2nd Mars Expedition Planning Workshop

How to use the Moon as a Testbed to Compose the Correct Crew for an Exploratory Mission to

Mars

Presented by: Alexandre LasslopShandy Asturias

August 6, 2005

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Introduction

• Contribute to the “International LunaMars Initiative” – Initiated by Bob Richards, François Spiero,

Bernard Foing and Regina North at the last COSPAR in Paris

– Presented at various scientific congresses since

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Objective

• Provide an outline of psychological and psychosocial issues

• Focus on how the Moon can best be utilized as a testbed for the preparation of a crew for planetary destinations like Mars

• This project will not deal with:– Human and technological preparations of human

settlement on the Moon

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LunaMars Initiative

• The establishment of an international framework in which the exploration and development of the Moon will enable the core competencies and experience that can be most effectively applied to the exploration and development of Mars.

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LunaMars Initiative

• Rationale for human base on the Lunar Farside:– Technical– Science– Physiological– Psychological

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Technical

• EVA suits

• Soft landing and re-launching skills of a human rated vehicle

• In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) techniques

• Planetary exploration skills

• Closed loop Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS)

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Science

• Geology on other planetary bodies

• Construction and operation of scientific instruments on other planetary bodies and in unusual environments (e.g. Lunar telescope)

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Physiological

• Zero or reduced gravity (Re-adaptation)– Cardiovascular– Bone loss– Muscle loss

• Radiation

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Psychological

• Confinement

• Danger

• Isolation

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Confinement

• Closed environment for long periods of time• Dependency of other crewmates

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Danger

• Hostile environment– Low temperature, low pressure environment– Radiation environment– No quick return capability

• Impossibility to abort mission once injected on trans-Mars trajectory

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Isolation

• From friends and family• Communication problems which get worse

over time (time lag of up to 40 min)• Earth-out-of-view phenomenon

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Conclusion

• LunaMars Initiative

• Preparatory work for Mars:– Technical– Science– Physiological– Psychological

• The Moon is an essential step in the human quest to explore Mars and beyond …

Questions?