Day: March 16, 2025

Crew 311 Mission Plan 16Feb2025

We will be conducting several research projects in the field of: Atmospheric physics, Technology, Robotics, Human Factors, Botany and Physiology…

Name: LOAC / MegaAres

Type: Atmospheric physics

Crew: Robin (Crew Engineer) & Quentin (Crew Astronomer)

Description: These experiments, conducted since 2019, originate from the French National Center of Scientific Research (CNRS). It involves EVA operations and includes two key instruments: LOAC, an optical aerosol counter that measures and classifies airborne particles by size, and Mega-Ares, a sensor that precisely measures the electric field and air conductivity.

Name: Field mill / Cosmic watch / Weather station

Type: Atmospheric physics

Crew: Robin (Crew Engineer) & Quentin (Crew Astronomer)

Description: The experiment involves several measurement instruments to analyze environmental and space weather conditions. The field mill is used to measure the local electric field, providing insights into atmospheric electrical activity. The cosmic watch consists of two particle detectors that quantify the number of cosmic particles reaching the Earth’s surface. The collected data is analyzed in correlation with solar eruptions and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) to study their impact on Earth’s environment. Additionally, a weather station records precise atmospheric parameters at the observation site, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of local weather conditions.

Name: AMAIA

Type: Technology

Crew: Isolde (Crew Journalist)

Description: The AMAIA system is integrated with station sensors, including environmental sensors and monitoring devices, enabling seamless data exchange. This integration allows AMAIA to estimate stress levels and provide data-driven responses to astronaut queries. Its capabilities support astronauts in their daily tasks by assisting with environmental measurements, voice recognition, and emergency exercises, enhancing both efficiency and safety in the station.

Name: Orbital Architecture

Type: Human Factors

Crew: Somaya (Crew Scientist) & Celyan (HSO)

Description: The study aims to quantify stress levels in analog astronauts using chestbands, smartwatches, questionnaires, and position sensors. It investigates the impact of environmental factors such as privacy, temperature, and humidity on stress levels. As part of the Axiom 3 mission, this research has also been launched to the International Space Station for further analysis in a space environment.

Name: Humanise

Type: Robotics

Crew: Somaya (Crew Scientist)

Description: This research investigates human-machine interaction, stress, and performance by examining cognitive workload during teleoperation between analog astronauts and rovers. The study aims to improve human-robot collaboration for future Martian settlements. Various control methods are tested, including Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) using mental imagery, Virtual Reality (VR), and joystick control. The goal is to develop intuitive and user-friendly remote-control interfaces for operating rovers in Mars- or Moon-like environments.

Name: Time Percept

Type: Human Factors

Crew: Celyan (HSO)

Description: This experiment investigates the impact of living and working conditions in an analog base on time perception. It includes daily cognitive tests to assess effects on analog astronauts.

Name: Photogrammetry

Type: Human Factors & Exploration

Crew: Meddi (GreenHab officer) & Robin (Crew Engineer)

Description: Building on measurements from last year, this study involves nine EVAs coordinated with atmospheric physics EVAs. It focuses on testing 3D terrain maps for EVA preparation and exploration, assessing their benefits for checkpoint identification and location during extravehicular activities. The research also compares scenarios with and without prior familiarization with 3D maps to evaluate their impact on navigation and mission efficiency.

Name: Neopouss

Type: Botany

Crew: Meddi (GreenHab officer)

Description: This study aims to assess the impact of microgreens on meal taste and enjoyment. A blind taste test is conducted to compare microgreens grown in soil, glucose tablets, and agar-agar. Additionally, the research evaluates how the presence of a greenhouse in a Martian base influences crew well-being, providing insights into the psychological and nutritional benefits of fresh food in isolated environments.

Name: TraceLab

Type: Human Factors

Crew: Somaya (Crew Scientist) & Celyan (HSO)

Description: This study uses self-administered questionnaires to explore individual and social adaptations to isolated and confined extreme environments. The goal is to examine the social, emotional, occupational, and physical impacts of these conditions, providing insights into human resilience and well-being in space-like settings.

