Category: Mission Plan

Mars Desert Research Station
Mission Plan

Crew 289 – Deimos
Dec 25th, 2023 – Jan 6th, 2023

Crew Members:
Commander: Adriana Brown
Executive Officer and Crew Journalist: Sara Paule
Crew Geologist: Eshaana Aurora
Crew Engineer: Nathan Bitner
Health and Safety Officer and Crew Astronomer: Gabriel Skowronek
Green Hab Officer and Crew Biologist: Riya Raj
Crew Scientist: Aditya Arjun Anibha

Mission Plan:
The twin “Phobos” (288) and “Deimos” (289) missions are the sixth and seventh all-Purdue crew at MDRS. The enthusiasm and interest raised by the previous experiences of Purdue students and alumni at the station, the numerous high-quality research projects carried on at MDRS, as well as Purdue’s honored tradition in the field of space exploration, allowed us the amazing opportunity to complete two back-to-back rotations. Crew 289’s projects span engineering, astronomy, geology, biology, and human factors fields.

The main objectives of the Deimos analog Martian mission are:
Performing research in the fields of geology, engineering, human factors, astronomy, on Mars.
Experimenting with personnel at Purdue, providing a simulated mission control center to coordinate and support research and operations (including delay in communication, to simulate Earth-Mars distance).
Continuing the fruitful collaboration of Purdue crews with the MDRS program.
Following the mission, supporting MDRS with useful results for future crews.

Crew Projects:

Title: Remote Station Monitoring
Author: Nathan Bitner
Objectives: Demonstrate usefulness of supplying on-site crew and mission control with real time habitat data
Description: This project entails the creation of 10 separate sensor modules. Five of these measure air quality data from the various simulation buildings, and 5 measure the status of the various doors and airlocks on the station. Each of these modules send both manual and automatic updates to an Adafruit monitoring dashboard.
Rationale: In real Mars missions essential life support and other systems would be monitored closely by both crew and mission control. This project allows for the creation of a remote monitoring system that more closely resembles that setup.
EVAs: None

Title: Recording Dust Levels in the HAB
Author(s): Gabriel Skowronek
Objectives: Qualitatively determine the dust levels before and after cleaning procedures
Description: Areas and surfaces in both the upper and lower decks of the HAB will be swabbed using cotton swabs. Then using a handheld magnifier, a qualitative description of the observed dust will be made, which will include details like relative amounts and the type of contaminants (i.e. fibers, dirt/particulates). This will be done at least once a day throughout different locations to see if the amounts of dust vary throughout the crew rotation and where buildup occurs the most. Furthermore, swabbing will be done before and after cleaning procedures to see the effectiveness of cleaning methods.
Rationale: Mars’ surface poses serious risk to human health due to the Martian dust, made up of extremely fine particles. Minimizing the presence of dust in living quarters is a necessary step to reduce dependence on Earth’s supplies and medical interventions, especially given the potential infrequency of resupply missions and limited availability of supplies. This project prioritizes safeguarding the fundamental and most fragile aspect of Mars missions: the health and wellbeing of astronauts.
EVAs: None

Title: Astronomy on Mars
Author(s): Gabriel Skowronek
Objectives: Determine the period of variation for SW Tauri, a Cepheid variable. Furthermore, it will be helpful to make impressive pictures of the Crab and Orion nebulae.
Description: Using the RCOS-16 telescope to conduct photometry, intensity measurements will be made over a two-week period to construct a light-curve of SW Tauri. To conduct astrophotography, the MDRS-WF will be used to capture the Crab and Orion nebulae. To process the images, Astro ImageJ and Adobe Photoshop will be used.
Rationale: Making astronomical measurements of Cepheid variables, such as SW Tauri, prove useful to the field of cosmology due their usefulness in determining cosmological distances. Furthermore, the astrophotography will be used in outreach to show what is capable of being done at MDRS and to inspire others to pursue astronomy at MDRS and in general.
EVAs: None

Title: Comparison of Self-selection Traits versus Skill Utilization by Mars Colonists
Author(s): Sara Paule
Objectives: Examine the skills (e.g., flexibility, leadership, communication, problem-solving, domestic skills, etc.) most commonly used by “colonists” in their day-to-day activities at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) versus their ratings of importance pre- and post-mission.
Description: This study will cross-compare daily usage of skills to those common in crew member volunteers and, post-mission will ask crew members to then rate the importance of skill necessity for success as a “colonist.” Pre-mission surveys have already been completed by the crew. During mission, at the end of each day, crew members will complete a brief 10-minute paper survey on which skills they utilized in their day-to-day activities at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS). As time allows, paper survey results will be manually transferred to electronic coding; however, this step can readily be completed post-mission.
Rationale: Space exploration and colonization missions will require their crews to possess a variety of skills to optimize the chances for success. Organizations selecting individuals for such missions look for certain traits within individuals and attempt to diverse across the crew; yet, there are no published rubrics for selection criteria.

Title: Establishing Best Practices in Mission Reporting from Prior Crew Reports
Author(s): Sara Paule
Objective 1: Establish the average word length of the various report styles.
Objective 2: Examine whether crew members are most often referenced by surname/family name, given name, or both.
Objective 3: Determine common subject matters within reports, such as references to meals, sleep, showering, etc.
Description: Examine past MDRS reports on the following priority order:
Journalist Report (daily)
Sol Summary (daily)
Research Report (two-times per mission)
Mission Plan (one-time per mission)
Mission Summary (one-time per mission)
EVA Report (after any EVA)
Usage of a flexible coding technique will allow for addition of new content categories as analysis proceeds for Objective 3. All data will be entered into a spreadsheet to track basic statistics such as counts and averages.
Rationale: Regular reporting between crews and Mission Support is a requirement of the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) program and will be essential between Mars colonists and Mission Support on Earth. The MDRS Handbook outlines the schedule for reporting requirements and provides access to templates with some guidance on how to optimally report.

Title: Martian analog paleotemperature reconstruction
Author(s): Adriana Brown
Objectives: Sample a measured section of sediments up the side of Hab Ridge and identify the percent of carbonate present, collect Pycnodonte fossils from the Tununk shale near Hab Ridge and Sea of Shells for carbonate clumped isotope analysis, identify bentonite presence and frequency within the Tununk Shale, and catalog and prepare samples for drilling.
Description: This project will collect sediment samples from the Tununk Shale to study the coastline of the Cretaceous Western Interior Seaway. Sediments will be collected from a measured section up the face of Hab Ridge. Bivalve fossils will be collected from Hab Ridge and Sea of Shells. The samples collected will provide information about the temperature of the seaway during the time the oysters lived using carbonate clumped isotopes, where the carbonate is sourced from bivalves and foraminifera. At MDRS, the sediment samples will be tested for weight percent carbonate and bivalve fossils cleaned, labeled, and catalogued. At University of Michigan, the geochemistry will be completed post-mission.
Rationale: With the onset of cutting-edge geochemistry, the temperature and dynamics of ancient water systems can be determined better than ever before. Performing analysis on carbonates will be essential to understanding climate history on Mars due to their power to record seawater temperature and isotopic composition – abiotic factors that determine essential biological controls, such as oxygenation and environmental habitability. These results will be integrated into my wider research project which aims to reconstruct latitudinal temperature gradients of the Western Interior Seaway – an important control on climate sensitivity.
EVAs: 3-4 medium – long duration EVAs

Title: Mars Exploration by Origami Robot and Drone Scouting or Transportation
Author(s): Aditya Arjun Anibha
Objectives: Apply the concept of transformable origami robots that can exhibit multiple types of locomotion and test their ability to supplement exploration. Investigate feasibility of transporting robot using drone and scouting locations of interest prior to exploration.
Description: Investigating transforming origami robotics with multiple modes of locomotion by testing and demonstrating their effectiveness for extraterrestrial exploration over conventional wheeled rovers. The robot will also be tested for its efficiency, robustness and endurance in this environment. Tests will be conducted in Chandor Chasma as it has diverse terrain types. The robot will be attached to a Skydio drone and transported to and across Candor Chasma. Alternatively, the drone will be used to impart a vertical force upon to counteract Earth gravity to simulate locomotion conditions similar to those on Mars. The drone has security systems to avoid obstacles and contact with astronauts. A lightweight carrying harness will be tied to the drone to create a safe range to the payload to avoid interfering with the sensors. The drone will also be used to conduct scouting for exploration locations of interest for the robot prior to its excursion.
Rationale: Due to the lack of infrastructure on Mars, unique and adaptable methods of locomotion and robots will likely be needed for initial exploration beyond wheeled rovers. Drones would be useful for supplementing exploration with scouting and transportation.
EVAs: 2-3

