If you have
been waiting for your chance to learn what it is like to live and work on Mars
wait no more!
The Mars
Society is currently taking applications from the general public, educators,
and students to develop the skills necessary to thrive in a regime analogous to
The Red Planet. Crews of dedicated volunteers work in full
simulation in the canyonlands of Utah in order to conduct field
investigations in the physical sciences and engineering.
The Mars
Desert Research Station (MDRS) is host to many "firsts" when dealing with crews
and their research. There were the first all women and all men crews who
resided within the Mars hab. The MDRS has also been host
to the first children to live, study and play while in full simulation
during the Family Living Analysis on Mars Expedition (F.L.A.M.E.) missions
conducted in June 2005, March 2006, and March 2007.
The crew is
now planning yet another mission March 1-16, 2008 in hopes to better understand
the human factors side of crews with young children present along with their
educator who will ensure that the students stay on track with their peers back
on "Earth". With webcams all around the Hab, both inside and out, students from
around the world can view the F.L.A.M.E. students living and going to school on
"Mars". They can even send questions and proposed experiments to the F.L.A.M.E.
students but will have to wait the 49-minute lag time for messages to be
received and sent from Mars.
Currently
there are several open mission rotations available for individuals who are
interested in forming crews and going to the Mars Hab.
2007-2008
Mars Desert Research Station Field Season Schedule
- Crew D-8
(Dec. 8-23, 2007) – [Crew not assigned yet.]
- Crew D-22
(Dec. 22, 2007-Jan. 6, 2008) – [Crew not assigned yet.]
- Crew J-5
(Jan. 5-20, 2008) – [Crew not assigned yet.]
- Crew J-19
(Jan. 19, 2008-Feb. 3, 2008) – [Crew not assigned yet.]
- Crew F-2
(Feb. 2, 2008-Feb. 17, 2008) – Expedition Delta
- Crew F-16
(Feb. 16, 2008-Mar. 2, 2008) – Expedition Epsilon
- Crew M-1
(Mar. 1, 2008-Mar. 16, 2008) – Family Living Analysis on Mars Expedition
Crew
- Crew M-15
(Mar. 15-30, 2008) Georgia Tech Crew
- Crew M-29
(Mar. 29, 2008-Apr. 13, 2008) – [Two Crewmembers assigned.]
- Crew A-12
(Apr. 12, 2008-Apr. 27, 2008) – Hungarian Crew
End of
Season
Volunteers
should state clearly whether they are volunteering for MDRS, and what segment
of this span they are available. Both volunteer investigators who bring with
them a proposed program of research of their own compatible with the objectives
of the MDRS and those simply wishing to participate as members of the crew
supporting the investigations of others will be considered. Research proposals
which focus the effort of or require selection as a team of up to the full
six-person crew will also be considered.
Applications
will be considered from anyone in good physical condition between 18 and 60
years of age without regard to race, creed, color, gender, or nation.
Scientific, engineering, practical mechanical, wilderness, and literary skills
are all considered a plus. Dedication to the cause of human Mars exploration is
an absolute must, as conditions are likely to be tough and the job will be very
trying. Those selected will be required to participate in certain crew training
exercises and to act under crew discipline and strict mission protocols during
the simulations.
All of
those selected will also be required to sign a liability waiver. The Mars
Society will pay travel and related expenses from Salt Lake City, Utah during
training and simulation, but there will be no salary. Applications including
resume, character references, and a brief letter explaining why you wish to
participate should be sent to Mars Society, PO Box 273, Indian Hills, CO 80454.
Total length of applications should not exceed three pages. Please include nine
copies.
Veronica
Ann Zabala-Aliberto is a National Space Society Board of Director (Region 3),
NSS Phone Tree Coordinator, NSS Phoenix Chapter President and is on several NSS
Committees such as the Chapter Projects and Events, Policy, Strategic, and
Space Book Committees. She is also the Founder and was Chapter President of the
Mars Society of Phoenix, Arizona from 2000-2006 and is now the Education
Outreach Coordinator for that Chapter.
NOTE: The
views of this article are the author's and do not reflect the policies of the
National Space Society.
Visit SPACE.com/Ad Astra Online for more
news, views and scientific inquiry from the National Space Society.
advertisement
