Projects of the Austrian Space Forum – additional to its scientific publications – are getting more and more recognition on an international scale. The American magazine “Popular Science” is planning a big article in a next edition. This magazine is distributed in 45 countries and the print edition alone reaches more than 6 million readers.

Articles like that show us, that scientific and public interest on manned flights to Mars is rising

so Gernot Groemer,

“it is now our duty to transfer this interest into space policy.”

At the same time, the Austrian Space Forum are about to launch the OeWF Multi-Mission Data Archive in the next weeks, the mission book for the general public is about to be printed and the third and final 1hr documentary is in the post-production. For all non-scientific activities, this marks the final milestone of this extraordinary project.

There are so many thanks to be said: Ranging from the support of the Austrian Red Cross for the MSC infrastructure, the generous support of the Moroccan government (facilitated through our Austrian Ambassador, Wolfgang Angerholzer), our industrial sponsors and partners, the team of the Ibn Battuta Center and so many many more. 100+ people participating, 23 nations involved, 17 experiments and a tremendous media echo tell the story of a truly international, interdisciplinary and intercultural endeavour.

At the Austrian Space Forum, we believe that with MARS2013 we have stated that Mars analog research has matured as a field to a point where agencies can and should pick up, where there is a substratum of a yet young but vibrant scientific community.

18.04.2013 
MARS2013 Mission Report
(8.77 MB pdf, 55 downloads)  

More information

• MARS2013 science workshop
  • All blog posts on MARS2013

During the third simulation week of the Mars analog field simulation the following experiments were conducted: Aouda.X, Aouda.S, CLIFFBOT, ERAS, MASC, SREC, DELTA, Puli Rover, Hunveyor, LTMS, LIFE, MEDIAN, Deployable Shelter, Yellow.

Video bei YouTube ansehen / Watch video on youtube

Performing geological experiments on Mars

Performing geological studies is one of the most important scientific activities during every planetary exploration mission. It is the only way we can understand the mechanisms of past and present evolution of a planet. Thus, geological research was a core part of all Lunar and Martian missions, and it plays an important role in the MARS2013 mission too.

The “Geoscience” experiment, consisting of GESU and MASC simulates basic geological investigations under space flight conditions and makes it possible to setup an archive of samples that will be analyzed on “Earth”. Since none of our analog astronauts were geologists, all of them received training before the mission. Even though we already trained astronauts to perform geological experiments for the Apollo missions, all future Mars explorers will have to have some education in geology. Since the geology of the Moon and Mars are very different, the training will also have to be different compared to the Apollo era. In preparation for visiting the red planet, astronauts will have to be provided with information and skills directly related to the most important scientific questions that we hope to answer on Mars: the ones linked to the search for life and water. The best way for the astronauts to learn these concepts is to study them in areas on Earth very similar to the Martian environment, such as the site in Morocco studied and explored during MARS2013.

The geological experiment consisted of two parts. Firstly, we aimed at obtaining a general understanding of the area surrounding the camp supported by geological descriptions of the outcrops and collected samples to be studied after the end of the mission.

Analog astronaut performing geological studies. (c) OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux)

Secondly, we wanted to understand how well non-geologists perform geological fieldwork and collect samples wearing suits that significantly limit their ability to observe their surroundings. Four different analog astronauts went along the same path that crosscut multiple easily visible rock layers and collected samples. After the experiment is completed we will analyze how astronauts chose their sampling spots, how similar their choices were, and how the wearing of the suit influenced their performance.

Another expedition, which was carried out at a southern location, was called MASC — Mars Analog Sample Collection. The experiment aimed to compare the concretions found by the MSL rover in the Gale crater on Mars with terrestrial analog materials from Morocco and in proximity of the Mars Desert Research Station in Utah. This will be used to gain a better understanding of the diagenetic processes on Mars and Earth.

Designing the Flight Plan for a mission to Mars

The Flight Plan team of a mission is the connection between Remote Science Support (RSS), Principal Investigators (PI) and Media on one side and Flight Control and Field Crew on the other side. The Flight Plan team at the Mission Support Center in Innsbruck gets requests and proposals for activities and tries to match them with the available resources. This results in an optimized schedule that ensures maximum scientific output within the given limitations. Flight Plan also gets feedback from the Field Crew regarding problems, inconveniences and suggestions resulting from the planned activities, which are then considered and integrated in further plans.