Title: Miniaturized Martian Agrivoltaics
Author(s): Eshaana Aurora
Objectives: To comprehensively test the impact of solar and artificial irradiation on crop yields within an enclosed, module-like environment. To understand the feasibility of a miniaturized agrivoltaic farm within the MDRS Greenhab.
Description: The project at hand seeks to create a mini agrivoltaic farm within the Martian Desert Research Station’s (MDRS) Greenhab. This study aims to delve into the realm of agrivoltaics, applying its principles to extraterrestrial greenhouse modules. By studying the impact of solar and artificial irradiation on crop yield within the constraints of a mini agrivoltaic farm in the Martian Desert Research Station’s Greenhab, the project aims to provide insights into optimizing land use efficiency on Mars. The mission plan involves meticulous experiments, data analysis, and the formulation of recommendations to advance sustainable agriculture for future Martian colonies while addressing the challenges posed by potential dust storms.
Rationale: As the world grapples with the ever-increasing relevance of solar energy, a constant dilemma has arisen between allocating land for agriculture and dedicating it to solar energy production. Agrivoltaics, a promising solution, represents a system that seamlessly integrates agricultural practices with solar energy production, thus mitigating the competition between our energy and food requirements. As humanity sets its sights on colonizing Mars, the efficient utilization of land resources becomes a paramount concern.
EVAs: 0

Title: LiDAR Scanning of Terrain

Author(s): Riya Raj
Objectives: Will use phone apps to provide accessible scans of the terrain.
Description: Conducting LiDAR scans of the terrain and plants for structural analysis and plant growth structures
Rationale: Provides civil application for future life support systems and planning for efficient living.
Title: Radiation on Kale:
Author: Riya Raj
Description: Working on sustainable methods of growing veggies using simulations in hydroponics to provide fresh nutrients for the body.
Rationale: Keeping our bodies healthy with essential minerals can help with blood pressure levels, red blood cell production, and digestive health!

Title: Indoor Air Quality
Author: Riya Raj
Objectives: Use sensors to monitor air quality
Description: I will be setting up sensor monitors within the stations to track the levels of CO2, PM 2.5, TVOC, and Ozone to ensure proper ventilation for the crews.
Rationale: Monitoring both indoor/outdoor air quality and ventilation levels is important for human health and performance in any setting. For example, high levels of CO2 can cause nausea and fatigue while high levels of PM 2.5 can cause lung diseases and infections.

Adriana Brown
Crew Commander
Adriana Brown is a recent graduate of Purdue University’s Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences. She is currently in the first year of her Ph.D. at University of Michigan, where she works with Dr. Sierra Petersen to research the temperature and oxygen isotope evolution of the Cretaceous Western Interior Seaway. Adriana is passionate about understanding paleoclimatology and large-scale planetary processes on both Earth and Mars and loves fieldwork. She served as MDRS Crew 272’s Crew Geologist and is delighted to be back at the station. On Earth, Adriana can often be found biking, reading Terry Pratchett, or religiously doing the New York Times crossword.

Sara Paule
Executive Officer & Crew Journalist
Sara Paule provides research and grant proposal submission support to faculty at Earlham College where she serves as the Director of Grants and Sponsored Research. She has prior experience with research and development (R&D) and is looking forward to mission for the opportunity to be back on the side of producing knowledge.
For her research, she will examine the skills that analog astronauts use in their daily lives on mission versus which skills they enter simulation believing to be important and whether there is any change in those beliefs post-mission. Secondarily, she will look at past mission reports to analyze and code the content as a means of establishing commonalities and eventually best practices for reporting since communication effectiveness is a primary interest of hers.
Along those lines, she is pursuing a Master’s degree in Communication. In her studies, she is most interested in leadership and internal/organizational communication, which promotes skills for effective team/departmental operation. She is excited to put her theoretical knowledge into practice in the field with her crewmates and to also test out what she has learned about marketing through her journalism role. She looks forward to serving on Crew 289 for the personal growth opportunities and to contribute to human pursuit of life on other worlds.

Gabriel Skowronek
Health & Safety Officer & Crew Astronomer
Gabriel Skowronek is a senior in Physics at Purdue University and minoring in Astronomy and Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences. Over the course of two summers, he worked at the Air Force Research Laboratory, studying fiber-optic based laser systems for sensing applications. He is passionate about space exploration in general and hopes to apply his knowledge in developing the next generation of optical devices to use for observing the universe. Outside of work and academics, Gabriel enjoys skiing, scuba diving, hiking or anything pertaining to exploring the outdoors.

Aditya Arjun Anibha
Crew Scientist

Aditya Arjun Anibha is a junior in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering at Purdue University with Minors in Computer Science and Business Economics. He is pursuing an integrated master’s in AAE intending to specialize in Astrodynamics with Autonomy and GNC applications. He is also passionate about Space Robotics and Satellites. He is the President of Purdue Space Program, A SEDS Chapter where he has focused on pioneering the Purdue community of student space enthusiasts towards collaboration, inclusivity and innovation at par with the industry. His current research projects involve transformable origami robotics for space applications, and developing novel autonomous asteroid navigation algorithms. On Earth in his free time, Aditya loves flying, cooking, tennis and playing the guitar.

Eshaana Aurora
Crew Geologist
Eshaana Aurora is a senior undergraduate student at Purdue University, currently in pursuit of a double major in Planetary Science and Mechanical Engineering. As the Crew Geologist, Eshaana is deeply immersed in her research, which revolves around the innovative integration of agrivoltaics within the MDRS Greenhab. In the quest to address the ongoing competition for land between agriculture and solar energy, Eshaana is determined to establish a mini agrivoltaic (AV) farm. Her research is strategically positioned to explore and adapt this system for extraterrestrial greenhouse modules, aligning with the imminent challenges of colonizing Mars.
Her study focuses on comprehending the impact of solar and artificial irradiation on crop yield—a critical consideration for future self-sustaining modules, especially in anticipation of dust storms that could lower the solar irradiation in a Mars-like environment. Her work not only addresses current challenges on Earth but also pioneers solutions for the future of space exploration.

Riya Raj
GreenHab Officer & Crew Biologist
Riya Raj is a senior at Purdue University studying Civil Engineering. She focuses her research to go into sustainability, healthcare, and energy efficiency. Her ongoing research into indoor/outdoor air quality analysis with PM2.5, CO2, and TVOC and robotic systems for human health. Her work in the Purdue EPICS (Engineering Projects in Community Service) Department inspired her to help with hands-on projects to provide better living for all communities! Riya also works with Dr. Marshall Porterfield in the Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department with the Purdue ERBSS (Engineering Research for Bioregenerative Sustainability in Space) group to research bioregenerative methods for efficiency in space applications. As Crew 289’s GreenHab Officer/Crew Biologist her work at MDRS will investigate multiple civil applications. She will help in the station’s GreenHab, conduct radiation experiments with hydroponic systems, perform LiDAR scans to map out terrain for future structures, and build indoor air quality sensors for monitoring/analysis.

Nathan Bitner
Crew Engineer
Nathan Bitner is a third-year undergraduate studying Computer Engineering. Stemming from an interest in data science, he has participated in machine learning research with both Purdue’s Nursing department and CILMAR. Hobbies outside of school include reading, gaming, weightlifting and running.

Crew 288 – Phobos
Dec 9th, 2023 – Dec 23rd, 2023

Crew Members:
Commander and Crew Astronomer: Dr. Cesare Guariniello
Executive Officer: Riley McGlasson
Crew Geologist: Hunter Vannier
Crew Engineer: Jesus Adrian Meza Galvan
Health and Safety Officer: Jilian Welshoff
Green Hab Officer: Ryan DeAngelis
Crew Journalist: Lipi Roy

Mission Plan:
The twin “Phobos” (288) and “Deimos” (289) missions are the sixth and seventh all-Purdue crew at MDRS. The enthusiasm and interest raised by the previous experiences of Purdue students and alumni at the station, the numerous high-quality research projects carried on at MDRS, as well as Purdue’s honored tradition in the field of space exploration, granted us two back-to-back rotations.
Crew 288 will perform various research tasks, with a strong geological focus, augmented by engineering projects, astronomical observations, and analysis of human factors. Some of the experiments will be performed inside the MDRS modules, while others require Extra Vehicular Activities (EVA), thus adding realistic difficulties to the task. As usual, the combination of excursions and life inside the habitat will provide crew members with the opportunity to both working on their research and identifying potential difficulties of working with space suits and living in close quarters in a small habitat.

