrainca Butte while on an EVA. The compositions were made to optimize for the way sound travels on Mars. In addition to the musical compositions, I will be exploring optimal frequency ranges that could be used for safety alerts and alarms for humans operating in a Martian environment.

Deliverable: High quality audio and video recordings of Ptelepathetique tracks will be recorded that compare the way the tracks will sound on Earth and Mars. These will be posted on social media accompanied by a story of the process.

PROJECT 8: Documenting the MDRS Mission 286 Adventure in Words and Images

Lead: Liz Cole

Background: Life in the constraints of the Martian environment requires a shift to more sustainable life support systems such as vegan and plant based food production and building with local resources. Crew 286 of MDRS is developing various technologies to support life on Mars while addressing Earth’s most pressing environmental problems. Documenting the crew conducting their research, EVAs and life throughout the course of the mission will highlight the work of researchers at MDRS.

Process: I will document the research and activities of the crew throughout the mission. I will weave the narrative of each sol in the daily journalist reports, including images and video captured by myself and other crew members. And I will write the final media reports for the mission. I will bring a Sony A7iii camera with standard and telephoto lenses for photo and video. Schedule allowing, I will conduct video interviews with crew members where they tell the story of their work. Post mission, I will compile a longer written piece exploring and explaining the experience of the mission and submit it for publication.

Deliverable: Daily Journalist reports, web postings for Mars Society, images, video.

PROJECT 9: Evaluating Performance of Biological Life Support Components Installed within the Mobile Analog Space Habitat

Lead: Donald Jacques

Background: A Biological Regenerative Life Support System needs to provide not only environmental support for a team, but a variety of food, water processing, and waste processing. The Mobile Analog Space Habitat is equipped with a min-farm containing many species that interact in order to process a circular economy of nutrients, water, wastes, and air.

Process: Measurements of environmental conditions, populations, general health, inputs to and outputs from each species will be recorded during the 14-day mission at intervals of morning, noon, and evening.

Positive results would include egg production from the quail, new fingerlings in the fish tank, measurable growth of the crop species, mealworms, red worms, and measurable output of oxygen from algae tubes.

Deliverable: Final report, photos & video.

ADDITIONAL / OPTIONS

Participation by some crew members in the research study conducted by Andres Käosaar into “teamwork in isolated, confined, and extreme environments.”

Photography of night sky, using time lapse, wide lens, and telescopic imaging.

Videography of Mars-like surface environments and astronaut activities.

Gather notes for design of a Mars-Earth Situational Awareness (MESA) informational website.

Hosting of two guest New York Times photojournalists (for 4 nights).

Possible educational link-up Belgian science center and Mars Society of France.

Thanksgiving on Mars.

Mission Plan

Commander David Mateus
Executive Officer and Astronomer Luis Diaz
Health and Safety Officer Andrea De La Torre
Crew Engineer Tomas Burroni
Green Hab Officer Andres Reina
Crew Journalist Marina Busqueras