Additionally, Flight Plan also performs a traverse planning — allocating the safest, shortest and scientifically most interesting paths between two experiment locations in order to further optimize the schedule and to ensure the safety of the analog astronauts. All this information is then passed on to the executive part represented by the Flight Director as the Daily Activity Package, which after being approved will be sent to the field for execution.

Sebastian Hettrich on the many variables that go into a flight plan:

“Each experiment has its own requirements and specifics, such as run times, special locations, bandwidth, how many astronauts it needs to be conducted with, and many more. Then we have our resources, which is manpower, skills and abilities of the field crew personnel, time, the suits, the vehicles available, the bandwidth infrastructure and a few others. Finally we experience certain limitations for the planning, such as the battery run time or the Wi-Fi coverage area, which can be easier dealt with by relocating the antennas once an area has been explored. As Flight Planners we have to keep track also on what experiments were already successfully conducted and where we have to re-plan.“

Flight Plan team on the challenges of their work:

A colorful plan. (C) OeWF (Matthias Schmitt)

“One of the biggest challenges is to keep track of all the variables and to create an Activity Plan that is as stable as possible, but at the same time as flexible as necessary if urgent re-planning requests come in. Most of the time we have to make compromises between stability and flexibility to make it work. Another challenge is that sometimes we cannot know in advance all the variables needed, which is where we base the planning on educated guesses until we get feedback from the field crew.”

The complexity of their work is beautifully illustrated by the image to the right, showing their Field Activity Plan and excerpts from the Daily Activity Packages, which are simplified schedules used for visualizing planned activities. The color-coding was introduced to distinguish more easily between different kinds of activities. For example, yellow represents preparation and set-up activities, blue indicates travel and traverse times, light green means scientific experiments, dark green is the suit support, pale orange is for safety activities, orange means verifying or checking equipment, violet is for the permanent monitoring, red indicates activities to be conducted by everyone and purple is for media activities.

Sebastian Hettrich on the MARS2013 mission:

“It has been a busy and challenging time, but with the help of an excellent team, we managed to make the planning more efficient and user-friendly. We also learned a lot of lessons, some of which we have already applied and some which will definitely be considered for planning following missions.

The smoothness in the planning and execution of the MARS2013 Mission that we experience right now is the result of the good collaboration, excellent work, enthusiasm and passion for space exploration that all members of the Austrian Space Forum share! It’s a great pleasure to be part of this mission!”

Protecting astronauts against unpredictable events

The Mars surface infrastructure as anticipated for future human missions includes habitation, rover and infrastructure facilities, but equally important is the safety of astronauts in case of an emergency situation or unpredictable event. Away from their base camp, how can astronauts protect themselves? The Deployable and Portable Multipurpose Shelter Prototype is trying to offer a solution in that respect.

Weighing 18 kg, which is the equivalent of 6kg on Mars, the current prototype being tested during the MARS2013 mission was developed between October and December 2012 by Dr.-Ing. Sandra Häuplik-Meusburger, DI San-Hwan Lu and DI Polina Petrova from the Vienna University of Technology, together with many dedicated Masters Students.

During the MARS2013 mission, three students, Zuzana Kerekretyova, Nikolaus Gutscher and Stefan Kristoffer together with Polina Petrova tested the operability (deployment and retraction), the durability (multiple deployments), function (human/equipment shelter) and adaptability (functional usability). Issues that were especially explored included its spatial usability, ergonomic suitability to actions and individual perception of comfort in relation to the activities, leading to an evaluation of the design goals.

The material requirements for the prototype differ from those for a ready-to-use deployable shelter on Mars. The outer garment of this mock-up is for example permeable to air, because of its use in the hot desert.

“This would not be the case for the Martian version. ‘Inflatable structures’ used in space are composed of several layers of high-tech materials, such as Kevlar and Vectran to withstand the rigorous requirements of such an extreme environment.” Says Sandra Häuplik-Meusburger, the PI of the experiment.

Sandra Häuplik-Meusburger on the shelter design:

“The actual shelter that would be used on a mission should not weight more than 20 kg, which is equivalent to 6.6 kg on Mars. The shelter has to be compactly packed, lightweight and carried by one astronaut, similar to a “rucksack” or “suitcase” typology. It has to be easy to deploy and able to accommodate up to two astronauts (with space suits), for e.g. one injured astronaut and one astronaut helping the other. The shelter has to temporarily provide a breathable atmosphere for a minimum duration of up to 48h until rescue arrives (rover, other astronaut) or immediate emergency ceases (successful first aid, change of conditions). It also contains additional air supply, an emergency power supply for the space suit, an emergency food supply, and an emergency toolkit.”

