These lists are suggested equipment for each Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) crewmember. Click on one of the four links above for specific details as to what you should consider bringing for your tour of duty.

The MDRS is located in the plateau country near Hanksville, Utah. The weather can range from pleasant to unpleasant, depending on the season. In the early spring and spring, temperatures may drop to below freezing (20°F or approx. -5°C, especially early in the morning) and rise to very pleasant levels (60°F or approx +15°C on some afternoons). The air is usually very dry, but it may snow, sleet or rain. Winds can peak to 50 kts and windchill is an important factor to consider. The area can be muddy in places during the rainy season (October through March). Late spring and summer are usually quite hot and dry (100°F or approx. 37°C), and afternoon thunderstorms are common in the highlands. Flash floods are a potential hazard, and field workers should familiarize themselves with basic desert safety.

• ATV = "All-Terrain Vehicle", i.e., 4-wheeled motorbikes or "quads"
• EVA = Extra-Vehicular Activity (field work in simulation)
• Power (110 V AC, 60 Hz) should be available at the MDRS at all times.
• Food & Cooked Meals, cooking utensils, dishes and eating utensils will be provided.

LAN Information

If possible, bring your personal computer to the field. Beware, the environment is dusty and hardware will suffer (MDRS is not a airtight structure). Power to recharge laptops will be available to all, but batteries are highly recommended since the generator used for power-supply may cut out unexpectedly.

Connection to the MDRS LAN (local area network) is possible. All computers MUST have anti-virus software (Norton recommended) installed. No machines without protection will be allowed on the network. Computers to be networked must be equipped with a PCMCIA Ethernet card. 10 Base T is fine, but 10/100 Base T is preferred. The card MUST be installed and tested before coming to field, and installation disks must be brought with you! To connect your computer to the network, bring also an Ethernet cable at least 6 ft in length with a standard RJ-45 end.

See MDRS operations manual for networking instructions.

Batteries

Rechargeable Li-ion or NiMH batteries are recommended to all participants. MDRS battery supplies are limited and reserved for authorized use only. All crewmembers should bring the batteries they will need. All participants bringing batteries to the field site, rechargeable or not, are personally responsible for removing them from the MDRS once the batteries are no longer to be used, and for disposing of the batteries in an environmentally sound way and in accordance with all applicable laws. All participants should bring the battery chargers they might need.

Portable Toilet (for women)

There are 2 toilets at the MDRS. One toilet is a "liquids only" toilet for urine collection. No solid waste or paper products, etc. are to be placed into this toilet. This toilet at the MDRS recycles water from the toilet, shower, and sinks through a "Living Machine" system in the GreenHab. The toilet receives this recycled water but the shower and sinks receive fresh potable (drinkable) water.

The other toilet is an incinolet. This toilet is used for solid waste and paper products only.

In the event of a failure of the "liquids only" toilet, women might want to consider an alternative. One device available is the portable urinal (basically a urine bottle like those used in hospital) with a funnel-shaped adapter for women called a "LadyJ". Both units are available on-line at www.campmor.com. The advantage of this bottle is it may be used in the field. The bottle comes with a cap, but may not be entirely leak-proof. Both the bottle and the funnel-adapter may be rinsed and re-used, but you may want to store them in a plastic bag.

Another recommendation is the Travel-John Disposable Unisex Personal Urinal, available in 3-packs from www.campmor.com. Each spill-proof bag has an adapter for personal use. Each bag contains Liqsorb, a powder that turns into an odorless, biodegradable gel when exposed to liquid. Each bag can absorb up to 600cc (20 oz.), and may be used multiple times.