A diverse Hispanic crew, hailing from various countries across Latin America including Spain, embarks on a mission to the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS), a terrestrial analogue for Mars exploration. This mission is of paramount importance, as it not only underscores the universality of space exploration but also represents a significant step towards equitable participation in human spaceflight. By involving the Hispanic community in such missions, we foster inclusivity and expand the talent pool, drawing on the unique perspectives and expertise that diverse individuals bring to the table. Furthermore, it serves as an inspiration to underrepresented groups, encouraging their engagement in STEM fields and space exploration, ultimately enhancing innovation and the long-term sustainability of our journey to the stars.
Below, we present the projects that the crew members will be working on:
Project 1:
The continuity of the power generation system in a Martian station is of critical importance for crew survival. This means that all single point failure parts within this system must go through preventive maintenance. This strategy seeks to detect and isolate possible faults before they cause unrecoverable failures. One key component in MDRS is the diesel power generator, which as most combustion engines, is subject to constant vibration loads that degrade the parts over its lifetime. These vibrations can be measured via a set of sensors, namely accelerometers and ultrasonic microphones, and their data used to construct a characteristic signature. By monitoring this signature over time we hope to be able to generate early alerts for the crew to realize that maintenance is needed and avoid power outages.
Project 2:
During the early years of Martian settlements there will likely not be a global navigation system available as the ones we have on Earth. Therefore, reliable methods of geolocation must be developed and kept as backups to ensure that crewmembers can always return safely to base. We can assume that the areas surrounding the base will be photographed and mapped by satellites before settlement. We propose a solution to the case where a crew is lost far enough from the station such that a drone’s range/autonomy is not sufficient to find the way back. This proposal consists of using the drone to capture an image from above of where the crew is located, and then matching the picture to the satellite image database to pinpoint the location and relative orientation towards the station.
Project 3:
The research project carried out at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) of October 29 to November 11, by Crew 285, focuses on development and implementation of a safety and rescue protocol during research outings extravehicular (EVA) under simulated Mars conditions.
The main objective of this project is to guarantee the safety of the crew members, establishing clear and effective procedures for cases of loss of communication between the members who are abroad and those at the base.
A drone will be used for search and rescue, along with specific signs of communication (indications), ensuring that all crew members are properly trained and prepared to face emergency situations in an environment analogous to Mars.
It is important to use clear and easy to understand visual and auditory methods.
Sequence of Movements for each signal:
Rescue Request Signal:
The crew member in distress activates a rescue request signal, a flash of light or a specific sound signal.
– Sequence: The drone makes a circular or elliptical pattern in the air to indicate that it has received the rescue request signal.
– Meaning: This circular or elliptical pattern would indicate to the crew member in distress that the drone has received the request and is preparing for the rescue.
Position Signal:
The drone marks the GPS coordinates of the base or the crew member in distress to know her exact location. On the drone operator screen.
– Sequence: The drone performs an up and down movement pattern 3 times.
– Meaning: This would indicate to the crew member her exact location and facilitates his identification on the ground.
Direction Sign:
The drone uses patterns to indicate the direction in which the distressed crew member should move to be safely picked up.
– Sequence: The drone makes a starting movement, zigagagar and in a straight line towards the direction in which the crew member in distress must move to be picked up.
– Meaning: These movements would clearly indicate to the crew member the direction in which he should move to meet the drone and be rescued safely.
Project 4:
A drone project for prior observation and research (image collection) of a Martian area, and to prevent incidents in the EVA (Extravehicular Activity) of the Crew 285.
Project to ensure the safety and success of the EVAs by providing valuable information about the exploration area (images and videos).
The objectives of observation and investigation, such as identifying places of interest, evaluating security and ground conditions, or search for key resources.
To observe ground conditions, or search for key resources: we must use satellite images to collect data from Martian areas and then collect precise coordinates for drone use.
By combining satellite information with data collected by the drone, we will obtain a more complete and detailed view of the region of interest.
Capturing these images could reveal crucial information about the presence of water, organic compounds or other essential elements.
Project 5
For several years, experiences and results from various Mars analog missions conducted have been documented through various written records such as summaries and journalistic reports. This current study aims to undertake an exercise that enables the creation of categories for the qualitative analysis of sociocultural dynamics within these settings, with the goal of establishing recommendations for future space travel processes. In this regard, the proposed interpretive categories are intended to serve as a methodological tool for identifying, based on patterns and unique aspects within the texts, variations in the social dynamics of the crew. This, in turn, allows for the discovery of factors that may either enhance or hinder social behaviors that can positively or negatively impact the success of a space mission.
Simultaneously, the study seeks to develop a data extraction methodology for the sociological and anthropological analysis of experiences in analog simulations. By consolidating these social analysis categories, the methodology can be applied in similar real-world space environments to gather relevant information regarding human interpersonal aspects in outer space.
Project 6
Scientific Background
The colonization of Mars implies to a great extent the use of Martian resources. The great cost of sending a kilogram of payload to the red planet makes us see the great utility of using Martian soil to produce materials that can be useful for various activities. In particular, I consider the construction and obtaining of fuels and other products. At the 2016 IAC held in Guadalajara, Elon Musk announced his interplanetary transport system, in which he proposed the idea of obtaining fuel directly from the Martian environment and thus recovering enough to return to Earth. This technology, in diapers still, implies not only chemical processes that must be carried out in situ, but also the use and design of technology and tools that astronauts will have to manipulate.
The challenge
The challenge is to find the raw materials in the Martian environment, verify that the product obtained is the desired one and produce it in the required quantities.
Also, it is necessary to achieve the optimal design for the tools that will be used by astronauts for these purposes.
Proposed Solution
The initial phase of the project involves creating an observational characterization of various types of soils to identify their solid properties relevant to construction material production. Once this data is collected, it will undergo analysis, and subsequently, the production tools will be put into operation.
Project 7
PROPOSAL FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
Luis Diaz (Peru) – Astronomer & Executive Officer – Crew 285
Mars Desert Research Station, Utah, USA
SCIENTIFIC BACKGROUND:
Traditionally, false color techniques in deep space photography have relied on expensive specialized filters to capture the wavelengths of hydrogen-alpha, oxygen-III, and sulfur-II. These three elements are notably abundant, especially in nebulae, in space, making them crucial for monochromatic camera-based imaging. However, alternative methods have emerged for achieving similar results with single-shot color cameras, using narrowband dual-channel filters to extract hydrogen-alpha and oxygen-III signals.
THE CHALLENGE:
The challenge is to develop a false colorization method that can replicate the results achieved with expensive narrowband filters using a monochromatic camera, but this time exclusively utilizing standard LRGB filters. Unlike the traditional approach, this method does not involve the use of filters designed to restrict light pollution. Consequently, it is only applicable in areas with low Bortle scale ratings or requires extensive post-processing to mitigate light pollution contamination.
PROPOSED SOLUTION:
The proposed solution involves the exploration of mathematical operations applied to each color channel in an attempt to mimic the results traditionally obtained with specialized filters. The primary goal is to replicate iconic palettes like the Hubble palette using only LRGB filters with a monochromatic
camera. The process will involve careful mathematical adjustments to each color channel to create a false color image that captures the essence of the hydrogen-alpha, oxygen-III, and sulfur-II signals without the need for narrowband filters. Special attention will be given to the processing techniques required to mitigate light pollution when working in areas with higher levels of light contamination. This approach aims to provide an economical and accessible way for astrophotographers to create stunning deep space images without the need for costly specialized filters.
The following targets have been simulated in Stellarium with the MDRS location and nighttime date and time ranges during my rotation to confirm that there will be a wide window of time to capture them; Likewise, it has been validated that the size of each objective can fit perfectly into the focal ratio of the telescope and the size of the camera sensor:
Main objectives to test the method:
– Veil Nebula
– Orion Nebula
– Heart Nebula
– Horsehead Nebula.
– Rosette Nebula
Additional Objectives:
– Helix Nebula
– Crescent nebula.
– Pleiades
Targets to be processed with normal LRGB signal:
– Andromeda
– Star clusters
– Others