Following the Apollo missions, NASA developed inflatable temporary shelters for the Lunar Module and several habitation design studies foresee deployable structures for building a base (Lunar or Martian) because they offer a number of advantages for space structures, such as volume and weight efficiency, but also flexibility. Although deployable structures have been developed and used on Earth and space, their actual use for habitation purposes beyond Earth is still minimal.

“In contrast to other studies, we chose a minimalist approach, similar to a space-suit extension. Our primary objective was to develop a portable and deployable shelter that can adapt according to the needs of the emergency situation. This is a new and innovative approach.” says Sandra Häuplik-Meusburger

Two analog astronauts inside the deployable shelter prototype . (c) OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux)

Based on an analysis of human activities during an emergency, the team has developed several emergency scenarios that demand different usages of the shelter. Not all scenarios need additional air supply for example. If necessary, astronauts can use an oxygen mask with a rebreather system. For the internal pressure in the shelter, the Mars atmosphere is used. To adapt the structure to different human activities, compressed Martian atmosphere can be pumped into inflatable cushions of the structure or to stabilizing cushions.

While the shelter prototype was especially developed for emergency situations on Mars, due to its structural adaptability it can be adjusted to various (emergency) situations. One of the next goals could be to adapt this shelter to Antarctic test conditions for further design evaluation. In the process new ways of protecting humans right here on Earth could also be discovered and developed. While reaching to explore outer space, research has always advanced the technologies we use on our home planet.

MARS2013 is an integrated Mars analog field simulation in the Northern Sahara near Erfoud, Morocco. MARS2013 is organized by the Austrian Space Forum in partnership with the Ibn Battuta Center in Marrakesh.

From the 1^st to 10^th of February, the field crew including three analog-astronauts prepared for the simulation, which officially started on Monday 11^th of February 2013. Until the 28^th of February the 10-person crew will conduct 16 experiments from various fields (life sciences, engineering and infrastructure, geosciences, rover & spacesuits). The Mars Simulation is backed by a Mission Support Center in Innsbruck, Austria. All communication during the “in SIM” phase (in SIM phase is declared just before the start of an EVA (extra-vehicular activity) and finishes with the end of an EVA) between Morocco and Austria  is delayed by 10 minutes, to gain operational experience about communicating with a time-delay. To achieve a proper time delay, all transferred data e.g. audio, text chat, webcam viewings, gets a time stamp and is instructed to wait for 10 minutes before proceeding automatically.

Learn more about MARS2013 and all experiments and partners on http://mars2013.oewf.org

Media Contact:

Monika Fischer, OeWF Vienna, Tel.: +43 69912134610, *protected email*

(c) OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux)

Team & Task(s)

Jane MacArthur from UK is part of the Remote Science Support (RSS) Team during the MARS2013 Mission and principal investigator (PI) for the MEDIAN experiment. Her team will be receiving data returned from the field, and – co-ordinating with the various experiment PIs and their teams – pass on this data and perform analysis. For some of the in-house OeWF experiments, in particular the geological investigations, the RSS team will be building up detailed maps of the area from the data obtained.

Space & MARS2013

How did you first get in touch with the topic of space / astronomy / analog research?

I followed what I could as a teenager and was fascinated by the night sky early on, but it was attending the final space shuttle launch in July 2011 that made me decide to return to education and apply to UCL (University College London). This resulted in me starting an MSc in Planetary Science in September 2012.

When did you first hear about the Austrian Space Forum (OeWF)

I met Jan Klauck, from the Berlin Office of OeWF at the ISS Symposium in Berlin in May 2012, after applying to the Symposium seeing a tweet about it from a friend.

How did you learn about the “MARS2013” mission?

Jan told me of the announcement of opportunity for experiments and that they were keen to get students involved. Knowing that I was starting an MSc in September, I talked with another space friend, Nick Howes, who had this great idea for a Mars experiment, and thus MEDIAN was born.

Why did you choose to participate?

It was a fantastic opportunity to design, build and test an experiment under live mission conditions, while also gaining further knowledge of geological skills for the future with the RSS team.