The main objectives of the Phobos analog Martian mission are:
Keeping the highest level of fidelity and realism in the simulation. Earth analogs cannot reproduce Martian gravity and atmosphere, but the crew will keep every other aspect into consideration. This includes safety and research protocols, definition of roles and daily schedule, EVA protocols (and limitations), communication protocols, fruitful collaboration with the program director and mission support, and adaptation to limited resources and environmental difficulties.
Performing research in the fields of geology, engineering, human factors, and crew operations on Mars.
Experimenting with personnel at Purdue, providing a simulated mission control center to coordinate and support research and operations (including delay in communication, to simulate Earth-Mars distance).
Continuing the fruitful collaboration of Purdue crews with the MDRS program.
Following the mission, supporting MDRS with useful results for future crews.

Crew Projects:

Title: Noninvasive search for water
Author(s): Riley McGlasson
Objectives:
Description: The team will use a 450 MHz ground penetrating radar (GPR) to quantify the moisture content of the soil at locations near the MDRS. This radar is sensitive to water content in the top 10 cm of soil, which would be easily accessible by astronauts for ISRU. During EVAs, GPR transects will be taken in a grid formation across the survey area. Analysis of these data will be performed back in the HAB, where we will determine the dielectric constant of the soil. The dielectric constant can be used in existing simple models, to determine a soil moisture content.
Rationale: In-situ resource utilization (ISRU) will be a critical aspect of future Mars exploration, as astronauts will not be able to bring all required supplies with them. Ground penetrating radar is an excellent noninvasive tool for probing subsurface composition, and assessing the ability to use it to search for water will aid future Mars astronauts.
EVAs: 4-5 medium to long EVAs

Title: Refining orbital data with In-Situ analysis
Author(s): Hunter Vannier
Objectives:
Description: Prior to arrival at MDRS, the team will create EVA (extra-vehicular activity) plans based on high resolution orbital images to assess mineralogical diversity and identify targets. Science and traceability matrices will be developed to evaluate the effectiveness of each EVA. When in the field, EVA members will assess differences between orbital and field data, noting how strategies/plans change to accomplish EVA goals.
Rationale: Satellite imagery and data will almost always be the only resource mission planners have to prepare for human landings on the Moon and Mars. Using this data to accurately interpret the geology and physical characteristics of landing sites is critical for defining scientific objectives and maximizing crew safety. Equally important is recognizing the limitations of orbital data and how plans may change when greater details are revealed when astronauts land on the surface.
EVAs: 4-5 EVAs

Title: Remote sensing for ISRU
Author(s): Cesare Guariniello
Objectives: Demonstrate the use of instrumentation for structural analysis of potential locations for building on Mars
Description: The goal of this project is to test the use of remote sensing performed in various locations to support advanced In-Situ Resource Utilization. In particular, assessment of mineralogy via remote sensing will provide information about material abundance. Laboratory study of thermal inertia and its correlation with bulk size (sandy vs. rocky) will add one more variable to the study. Thermal Inertia is correlated to particle size and cohesiveness of the material, which in turn suggests the most appropriate tools to effectively collect the material for processing. Water content is assessed via the analysis of the depth of absorption bands in the spectra.
Rationale: In-Situ Resource Utilization will be necessary to reduce the amount of material carried to Mars. For construction purposes, engineers and geologist will need to initially rely on remote sensing for prospecting.
EVAs: 3-4 EVAs

Title: Semiconductor processing
Author(s): Jesus Meza-Galvan
Objectives: explore the feasibility of semiconductor manufacturing in-situ
Description: This study aims to explore the feasibility of semiconductor manufacturing in-situ. The work seeks to establish rudimentary solid-state device manufacturing techniques with an emphasis on utilizing resources already available in station. Phase-1 of the mission is to explore the fabrication of a basic metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) capacitor at the station. Future research efforts could be expanded to more complex devices like PN junction solar-sails or MOSFET transistors.
Rationale: All modern electronic devices utilize complex solid-state circuits made possible by advanced micro-fabrication techniques such as photolithography, plasma etching, metal evaporation, and wet chemistry. The equipment used for micro-fabrication is typically costly, delicate, and has high mass and volume requirements that make it unattractive to launch along with a potential crew. For this reason, spare electronic parts are required for all essential systems. However, with current flight times, if a part is unavailable it could take up to 8 months for a crew to receive an emergency re-supply. Long term Mars missions could benefit from the development of rudimentary solid-state manufacturing techniques for emergency repairs to electronic equipment.
EVAs: None.

Title: Reducing stress in isolated environment
Author(s): Lipi Roy, Ryan DeAngelis, Jilian Welshoff
Objectives:
Description: In this study, a survey of 10-12 questions will be given to each of the crew members to first understand how the extreme conditions are affecting them. This would be the “before” survey. Following this, the effect of recreational activities like listening to music, creative group exercises, and spending time in the GreenHab, shall be gauged through another “after” survey. The results would help determine what does and doesn’t work in extreme conditions (like actual Mars Missions!) to uplift the crew mood and safeguard their well-being and productivity.
Rationale: In an analog mission like MDRS, isolation can affect mental health, thus reducing productivity and well-being of the crew. Therefore, it is important to study and quantify the effects of isolation and boredom on the overall mood of each of the crew members. We also want to develop preventative measures to these feelings, by looking at the effects of recreational activities such as listening to music and the caretaking of plants.
EVAs: None

Title: Photo astronomy with the MDRS WF and Solar Observatory outreach
Author(s): Cesare Guariniello
Objectives: Produce high-quality photos of deep sky objects and train the crew to the use of solar observatory.
Description: Part of the project will be operated through the Skynet website and part at the Musk solar observatory.
Rationale: Get people interested in the beauty of space
EVAs: None

Title: Station monitoring
Author(s): Jesus Meza Galvan and Jilian Welshoff (proposed by Nathan Bitner – MDRS 289)
Objectives: The goal of this project is to study what campus information is most useful to analog astronauts during missions, as well as how this information is leveraged for day-to-day mission planning.
Description: Collect MDRS system information using CO2, temperature, and particle sensors placed throughout campus. Install sensors on the doors to monitor the status of airlocks. The information will be logged and displayed in a central monitoring station visible to all crew members.
Rationale: Station monitoring systems are crucial for crew safety and to track the health and maintenance of the station.
EVAs: None

Title: Samples transportation with drones
Author(s): Cesare Guariniello
Objectives: Test the use of drones for transportation of samples and instruments
Description: Small rock samples will be taped to a Skydio drone and transported up and down the habitat rim (with two pilots controlling it). The drone has security systems to avoid obstacles and contact with astronauts.
Rationale: Drones will likely be widely used for transportation and support to astronaut operations on Mars.
EVAs: 1-2

Title: Chez Phobos
Author(s): Lipi Roy (et al.)
Objectives: Creating new recipes with shelf-stable food at MDRS
Description: Food!
Rationale: Everybody likes tasty food, and astronauts will have to be creative with their resources.
EVAs: None

Commander and Crew Astronomer
Dr. Cesare Guariniello is a Research Scientist in the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics in Purdue University. He holds two Master’s degrees “Cum Laude”, in Automation and Robotics Engineering and in Astronautical Engineering, from the University of Rome “La Sapienza”, and a PhD in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Purdue University. His research focuses on System-of-Systems design and architecture, space applications, cybersecurity, and defense. He is also pursuing a Master’s degree in Planetary Geology.
Cesare is a senior member of AIAA and IEEE, and a member of INCOSE, AAS, and various other professional societies. He was the recipient of multiple awards for his research and his publications.
Always deeply passionate for space and for learning, Cesare enjoys a wide variety of activities outside academia. He represented Purdue University in various fencing collegiate tournaments, and he is now advisor of Purdue Archery Club. Cesare holds all three levels of amateur radio certifications five scuba diving certifications, a Wilderness First Responder certification, a commercial pilot license, drone pilot license, and ground instructor certifications. Crew 288 will be Cesare’s sixth rotation at MDRS, where he previously served as commander, executive officer, crew geologist, crew astronomer, and health and safety officer.

Executive Officer
Riley McGlasson is a fourth year PhD candidate in Planetary Science at Purdue University. Her research focus is based on trying to understand Mars’ climate history through radar sounding observation of Mars’ polar caps. Radar sounding data can penetrate kilometers beneath the surface of these ice caps, to the oldest preserved ice. To better understand the data we see from Mars, she also uses radar observations of constructed ice and dust stratigraphies in the lab as well as from analog sites in icy regions on Earth. Riley is looking forward to applying her radar experience as a part of Crew 288, where she will test the abilities of ground penetrating radar to search for near-surface water for in-situ resource utilization. In her free time, Riley enjoys backpacking, canoeing, and playing roller derby.
Crew geologist
Hunter Vannier is a 4th year planetary science PhD candidate at Purdue University. He is passionate about space exploration and discovery, and utilizes a wide range of laboratory and spacecraft spectral data to interpret the geology of planetary surfaces. In particular, Hunter researches diverse volcanoes on the Moon and igneous terrains on Mars. It is his goal to be at the forefront of the next generation of human space exploration to the Moon and beyond. One of Hunter’s favorite parts of planetary science is visiting spectacular analogue environments, places on earth that are most like other planets. It is fascinating that seemingly foreign worlds share significant similarities to Earth. At once, he develops a deeper connection to the Earth and other planets feel less alien. He is thrilled to experience MDRS and learn tangibly about challenges inherent to human exploration in an analogue environment. Outside of research, Hunter loves to cook, garden, hike, mountain bike, and play hockey.

