Asclepios, lunar analog mission: student-led science research platform for human spaceflight simulation

Paper number

IAC-21,A3,2C,12,x64962

Author

Ms. Elfie Roy, Switzerland, Space Engineering Center (eSpace), Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)

Coauthor

Ms. Chloé Carrière, Switzerland, Space Innovation, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne

Coauthor

Mr. Kevin Pahud, Switzerland, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)

Coauthor

Mr. Benoit Cornet, Switzerland, Space Engineering Center (eSpace), Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)

Coauthor

Mr. Theodore Bellwald, Switzerland, Space Engineering Center (eSpace), Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)

Coauthor

Mr. Léonard Freyssinet, Switzerland, Space Engineering Center (eSpace), Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)

Coauthor

Mr. Marcellin Feasson, Switzerland, Space Engineering Center (eSpace), Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)

Coauthor

Prof. Jean-Paul Kneib, Switzerland, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)

Year

2021

Abstract

A crewed mission to the surface of Earth's natural satellite is an extremely challenging endeavor, especially with the objective of building a permanent settlement. Therefore, it is essential to develop and test the technologies and mission operations on ground in the most effective and realistic way. This is the purpose of analog missions and it is in this context that Asclepios was created, providing an international and interdisciplinary platform, run by 60 students, to allow scientists, researchers, students, and individuals from private and public institutions to put their payloads and technology to the test in realistic mission conditions.

Asclepios consisted in isolating 6 analog astronauts, all students, during 9 days in a base in the Swiss Alps to simulate what life will be like in a lunar base and perform the provided experiments. They had to communicate and broadcast the results remotely with a five seconds delay in the communications with the Mission Control Center and simulated communication issues, which enabled to realize the logistic difficulties behind a human spaceflight. 

The 15 experiments conducted on the platform span over many scientific fields, thus addressing issues faced during a space mission. Examples include the development of a method to reduce the perchlorate content in Martian soil by 90\% and the remote operation of a water ice mining system for the Moon and Mars. Protocols to install seismometers on the Moon surface were also tested while performing simulated Extra-Vehicular Activities, along with the creation of a precise map of the surroundings of the base through the test of a new geomorphological mapping method. 

Researchers have also been able to delve into several aspects of human factor studies. From validating NASA psychological standards to measuring stress, reactivity and fatigue; psychological and physiological data were collected to better understand how highly demanding missions have an impact on the physical and mental health of astronauts. 

Asclepios is the first of a set of student-led analog missions intended to develop, test, and improve technologies and procedures required in upcoming crewed missions. It is a way to bring students, scientists and industry professionals together to tackle some of the scientific and technological challenges intrinsic to space exploration.

Abstract document

IAC-21,A3,2C,12,x64962.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-21,A3,2C,12,x64962.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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