What was your first impression when you got involved with the OeWF team?

Great diverse international mix of enthusiastic and committed people.

What is your personal goal in this mission?

Obtain useful data for my experiment, learn as much as I can from all the other experiments, mapping and geological projects, experience the procedures and team work needed to carry out such a large scale of operations while making a lot of new friends with similar interests.

Work, Life & Family

What I do for a living:

I am a Chartered Accountant, freelance violinist and run my own company with over 140 clients, while studying a part time MSc in Planetary Science at University College London. I also have qualifications as a gym instructor, CrossFit trainer and sports massage therapist.

A typical day in my life looks like this:

There is no such thing as a typical day in my life. A large proportion is spent in front of the computer, unless I’m due at college or client meetings. I’m trying to get back to the gym 3 times a week, play concerts, see friends, etc.

This is how I spend my spare time:

I don’t have spare time. If I did I would go salsa dancing.

How my friends would describe me:

It depends which friends, not many people know everything that I get up to…. Crazy, reliable, trustworthy, never know what she’ll do next…

Me, Myself & I

These things are precious to me:

Learning, free time, good friends, exercise, music, salsa.

What drives me crazy:

Judgmental people.

Something I would never do:

Anything where there is a greater than 20% risk of death. I’m not sure you could persuade me to skydive either.

To relax I absolutely need:

A massage and no impending deadlines.

For this I would do almost anything:

Visit Antarctica.

Something that once changed my life:

Attending the final space shuttle launch and then the ATV-Tweetup.

Goal(s) & Motto

Something I would love to learn or to achieve:

I would like to learn everything. But seeing that’s impossible, I’ll go for as much science as I can for a better understanding of the big questions, if not the answers.

My Motto / A saying I can identify with:

“The idea is to die young as late as possible.”  “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”

The winner is @lrqe with a tweet that exactly embodies one of our objectives for MARS2013: “Let this inspire us to go as far as we can, and maybe one day reach for the stars.” The message has been inscribed on “Mars”, and there is a gift bag on the way to @lrqe!

The first tweet to Mars! (c) OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux)

Have you ever dreamed of sending an interplanetary tweet? The Austrian Space Forum invites Twitter enthusiasts from around the world to send a message they would like to see written in the “Martian” soil during the Mars2013 analogue mission, which will take place between the 1st and 28th of February 2013 in Morocco. Let’s get together and find out how it feels to send a tweet to Mars!

Participating tweets can be sent between January 16, 2013 and February 20, 2013 and must have the following format:
@oewf [type your message here] #simulateMars.

From all tweets, the Austrian Space Forum will pick one winning tweet, which will be communicated by our Mission Support Center to our field crew. In the last simulation week (which is the last February week), the field crew will write the message in the “Moroccan Martian” soil together with the Twitter username of the winner. The message will be immortalized in a photo and distributed via Twitter and other communication channels by the OeWF.
The winner will also receive a gift bag containing: OeWF postcards, OeWF ball pen, and an OeWF poloshirt.
Participants in the competition must follow @oewf so that we can send a direct message via Twitter to the winner.
Read the rules below for more information.

Do not miss the chance to be the one to send a tweet to Mars!

Rules and regulations

• Anyone with a valid Twitter account can take part in the competition, except OeWF members and volunteers of the Austrian Space Forum.
• One is not allowed to create multiple Twitter accounts in order to send more tweets.
• Participants are encourage not to send too many tweets too frequently in order not to disturb their followers
• Tweets must follow the following format:@oewf [type your message here] #simulateMars
• Tweets must be in English
• Tweets must not contain language that is offensive, unlawful, threatening or simply inappropriate.
• Tweets not following this format will not be considered eligible
• Twitter users must follow @oewf: twitter.com/oewf so that we can contact the winner via a direct message
• The Austrian Space Forum reserves the right to pick a winning message.
• The decision of the Austrian Space Forum is final.
• By taking part in the competition, Twitter users agree that we can use their name/Twitter username in public communication on our website, blog and other channels.
• The Austrian Space Forum reserves the right to cancel or change the terms of the competition at any time.

Read all tweets about “#simulateMars”

Artist’s impression of a terraformed Mars. (Image credit: Daein Ballard. CC BY-SA 3.0)

In the past few days, we have asked you for your opinions on whether or not to go to Mars, and if so, about when we should do so. But today, on the final day of MARS2013, we are going to look even further into the future: Should Mars be terraformed?