Crew Engineer
Jesus Meza Galvan is a 2nd year PhD student in the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics at Purdue University. Before that, he worked as an applied physicist for a technology R&D company where he found his passion for developing space technology. His background is in solid-state physics and nano/microfabrication of semiconductor and optical devices. His PhD research is focused on developing MEMS micro-propulsion systems for small satellites. Jesus wants to work as a spacecraft engineer developing instrumentation for science missions and tools for in-space manufacturing. He aspires to be chosen by Bruce Willis to help drill the asteroid.

Health and Safety Officer
Jilian Welshoff is from Goshen, NY, and a 3rd year undergraduate student at Purdue University studying Brain and Behavioral Sciences/ Pre-Physicians Assistant but is super interested in space exploration. For Crew 288, she is the Health and Safety Officer and intends on keeping everyone in the crew safe! Her research will hopefully intend looking into isolation levels in crewmates and how to reduce it through working with plants and arts. She is also involved with the Undergraduate Research Society at Purdue as the secretary and is very active in Boiler Gold Rush, Purdue’s orientation program, serving as Team Leader and Supervisor. During her free time Jilian loves thrifting and baking, learning and listening to/about all music, and reading a good book in her hammock!

GreenHab Officer
Ryan DeAngelis is a junior in Industrial Engineering at Purdue, with a focus on aerospace systems engineering. He is passionate about everything life support related and is enthusiastic about anything regarding space exploration and habitation. He is also very involved in the Space and Earth Analogs Research Chapter (SEARCH) of Purdue, where he is helping design the first student-led analog space habitat, with a focus on bioastronautics and bio-regenerative systems. An Eagle Scout of Troop 30 in Los Altos, California, he loves anything outdoors along with hiking, backpacking, and scuba diving. His favorite board game is Terraforming Mars.

Crew Journalist
Lipi Roy is a Master’s student in the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics at Purdue University. She received her bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, India, back in 2019. For a few years after that, she worked as a scientist in the Indian Space Research Organization where she contributed to crew module systems for the upcoming human space mission of India. She is passionate about building safe and optimal extra-terrestrial systems. Outside work, Lipi enjoys hiking, cooking, and playing music.

[title  Crew biographies, photos and mission patch – November 26th]

Crew HSO; Dulsaikhan "Duluu" Zorig:

I specialize in children’s dental care. My professional interests lie in promoting dental health. Since 2020, I’ve been part of the MARS-V program, initially as a member of the program development team. I’ve since taken on the role of leading the module development team.

Outside of work, I enjoy archery, a sport I began training in a year ago. My ambition is to compete in the 2028 World Olympics.

In 2020, I played a pivotal role in shaping the MARS-V analog station program, researching the various protocols used by MDRS. It’s been an exciting journey, and I’m thrilled to be a part of the 287th crew at the MDRS.

Crew Psychologist; Tungalag "Tungaa" Bat-Erdene:

I have a strong interest in business, especially in managing finances and investments, as well as planning strategies and projects. My studies in Business Administration have equipped me with the tools to find new and smart ways to work in these areas.

I’m also fascinated by the study of the mind. Over the last few years, I’ve been learning about psychology and how our brains work, which shows my broad range of interests.

I love tackling new challenges and learning new things, whether it’s in the business world or understanding human behavior. I’m all about getting better and broadening my knowledge.

Let’s discover and succeed together!

Crew Engineer; Munkh-Erdene "Muggi" Altankhuyag:

I work as an electrical engineer with a focus on designing electrical systems at Oyu Tolgoi, part of RioTinto LLC. Since 2021, I’ve been involved with the Mars-V project, where I’ve taken the lead on designing the mission command center and currently serve as the engineering specialist for the 287th crew.

Crew Commander; Enkhtuvshin "Dono" Doyodkhuu:

I have a background in astrophysics, and I’m fascinated by Mars’ evolution and its significance for astrobiology, space resource extraction, and its potential as a secondary home for humanity. Since joining the MARS-V project in 2020, I’ve been part of program development, technology, and foreign affairs teams. Currently, as the operations manager for MARS-V, I’m committed to advancing Mongolia’s contribution to space exploration. I’m excited to lead the 287th crew at the MDRS, where we’re experimenting with Mongolian freeze-dried meals, testing a newly developed Mars analog suit, and refining the MARS-V station program. This experience, alongside my fellow Mars enthusiasts at MDRS, promises to be a profound learning opportunity.

Crew Journalist; Munkhnaran "Sunny" Davaatseren:

I’m Sunny, and I lead the Human Resources for the MARS-V project back home in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. With my HR Management Master’s degree, I focus on guiding our team strategically while nurturing my love for community involvement and the great outdoors, especially hiking.

I played basketball competitively in school, which taught me a lot about working together and staying strong through challenges. These days, as a proud JCI Senator and the founder of the JCI Nomadic chapter, I work hard for community betterment and equal opportunities for all, especially in my role on the board of the JCI Women’s Club.

Whether I’m at work or volunteering, I’m all about creating spaces where everyone feels valued and making a difference that counts. Leading by example, I hope to motivate others to reach for their best and make an impact that matters.

Crew Geologist; Davaa-Ochir "Davaa" Dashbaatar:

As a Geologist and lead of projects with over 20 years of experience in Mongolia and Southeast Asia, my geology background has been a key asset in understanding planetary exploration and science. I have a deep understanding of the unique geological landscape of Mongolia and have leveraged this expertise to successfully lead teams in mineral exploration, development, and production. Throughout my career, I have been instrumental in developing and implementing strategic plans, optimizing operational processes, and building strong relationships with stakeholders for the mining projects. My ability to navigate complex regulatory and environmental challenges has enabled me to successfully deliver on projects and build a reputation as a trusted industry leader.

There are 4 main results we want to achieve by the end of the rotation:
Operate for 12 days according to the MARS-V analog station training program. Individually jot down all comments and improvements.
Make 3 freeze-dried recipes everyday for 2 weeks. Individually jot down all comments and improvements.
Take the MARS-V analog Mars suit and MDRS suit on every EVA. Individually jot down all comments and improvements.
Learn all that we can from MDRS.

Roger Gilbertson – Commander
Donald Jacques – Executive Officer, Crew Engineer
Liz Cole – Health & Safety Officer, Crew Journalist
Guillaume Gégo – Crew Scientist
Scott Beibin – Crew Astronomer, Artist In Residence
Hugo Saugier – Documentary Filmmaker

INTRODUCTION

The six person crew of MDRS 286 came from individual applicants and invited people. We represent a range of cultures, talents, experiences, backgrounds, and varied interests.

We plan to perform a good variety of projects; hard science of bacteria growth helpful for creating closed-loop life support systems, conducting advanced extended range EVA capabilities, technology demonstrations using in situ resources, and various artforms including music performance, videography, photography, and storytelling.

Additionally, we plan to host two visiting photographers and have invited them to remain “in sim” with us as much as physically possible. An educational outreach may be performed via a live link to science museums and/or Mars Society groups in Europe.

OUR PROJECTS

PROJECT 1: CO2 Fixation by Purple Bacteria for Space Food Production: A Comparison of Three Electron Sources & Terrestrial Applications.

Lead: Guillaume Gégo

Background: Master degree in Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology at UMONS, BE.

Process: The CO2PROT project aims to develop an efficient, sustainable and reliable Bacteriological Life Support System for manned space exploration using purple bacteria.

Purple bacteria are known for their metabolic heterogeneity, which allows for different compounds, like wastes or in situ resources, to be envisaged as substrates.
Among these, carbon dioxide remediation is by far the most attractive option, as it traps waste into potentially edible biomass. With the carbon source defined, multiple electron sources are available, but no comparative data has ever been accumulated to rule out the better option, would it be for space exploration or terrestrial applications.

In this study, three main metabolisms leading to CO2 fixation will be compared by studying the growth of purple bacteria model Rhodospirillum rubrum in:
Photoheterotrophy: High-electron-content volatile fatty acids (Butyrate/Valerate).
Photoautohydrogenotrophy: Hydrogen.
Photoautoelectrotrophy: Electron flux (current).
The bacteria will be grown inside low-cost bag photobioreactors to assess the possibility of mass-production in altered gravity, while reducing costs of terrestrial downfalls of the study. Analog missions are therefore ideal platforms to test if such installations are feasible on other planets. Since photoheterotrophy was already studied in another analog (AATC, Poland), photoautohydrogenotrophy will be tested at MDRS as a follow-up.
Deliverable: Master thesis mission report.

