2022-2023 Field Season (#22)

Béatrice Hollander – Crew Commander
Medical student
Currently in the second year of my master’s degree in medicine, I will be serving as the Crew Commander for this expedition. I have always been fascinated by space, particularly its effects on the human body. My research will focus on the effects of Lactobacillus helveticus on sleep and stress with Arnaud de Wergifosse.

Louis Baltus – Crew Astronomer
Data Science (Statistics) student
I began a master’s in data science a few months ago, and it was my strong interest in space and its industry that inspired me to join MARS UCLouvain. I am thrilled to take on the role of Crew Astronomer this year. My project will focus on developing a solar weather model to anticipate radiation levels on the surface of Mars.

Arnaud de Wergifosse – Crew Executive Officer
Cognitive and Behavioural Neurosciences & Physiotherapy student
With a master’s degree in cognitive and behavioral neurosciences and as a final-year physiotherapy student, my passion for human biology and lifelong fascination with space naturally led me to join the MARS UCLouvain project. Since joining in 2024, I’ve greatly valued its interdisciplinary approach and the challenge of contributing to such a large-scale organization. Motivated by the discoveries and experiences it offers, I am extending my involvement into 2025. My research will focus on the effects of Lactobacillus helveticus on sleep and stress with Béatrice Hollander.

Batoul Tani – Crew Journalist
Biology student
I have always been curious about the possibilities of life and how it behaves in the diverse environments of our universe. The MARS UCLouvain project is the ideal opportunity to immerse myself in astrobiology research. This year, I will take on the role of Crew Journalist, focusing on the survival of model bacteria to Mars-like UV-C

Antoine Dubois – Crew Engineer
Geographical Sciences student
I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Geographical Sciences at UCLouvain. As a Crew Engineer, I am also working on my thesis regarding the acceptability of agrivoltaic projects in Wallonia. Passionate about fieldwork, I am preparing an experiment to quantify sediment transport in arid areas. Identifying areas of interest for robotic and human missions includes lunar poles, Martian valleys, and volcanic regions, which offer opportunities for scientific research and resource exploitation.

Dr. Odile Hilgers – Crew Health and Safety Officer
Physician, Pediatric Resident
I am a pediatric resident and will serve as the Health and Safety Officer for the Syrtis Crew. Drawing from my medical expertise, I will focus on adapting Crisis Resource Management (CRM) principles to space environments. My goal is to explore how CRM can be applied to medical emergencies in isolated missions, identifying key adaptations for resource-limited and high-stress conditions, similar to those expected during future Mars expeditions.

Bérengère Bastogne – Crew GreenHab Officer
Bioengineer, PhD student
Currently in the final year of my PhD in bioengineering at the Mycology Laboratory of the Earth and Life Institute (ELI, UCLouvain), I will take on the role of GreenHab Officer for the Syrtis Mission. Fascinated by the development of life in space, I aim to combine this passion with my research by studying the growth of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) under Mars-like stress.

1. Béatrice Hollander and Arnaud de Wergifosse – Lactobacillus helveticus
Objective:
To evaluate the impact of Lactobacillus Helveticus on sleep and stress

Methodology:
Two groups: one control (Placebo) and one intervention group (Lactobacillus Helveticus) in a double blinded design. All participants will receive an active treatment or a placebo pill everyday.
Monitoring sleep and stress variations through behavioural and physiological data with questionnaires and wearables. Body temperature and oxygen blood saturation will be controlled.

Schedule:
Weekly questionnaires and everyday data during nights.

2. Antoine Dubois – Wind Erosion and Sediment Transport
Objective:
To study wind-driven erosion and sediment transport dynamics in a Mars analog desert environment.

Methodology:
Installation of sediment collectors at various heights and in the same area.
Granulometric analysis of collected sediment using sieves.
Environmental data recorded with temperature, humidity sensors, and GPS for spatial mapping.
Integration of data into GIS for visualization.

Schedule:
Equipment installation: early mission (Sol 1–2).
Regular data retrieval and sample collection (every 2–3 Sols).
Final analysis and synthesis near the end of the mission.

3. Louis Baltus – Mobile UX and Radiation Forecasting
Objective:
Evaluate user interaction with mobile devices in isolated, confined, and extreme (ICE) environments.
Develop a solar radiation forecasting model using ground and satellite data.

Methodology:
Usability tests under simulated Mars conditions with crew interaction logging.
Data integration from the Musk observatory at MDRS and satellite databases.
Model construction for predictive radiation events affecting Mars explorers.

Schedule:
UX test phases distributed across the mission (beginning, mid-point, and end).
Radiation data collection ongoing; model refinement toward the final days.
Crew surveys and feedback collected in parallel.

4. Bérengère Bastogne – Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi under Stress Conditions
Objective:
To investigate how arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi respond to Martian-like stress.

Methodology:
Germination and viability tests (MTT assay) post-exposure to Martian-like stress.
Symbiosis testing with host plants; root staining and microscopy.

Schedule:
Sample exposure and monitoring start early (Sol 1–2).
Lab work and analysis continue throughout the mission.
Symbiosis testing and documentation near mission end.

5. Dr. Odile Hilgers – Crisis Resource Management (CRM) in Medical Emergencies
Objective:
To evaluate CRM strategies during medical emergencies in a simulated Mars mission, focusing on performance, debriefing impact, and team dynamics.

Methodology:
Implementation of medical emergency scenarios (CPR, EVA incidents, team confusion).
Performance assessment using Ottawa Global Rating Scale (GRS).
Use of high-fidelity manikins, AED trainers, and GoPro recordings.
Structured debriefing after each simulation.

Schedule:
Six key simulation events planned (Sol 2, 4, 7, 8, 10, 12).
Debriefings conducted the same evening.
Data collection includes video analysis and time-stamped feedback logs.

6. Batoul Tani – UV-C Exposure & thermal cycling effects on Biofilms and Spores
Objective:
To determine how UV-C radiation and thermal cycling affect the resistance of E. coli biofilms and Bacillus thuringiensis spores, and the protective potential of various materials.

Methodology:
Controlled exposure of bacterial cultures to UV-C
Use of petri dishes, 96 well plates, agar-agar media, and UV measurement devices.
Quantitative analysis post-exposure for viability and structural integrity.

Schedule:
Initial culture setup: Sol 4.
Exposure sessions spread across mission (Sol 5, 8, 10).
Sample documentation and interim analysis mid-mission.