There are a number of questions in which the Expedition can address, and for which we are seeking research proposals. Not all questions will be addressed, but opportunities are available in:

Human Factors / Psychology

Expedition One will make a first cut of applicants from data submitted for their personality questionnaires and skills descriptions, as well as personal interviews. This data could be correlated with a post-Expedition analysis of crew performance to examine if the crew selection process was effective and what personalities functioned best in which situations. As much as possible we will train crewmembers for videography work, GIS work, habitat systems maintenance, as well as spacesuit, rover and datalogger use before the Expedition is launched. Support will be conducted on site by the Mission Systems Crew, and remotely by Mission Support in Toronto. Research proposals from scientists who may or may not wish to be part of the on-site crew are encouraged to make use of this data. Detailed requirements for obtaining the data needed is mandatory will the initial application.

Field Operations

Phases One and Two will be focused on the use of EVA tools, instruments and technologies, and EVA science operations. Proposals are sought for specific experiments that may be done on an EVA by EVA basis. During the Expedition there will be two types of spacesuits, two analog rovers, EVA dataloggers and geological, geophysical and biological instruments.

Geology

Phase 3 will allow the opportunity for geologists to conduct Mars-analog geological studies.

Biology / Micropaleontology

Phase 3 will allow the opportunity for biologists and micro-paleontologists to conduct Mars-analog studies focusing on discovering and characterizing life in the desert environment.

Geophysics

Phase 3 will allow the opportunity for geophysicists to conduct Mars-analog geophysical studies.

Geochemistry

Phase 3 will allow the opportunity for geochemists to conduct Mars-analog geochemical surveys.

Engineering / Technology

Phase 1 and 2 will allow the opportunity for engineers to conduct tests of tools, technologies, and instruments developed for aiding field exploration. Specific areas of focus will be on spacesuit functionality, EVA dataloggers, Mars analog pressurized rovers, and scientific instruments.

Mission Support

Phase 3 will allow the opportunity for study of interactions between mission support and the crew.

Other Opportunities

In addition to the three main questions described on the Science Plan page, proposals may be submitted for any of the following questions:

4) What is the explanation for apparent fluvial features on the surface of Mars? The desert geology around MDRS is a water-stressed environment directly applicable to Mars analog studies.

This type of Mars-analog study is dependent on identification of locations and environments in the area that are in some way analogous to locations and environments on Mars. Those interested in this question would be welcomed to apply for Phase 3 and Phase 4.

5) What can studies of the soils and dust around MDRS tell us about their properties on Mars, and about wind and water erosion?

Those interested in this question would be welcomed to apply for Phase 3 and 4.

6) What can we learn by comparison of the sedimentary rocks around MDRS and on Mars?

Those interested in this question would be welcomed to apply for Phase 3 and 4.

7) What can we learn of the age and the chronological record in the area?

Those interested in this question would be welcomed to apply for Phase 3 and 4.

8) What can we learn of the local and regional tectonic history?

Those interested in this question would be welcomed to apply for Phase 3 and 4.

9) What is the history of life in the area?

Those interested in this question would be welcomed to apply for Phase 3 and 4.

10) How did the area evolve climatically?

Those interested in this question would be welcomed to apply for Phase 3 and 4.

11) What is the capacity for microbial life to thrive in the area?

Those interested in this question would be welcomed to apply for Phase 3 and 4.

12) Are there useful chemical, mineralogical and hydrological resources?

Those interested in this question would be welcomed to apply for Phase 3 and 4.

13) Can aquifers be detected in the subsurface and accessed?

Those interested in this question would be welcomed to apply for Phase 3 and 4.

14) Can carbonates and evaporites be detected?

Those interested in this question would be welcomed to apply for Phase 3 and 4.

15) How many of the previous questions can be answered robotically before a human mission, and how many will be dependent on one?

This question is probably beyond the scope of the Expedition, but proposals for this work would be welcomed.

16) What is the best tools and method for determining the stratigraphy of a sedimentary deposit on Mars?

This question can be considered for Phase 2.

17) How are the best samples obtained for surface and subsurface rocks and minerals?

This question can be considered for Phase 2.

18) What is the best method for documenting where samples are obtained and their geological context?

This question can be considered for Phase 1 and 2 scouting.

19) How many astronauts are needed for any task, and is it necessary only experts who understand the scientific basis perform those tasks or can the activity be performed with the trained assistance of non-experts?

This question can be examined using data accumulated throughout the Expedition, but we will focus on it for several EVAs of Phase 1 and 2.

