Souchier_2008abstr
Copyright 2008 by Alain Souchier. Published by
the Mars Society with permission.
PRIVATE
GROUND INFRASTRUCTURES FOR SPACE EXPLORATION MISSIONS SIMULATIONS
Alain Souchier
Vice President
Plante Mars
Association – plante-mars.com
ABSTRACT
The
Mars Society, a private non profit organization devoted
to promote the red planet exploration, decided to implement simulated Mars
habitat in two locations on Earth which present some analogue Mars conditions.
FMARS is the Canada based Flashline Mars Artic
Research Station. MDRS is the Utah based Mars Desert Research Station. The
general philosophy of the work conducted is not to do innovative scientific
work in the field but to learn how the scientific work is affected or modified
by the particular conditions. Outside activities are conducted in Extra Vehicular
Activities (EVA) with simulated spacesuits that limit the abilities of the
experimenter. Experiments are also conducted on the crew psychology and
behavior as well as the working conditions. Some examples of these activities
for various missions are presented including two missions in which
the author participated.