The Value of Pre-Training A Crew For Research-Class Human Mars Analogue Simulations Proof of Concept

Paper number

IAC-07-B3.5.09

Author

Ms. Melissa Battler, University of New Brunswick, Canada

Coauthor

Mr. Ryan Kobrick, University of Colorado at Boulder, United States

Coauthor

Mr. Rocky Persaud, Canada

Coauthor

Mr. Lealem Mulugeta, Canada

Year

2007

Abstract

In preparation for human missions to Mars, the Mars Society of Canada (MSC) has developed the Expedition Mars (ExMars) Program, which is divided into two complementary series of expeditions: the ExMars Analogue Training Series (ExMATS) and the ExMars Analogue Research Series (ExMARS). ExMATS aims to cross-train new recruits in all of the skills necessary to carry out a research-class expedition, and ExMARS aims
to address more serious questions about how to explore the surface of Mars, by conducting Mars analogue geology, biology, and other field research projects. MSC has been involved with three interdisciplinary ExMARS extended science missions (Expeditions
One, Two, and Three), and has organized and executed three ExMATS training missions(Expeditions Alpha, Beta, and Gamma) at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS),
in southern Utah.
During Expeditions One and Two it became apparent that a lot of time was required at the beginning of the mission to train all crew members on Mars habitat engineering systems, science field and lab techniques, and the local environment. Thus it was proposed that future ExMARS missions could be streamlined if crew members had previously participated in an intensive cross-training mission before joining a research-class mission.
Consequently, ExMATS was born. Expedition Three(February 2007) boasted the first ExMARS crew composed almost entirely of pre-trained MDRS veterans. The major goal of ExThree was to test the theory that a group of pre-trained crew members with appropriate skill sets and attitudes will operate much more efficiently than an otherwise equal crew who is new to MDRS, thus
ultimately maximizing precious research time. ExThree was composed of crew members who had been trained on Expeditions One, Alpha and Beta, the NASA/Mars Society
Spaceward Bound program, and one crew member with no previous MDRS experience. It was clear from the beginning of ExThree that this crew was very comfortable in the MDRS environment and therefore was able to quickly jump into a routine without wasting time.
The crew was comparatively very productive and successful at completing their science and engineering goals. In addition, the confidence of crewmates in each other's abilities facilitated a strong feeling of team spirit and good morale.
In conclusion, we have proven through ExThree that training missions are an effective way of preparing crewmembers for thorough and efficient work on a research-class expedition. We have thereby validated the need to continue on with a dedicated series of
training missions at MDRS.

Abstract document

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