Name: Core Data

Type: Physiology

Crew: Robin (Crew Engineer)

Description: The Supaero MDRS Crews Initiative aims to collect physiological datasets for human factors research. In addition to physiological data, the study includes water monitoring and environmental measurements. The purpose is to ensure comprehensive data collection while minimizing redundancy, enhancing the reliability and applicability of the research.

Name: MoovToLearn

Type: Human Factors

Crew: Somaya (Crew Scientist)

Description: This study examines the impact of luminotherapy and relaxation technology on analog astronauts, focusing on factors such as sleep quality. It utilizes Psio glasses to explore their effects while relying solely on Core Data, without conducting cognitive assessments.

Name: TwinS2

Type: Human Factors

Crew: Isolde (Crew Journalist)

Description: The objective of this study is to test and improve the TwinS2 system by evaluating human performance through non-invasive methods. Voice messages recorded via a microphone provide data for researchers, allowing them to assess and refine their software.

Name: AMI

Type: Technology

Crew: Somaya (Crew Scientist) & Isolde (Crew Journalist)

Description: This study conducts an in-situ test of an anomaly surveillance interface to enhance the simulation. It analyzes crew reactions to unplanned or randomized events that require minor interventions. In some cases, the study may involve up to two "emergency" EVAs near the station. The use of the Engineering Airlock has been requested to support the experiment.

Name: Exploration – Stratigraphy

Type: Geology

Crew: Quentin (Crew Astronomer) & Meddi (GreenHab Officer)

Description: This experiment, conducted by the Research Institute of Astrophysics and Planetology (IRAP), involves EVAs coordinated with photogrammetry EVAs. It focuses on testing stratigraphy through drone imagery, aiming to identify geological samples using these pictures. The study also seeks to train the drone to capture images of entire stratigraphic layers for improved geological analysis.

Name: SupaeroMoon

Type: Robotics

Crew: Somaya (Crew Scientist) & Robin (Crew Engineer)

Description: This project focuses on rovers and technologies designed for the lunar environment, with participation in the European Rover Challenge 2025. It involves testing remote control navigation, evaluating camera and mapping methodologies, and exploring the feasibility of simple autonomous navigation. Additionally, the study tests a robotic arm for probe retrieval and collaborates with high school students on Arduino-based experiments.

Name: Public Outreach

Type: Social

Crew: Meddi (GreenHab Officer)

Description: This project aims to teach the scientific method through a hands-on experiment. It involves sprouting cress seeds in highly saline soil to simulate Martian conditions and assess plant growth viability. The experiment requires one EVA for execution.

Erin POUGHEON, Crew Commander:

Passionate about space exploration, my participation in the MDRS mission as part of Crew 293 was an incredibly impactful experience for me. I discovered the exceptional life of a crew, driven by the shared desire to advance science on our scale. I was both a witness to and an active participant in the scientific research we conducted, as well as in the resilience of a crew facing the daily challenges of life on Mars!

I have never felt more at home than in that station, lost in the depths of the Martian desert, accompanied by my six crewmates. Taking part in this mission gave profound meaning to my passion and inspired me to share it with a new crew, equally passionate about science and motivated for this analog mission as I am!

I am therefore thrilled to join Crew 311 as the crew commander. It is especially important to me to support them in the best way possible through this unique human and scientific adventure!

Robin GORIUS, Crew Engineer and Executive Officer:

Born in Brittany and now living in Toulouse, I grew up alongside my passion for science and space. Driven by an insatiable curiosity, my family and friends have always encouraged and helped me explore and understand how the world around me works. Over time, dismantling childhood toys, working on science kits, and building with Legos gave way to my own projects. From a robotic dog to a Nixie tube watch, and even a sushi conveyor belt, I’ve had the chance to explore many disciplines!

Yet, throughout the years, space exploration has remained at the core of my passion. Participating in the MDRS is an incredible opportunity for me to take a first step into this exciting field. Beyond being a powerful human adventure, this mission allows me to apply my technical skills as the mission’s crew engineer.

