Month: March 2024

Journalist Report
By Arian Anderson

Today marked a pivotal moment in our Mars medical simulation course at the Mars Desert Research Station, as we successfully launched a rocket carrying life-saving medical supplies, a critical step in our mission to simulate emergency medical responses on the Martian surface. The launch represented the culmination of weeks of preparation and training, underscoring the importance of precision and teamwork in executing complex tasks in an extraterrestrial environment. As the rocket soared into the Martian sky, carrying with it the hopes of future explorers, we were filled with a sense of accomplishment and anticipation for the challenges that lay ahead.

Following the successful launch, we divided into two teams and ventured onto the Martian surface to test our communications systems and gather essential data for our medical research. Despite meticulous planning, unforeseen circumstances arose when one of our crew members suffered a leg injury, highlighting the inherent risks of exploration in harsh and unfamiliar environments. Swiftly activating our emergency protocols, we mobilized to rescue and transport the injured crew member to the medical bay at the habitat, demonstrating the importance of preparedness and quick response in mitigating emergencies on Mars.

The incident served as a sobering reminder of the realities of Martian exploration and the need for comprehensive medical training to address potential emergencies. While our primary mission is centered around medical research, today’s events underscored the interconnectedness of various disciplines in achieving our objectives. As we reflect on the day’s challenges and successes, we are reminded of the resilience and adaptability required of future Martian explorers, traits that we continue to cultivate through our experiences at the Mars Desert Research Station.

In the aftermath of the rescue operation, we regrouped to debrief and assess lessons learned, identifying areas for improvement in our emergency response protocols and communication systems. Despite the unexpected setback, our determination to push the boundaries of medical exploration on Mars remains unwavering. With each challenge we encounter, we grow stronger and more prepared to confront the unknowns that await us on the red planet, united in our pursuit of advancing human knowledge and capabilities in space exploration.

Journalist Report
By Arian Anderson

Our students had a Mission Day 2 today, encountering a series of technical challenges that tested their problem-solving abilities in a simulated Martian environment. The day’s objective centered around launching a rocket, a crucial task for future missions, but their efforts were thwarted by a cascade of complications. Loss of GPS signal of the rocket, malfunctioning ignition switches, and adverse weather conditions, characterized by excessive wind, created a challenging set of obstacles to overcome.

Despite meticulous planning and preparation, the students faced the reality of unpredictable conditions inherent to Martian exploration. Loss of GPS signal not only compromised the rocket’s trajectory but also underscored the vulnerability of technological systems to environmental factors in extraterrestrial environments. Technical glitches, such as malfunctioning ignition switches, emphasized the importance of robust equipment and redundancy in critical systems, lessons essential for real-life Martian missions.

The challenge posed by excessive wind highlighted the significance of environmental factors in mission planning and execution. On Mars, where weather patterns can be extreme and unpredictable, understanding and adapting to environmental conditions are vital for mission success. The students grappled with the complexities of balancing scientific objectives with the practical realities of operating in an inhospitable environment, gaining valuable insights into the intricacies of future Martian exploration.

As they navigated through the setbacks of mission day two, the students demonstrated resilience and adaptability, essential qualities for aspiring Martian explorers. Their experiences underscored the need for interdisciplinary training that encompasses not only medical expertise but also technical proficiency and strategic problem-solving skills. Through perseverance and collaboration, they will continue to push the boundaries of their simulated Martian mission, and attempt to launch again tomorrow morning at 9AM.

Crew 295 Journalist Report

Arian Anderson

It is day 1 of our Mars mission analog. Our group of students engaged in an educational program geared towards simulating the challenges of Martian exploration after traveling millions of miles across the solar system. Equipped with spacesuits and scientific tools, they embarked on an extravehicular activity (EVA) to conduct field research today that will set them up for the rest of the week of simulation. Their first task involved gathering rock samples to analyze Martian geology, aiming to unravel the planet’s geological history and composition.

During one EVA, the students stumbled upon a crashed satellite, providing an unexpected opportunity to study the effects of cosmic radiation on technology. They documented the site and salvaged usable components for further analysis, contributing valuable data to future missions. This encounter highlighted the unpredictable nature of exploration and the importance of adaptability in extraterrestrial environments.

In addition to their scientific objectives, the students were able to clean a dust-coated communications relay to ensure uninterrupted communication with mission control. Through teamwork and problem-solving, they restored the relay to optimal functioning, demonstrating their technical competence in managing mission-critical equipment.

One unexpected medical occurred with a crew member falling and suffering a DCS injury which required them to apply their training in space medicine. They demonstrated proficiency in first aid and emergency protocols and patched the suit then applied hyperbaric therapy. These experiences underscored the significance of medical preparedness and teamwork in mitigating risks associated with space exploration, fostering a sense of camaraderie among the students as they pursued their mission objectives and we look forward to the next several days of EVAs.

What a great day at MDRS! We wrapped up our simulation last night when our colleagues from University of Colorado arrived. We spent the morning in the Science Dome telling the rest of the team about our time in Sim and what we learned in our pilot studies with our neurophysiological sensors. We took time this afternoon to scout several locations on the rovers, and it was amazing to see the dinosaur fossils with the rest of the team. We ran our final study of the trip this afternoon: We had two team members head out on an EVA and they were wearing fNIRS brain measurement devices and eye tracking glasses. We collected their brain and eye tracking data while they navigated to a waypoint near Kissing Camel rock. We collected what is called ‘hyperscanning’ brain data, which is where you look at the brain synchronization between teammembers; in general team members who are working well together (high in team cohesion) will have more synchronization patterns. We wrapped up our day with a delicious pasta dinner and brownies in the Hab. The Sim team heads home tomorrow. Next up is the Univ Colorado field course at MDRS. Thanks for a wonderful sim experience, MDRS! We learned a ton and are already talking about our next trip back!

Leanne Hirshfield, Emily Doherty, James Crum, and Marta Čeko