PROJECT 2: Performing Extended Extra-Vehicular Activities Using a Mobile Analog Space Habitat

Lead: Donald Jacques

Background: EVA’s at MDRS are constrained by the range of the rovers, time necessary to recharge the batteries, as well as the physical strain on participating crew members, exposed to the elements during travel, much less being able to replenish food, air, water during an extended EVA.

Process: For our MDRS Mission 286, we wish to include the MASH (Mobile Analog Space Habitat) in the mission simulation, for the purpose of an Extended Excursion EVA. The MASH vehicle is a former school bus converted into a mobile habitat with an integrated Ecological Life Support system including heating, cooling, food and water supply, and waste handling. The habitat and life support are powered by an on board solar array with battery backup, and can operate overnight as a shelter if the need arises. These qualities closely approximate the features that NASA is including in the SEV. Our purpose in incorporating the MASH is to assess and evaluate the Extended Excursion EVA for long duration exploration and science study as an adjunct to the science study of the EVA.

Deliverable: Final report, photos & video.

PROJECT 3: Creating High Resolution Interactive Digital Assets of MDRS and Local Geological Sites Using 3D Scanning techniques.

Lead: Scott Beibin

Background: LiDAR, Photogrammetry, Neural Radance Fields (NeRFs) and other techniques can be used for accurately creating detailed high resolution digital twins that can be utilized for remote study of objects and landscapes. This can include examining equipment that has undergone stresses (rocket motors, fuel tanks, protective shielding) and looking at geological features. The advantage of having high resolution scans is that there can be coordination of examinations between explorers on Mars as well as remote support teams on Earth and elsewhere. Currently I have been using a variety of LiDAR devices for my own archaeological explorations.

Process: This project proposes using multiple scanners and techniques to create digital twins of the equipment at the station as well as the station itself. Local geological features will also be scanned during EVAs.

Deliverable: 3D scans of varying resolutions will be created in order to be used in the MARS VR Project.

PROJECT 4: Producing Functional Artifacts Using Local Clay Resources and a 3D Extrusion Printer

Lead: Scott Beibin

Background: This project proposes collecting local clay and gypsum from the vicinity of MDRS and processing it into 3D printed objects intended for either durability or ecologically minded disposability. I have designed a 3D plotter/printer that will be used for this project (Mandelbot Ecotech SURFA2 Goostruder).

Process: Dry clay and gypsum will be gathered from geotagged local deposits during EVAs. The aggregate materials will be sifted from and examined for their various pozzolan qualities using a microscope as well as other tests. The materials will be reconstituted then printed using a 3D printer specifically designed for printing objects using clay, pastes and colloids.

Deliverable: A variety of 3D printed objects will be created either from digital twin LiDAR scans or creations within CAD software. This will include clay and/or gypsum planters for the Green Hab as well as molds for Project 5.

PROJECT 5: Using Local Gypsum Resources to Produce Molds for Metal Casting

Lead: Roger Gilbertson

Background: Residents of Mars will take advantage of local resources as much as possible. After fulfilling their original purposes, metal components of spaceships and other equipment brought from Earth can be melted and reformed into other useful items. The age-old techniques of mold making and metal casting will find new uses on Mars.

Process: This project proposes collecting local gypsum from the vicinity of MDRS, processing it into plaster (as demonstrated by previous MDRS missions), and using it to make molds for metal casting. The “original” form can be designed and 3D printed at MDRS, then used to make negative molds in plaster. Using low-temperature, non-toxic bismuth metal, we will demonstrate casting of small, complex metal components.

Deliverable: 3D original, plaster molds, metal castings, final assembled metal item, photos and videos.

PROJECT 6: Mars Academy – A Documentary Film About ESA Scientist Claude Chipaux and the Past, Present and Future of Mars Life Sciences

Lead: Hugo Saugier

Background: When my grandfather Claude died in 2010, I discovered that he was the founder of a research program of the European Space Agency, dedicated to the question of the autonomy of the crews of long journeys in space. I then understood that the popular figure of the high-tech astronaut is gradually changing, being replaced by a new kind of galactic explorers: astronaut-farmers. For a while, I didn’t know what to do with such a heritage, until I recently decided to write a movie about Mars dreamers in which my grandfather would be one of the characters.

Process: I will film the crew during its daily life in MDRS and do a sort of a travelog which will be useful for the writing of the movie. I want to collect the reality of each one’s experience. Collective moments, organization of the place, maintenance, etc, will be interesting moments to be filmed. As we’ll be simulating, I may want to add a bit of simulation by fictionalizing some scenes (for example during an EVA, doing an emergency situation). I want to show how we imagine living on Mars is. I will do individual interviews with each that wants, more in the shape of confessionals.

Deliverable: Documentary movie.

PROJECT 7: Simulating Acoustics of Mars for an Outdoor Martian Music Performance

Lead: Scott Beibin

Background: Using recordings from the electret microphone mounted on the Supercam on the Perseverance Rover a ground truth for the modeling of acoustic processes in the environment on Mars was characterized for the first time in the audible range and beyond (20 Hz to 50 kHz). SuperCam’s microphone recorded air pressure fluctuations from 20 Hz to 12.5 kHz or 50 kHz, at sampling rates of 25 kHz or 100 kHz. Recordings of the Ingenuity rotorcraft and laser-induced sparks were used as reference sources of sound.

It was discovered that:
– The acoustic impedance of the martian atmosphere results in approximately 20 dB weaker sounds on Mars than on Earth – if produced by the same source.
– The acoustic attenuation range on Mars was discovered to be roughly between 20Hz to 20kHz.
– Two different speeds of sound were observed on Mars. Low-pitched sounds travel at about 537 mph (240 meters per second), while higher-pitched sounds move at 559 mph (250 meters per second) because of the low-pressure 96 percent CO2-dominated atmosphere (compared to 0.04 percent CO2 on Earth).
– The atmospheric pressure on Mars is about 0.6 kPa (170 times lower than on Earth).

Process: Using the data that was published in Journal Nature [https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-022-04679-0] and on the Nasa website [https://mars.nasa.gov/mars2020/participate/sounds] I collaborated with audio engineer John Knott to create a filter in a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) that accurately simulates the way sound travels on Mars.

I composed two Ptelepathetique tracks to be performed on synthesizer at Barrainca Butte while on an EVA. The compositions were made to optimize for the way sound travels on Mars. In addition to the musical compositions, I will be exploring optimal frequency ranges that could be used for safety alerts and alarms for humans operating in a Martian environment.

Deliverable: High quality audio and video recordings of Ptelepathetique tracks will be recorded that compare the way the tracks will sound on Earth and Mars. These will be posted on social media accompanied by a story of the process.

PROJECT 8: Documenting the MDRS Mission 286 Adventure in Words and Images

Lead: Liz Cole

Background: Life in the constraints of the Martian environment requires a shift to more sustainable life support systems such as vegan and plant based food production and building with local resources. Crew 286 of MDRS is developing various technologies to support life on Mars while addressing Earth’s most pressing environmental problems. Documenting the crew conducting their research, EVAs and life throughout the course of the mission will highlight the work of researchers at MDRS.

Process: I will document the research and activities of the crew throughout the mission. I will weave the narrative of each sol in the daily journalist reports, including images and video captured by myself and other crew members. And I will write the final media reports for the mission. I will bring a Sony A7iii camera with standard and telephoto lenses for photo and video. Schedule allowing, I will conduct video interviews with crew members where they tell the story of their work. Post mission, I will compile a longer written piece exploring and explaining the experience of the mission and submit it for publication.

Deliverable: Daily Journalist reports, web postings for Mars Society, images, video.

PROJECT 9: Evaluating Performance of Biological Life Support Components Installed within the Mobile Analog Space Habitat

Lead: Donald Jacques

Background: A Biological Regenerative Life Support System needs to provide not only environmental support for a team, but a variety of food, water processing, and waste processing. The Mobile Analog Space Habitat is equipped with a min-farm containing many species that interact in order to process a circular economy of nutrients, water, wastes, and air.

Process: Measurements of environmental conditions, populations, general health, inputs to and outputs from each species will be recorded during the 14-day mission at intervals of morning, noon, and evening.

Positive results would include egg production from the quail, new fingerlings in the fish tank, measurable growth of the crop species, mealworms, red worms, and measurable output of oxygen from algae tubes.

Deliverable: Final report, photos & video.

