MARS ENVIRONMENT SIMULATOR
Andrew P. Blaber, Ph.D.
Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6
Established in September of 1997, the Aerospace Physiology Laboratory in the School of Kinesiology at Simon Fraser University (Burnaby, British Columbia, CANADA) is equipped for a wide range of human physiological testing. It contains equipment for measurement of: non-invasive blood pressure; electrocardiograms; breath-by-breath respiratory gas exchange; blood gases; and Doppler ultrasound blood flow. The laboratory is also equipped with a respiratory feedback control system, computer-controlled tilt table and cycle ergometer. The Aerospace Physiology Laboratory is integrated via computer (audio, video, data) with the existing Environmental Physiology Unit (EPU) at Simon Fraser University. The main feature of the EPU are: a dive/altitude chamber complex with an altitude capability of 33.5 km (110, 000 ft, equivalent to Mars atmospheric pressure) altitude. The dive/altitude chamber has living quarters for four with life support and communications systems for eight. The integration of the Aerospace Physiology Laboratory and the Environmental Physiology Unit provides a unique facility for Mars related research. Mars hardware, EVA and life support systems as well as human physiology and performance can be studied in a controlled simulated Mars environment. We have embarked on an ambitious program to build a state-of-the-art aerospace physiology laboratory and to reshape the Environmental Physiology Unit to meet the demands of the next century. This combined Environmental and Aerospace Physiology Laboratory is the only university research facility in Canada with the capability to research physiological issues associated with diving, aviation, and space environments. The facility extends Canadian science capabilities into research related to astronaut health and life support, decompression sickness, and extra-vehicular activity (EVA) life support technology development. In addition to physiological research and testing, the Environmental and Aerospace Physiology Laboratory provides a world class scientific and technical training facility for both academic and industrial partners.