There are many ways in which terraforming could be carried out, such as melting the planet’s icecaps, adding gases to the atmosphere, or even crashing asteroids into the surface.

The arguments in favor of terraforming Mars center around facilitating the exploration and colonization of the planet, creating a second home for humanity, and, on a larger scale, improving humanity’s chances of surviving cosmic disasters, such as an asteroid impact on Earth. Some would even say that humanity has a moral obligation to terraform Mars.

But at the same time, terraforming by definition would fundamentally alter the characteristics of Mars, and irrevocably so. It would destroy any further chances of learning about the past of the planet, as well as potential life hidden somewhere on the planet that we may not know about.

What do you think? Assuming we will one day have sufficient resources and technology for such a project, should we terraform Mars to make it habitable for humans? Or should we leave it as untouched as possible to preserve its planetary record and potential indigenous life?

Cast your vote in our Facebook poll, please share the poll with your friends, and keep following OeWF on Twitter, Facebook and here on the blog!

One step closer. (c) OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux)

18 Day 18: February 28th 2013
It’s all about people. A successful mission MARS2013 comes to an end. We want to thank everyone involved: all the volunteers, our sponsors, our donors, the good people of Morocco – our wonderful host. We are one step closer to Mars! (c) OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux)

Where will our journey lead us? (c) OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux)

17 Day 17: February 27th 2013
Where will we go? The journey ahead for mankind is uncertain. But just like our ancestors left their cave dwellings for a new world, we will keep moving as well, despite the risks and doubts of our travels. Curiosity and necessity will drive us to explore the Universe. (c) OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux)

MARS2013 around the World. (c) OeWF

16 Day 16: February 26th 2013
MARS2013 around the World. In order to travel around the solar system we need to travel around the world first. Here, MARS2013 volunteer Muhammad Shadab Khan gives a presentation about the simulation in Morocco to undergraduate students at Babu Banarasi Das National Institute of Technology and Management in India. Exposing students to new worlds and ideas is the best investment in the future of space exploration.
(c) OeWF

A simple wheel helps exploring Mars. (c) OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux)

15 Day 15: February 25th 2013
A simple wheel helps exploring Mars. Almost 8000 years ago evidence of the wheel first appeared as a tool. Today, we use two wheels in a robot, as seen here in the CLIFFBOT experiment, to access difficult places on a foreign planet in order to investigate geological layers. We wonder: What will we use in 8000 years? (c) OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux)

An insurmountable obstacle? (c) OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux)

14 Day 14: February 24th, 2013
The other side seems far, but is it? Just as this crevasse seems to be a difficult obstacle to overcome for the analog astronaut – so is the distance between Earth and Mars. We have sent rovers there but for now sending humans to Mars seems an insurmountable obstacle. What will it take? Better rocket technology or sheer human determination to want to go to Mars? (c) OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux)

An analog astronaut crosses a dry lakebed. (c) OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux)

13 Day 13: February 23rd, 2013
An analog astronaut in the Aouda.X suit crosses a dry salt lake near Station Payer. The surface features the distinctive cracked pattern of a desiccated lake. Satellite images from the Mars Global Surveyor and the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter show similar patterns in craters on the surface of Mars – possible evidence that liquid water once may have existed on the planet. (c) OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux)

Night sky over Camp „Weyprecht” (c) OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux)

12 Day 12: February 22nd, 2013
Clear night sky over camp „Weyprecht“. In comparison to many European cities there is hardly any light pollution in Morocco. To see the night sky in its pristine beauty and to conduct the observations for the “Globe at Night” campaign the big flood lights were turned off. The Milky Way is glowing in a rarely seen brilliance and also the Small Dipper is clearly visible. The Hungarian robot lander in the foreground is monitoring local weather and environmental parameters. (c) OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux)

The Human Robotic Interaction. (C) OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux)

11 Day 11: February 21st, 2013
Human-robotic interaction is a big topic and proof-of-concept theme during MARS2013. We need to test and improve on how we interact with and leverage the use of rovers and robotic devices on planetary missions. Here the analog astronaut follows the MAGMA rover equipped with the LIFE laser for detecting microbial life. The short answer: we need each other. The long answer: we need each other. (c) OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux)

The Red Planet. (C) OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux; False-colored OeWF)

