This was the first Moonbase simulation exercise to date at the Mars Desert Research Station. Given that the typography, geology, and coloration of the MDRS landscapes are very "Martian" and not at all "Lunar," we were limited in what we could do. We concentrated on simulation exercises and projects applicable to both Moon and Mars outposts. There was no geology or exobiology component to our science program. We did do several more modest science projects.

We carried out the following projects and studies:

• EVA Sim Lite
• Construction of a "Simulated" Pressurized Tunnel
• MDRS GreenHab Water Recycling Study
• Simulation of an Early Space Frontier Diet
• Human Factors Psychosocial Study
• The MarsSkin Suit Project
• Space/EVA suit Ergonomics Test
• Site Management Study with two demonstration projects
• Dust Control Study
• Project MAST road documentation and surveys
• Several Modest Science Projects

EVA Sim Lite:

Sim Lite Suits; the Simulated Pressurized Tunnel Previous crews have imagined a lightly pressurized tunnel from the Hab to the GreenHab, the Observatory, and the Engineering/Utility areas through which crew could walk with light outer garments and a breathing mask with an oxygen supply. This should work well on Mars where there is a given atmosphere that can easily be concentrated to the point where pressure suits are not needed, just an oxygen supply.

On the Moon where there is greater risk from exposure to the cosmic elements including cosmic rays, solar flares, and micrometeorites, we foresee instead an extensive system of canopies or hangers shielded by a regolith blanket but otherwise open to the vacuum. These would allow the wearing of lighter weight, less cumbersome, less tiring pressure suits for access to materials, supplies, and utilities needed or tended on a regular basis.

To model the lightsuits, we purchased 7 Tyvek™ coveralls with integral hoods: 2XL,2L, 2M, 1S. For helmets we acquired 8 Russian surplus gas masks for a steal, but found these very uncomfortable and tiring to wear. In their place we substituted the full face shields that the Youth Mission had left behind. This combo worked very well to provide the feeling of protection without the degree of limited freedom of movement experienced with the MDRS full sim suits. These suits served well for our EVA Lite simulation under areas assumed to be shielded but unpressurized,

Construction of a "Simulated" Pressurized Tunnel:

But for the Hab-GreenHab/Greenhouse route, we felt that a fully pressurized tunnel would be more appropriate in both Lunar and Martian outpost ap plications. To demonstrate that, we designed a simulated pressurized tunnel with a lightweight PVC framework, the upper half covered with a UV-resistant green vinyl snow fence fabric: more holes than material. The practical need is for a visual separation of the route from the fully exposed areas surrounding it where full Sim EVA suits would be required. But we needed to create the visual separation without also creating something that could be ripped off by the wind. The final design was approved by the MDRS Engineering team. Parts for subassemblies that could be put together ahead of time in Milwaukee and then shipped to Hanksville were purchased. This gave us a head start on construction. Additional components were purchased in Salt Lake City. On March 8th we dedicated the " Robert A. Heinlein Memorial Tunnel" or "The Heinlein" for short. The framing was fully completed and about 2/3rds covered when snow and subsequent mud brought the project to a halt. Now crew members can walk between Hab and GreenHab without donning a Sim Lite suit, much less a full MDRS EVA suit.

MDRS GreenHab Water Recycling Study:

Leslie Wickman installed flow meters to monitor how graywater is recycled in the GreenHab for reuse in flushing toilets. Granted, this is a very limited recycling program but with a short field season, we are not easily able to do more. After thorough testing of the inlet and outlet water, she concluded that there was not much difference in quality other than a reduction in suspended particulates. Her conclusions are that the microbial processes are not working effectively because the inlet water is too alkaline. We do use biodegradable shampoos and soaps, but apparently, they are still too alkaline to keep the system healthy. Leslie will be preparing a full report to the Mars Society with recommendations and options for consideration to upgrade the operation.

Simulation of an Early Space Frontier Diet:

Some MDRS Crews try to get in the frontier spirit by following vegetarian diets and menus. Some go further and rely more on dry and dehydrated ingredients and substitute sources of protein. But there is no consistency or mandate here and other crews have chosen to eat as they would on Earth.

We chose to simulate an Early Space Frontier Diet assuming a thriving Greenhouse in operation for at least three months. Thus we integrated fresh vegetables into our diet, pretending that they were harvested in our greenhouse. We also had talapia one night. Talapia is a good tasting fish which thrives in greenhouse-based water recycling systems and may well be the first non-vegetable source of protein on the early Lunar and Martian frontiers.

