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Mars Analog Research Stations Task Force
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FMARS 2009 Crew Attends Pre-Mission Briefing At Pioneer Astronautics
Lured by the call of arctic adventure, the six crew members of FMARS Expedition XII met in Denver over the weekend of June 13-14. Robert Zubrin conducted their pre-mission briefing, which also included discussions with an incredible staff of Mars Society volunteers who will provide critical mission support. Several crew members described this first face-to-face meeting as "inspiring."
Pictured from left to right: Robert Zubrin, Vernon Kramer, Brian Shiro, Stacy Cusack, Brian Enke, Kristine Ferrone, Joseph Palaia, Christy Garvin
As they delved into planning and operational aspects of the upcoming
expedition and the many intricate details needed to make it a success,
they also laid the groundwork for the most critical component:
teamwork. Zubrin addressed questions and discussed details about Devon
Island, mission safety, habitat operations, EVA procedures, and other
mission constraints. The crew also shopped for critical supplies,
shared their first meals together, and compared notes on their
experiences thus far. All attendees left the Denver meeting looking
forward to the challenges of conducting their research this July under
strict Mars-simulated conditions.
The 2009 FMARS crew will bring many exciting research projects to Devon Island, including the Tandem Aerial and Ground Geological Survey (TAGGS), the Portable All-in-one Seismic Station Testing for Astronauts (PASSTA), Time-domain Electromagnetic Groundwater Survey (TEGS), Class IV Laser Therapy, DEtection of Water with COsmic Rays (DEWCOR), and a LIDAR investigation. Other activities include simulating the emergency response of a Mars base crew and field testing various GPS instruments, cameras, MIT Mission Planner software and the Omega Envoy prototype lunar rover. Media and outreach activities will include a series of video Q&A sessions with student groups in Florida and Georgia.
The FMARS website will soon contain a full description of these projects, along with a list of generous sponsors.
The 2009 FMARS crew will bring many exciting research projects to Devon Island, including the Tandem Aerial and Ground Geological Survey (TAGGS), the Portable All-in-one Seismic Station Testing for Astronauts (PASSTA), Time-domain Electromagnetic Groundwater Survey (TEGS), Class IV Laser Therapy, DEtection of Water with COsmic Rays (DEWCOR), and a LIDAR investigation. Other activities include simulating the emergency response of a Mars base crew and field testing various GPS instruments, cameras, MIT Mission Planner software and the Omega Envoy prototype lunar rover. Media and outreach activities will include a series of video Q&A sessions with student groups in Florida and Georgia.
The FMARS website will soon contain a full description of these projects, along with a list of generous sponsors.
