Expedition-Mars.org: Expedition Beta to the Mars Desert Research Station

Expedition Beta - Frequently Asked Questions

What is Expedition Beta?

Expedition Beta is a training and research mission to the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) in Utah. The purpose of Expedition Beta is to expose researchers to the facilities and environment typically available in a Mars analog setting, to cross-train participants in several exploration-related disciplines outside of their particular specialization, and to certify new recruits for participation in future large-scale research expeditions. Five research projects will be completed investigating issues of psychology, geology, biology, station energy utilization, and communications coverage. Expedition Beta will be the second in a series of training missions, building on the success of 2004's Expedition Alpha to MDRS and previous large-scale research missions such as 2003's Expedition One to MDRS and 2004's Expedition Two to Arkaroola, Australia. Successful participants of the training series will have the opportunity to contribute to future large-scale expeditions being planned for the Canadian Arctic, Iceland and Chile's Atacama Desert, among other locations.

How long is Expedition Beta?

Expedition Beta will last approximately two weeks. All crewmembers must be available for the entire two-week duration.

When is Expedition Beta?

The Expedition will take place sometime in December 2005 or early 2006, depending on crew availability.

What's the difference between the "full-scale Research" and "Training" expeditions?

As currently envisioned by MSC, Research expeditions (such as Expedition One and Expedition Two) are typically no less than one month in duration and focus specifically on attaining specific goals as laid out in R. Persaud, "A Systematic Approach to Studies at the Mars Analog Research Stations", Martian Expedition Planning (ed. C. Cockell), AAS, 2004.

The two-week Training expeditions (such as Expedition Alpha and Beta) are intended to enable participants to become proficient with equipment, operations and protocols typically used on MSC-led missions in analogue environments so that more time during Research expeditions can be devoted to accomplishing the stated goals. The Training expeditions offer researchers the opportunity to ‘debug’ their methodologies so that future work during large-scale missions can be better tailored to specific environmental parameters and constraints. In addition, the Training expeditions provide an opportunity for participants to cross-train in several planetary exploration-related fields such as geology, biology, operations and human factors.

Note that only those individuals with experience working at a Mars analog site (eg: MDRS, F-MARS, etc.) will be considered for an invitation to contribute to future MSC-led full-scale Research expeditions.

What is the Mars Desert Research Station?

The Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) is a facility intended to support Mars analog field studies. A Mars analog is any environment that has features similar to what is found on Mars (in terms of geology, topography, etc). MDRS is one of a series of stations offering researchers the opportunity to carry out their work in a remote, Mars-like environment, to better understand how people will be able to live and work effectively on the Red Planet.

How do I get to the Mars Desert Research Station?

All crewmembers are expected to arrange their own travel to (and from) Salt Lake City, Utah. Travel between Salt Lake City and MDRS (near Hanksville) will be arranged by MSC. Travel between Salt Lake City and the crewmember's home country is the responsibility of each crewmember and must be self-funded or supported by outside sponsors / institutions.

Where is Hanksville?

Hanksville is about a 5-hour drive South of Salt Lake City.

Where will we get our food?

The crew will first have to decide what kind of food it wants for the expedition, however this will likely consist of a combination of freeze dried/ready to eat meals and fresh food obtained in Salt Lake City before departure for MDRS.

Where will we get our water?

Water is trucked in from Hanksville and is available for drinking, washing and other sanitary needs.

Where do the crewmembers sleep?

MDRS is equipped with 6 'staterooms', which provide a place for each crewmember to store their personal effects, sleep, change, read, etc. However, it is highly unlikely that crewmembers will have enough 'free time' to read.

What do I have to pay for?

Crewmembers will be responsible for arranging and funding travel between Salt Lake City and their home country, and will be required to pay for all food consumed. Reimbursements will be made for travel between Salt Lake City and MDRS, in addition to accomodation for one night in Salt lake City at the beginning and end of the expedition. Additional time spent in Salt Lake City will be at the crewmember's expense. It is highly encouraged that crewmembers seek sponsorship from outside institutions.

What kind of weather should I expect, and what should I bring?

Please refer to the Crew Resources section for current weather conditions in Hanksville and for Personal Pack list information. At the time of the expedition, the weather will typically be in the -10C range at night, and crewmembers should be prepared for snow and rain.

Is there a computer at MDRS that I can use, or should I bring my own?

MDRS has one notebook computer, however it is strongly recommended that you bring your own computer for correspondance, report writing and data analysis.

Is it dangerous in the desert at MDRS? What should I expect?

Cougar (moutain lion) tracks, scorpions, rattle snakes and spiders have all been spotted in the MDRS environment. However, any danger is significantly reduced by following simple safety precautions as outlined in the Operations Manual. In addition, the instructors (both veterans of previous expeditions to MDRS) and the Health and Safety Officer are all trained in First Aid and have access to a wide assortment of treatments for stings, bites, and other accidents.

Who are the Instructors? Have they done this before?

Please see their bios for more information.

Is there Internet/Phone access in the hab?

Internet access is provided via satellite link. There is no phone service, and cell phone coverage is generally not available.

What kind of training will the expedition involve?

An official training schedule has yet to be finalized, however the following items will be included:

training on hab systems, suit donning/doffing, airlock procedures for sim and non-sim situations, ATV safety and use.
familiarization with what research has been accomplished so far at MDRS.
familiarization with typical technical problems at MDRS.
dialogue with the Remote Science Team and the Mission Support Team through email procedures, photo captioning and upload procedures, and report writing.
training on EVA operations using geology data-gathering protocols and traverse planning methodoligies our colleagues have established for a scouting and mapping campaign.
practice in biology protocols our colleagues have established.
sample handling and archiving procedures.
planning your own exploration program -- research goal-setting, daily EVA and hab scheduling, resource management, data-archiving, reporting and analysis, etc.

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