ADDITIONAL / OPTIONS

Participation by some crew members in the research study conducted by Andres Käosaar into “teamwork in isolated, confined, and extreme environments.”

Photography of night sky, using time lapse, wide lens, and telescopic imaging.

Videography of Mars-like surface environments and astronaut activities.

Gather notes for design of a Mars-Earth Situational Awareness (MESA) informational website.

Hosting of two guest New York Times photojournalists (for 4 nights).

Possible educational link-up Belgian science center and Mars Society of France.

Thanksgiving on Mars.

[title 

Crew biographies, photos and mission patch – November 12th]

BIO – Roger G. Gilbertson

PAST

I studied Aerospace at USC, switched to robotics and film/video at Hampshire College. Joined a Silicon Valley startup, then started an internet and robotics business (Mondo-tronics and RobotStore.com) with friends. We contributed a tiny, unique “Muscle Wire” component to the Mars Pathfinder Sojourner Rover. After selling the business to a key supplier, I became the first full time “media guy” at SpaceX, sharing the adventure starting with Falcon 1 Flight 3, through Dragon arriving at the ISS, and the first successful reentry of a Falcon 9 first stage (2007-2014).
Have since worked on various documentary films, new articles, and non-fiction and fiction stories. Some of my research led to a TEDx talk <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HytJn6uaRk> now with more than 1.3 million views.

PRESENT

I’m married, father of four kids now aged 21 to 34. (When they were younger, I got to take each of them to Parent-Child Space Camp.) I live in Los Angeles with my wife, and in March 2023 we returned from a month exploring the history and mysteries of Egypt and Jordan.

MISSION

For our upcoming mission I’m eager to explore the range of projects we have lined up—from the science of life-supporting bacteria, to the sounds of music on the Martian surface.

MARS
I’ve been a huge fan of space exploration and Mars for as long as I can remember. As a Mars Society “Mars Ambassador” I have been developing a series of talks / short videos with the theme “What I Love Most About Living on Mars.” The presentations are given by a Mars settler from the near future when there are around 10,000 humans on the Red Planet. The goal is to make Mars a “real place” in people’s minds, especially today’s youngsters who will lead our settlement efforts.

BIO – Donald Jacques

PAST

I have enjoyed multiple careers over the years: USAF, Ballroom Dance Teacher, Author of three novels, Electrician, Commercial Maintenance. I even had the auspicious opportunity to portray Duckie, the Maintenance Chief for Luna City in an Arizona State University theater production. For the past 10 years I have served as Chief Scientist of EarthSeed, Inc researching Compact Biological Life Support. (www.EarthSeed.Space)

The culmination of the research is the Mobile Analog Space Habitat (MASH), a 40 ft mobile habitat built on a school bus as a living space for one person. It was built to develop the baselines, and foundation for a scalable biological life support system for Earth and Space. The MASH contains kitchen and living quarters, plus a small workshop, and mini-farm (fishpond, garden, chicken coop, algae PBRs, composting toilet, and distillation gray-water recovery).

In December 2022, I retired from my handyman business after 20 years to accept a Site Manager position at MDRS from Jan-Mar of 2023. As Crew Engineer, I come with a solid foundation in the systems that will sustain us during our mission.

I have added an EarthSeed Brochure-MASH.pdf to the group’s shared folder.

PRESENT

My home base is the home of one of my daughters in central Utah. I just completed my 2nd cross-country, shake-out cruise in the MASH. My first stop was the Analog Astronaut Conference held at Biosphere2 near Tucson, AZ where I presented “The Application of Integrated Biological Life Support components in the Analog.”

During the rest of the journey, I visited the Tucson Air Museum, Houston Space Center, had the opportunity to take a swamp tour in Louisiana, helped my friend set up her RV in Waxau, North Carolina, then a two week visit with another daughter and kids in Kentucky, and finally back to Utah.

I hope to complete needed repairs and upgrades in time for our mission in November.

MISSION

Like a few of you, this will be my first opportunity to be part of an analog crew, and I am looking forward to serving, and getting to know you all. It is my hope to bring a prototype of our Biological Life Support unit for testing in the hab environment during the mission.

SPACE AND… OUT THERE
I can remember being glued to the tv as a young boy watching the first lunar landing, and the excitement of that event has been at my core for these many decades. My dream is not to just get… somewhere. My dream is to spend time on each of the following destinations: Moon, Mars, Calypso, Ganymede, and Titan. SpaceX has given us reusable rockets, and made Mars more reachable than ever. It is my belief that we will achieve some form of a star-drive by the time we reach Titan. I want to be on that ship to the stars.

BIO – Elizabeth Jane Cole

PAST

I co-founded a speakers bureau that represents leading thinkers, scientists and artists for public appearances in academic, institutional and experiential arts oriented venues, film, publishing, advisory services and more worldwide (eviltwinbooking.org). Occasionally covered art, technology and robotics for WIRED Magazine, and produced a podcast for the Love and Radio series.

PRESENT

Manage Evil Twin Booking, a speakers bureau that advances new ideas while transforming culture.

Media strategy, concept development and creative consulting for live events and organizations. With collaborators and like-minded organizations, we sometimes develop the concept and scripts and provide media strategy for live events and actions that draw media attention to critical issues, and that have occasionally led to policy changes in domestic and international law.

I’m driven by curiosity to video document the Starship Integrated Flight Test and capture scans of antiquities in upper and lower Egypt with Scott Beibin.

MISSION

I am excited to join MDRS crew 286 as Crew Journalist.

As part of my involvement, I will be documenting the crew’s experiences throughout the analog mission, for the purpose of highlighting MDRS as a resource for researchers and aspiring astronauts alike, to inspire future analog astronauts to stay curious and keep exploring, and inspiring and informing the public about analog astronauts, exploring Mars, and human spaceflight in general. I’m excited to assist with the Green Hab to explore growing edible crops to support physical fitness on future long term space travel.

BIO – Guillaume Gégo

PAST
In a quest to quench my thirst for space-related biological endeavors, as well as a never-ending ambition to become an astronaut, I stumbled upon European Space Agency’s “MELiSSA projet” (Micro-Ecological Life Support System Alternative) during a public conference given 5 years ago by Dr. Baptiste Leroy at the University of Mons while working on a school project.

That steppingstone was what convinced me to continue my projects during a "second last year of secondary school" at SFDCI in Smiths Falls, ON, Canada. While having automotive and programming classes, I worked on the spiritual child of my old project and presented it at the St-Lawrence Regional Science Fair (https://www.owensoundsuntimes.com/news/local-news/gallery-onward-to-mars-by-way-of-fredericton/wcm/b367933a-394f-427b-9a54-a0f1814ed243/amp). To my delight, I got selected to go to the Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF 2019) to present my project, which was called "Growing Plants on Mars: A Computer Simulation" (https://www.insideottawavalley.com/news-story/9339320-smiths-falls-high-school-student-headed-to-canada-wide-science-fair-for-out-of-this-world-simulation/).

When I came back to Belgium, I pursued my education at UMons as a biologist while waiting to seize the chance to work on space-related projects. I worked over the summer on ESA’s Astroplant at the Proteomics and Microbiology lab under the supervision of Dr. Ruddy Wattiez, got to teach English and Botany classes as an assistant, and started diving lessons.

PRESENT
5 years after the original MELiSSA conference, I finally managed to get a Master internship position at the MELiSSA Pilot Plant (https://www.melissafoundation.org/page/melissa-pilot-plant#:~:text=The%20MELiSSA%20Pilot%20Plant%20(MPP,in%20Universitat%20Aut%C3%B2noma%20de%20Barcelona) in Barcelona, Spain, from the 6th of February till the 6th of August 2023. I’m now two months in this beautiful endeavor and mainly focusing on these three topics:
Continuous operation of bench-scale bioreactors for urea and organic acid degradation of synthetic urine
Shake flask characterization of the bacterial consortium used in Compartment 3 of the MELiSSA loop
MATLAB + SIMULINK modeling of single-strain kinetics of C3 bacterial consortium