20) What information is needed in the field, and in what form (hardcopy or electronic) is this usefully available?

This question can be considered throughout the Expedition. Data can be obtained through debriefing.

21) Is it necessary that outside observers evaluate the effectiveness of field procedures, or are the participating astronauts observing their own operations sufficient?

This question can be answered by comparing what human factors specialists note from the video records of all EVA, versus what they note from just briefings, reports and debriefings.

22) What sorts of maps will be necessary out in the field?

This is a Phase 1 and 2 scouting question.

23) What are the best procedures for drilling into various types of surface rocks?

This question is probably beyond the scope of the Expedition, but proposals for this work would be welcomed.

24) What can aerial reconnaissance help with?

This question is probably beyond the scope of the Expedition, but proposals for this work would be welcomed.

25) What multispectral/hyperspectral microscopy and tools would be useful in the field?

This question can be considered during Phase 2.

26) How will geophysical and meteorological instruments be deployed?

This question can be considered during Phase 2.

27) What methods and tools are best for studying the presence and history of volatiles in the regolith?

This question can be considered during Phase 2.

28) How are hydrothermal deposits and potential venues for life scouted out?

This question can be considered during Phases 1, 2 and 3.

29) How can humans, autonomous and teleoperated robots cooperate in field operations and field science?

This question is probably beyond the scope of the Expedition, but proposals for this work would be welcomed for Phase 2.

30) How does the crew use time and space within the habitat?

In general, this can be considered throughout the Expedition but consideration for the unusual size of the crew must be made.

31) Do different personality mixes affect general or specific activities of the crew working as a team in the field?

This question can be considered post-Expedition by examination of the video records, debriefings, and reports.

32) How do different personality mixes affect the working environment and social interactions of the crew within the habitat?

This question can be considered post-Expedition by examination of the video records, debriefings, and reports.

33) What effects do different command structures have on habitat life, field work, EVA planning and debriefings?

The command structure for the Expedition will need to be considered in relation to other crews to answer this question. Throughout the Expedition there will be a Principal Investigator, a Technicall Projects Manager, a Mission Commander, and several Executive Officers.

34) What is the optimum crew size?

Previous crews have tried 5 , 6 and 7 crewmembers in holistic simulations, while we will try 8 during our Phase 4; by considering the question as part of the refinement of the optimum skill mix, we should get more qualitative, rather than anecdotal, results.

35) What is the optimum skill mix, or in what instances is particular skill mixes favoured?

This question will be considered throughout the Expedition by examining of all human factors data available.

36) Are age and gender relevant factors?

This is a human factors issue probably more relevant to the Phase 4 human factors study.

37) How much and what kinds of training should be provided?

We will provide some training on site and some pre-Expedition, as much as possible, and assess the results afterwards.

38) What social and environmental stresses need to be supported remotely by telehealth professionals?

This can be considered throughout the Expedition. The first two weeks of the Expedition will be intense, while the second two weeks will proceed at a more relaxed pace.

39) How does the crew adapt to the personal and social situation of extreme isolation, and how do they support each other in times of stress?

This can be considered throughout the Expedition, though the isolation will be strict only in Phase 4. A multi-day rover mission will also be conducted for study of human factors.

40) How do Mars mission crews and Earth-based scientists collaborate on research questions?

This is a question for Phases 3 and 4.

41) What variations on interaction between mission support and the crew prove most effective for which aspects of the mission?

We will study this during Phases 2 and 3, and provide a fixed style of interaction for Phase 4.

42) What are the strengths and weaknesses of having mission control centralized or distributed?

This could be studied throughout the Expedition, depending on what situations happen to arise.

43) What is the optimum periodicity on non-emergency interaction between the crew and mission support?

We will vary the periodicity throughout the Expedition and optimize it.

44) What is the best way to obtain information from the field team?

We will vary the styles and quantity of reports to Mission Support throughout the Expedition.

45) How does mission support handle circumstantial problems versus operational problems?

This will likely only be studied in relation to habitat systems.

46) What variation in report styles is effective in what situations?

We will likely fix report styles within a phase so that data can be reported quickly and efficiently, but vary report styles from phase to phase.

47) What instruments are necessary in the habitat for analysis?

This could be considered during Phases 3 and 4.

48) What instruments are necessary out in the field for analysis?

This could be considered during Phases 2, 3, and 4.

49) Where are samples analyzed, and how are results communicated?

This will be focused on during Phase 3 and 4.

50) What work can Earth-based scientists work on for sample preparation and analysis within the habitat telerobotically?

This is definitely beyond the scope of the Expedition.

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