INSTITUTIONAL AFFILIATION:
Astronomical Association of Trujillo (ATA)
Astronomy Club of the National University of Trujillo

Crew 283 – New Horizons II

Mission Plan and Aims

10/16/2023-10/20/2023

Crew 283 (New Horizons II) consists of seven undergraduate and high school level students, along with a highly experienced commander. Our aim is to gain research experience and improve our skills at maintaining a Martian simulation. This is our second mission, the first was focused on how to perform a successful sim, this second one being mostly research based.

• Sergii Iakymov – Commander

• Owen Flanagan – Executive Officer

• Charis Adams – Health and Safety Officer

• Ian Davis – Engineer

• Micah Callaham – Operations Officer

• Riley Nuttycombe – Spacesuit Officer

• Hope Lea – Communications Officer

• Barnabas Pasztor – GreenHab Officer

Each student has prepared a research project on a topic of their interest to work on in this environment throughout the mission. Topics range from mental health to meteorology, with a lot in between. As students, we hope to learn and improve from our experience during this sim, and adapt to what we have to work with. The projects are as follows

Owen Flanagan:

Unspecified project pertaining to the mental health of the crew.

Charis Adams:

Health science project with the goal of monitoring the crew’s health, vitals, and performance. Specific goals include looking at respiratory and circulatory health throughout sim, and examining the effects of a Martian environment on overall human health.

