Concepts and Approaches for Mars Exploration 6132.Pdf

Concepts and Approaches for Mars Exploration 6132.pdf EXPLORATION STRATEGIES FOR HUMAN MISSIONS: MARS FIELD GEOLOGY, BIOLOGY AND PALEONTOLOGY WORKSHOP. Patricia Wood Dickerson, Lockheed Martin, NASA - Johnson Space Center, C 23, Houston, TX 77058. [email protected]. Introduction: Field exploration strategy, crew Analytical Capabilities & Instruments: Robotic skills and training, analytical capabilities, and Earth-Mars reconnaissance of the Martian surface, human field explo- communications were themes of the Mars Field Geology, rations, and preliminary laboratory research will focus both Biology and Paleontology workshop [1] convened by Mi- on fundamental scientific questions and on site and resource chael B. Duke, David S. McKay, and William R. Muehlber- assessment. Both endeavors will require observations, ger (November, 1998). The intent was to expand the explo- measurements, sampling, and analysis of Martian material, ration culture within NASA: one which captures the experi- and geophysical studies. The team framed their recommen- ence and insight of the scientists, mission operations per- dations of candidate instruments in terms of six specific sonnel, and crews of the Apollo and Skylab explorations; objectives in the human exploration of Mars: field observa- one which applies and develops new technology appropriate tion, sample acquisition, maintenance of crew health and to the quest; one which clearly articulates the scientific safety, search for evidence of past or present life, geological questions and scrupulously reports both data and interpreta- and geophysical field investigation, sample selection and tion. preparation. The convenors charged the thirty-one veteran field Recommendations. 1) The need for specific obser- scientists and space explorers to frame specific recommen- vations and analyses should be the primary driver for the dations, which would build upon mission architecture de- development of compact, integrated field instruments. 2) veloped for human exploration of Mars [2, 3] and which Miniaturization of existing instruments and the design of would be incorporated in science requirements for future ones for field exploration and laboratory work on Mars NASA missions. should begin now – for example: a) Helmet-mounted fiber- optic camera, b) Magnifying camera that could also serve as Field Exploration Strategy: A human mission hand lens, c) Electronic field notebook, d) Voice-activated provides an unprecedented opportunity to use the immense data recording system with real-time data display on view- power of the explorer's mind to comprehend Martian proc- ing panel inside visor, e) In-visor map to locate (x, y, z) esses and history in extraordinary detail. In contrast with samples and outcrops, f) Bar-coded sample bags and con- lunar exploration, many or most sites on Mars will have tainers that can be registered using a digital modification of been reconnoitered robotically and samples analyzed before the hand-lens. 3) Biologists, field geologists, geochemists, humans arrive, providing a reasonable assessment of land- and engineers should collaborate throughout mission plan- ing sites before people ever step onto the surface. ning to develop multipurpose instruments. Recommendations. 1) While acclimating to Martian gravity, the crew should initiate robotic reconnaissance of Crew Skills and Training: Satellite imaging, ro- biohazards, terrain, local geology, potential resources. 2) botic reconnaissance, sample examination, and base-map construction will precede human investigation of any site. Safety protocols and contingency plans should be in place Because crew members will have opportunities to make and drills conducted prior to any EVA. 3) Only two to three notable contributions to our understanding of the planet, all of the six astronauts should be on an EVA at any time, so should be fully grounded in martian geology and planetary that if necessary, crew members remaining at Mars base science before flight. could rescue them. 4) Traverses should be designed with Recommendations. 1) The expedition crew should considerable flexibility in time and tasks; workloads must have roughly twice as many members with primary surface be carefully considered. 5) Traverses should be designed science skills over those with backgrounds in spacecraft with increasing complexity as skill and confidence increase. systems and operations. 2) Mars crew training should cul- 6) Initial walking traverses should be to the highest priority minate in an extensive program of realistic field exploration sites identified. 7) When one-day walking traverses from simulations. Crew, operations, and science support teams should participate in at least six field exercises before base are complete, the Earth and Mars science teams should launch. 3) In 1999 NASA should begin a field training pro- spend one or two days synthesizing results and designing gram for astronauts, mission operations, and science support extended traverses. 8) Geophysical studies of the landing teams, aimed at gaining experience in surface science op- site should begin early to determine if water or other re- erations. 4) NASA should convene additional workshops on: sources might be present at accessible depths. 9) Advances a) Crew selection, including crew skills, other pertinent in Mars suit and glove functionality are imperative — espe- criteria; b) site selection for field science exercises; c) re- cially in glove flexibility, dexterity, and performance. 10) A cording the collective experience of Apollo and Skylab new reach-and-grasp tool must be developed for collecting crews, science support teams, and missions operations per- samples in the 10- to 30-cm size range. sonnel. 5) NASA should sponsor an expert workshop to thoroughly investigate the gender and nationality mix best suited for Mars mission success. Concepts and Approaches for Mars Exploration 6132.pdf MARS FIELD GEOLOGY WORKSHOP: P. W. Dickerson Earth-Mars Communications: Apollo investiga- References: tions taught us valuable lessons, not only in setting strategy and in data and sample collection, but also in assuring ef- [1] Budden N. A. (1999) LPI Contribution 968. [2] fective dialogues between the explorers and scientists on Hoffman S. J. (1997) NASA SP 6107. [3] Drake B. G. Earth. Communications technology has evolved dramatically (1998) NASA EX13-98-036. [4] Dickerson P. W. and since the Apollo era and will evolve further before the first Muehlberger W. R. (2000) this volume. human mission to Mars. Participants discussed the desired level of autonomy of crew members on Mars, the principal objectives for communication between astronauts on Mars and scientists on Earth, accommodation of the forty-minute time lag, and how to effect real-time changes in exploration strategy. Recommendations. 1) The mission communications network should include: a) satellites in Mars orbit for communications and navigation during surface exploration, b) dependable communications with Earth and any existing orbiting outposts, c) voice- or touch-activated instruments for recording and reporting exploration activities and dis- playing data; fail-safe back-up, d) capability for data com- pression and transmission of large volumes of data, par- ticularly from geophysical surveys. 2) Plans should accom- modate more structured communication during early reconnaissance stages and less structured communication with Earth in later stages of the mission. 3) The capability for teleoperation of field or laboratory analytical equipment and robotic rovers from Mars base, or from Earth, should be developed. 4) Communications among scientists on the two planets should take place at several well-defined levels: a) Astronaut scientists and science teams ("science back room") on Earth should be in regular contact throughout the mission. A crew member at Mars base would serve as point- of-contact when other members are on EVA. b) Science teams on Earth would change, as dictated by progress in exploration and the kinds of analytical data being returned. Various specialists would be on call in the event of discoveries or anomalies. 5) Briefing and debriefing should occur between arriving and departing crews, as permitted by the relative locations of spacecraft in transit. 6) To keep the public engaged in the quest, mission news (science questions, crew selection, training, etc.) should be reported promptly and accurately. Scientific discoveries/results should be directly translated into teaching materials for students at varying levels. Progress: Recommendations from this workshop are being transformed into mission preparations. Field geophysical training for astronaut candidates began in summer, 1999 [4], and an astronaut will participate in the 2001 Ant- arctic meteorite expedition. A dedicated console has been established in Mission Control at JSC to support field exploration simulations. Project proposals are in review for scientific and engineering assessments of terrestrial ana- logues to Martian sites. A workshop on Apollo exploration strategies and experience will soon be convened. Thus, sub- stantive steps are being taken toward revitalizing a culture that is prepared for the risks and the rewards, the elation and the responsibilities of human exploration of other worlds..

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