Laurel Ladd was in charge of this project and we had more tasty meals with rave revues than those that just filled our tummies. Laurel will post the crew-approved recipes in an online Early Space frontier Cookbook to which other crews should feel free to contribute.

All crew members adjusted well to this diet with no gastrointestinal problems, thanks to Laurel’s careful inclusion of needed protein and fiber as well as nutritional elements. This project was judged by all to be a success.

Laurel has kept a log of all sim-breaks, where for practical reasons we were unable to follow the diet 100% all of the time. This is useful information on which others can plan an even more successful food simulation.

Human Factors Psychosocial Study:

William Fung-Schwarz brought along survey books for each crew member, almost 300 pages in length, covering a host of factors. His report on this project is separately posted in today’s files.

The MoonSkin Project:

William Fung-Schwarz brought along a mechanical counter-pressure suit that he had designed and fabricated himself. He tested the suit thoroughly under varied conditions. His report on this project is separately posted in today’s files.

Space/EVA suit Ergonomics Test:

Leslie Wickman took range of motion readings on one crew member first in ordinary clothing, second in the Mars Skin Suit, then in the MDRS EVA suits. Her report will be separately filed at a later date.

Site Management Study with two demonstration projects:

Peter did a time-abbreviated study looking at possible Site Management Policies and Practices. This study has limited application to the MDRS facility and surroundings but will be much needed on the Lunar and Martian frontiers. A report on this study will be found in the crew 45 files for March 10th.

Two Site Management Demonstration Projects were competed by William and Peter. William rearranged all the surplus and discarded materials, sorting them by type, in the "Antarctica" storage area. This included sequestration of combustibles at a safe distance from the utilities (generator, diesel fuel, propane.) He also did trail maintenance of the path up the hill to the Observatory. Peter subsequently installed solar trail markers along this path. They shine nicely at night!

Dust Control Study:

This study by Peter has two parts: first we undertook a "census" of all the gaps and holes and other breaches in the MDRS Hab Hull; second, we did a first sketch of the many possible benefits for MDRS operations and expansion of the simulations program that would be enabled by closing these gaps. The full report will be found in the Crew 45 files for March 10th.

Project M.A.S.T. - Mars Analogue Simulation Trainer:

Hugh S. Gregory made substantial progress towards completing his work which will result in a Virtual Reality tour of the MDRS Hab and surrounding territory. This he achieved despite having to withdraw from the Hab and sequester himself in the Whispering Sands Motel in Hanksville as he sensed the onset of a very serious bout of bronchitis. Once he had recovered after several days of bed rest and high fever, he continued his work, operating out of the Sands, alone, using an ATV that belongs to Don Foutz, the Mars Society Agent in Hanksville. His final report is among the files posted for today, March 11th.

Additional Research:

Several Modest Science Projects Peter conducted a simple test to determine which colors for vehicles and spacesuits would provide easiest and fastest identification from a distance against the narrow color ranges and highly pixelated terrainscapes of the Moon and Mars. The results surprised him. This Science Report is posted with the Crew 45 files for March 1, 2006.

Proposed Projects not Undertaken of Completed:

• Laurel Ladd had proposed a Complex Closed/Semi-Closed Systems (CICCS) study. Partly because she was preoccupied with meal preparation and partly because she was feeling much below par for most of our time here, she did not get to work on this project. But she did gain some insights in her stay that will help her to conduct an improved study at another time.
• Peter wanted to model the appearance of Earth from the Moon. Prior to arriving on location, a number of ways of doing this physically were brainstormed but all involved unacceptable costs, and none would have stood up to the sometimes fierce winds. Instead we occasionally checked out a StaryNight™ software depiction of Earth from the Moon on a laptop. This program shows Earth at the correct phase and even shows which parts of which continents are in the lit portion facing the Moon at any given moment. But we were not able to dedicate a laptop or monitor to this display full time, so the project was demonstrated but not really executed.
• Peter had wanted to gather additional measurements and data as well as feedback from the crew towards an ergonomic study of how well the MDRS Hab and surrounding facility does or does not work, along with recommendations for modifications and possible additions to support simulation of facilities needed on Mars and the Moon but not provided for in the present setup. But there was simply no time. We will seek feedback on several relevant points from the crew to add to material gathered while we were on Crew 34 last season. On that basis and with those limited inputs, a provisional report may be filed at some later date.

While we did not complete all of the ambitious projects, we all are quite happy and satisfied with what we did accomplish here.

Peter Kokh
Commander, MDRS Crew 45
Artemis Moonbase Sim 1