Ian Davis:

Drone project involving scouting out locations for EVAs and searching for desert varnish and desert pavement from the sky. Tied to project with Callaham.

Micah Callaham:

Desert varnish and desert pavement identification and research, linked to Davis’s project. Logging locations that are prevalent in each of those two items.

Riley Nuttycombe:

Space suit prototype project. Testing and improving helmet design for space suits, comparing original suit helmets to new prototypes, and specifically improving the ventilation system in the suit helmets.

Hope Lea:

Radio Mesh Network optimization project. Measuring the solar intake, battery charge, and distance capacity between beacons for future weather stations.

Barnabas Pasztor:

Maintaining GreenHab and restoring the soil and systems in order to plant this year’s crop.

We will be documenting our mission over video, so as to best demonstrate the extent of our research. Our communications officer will compile videos of our work that will be displayed at the end of the mission.

We plan to conduct at least one EVA a day, with a second being optional. Primary EVAs will take place in the morning, secondary in the afternoon. No more than two EVAs per day unless an emergency warrants it. These EVAs are for research purposes only, and are aligned with one or more crew member’s projects.

In conclusion of our mission, we hope to have gained valuable research experience and a better understanding of how a Mars mission should function.

Mission Plan, Crew 282 – Martian Biology III – June 4-10, 2023

Crew 282, Martian Biology III is a non-simulation biological survey of the Mars Desert Research Station sponsored by the Mars Society. Composed of scientists, historians, educators, and Mars Society personnel, the goal of this mission is to continue an ongoing investigation into the flora, fauna, and biota of the operational area surrounding this unique analog site. In 2019, Crew 210, Martian Biology I, the first expedition of this program, documented 40 vascular plant taxa for the station, building off collecting activity carried out during previous missions. Simultaneously, Crew 243, Mars Biology II, continued collecting vascular plants, finding 33 taxa newly reported for the MDRS operational area, and documented five lizard species, numerous mammals and birds, multiple insect taxa including ants and mosquitoes, advanced research on the history of Astrobiology, and provided online and in person educational opportunities to Canadian students. Martian Biology III seeks to continue documenting the biology of the station’s area and to continue our historical research.

Crew 282 will continue our documentation of vascular plants and lichens in the broader MDRS operational area – revisiting species rich habitats such as Salt Wash, Muddy Creek, and the Fremont River – and additionally carrying out a full day of botanizing in the Henry Mountains. These projects will be carried out by Paul Sokoloff, Jacopo Razzauti, Jordan Bimm, and Sergii Iakymov.

We will also continue documenting the mosquito and ant biodiversity of the station operational area at each of these sites as well, which will be led by Jacopo Razzauti. Jacopo will also be testing a new mosquito trap design.

During our biological investigations, Dr. Jordan Bimm will be conducting field research in support of his historical research project “Astrobiology in Action”. Through conversations and interviews with the MDRS assistant director and the crew, he hopes to further understand the long history and current practice of Astrobiology and the work of the Mars Society.

Post-mission, we plan to use the observation data and voucher specimen collections we collected on both Martian Biology II and Martian Biology III in peer-reviewed scientific papers, conference presentations, and a broad range of scholarly work, while the science communication pieces produced will share the story of MDRS and it’s unique biota for a long time to come.

Mission Fieldwork Itinerary

June 5, 2023 Fieldwork at Salt Wash (12N 504648, 4260207) [38.4902°, -110.9467°]

June 6, 2023 Fieldwork at McMillan Springs, Henry Mountains (12N 513393, 4213848) [38.0723°, -110.8473°]

June 7, 2023 Fieldwork at Fremont River (12N 518311, 4257841 [38.4687°, -110.7901°]

June 8, 2023 Fieldwork at Muddy Creek (12N 520729, 4246929) [38.3703°, -110.7627°]

June 9, 2023 Fieldwork at Salt Wash (12N 504648, 4260207) [38.4902°, -110.9467°]

Crew 281 Crew biographies, photos and mission patch 14May2023
Crew Bios
Ritu
Ritupriya Patil, Executive Officer

