Importance of Human Factors for the Success of Mars Analog Missions
- Paper number
IAC-08.A1.1.12
- Author
Ms. Anna Grinberg, International Space University (ISU), Canada
- Coauthor
Mr. John Thaler, University of Calgary, Canada
- Coauthor
Mr. Arthur Guest, International Space University (ISU), Canada
- Coauthor
Mr. Michele Faragalli, International Space University (ISU), Canada
- Coauthor
Mr. Kerry Cupit, Simon Fraser University, Canada
- Coauthor
Mr. Perry Edmundson, Canada
- Coauthor
Ms. Nasim Kaveh, Canada
- Coauthor
Mrs. Cheryl Wartman, Canada
- Year
2008
- Abstract
Mars analog missions are intended to advance research relevant to sustained living and exploration of the Martian surface. Historically much focus has been given to scientific and engineering goals of the mission, with crew selection and mission planning based on filling these specific needs. While consideration to science and engineering is essential, the Mars Society of Canada (MSC) has experienced considerable mission success by placing equal focus on crew dynamics and human factors. Factors included in crew selection include how individuals deal with stress, their ability to work independently and in a team, and their rationale for participating in such missions. MSC missions focus on cross-training. This enables scientists and engineers to work in tandem, understanding each other’s roles, enabling different disciplines to work together to solve problems, and increasing the overall productivity of the mission. Through cross training, crew members become able to contribute to areas outside their expertise and increasing their value to the team. Crews also benefit by group decision making on mission planning such as food stores, social and relaxation time, and the overall goals of the mission. Food is an area of increasing importance as mission durations increase. Though freeze dried food is practical, fresh and homemade foods greatly increase crew moral and health. Missions are inherently intense, with many scheduled activities coupled with pressing unscheduled activities. Setting aside evenings for crew social time and scheduled days off is a great benefit for the team as it gives crew time to bond and relax. Mission goals should also be established prior to the expedition so that the crew has a common expectation mission’s goals and of the level of simulation desired. Lastly, an area that deserves examination is the communication link between crew and Mission Control (MC). Since Mars analog studies simulate the time delay inherent in future Mars missions, direct voice communication between MC and crew is not possible. This leads to misinterpretations of directions, frustration by the crew, and time delays and potential stagnation of the mission as crew await responses. Constant adaptation of the relationship between MC and crew is needed to provide a productive environment. Future missions, including expeditions to the Moon, Mars and Earth-based expeditions, will greatly benefit from consideration to human factors.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
(absent)