MISSION
I applied to many analogs this year and this will be my second in chronological order, the first one taking place in Poland’s Analog Astronaut Training Center.
The CO2PROT project I will develop during both analogs aims to assess the possibility of:
Using bacteria (L. indica, R. capsulatus…) to remove CO2 from the confined environment of the analog mission. The fixation of CO2 within the bacteria will produce high-protein novel food with other health benefits, while avoiding the loss of organic matter, and also reducing the energy required for CO2 removal.
Assess the feasibility of a bench scale photobioreactor made during the analog mission, with limited control on the axenicity of the bioreactor itself, since the analog is a “scarce” environment with less equipment compared to a fully-fledged lab.
Test out the edibility of the biomass produced if allowed by the analog’s guidelines.
UPDATE: DETAILS OF THE MASTER THESIS
Promoters (scientific-administrative co-supervision): M. Leroy & M. Wattiez
Subject: CO2 fixation by purple bacteria for the production of "Novel Food" for space exploration and terrestrial application: comparison of three electron sources.
Experiments planned:
o Study of the growth of:
o Rhodospirillum rubrum in volatile fatty acids with high electron content (Butyrate/Valerate) = photoheterotrophy. Dimension applied in analogous low-cost missions to add practical added value to the brief. Allows exploration of Novel-food applications for space exploration.
o Rhodobacter capsulatus in the presence of hydrogen = photoautohydrogenotrophy. Laboratory internship in collaboration with Siegfried Vlaeminck (UAnvers) and/or Gabriel Capson-Tojo (Université de Narbonne).
o Rhodovulum sp or Rhodopseudomonas palustris in the presence of electron flow = photoauto "electro "trophy. Laboratory collaboration with Arpita Bose (St. Louis University).
o Comparison of the interest of the three systems (qualitatively and quantitatively) on the following points:
o Biomass composition and characteristics:
o Protein composition: is it close to egg (ideal protein for humans)? Does it vary according to the electron source chosen? Analysis of free or polymerized aa (in total biomass). Via protein assay and aa analyzer.
o Pigment composition: nature via absorbance spectrum analysis (carotenoids and bacteriochlorophyll).
o Lipid composition: quantitative via kits, natural via mass spectrometry.
o Antioxidant composition.
o Additional interest: LDL cholesterol, etc…
o Study of CO2 fixation rates for the three systems, as well as the rate of assimilation of electron sources:
o Efficiency of CO2 metabolism.
o Analysis of other sources of CO2.
o Human respiration in confined spaces
o Biogas 50/50 CO2/Methane from bacterial digestion of agri-food digestate.
o Efficient use of electron source and economic/ecological interest.
o Fatty acids/Industrial molasses.
o Hydrogen.
o Electron flow.
o Justification of the use of these electron sources in the context of:
o Space exploration (CO2 remediation + novel-food).
o Feed production (livestock/pets).
o Food production (human).
o Which system is more profitable?
o Economically/ecologically/food-wise?

FUTURE
Master thesis, PhD and working around the MELiSSA technology + ESA Young graduate trainee programme.

BIO – Scott Beibin

PAST

Space exploration and aerospace engineering have both been deep passions of mine since early childhood. Early in life I picked up hobbies of model rocketry and astronomy. I would also build machines, take apart radios and generally play with electronics. Thanks to encouragement from my parents and teachers, I managed to become an early attendee of Space Camp in Huntsville AL (1984 & 1985). I believed then that I would eventually work in aerospace or the hard sciences based upon my interests, however life ended up taking me along interesting twists and turns.

My academic career focused on Anthropology and Archaeology, however I eventually quit university while I was running my punk / emo / screamo record label, Bloodlink Records. I became more deeply involved in Do-It-Yourself culture, environmental and social activism, collectives and cooperatives, built large puppets for protests, distributed free vegan food in my city, helped start a pirate radio station, and found myself co-founding the Lost Film Festival which I toured around the globe with as the host, presenter and VJ. I eventually co-founded the Evil Twin Booking Agency as a spin off project of Lost Film Fest with Elizabeth Jane Cole where we continue to participate in organizing live speaking events around the globe for a roster of amazing people. In 2009 my interest in the sciences and engineering were rekindled. I put together a new stage performance called Scientists Are The New Rockstars that gave me the impetus to start deeply researching my interests, and dove into developing eco-technologies and open source hardware – including robotic plotters and 3D printers. I also began to design 3D printable buildings intended to be constructed with natural materials – both for earth and offworld. I also began experimenting with surface mount Brain Computer Interface devices and building bicycle powered generators for off-grid electrical production.

PRESENT

Currently, my life is immersed in Liberation Ecotech based creative projects which I use to feed into my primary goal of designing ecologically sound technologies with respect to collectivism and individual freedom (I deeply believe this will be valuable to our human civilization in a changing Earth environment and settlement in Space.) I live off-grid in the city of Philadelphia. My main projects, Mandelbot Ecotech* and AncientScan** have emerged from my traveling science comedy performance I’ve done since 2009 called Groucho Fractal aka Scientists Are The New Rockstars – which features my inventions and has the goal of making STEAM education fun and accessible. I experiment with audio resonance research via my compositional music project, Ptelepathetique. I also contribute to various open source and decentralized tech projects. My multidisciplinary approach to projects has been deeply inspired by minds such as Nikola Tesla, Buckminster Fuller and Gene Roddenberry.

[* Mandelbot Ecotech has produced the Mandelbot SURFA (Scalable Universal Robotic Frame Assembly) and Mandelbot HAB, a 3D ecotecture printer for natural building projects. Other projects within the framework include flying electric vehicles and atmospheric water generation units.]
[** Ancientscan, uses LiDAR, audio recording and spectral analysis with the purpose of reverse engineering the technological feats of past civilizations. ]

MISSION

During MDRS mission 286 I will conduct research on several fronts.

As the acting Crew Astronomer I will be responsible for operating the robotic telescope and doing astrophotography in addition to my crewmates, Roger Gilbertson and Liz Cole.

I plan to conduct research on the behavior of sound in a low air pressure and Carbon Dioxide rich Martian atmosphere. To do this I will be using a custom built software filter that I collaborated on the design of with professional audio engineer, John Knott. The parameters for the filter were sourced from the paper published by NASA in Journal Nature which revealed the findings about acoustics on Mars based upon data gathered by the Perseverance Rover. My research will culminate in a Ptelepathetique concert performed in a valley at sunset during an EVA in which the sound of Mars will be simulated and recorded through our filter. Simultaneously, an unfiltered version will be recorded in order to compare the sounds later. The sounds will be recorded both within the software and using precision microphones that will serve various recording purposes – including the Zylia ZM-1 which will be used to record ambisonically. I will produce a video to talk about the process which will be released on various social media platforms.

In addition to experiments with sound, I will be utilizing my invention, the Mandelbot SURFA2 to print objects using locally found clay and gypsum found in the vicinity of the MDRS. I will also mke vegan snacks for the crew.

I plan to scan the geographic surroundings of MDRS using precision LiDAR, as well as recording sounds by utilizing various microphones and a Geophone – with the goal of contributing data to the ongoing MDRS VR project.

MARS (OR BUST!)

My intense fascination with Mars started as a small child. I remember being intrigued by the photos that came back from the Viking 1 mission. I kept a newspaper clipping of the desolate Mars landscape in my bedroom which fueled my imagination and desire to one day visit the Red Planet. Over the years I would keep up with developments from NASA and other space agencies and wondered if I would be able to visit Mars in my lifetime even though I had not taken the traditional path toward working in aerospace.

While touring with my various projects, I was lucky enough to have friends who worked in the labs at Carnegie Mellon University where I would visit full scale models and prototypes of Mars Rovers Spirit and Opportunity. I was also able to observe the Curiosity and Perseverance Rovers while they were being assembled at JPL. I’ve closely followed development of the Mars-bound SpaceX Starship program and have attended several of the rocket launches. Over the years I have developed an intense desire to spend time on a Mars analog mission and even tried to visit the Hi-Seas research station on Big Island in Hawaii – but it was not to be, due to the eruption of Mauna Loa. Instead of visiting the station I made LiDAR scans of the surrounding volcanic environment near the entrance, which has inspired the LiDAR scanning part of my mission that I will do while at MDRS.

BIO – Hugo Saugier

Born in 1992, I grew up between the French mountains of Vercors and Hautes-Alpes. A few years ago, I looked up at the Pic de Bure astronomical observatory, perched above my village, and I realized the edifying connection between its work on the origins of the world and its involvement in a series of cable car accidents that hit the territory. This sudden awareness in this setting so ordinary to me inspired me with the idea of a first documentary film, La première étoile.

This long-term work gradually arouses in me a curiosity for the stories and representations that we invent to connect to the world, and more particularly the imaginary fantasies that can bring out from situations of isolation. Later, I realized the links between these themes and my personal trajectory, by taking an interest in the visionary thought of my grandfather Claude Chipaux, a wacky aerospace engineer who dreamed of growing plants on Mars, who was also a collector of Malabar images and oranges papers, and trade unionist engaged against one of France’s biggest industrial groups. From there begins Mars Academy, a second film project for which I am preparing to share this experience with you all in the depths of Utah.

Through my audiovisual studies and then in an art school, where I had performance work on the very materiality of the video media, I also consider cinema as an element that can extend and be intertwined in other accomplishments. The creation and the video management in the theater field therefore allow me to link the image to what can come alive outside its frame, in the space and the temporality of the live performance. Finally, I am one of the initiators of Échos, an improvised music festival where the sound is broadcasted by giant horns in a mountain valley with unique acoustics, a device allowing there too a listening that goes beyond the frontality of the concert.