10 Day 10: February 20th, 2013
The Red Planet. Mars gets its nickname from the oxidation of iron that happened over million of years and covers the planet in a layer of various depths. The analog astronaut is on his way to explore the area. What is down in the trough? What lies beyond the hills? Mankind wants answers. (c) OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux; False-colored OeWF)

Everything gets recorded. (c) OeWF

9 Day 9: February 19th, 2013
Everything gets recorded. Conducting serious science requires meticulous note-taking and data capturing capabilities. In this “Picture of the Day”, we are showing you a snapshot of a map of all activities and experiments conducted in a 2×2 kilometer site. The desert has never been colored like this. (c) OeWF

A colorful plan. (c) OeWF (Matthias Schmitt)

8 Day 8: February 18th, 2013
A colorful and carefully designed plan: people, times, and experiments. Resources on Mars are precious hence the mission needs superb planning. The Flightplan team is the crucial link between the science teams and the flight controllers. They take inputs and requests from scientists and create a working schedule to allocate adequate time and proper resources to astronauts for a successful execution. (c) OeWF (Matthias Schmitt)

Analog-Astronauts Luca Foresta (le) and Daniel Schildhammer (ri). (c) OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux)

7 Day 7: February 17th, 2013
Begin of a new adventure. Luca Foresta (left) and Daniel Schildhammer (right) are two of three analog-astronauts for MARS2013. Luca departs together with three field crew members to the South heading for station “Payer”. 80 km south of Camp “Weyprecht” the four crew members will explore for three days the southern area. On board is also the Aouda.X Mars spacesuit simulator. The team in Morocco and Innsbruck faces a big challenge. (c) OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux)

Mars explorers in a foreign world. (c) OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux)

6 Day 6 : February 16th, 2013
Mars explorers in a foreign world. Earth is abundant with places to discover as well and Morocco with its rich culture is no exception. The generous hospitality of our hosts included a customary tribal dance followed by the traditional Captain’s Dinner. (c) OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux)

Flight Director Assistant Michael Taraba; Executive Director Johannes Ellmerer of the Red Cross Innsbruck; Flight Director Alexander Soucek; Counselor Kamal Arifi, of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco (from left to right). (c) OeWF (Paul Santek)

5 Day 5 : February 15th, 2013
Guests of honor at the Mission Support Center: Flight Director Assistant Michael Taraba, Executive Director Johannes Ellmerer of the Red Cross Innsbruck and host of the Mission Support Center building; Flight Director Alexander Soucek and Counselor Kamal Arifi of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco (from left to right).

Vice-Chancellor and Federal Minister for European and International Affairs
of the Republic of Austria Dr. Michael Spindelegger and Governor of Tyrol Günther Platter delivered their greetings and best wishes to the MARS2013 team. Unfortunately, neither could attend the “landing day” due to scheduling conflicts. (c) OeWF (Paul Santek)

Aouda.X is contaminated with Terbium microbeads. (c) OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux)

4 Day 4 : February 14th, 2013
The Aouda.X experimental spacesuit (foreground) is partially covered with luminescent Terbium microbeads. Subsequently, the analog astronaut collects samples from the environment. The native samples will be analyzed for those microbeads to determine the foreign contamination. This experiment was developed by JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratory) of NASA and has the objective to determine the contamination paths and frequency of samples, in order to reduce this contamination issue for future Mars missions. (c) OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux)

Aouda.X is conducting a geoscience experiment. (c) OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux)

3 Day 3 : February 13th, 2013
Homo Faber explores Mars. During an EVA (extra-vehicular activity) the analog astronaut in the Aouda.X experimental spacesuit uses a simple hammer to break up and retrieve a “Martian” rock for a geosciences experiment. (c) OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux)

Mission Support team in Innsbruck during the phone call of astronaut Chris Hadfield. (c) OeWF (Paul Santek)

2 Day 2 : February 12th, 2013
Great surprise in the Mission Support Center in Innsbruck as well as for the field crew in Morocco. One hour before the simulation started, astronaut Chris Hadfield called from the International Space Station, to wish us good luck for the first EVA (Extra-Vehicular-Activity) on “Mars”. The whole team in Innsbruck and Morocco was thrilled. Thank you Chris Hadfield, we wish you also a successful mission.
(c) OeWF (Paul Santek)