Ritu is the Software Verification Operations Lead for Flight Controls at Joby Aviation in Santa Cruz, California. She has been testing the flight control systems for fixed wing, rotorcraft, and eVTOL aircrafts and has eight years of expertise in the aerospace industry. Ritu absolutely loves flight testing the electric air taxi she is currently working on. She is also involved in executing Control Law and Navigation Sensor tests using a range of software, processor in the loop, and hardware in the loop simulators representative of the eVTOL system. Ritu graduated with a master’s in aerospace engineering from UT Arlington, where she specialized in flight dynamics and controls. Outside of work, Ritu is an avid space enthusiast, and has completed multiple courses offered by the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences namely, Citizen Research Methods, Flight Test Engineering, Fundamentals of Astrodynamics, System Engineering for Human Space Flight. She has also collaborated on teaching Orbital Mechanics and Mission Simulation. Ritu is working on her private pilot’s license, and is an advanced open water diver. She is always working towards her dream to become an astronaut and set foot on Mars!

Ana
Ana Pires is a Researcher at INESC TEC’s Centre for Robotics and Autonomous Systems. She has a European Doctorate in Geosciences (Geological Resources and Geomaterials field), a MSc in Georesources and Geotechnics, and her background is Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering. She is involved in several sustainable sea/marine mining projects, geotechnologies, geoengineering, and georesources. Her research is focused on Space-Earth-Sea interaction, Space Resources, Space Mining, geotechnics, geophysics, and the development of geo-technologies or geo-robotics for Space exploration. She was also the first Portuguese woman to finish with success the Scientist-Astronaut Program, under the framework of Project PoSSUM (Polar Suborbital Science in the Upper Mesosphere) and the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences (IIAS), supported by the NASA’s Flight Opportunities. Ana Pires is a Specialist Diver (SSI Certification), and she is passionate about exploring extreme environments. Since 2018 she has made efforts to promote human space flight, astrogeology, technology, robotics, and STEAM outreach activities in Portugal. Currently, she is the Co-Chair of Knowledge Management of “Space For All Nations|SFAN”, an initiative developed under the scope of the IIAS. In January of 2023, she was nominated for the ACTIVA Awards “Inspiring Women” in the Science Category, by the ACTIVA MAGAZINE in Portugal.

KC
KC Shasteen is an engineer and researcher who recently graduated from the University of Arizona. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Physics and Mathematics from Midwestern State University and a Master’s degree in Biosystems Engineering from the University of Arizona. His thesis work involved using a physiological model to predict plant growth in vertical farms, using machine vision to monitor growth, and growing crops to calibrate and verify the model. He also has publications and continues to research ways to optimize growing facility designs for improving yields by adjusting factors such as planting density and HVAC control decisions. His long-term goals are to apply his engineering skills to design, develop, and create closed-atmosphere growing systems for use in food production and bioregenerative life support systems for off-world bases and, with luck, to personally help deploy and operate such systems on Mars or elsewhere in the solar system.

Megan
Megan Kane is a space professional with the goal of going to Mars. With a decade in the space industry Megan is now pursuing her PhD in Biosystems Engineering at the University of Arizona. After completing her Masters of Science at the International Space University Megan continued to pursue opportunities including a rehab mission at MDRS, NASA’a HERA mission and the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences’s Citizen Science projects. Today she runs the Lunar Mars Greenhouse at the University of Arizona researching Bioregenerative Life Support.

Rachel
Rachel “RC” Jones

Amateur Radio Operator. With a passion for space communication, RC is striving to increase community interest in amateur radio. RC is working to support STEM education in the field of radio science. She is working with Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) to develop new STEAM materials.

Space Enthusiast. RC joined Project PoSSUM in class 1901; she has participated in EDU 101 and AER 101. Following her dream, she earned her private pilot’s license and achieved Padi’s Master Scuba Diver’s training to understand the unique challenges and needs of spacesuits.

Interdisciplinary. RC is building upon a strong background in space science and cybersecurity. Her current endeavors are founded on an extensive academic background with a BA in Political Science from LaGrange College, a BS in Computer Networks and Cybersecurity from the University of Maryland Global Campus, an MSc in Space Management from the International Space University in Strasbourg, France, and a MA in Intelligence with a cyber focus from the American Military University. Currently, RC is pursuing a PhD in Aerospace Sciences from the University of North Dakota.

