In Situ Peer Collaboration Improves Research And Exploration Output At Mars Analog Sites

Paper number

IAC-07-A5.I.-A3.I.B.05

Author

Mr. John Thaler, University of Calgary, Canada

Coauthor

Ms. Melissa Battler, University of New Brunswick, Canada

Year

2007

Abstract

Human exploration and research activities on Mars and other space environments will require a mixed approach of task based planning and creative, problem solving based responses to local conditions.  Crew composition and selection criteria will need to reflect the requirement for a wide range of skills but still foster the necessary creative work environment.  In addition, one argument for a human presence in space exploration is the capacity of humans to observe their environment and integrate those observations into questions, actions and experiments that enhance the understanding of that environment.  Peer collaboration is one factor that can increase the effectiveness of human observation, problem solving, and creativity as individuals interact and share ideas, observations and potential solutions.

Through the authors’ experiences conducting scientific and exploration research in a Mars analog environment at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) in Utah it is apparent that in situ collaboration of crew members with similar areas of expertise has a positive effect on observational skills, creative problem solving and ultimately research output.  In addition, the time-delay inherent in Earth-Mars communication decreases the effectiveness of remote collaboration on a daily time scale.

In this paper the potential methods for facilitating peer collaboration, including (1) remote Earth-based support, (2) cross-training crew members, and (3) parallel-specialist crew selection, are outlined and considered in the context of promoting creative thinking and observational output on an extended human mission to Mars.  These methods are evaluated using the experiences reported by crew members who have participated in Mars analog research under the Mars Society of Canada’s Expedition Mars Analogue Training Series (ExMATS) and the Expedition Mars Analogue Research Series (ExMARS), and the NASA/Mars Society Spaceward Bound program.

Abstract document

IAC-07-A5.I.-A3.I.B.05.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-07-A5.I.-A3.I.B.05.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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