Célyan FERRET, Crew HSO:

"I will not know fear, for fear kills the mind. I will face my fear."
This maxim, taken from the science fiction novel Dune by Frank Herbert, guides my steps.
Exploring space, pushing my limits. At ISAE-Supaero, I nurture this dream, shaping it through rigorous discipline during my preparatory school years. While flipping through the school’s brochures, I discovered an incredible project: the MDRS. Students living like martionauts for a month in the Utah desert, conducting scientific experiments.

Joining Crew 311 as the Health and Safety Officer is a source of pride and a new milestone in my journey. Individual and team tennis matches have taught me stress management and the importance of teamwork, valuable assets for ensuring the crew’s physical and mental well-being. Convinced that group cohesion is essential, I plan activities and sports sessions to strengthen our bonds.

This mission is, above all, a human adventure, one that will allow us to push our limits together and contribute to the challenges of Martian exploration.

Somaya BENNANI, Crew Scientist:

Two years ago, I had the incredible chance to be an analogue astronaut for Asclepios II, a student-led mission simulating life on the south pole of the Moon. That experience completely changed me. It pushed me to my limits, taught me so much about human spaceflight, and left me more inspired than ever to aim higher and dream bigger.

This motivation led me to join MDRS, where our crew will spend a whole month simulating life on Mars in the Utah desert, USA. As the Crew Scientist, I believe my role goes beyond just conducting experiments. It’s also about inspiring and educating others on how space analogue missions can positively impact our lives and drive innovation here on Earth.

Quentin BERLEMONT, Crew Astronomer:

As a child, I spent most of my time staring at the stars at night, my mind wandering through books and documentaries about space during the day. Ever since, I have done everything I can to bring myself closer to this fascinating universe that captivates me more and more.

The MDRS mission represents, for me, the opportunity to take a first big step into the world of space exploration and a way to finally fulfill my desire to contribute to advancements in this field.

As the crew’s astronomer, I will be able to carry out observation projects, primarily with a solar telescope, which I hope will contribute to research in this field. It is also a wonderful chance to feel closer to the stars, from a station so far removed from human life…

Isolde LOUZIER-RICALENS, Crew Journalist:

I’ve always spent a lot of time in my life thinking and dreaming without going much further. But despite the countless hours spent in my room, I’ve always had a spark within me that only wanted one thing: to go on an adventure and take action. I’ve had a few experiences of this kind before, but none of them were able to satisfy that longing.

One day, I discovered the MDRS mission. It was the shock that ignited the flame.

Today, I am the mission’s journalist. And as the first steps toward the exploration of a whole new world unfold before me, I intend, like any good explorer, to warmly share the crew’s logbook with you, which I hope will awaken your curiosity, your passion, your determination.
Yes, I hope that "it will only take a spark and a word of love to light the fire"!"

Meddi MOUMOUNI, GreenHab Officer:

Having grown up in Ariège, with the Pyrenees as my backdrop, I have always felt a deep connection to the natural world and the vastness of the universe above me. My interest in space exploration began in childhood, gazing at the night sky and wondering about the mysteries it holds. This curiosity did not remain mere daydreaming—it grew into a true passion for understanding the challenges and opportunities of space exploration.

Selected to join the MDRS Crew 311 as an ISAE-SUPAERO student, I see this mission as a pivotal milestone in a life driven by curiosity and determination. While my hands worked the soil during my childhood, my mind was always turned toward the stars. The skills I have developed over the years reflect those essential for space exploration: observation, experimentation, and the ability to collaborate effectively as part of a team.

As the mission’s botanist, my role goes beyond simply growing plants. It represents a bridge between Earth and the unknown, highlighting how our survival in space is intricately linked to our understanding of life on our planet. My journey—from the rugged landscapes of Ariège to the confined spaces of the MDRS—marks a step toward fulfilling a childhood dream and contributing to humanity’s quest to understand the cosmos.