Crew 281 Mission Plan
Date: 05/14/2023
Overall Plan
The mission will be completed with 5 crew members. There are several research objectives for the mission described in the Research Projects section of this report. The mission plan is based around a 2 week mission to the red planet where the crew will conduct research, trial equipment, develop procedures, and provide a learning experience for the crew members.

● Megan Kane: Commander and Greenhab Officer
● Ritupriya Patil: Executive Officer and Crew Scientist
● Rachel Jones: Health Safety Officer
● Ana Pires: Crew Scientist
● KC Shasteen: Crew Engineer

The plan calls for 2-3 people to do EVA’s every day with the remaining crew members staying inside the hab. The plan is for the EVAs to occur primarily in the mornings. This will permit time to review any materials and prepare end of day EVA reports. Each EVA will include a 15 minute prebreath for safety of the crew.

The normal operations of the hab will be maintained as directed by the MDRS Handbook and Mission Support. Days will be split between operations, research, shared crew activities, and individual crew time. While each crew member has their research and operations focus, the activities will be supported by the entire crew. The crew engineer will be assisting with all of the technical aspects of the mission operations and research.
Research Projects
Greenhab – Megan
Two items of research related to the greenhab will be conducted:
propagation of Cacao (Chocolate) and
passive watering techniques to reduce labor and water consumption.

For propagation of Cacao three varieties of Cacao fruit will be used to propagate from seed. The research will be conducted in the Science Dome as the growth chamber needed for the early stage propagation is located there.

The passive watering system will be installed in the Greenhab. The process will involve selecting up to 10 planters in the greenhab to water using terracotta watering spikes. The consumption of water and labor time will be tracked for the control planters (using watering jug) and the test planters (using terracotta spikes).
Science – Ana
The research presented herein is related to geo-technologies and geomaterials characterization, for future construction and engineering on Mars. The main goals are to:

determine a traverse planning of the area;
carry out a geological and geomechanical characterization;
measure the rock and minerals hardness with 2 type of equipment Schmidt Hammer and Equotip (non-destructive testing equipment);
determine scanlines to carry out a geological assessment with a specific datasheet to register all the data;
collecting rocks and soils samples for future laboratory tests;
test a rock sampling device (scoop prototype) in a real environment and register all the adjustments/improvements for the future application in the field of ISRU.

Another part of the research is concerned with the long-term human presence on Mars and extreme environments. Therefore, it is important to test and wear clothes that can be appropriated to these type of missions. Ana Pires has been collaborating with researchers involved in the field of engineering materials, so the Crew will try a prototype of smart textiles (t-shirts and boxers) for extreme environments. The Crew will provide feedback about the use of these textiles during the mission for future improvements.
Science – Ritu
The research involves investigation of drone technology for efficient and safe extravehicular activities in Mars habitat exploration. There is an ongoing effort for space agencies worldwide, and the safety of astronauts remains a top priority during EVAs. This proposal aims to investigate the use of drone technology to
assist analogue astronauts in Mars habitat exploration, with route planning,
emergency medical assistance, and
video documentation of the EVA activity.
Other Projects
Ham Radio – Rachel
Communicate with Dayton Ham Radio Convention – Call in to the booth to connect to the ISS.
Interacting with the ARISS booth at the ham radio convention
Connect to 1 or more additional analogs: University of North Dakota, HISeas and/or SAM at the Biosphere. Connection will be either via HAM radio or zoom. These will be part of the simulation contacting other Mars bases.
STEM Education Videos – Rachel & Ana
With the assistance of the crew Rachel will record a series of educational videos related to STEM. These videos will be published later this year.

HUMAN RELATIONS / STEAM Archive (SFAN|Portuguese GeoTech Vision) – APires

During the mission Ana would like to get to know each member of the crew, conducting interviews, to understand and register the state of mind, aspirations, and goals of each member of the Crew and to register her personal experience.
Ana would also like to register images and videos during the mission, for STEAM activities in Portugal, under the scope of “SFAN|Space For All Nations” initiative (International Institute for Astronautical Sciences, PoSSUM Program).