Project Manager Space Systems Technology,
The Mars Society, German Chapter
The Mars Arctic Research Station 2 (M.A.R.S.2) project is currently pursued by the German Chapter of the Mars Society. Its principle objectives are those of the Flashline Station which is currently being built on Devon Island, Canada. However, the M.A.R.S. 2 project focuses mainly on engineering and habitability aspects. Furthermore, for the purpose of a proposed exhibition, the M.A.R.S.2 has to look good and like a real spacecraft.
Main objectives:
Engineering
One of the most important objectives of M.A.R.S.2 are engineering aspects and researching general configuration options, for example:
Also, various subsystems and synergies amongst them, including experiment equipment, are subject to our studies.
Habitability
Architectural students of the technical university of Munich have been working successfully on space architecture. There has been close cooperation with the department of astronautics, and most recently with the German Chapter of the Mars Society. Building upon this experience, real life mock-ups of their designs shall be installed into M.A.R.S.2 to research their usefulness.
Public Outreach
With the M.A.R.S. 2 we expect a huge increase in attention focused on the Mars Society.
Funding and Exhibition
Talks with various companies have taken place. As of now, the most interesting offer came from the biggest shopping mall company in Germany who proposed to run an exhibition at their malls called ÒThe Adventure of Space FlightÓ. They have around 50 shopping malls, which are located throughout Germany. Off course it hasnÕt escaped our attention that this would also be a major opportunity for publicity and public outreach.
Timeframe
Completion of the main building is set for Summer 2001, the date when the exhibition is expected to start. The duration of the exhibition is set for three years. During the exhibition, the base will be augmented and kept up dated. After the end of the exhibition, the base will be installed in the Arctic.