Website (in french) : https://hugosaugier.fr/

Mission Plan

Commander David Mateus
Executive Officer and Astronomer Luis Diaz
Health and Safety Officer Andrea De La Torre
Crew Engineer Tomas Burroni
Green Hab Officer Andres Reina
Crew Journalist Marina Busqueras

A diverse Hispanic crew, hailing from various countries across Latin America including Spain, embarks on a mission to the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS), a terrestrial analogue for Mars exploration. This mission is of paramount importance, as it not only underscores the universality of space exploration but also represents a significant step towards equitable participation in human spaceflight. By involving the Hispanic community in such missions, we foster inclusivity and expand the talent pool, drawing on the unique perspectives and expertise that diverse individuals bring to the table. Furthermore, it serves as an inspiration to underrepresented groups, encouraging their engagement in STEM fields and space exploration, ultimately enhancing innovation and the long-term sustainability of our journey to the stars.
Below, we present the projects that the crew members will be working on:
Project 1:
The continuity of the power generation system in a Martian station is of critical importance for crew survival. This means that all single point failure parts within this system must go through preventive maintenance. This strategy seeks to detect and isolate possible faults before they cause unrecoverable failures. One key component in MDRS is the diesel power generator, which as most combustion engines, is subject to constant vibration loads that degrade the parts over its lifetime. These vibrations can be measured via a set of sensors, namely accelerometers and ultrasonic microphones, and their data used to construct a characteristic signature. By monitoring this signature over time we hope to be able to generate early alerts for the crew to realize that maintenance is needed and avoid power outages.
Project 2:
During the early years of Martian settlements there will likely not be a global navigation system available as the ones we have on Earth. Therefore, reliable methods of geolocation must be developed and kept as backups to ensure that crewmembers can always return safely to base. We can assume that the areas surrounding the base will be photographed and mapped by satellites before settlement. We propose a solution to the case where a crew is lost far enough from the station such that a drone’s range/autonomy is not sufficient to find the way back. This proposal consists of using the drone to capture an image from above of where the crew is located, and then matching the picture to the satellite image database to pinpoint the location and relative orientation towards the station.
Project 3:
The research project carried out at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) of October 29 to November 11, by Crew 285, focuses on development and implementation of a safety and rescue protocol during research outings extravehicular (EVA) under simulated Mars conditions.
The main objective of this project is to guarantee the safety of the crew members, establishing clear and effective procedures for cases of loss of communication between the members who are abroad and those at the base.
A drone will be used for search and rescue, along with specific signs of communication (indications), ensuring that all crew members are properly trained and prepared to face emergency situations in an environment analogous to Mars.
It is important to use clear and easy to understand visual and auditory methods.
Sequence of Movements for each signal:
Rescue Request Signal:
The crew member in distress activates a rescue request signal, a flash of light or a specific sound signal.
– Sequence: The drone makes a circular or elliptical pattern in the air to indicate that it has received the rescue request signal.
– Meaning: This circular or elliptical pattern would indicate to the crew member in distress that the drone has received the request and is preparing for the rescue.
Position Signal:
The drone marks the GPS coordinates of the base or the crew member in distress to know her exact location. On the drone operator screen.
– Sequence: The drone performs an up and down movement pattern 3 times.
– Meaning: This would indicate to the crew member her exact location and facilitates his identification on the ground.
Direction Sign:
The drone uses patterns to indicate the direction in which the distressed crew member should move to be safely picked up.
– Sequence: The drone makes a starting movement, zigagagar and in a straight line towards the direction in which the crew member in distress must move to be picked up.
– Meaning: These movements would clearly indicate to the crew member the direction in which he should move to meet the drone and be rescued safely.
Project 4:
A drone project for prior observation and research (image collection) of a Martian area, and to prevent incidents in the EVA (Extravehicular Activity) of the Crew 285.
Project to ensure the safety and success of the EVAs by providing valuable information about the exploration area (images and videos).
The objectives of observation and investigation, such as identifying places of interest, evaluating security and ground conditions, or search for key resources.
To observe ground conditions, or search for key resources: we must use satellite images to collect data from Martian areas and then collect precise coordinates for drone use.
By combining satellite information with data collected by the drone, we will obtain a more complete and detailed view of the region of interest.
Capturing these images could reveal crucial information about the presence of water, organic compounds or other essential elements.
Project 5
For several years, experiences and results from various Mars analog missions conducted have been documented through various written records such as summaries and journalistic reports. This current study aims to undertake an exercise that enables the creation of categories for the qualitative analysis of sociocultural dynamics within these settings, with the goal of establishing recommendations for future space travel processes. In this regard, the proposed interpretive categories are intended to serve as a methodological tool for identifying, based on patterns and unique aspects within the texts, variations in the social dynamics of the crew. This, in turn, allows for the discovery of factors that may either enhance or hinder social behaviors that can positively or negatively impact the success of a space mission.
Simultaneously, the study seeks to develop a data extraction methodology for the sociological and anthropological analysis of experiences in analog simulations. By consolidating these social analysis categories, the methodology can be applied in similar real-world space environments to gather relevant information regarding human interpersonal aspects in outer space.
Project 6
Scientific Background
The colonization of Mars implies to a great extent the use of Martian resources. The great cost of sending a kilogram of payload to the red planet makes us see the great utility of using Martian soil to produce materials that can be useful for various activities. In particular, I consider the construction and obtaining of fuels and other products. At the 2016 IAC held in Guadalajara, Elon Musk announced his interplanetary transport system, in which he proposed the idea of obtaining fuel directly from the Martian environment and thus recovering enough to return to Earth. This technology, in diapers still, implies not only chemical processes that must be carried out in situ, but also the use and design of technology and tools that astronauts will have to manipulate.
The challenge
The challenge is to find the raw materials in the Martian environment, verify that the product obtained is the desired one and produce it in the required quantities.
Also, it is necessary to achieve the optimal design for the tools that will be used by astronauts for these purposes.
Proposed Solution
The initial phase of the project involves creating an observational characterization of various types of soils to identify their solid properties relevant to construction material production. Once this data is collected, it will undergo analysis, and subsequently, the production tools will be put into operation.
Project 7
PROPOSAL FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
Luis Diaz (Peru) – Astronomer & Executive Officer – Crew 285
Mars Desert Research Station, Utah, USA
SCIENTIFIC BACKGROUND:
Traditionally, false color techniques in deep space photography have relied on expensive specialized filters to capture the wavelengths of hydrogen-alpha, oxygen-III, and sulfur-II. These three elements are notably abundant, especially in nebulae, in space, making them crucial for monochromatic camera-based imaging. However, alternative methods have emerged for achieving similar results with single-shot color cameras, using narrowband dual-channel filters to extract hydrogen-alpha and oxygen-III signals.
THE CHALLENGE:
The challenge is to develop a false colorization method that can replicate the results achieved with expensive narrowband filters using a monochromatic camera, but this time exclusively utilizing standard LRGB filters. Unlike the traditional approach, this method does not involve the use of filters designed to restrict light pollution. Consequently, it is only applicable in areas with low Bortle scale ratings or requires extensive post-processing to mitigate light pollution contamination.
PROPOSED SOLUTION:
The proposed solution involves the exploration of mathematical operations applied to each color channel in an attempt to mimic the results traditionally obtained with specialized filters. The primary goal is to replicate iconic palettes like the Hubble palette using only LRGB filters with a monochromatic
camera. The process will involve careful mathematical adjustments to each color channel to create a false color image that captures the essence of the hydrogen-alpha, oxygen-III, and sulfur-II signals without the need for narrowband filters. Special attention will be given to the processing techniques required to mitigate light pollution when working in areas with higher levels of light contamination. This approach aims to provide an economical and accessible way for astrophotographers to create stunning deep space images without the need for costly specialized filters.
The following targets have been simulated in Stellarium with the MDRS location and nighttime date and time ranges during my rotation to confirm that there will be a wide window of time to capture them; Likewise, it has been validated that the size of each objective can fit perfectly into the focal ratio of the telescope and the size of the camera sensor:
Main objectives to test the method:
– Veil Nebula
– Orion Nebula
– Heart Nebula
– Horsehead Nebula.
– Rosette Nebula
Additional Objectives:
– Helix Nebula
– Crescent nebula.
– Pleiades
Targets to be processed with normal LRGB signal:
– Andromeda
– Star clusters
– Others

INSTITUTIONAL AFFILIATION:
Astronomical Association of Trujillo (ATA)
Astronomy Club of the National University of Trujillo