Planting the flag in analog martian soil. (c) OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux)

1 Day 1 : February 11th, 2013
We landed successfully on “Mars” today! The analog astronaut Daniel Schildhammer in the Aouda.X suit said following first words at the start of the simulation: “It is a mistake to believe that a small group of dedicated people cannot change the world. In fact, it is the only way it always happened.” (c) OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux)

Read also:

• MARS2013 preparation week: all pictures of the day
• Learn more about the MARS2013 Mars simulation in Morocco

(c) OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux)

Team & Task(s)

Tibor Pacher is from Hungary and shares his time between Northern Germany and Budapest. He is the founder and leader of the official Google Lunar X-Price team “Puli Space” and lead scientist for the PULI ROVER experiment at the MARS2013 mission in Morocco.

Space & MARS2013

How did you first get in touch with the topic of space / astronomy / analog research?

As a child, I once saw a beautiful night sky at Lake Balaton in Hungary after having been to an outdoor cinema one evening. I don’t know if it was this experience or Space Patrol Orion & Captain McLane that triggered my interest in space.

When did you first hear about the Austrian Space Forum (OeWF)

I read about the Rio Tinto expedition, which another Google Lunar X-Prize team (the White Label Space) participated in.

How did you learn about the “MARS2013” mission?

In early summer, a PULI colleague remarked: “We should participate!”.

Why did you choose to participate?

MARS2013 is a world-class project – and for the PULI team, it offers an outstanding opportunity to test our ideas under very challenging conditions.

What was your first impression when you got involved with the OeWF team?

A combination of professionalism and enthusiasm ☺ – simply great!

What is your personal goal in this mission?

I would like to see my team carry out its objectives with the same professionalism as the OeWF, and for our PULI rover to handle its tasks well.

Work, Life & Family

What I do for a living:

Although I hold a PhD in Physics, I make my living as a freelance consultant for accounting processes and their implementation with SAP software for (typically larger) companies.

A typical day in my life looks like this:

Wake up, check email (OK, usually coffee comes first), then sometimes a project for a client, and always the PULI ☺; that is, when the topics of the day aren’t focused on interstellar space travel or E.T.

This is how I spend my spare time:

I like to read, and sometimes I watch TV, but I prefer going to the movies – with my better half.

Family status:

Although I was previously divorced, I am now a very happy man with a fantastic wife by my side. I am also the proud father of two fantastic children.

How my friends would describe me:

A little bit crazy, but otherwise a fine lad!

Me, Myself & I

These things are precious to me:

Honesty, humility towards the important things in life, sincere love of family.

What drives me crazy:

Nasty lies and cowardly acts below the belt.

Something I would never do:

Intentionally hurting someone.

One important thing other people should know about me:

At age 16, I decided that I would bring the jump to hyperspace into practicality during my lifetime. I’ll still need to work on that for another few years…

To relax I absolutely need:

Quiet.

For this I would do almost anything:

My kids and my Queen.

Something that once changed my life:

My father’s death

What is the most unusual / challenging / exciting / scary / funny thing you ever experienced?

That’s a mean question – and the most challenging thing I have experienced…

Goal(s) & Motto

Something I would love to learn or to achieve:

Learn to play the organ and the theremin. (A theremin is a musical instrument invented at the beginning of the 20th century, and is played by means of electromagnetic fields.)

My Motto / A saying I can identify with:

“To achieve the possible, we must attempt the impossible again and again.” By Hermann Hesse, in September 1960, about three months before my birth.

During the second simulation week of the Mars analog field simulation the following experiments were conducted: CLIFFBOT, ERAS, SREC, DELTA, Puli Rover, Hunveyor, MAGMA, MASC, MEDIAN, Deployable Shelter, GESU, Aouda.X, Aouda.S, Geoscience, Yellow.

Video bei YouTube ansehen / Watch video on youtube

Testing the complexity of working with a spacesuit

A spacesuit like the one used by Apollo astronauts is essentially a spaceship that is worn for the protection of the astronaut. It will not be any different on Mars one day. But the many layers of protective material impact the visibility, agility and movability of the astronaut. By how much exactly? DELTA will provide an answer.

The DELTA Experiment quantifies the extra time needed when performing tasks with the PolAres Aouda.X space suit simulator, as compared to a non-suit scenario. The output of DELTA will be for the first time a statistically derived mean value of time delay as function of Aouda.X operations. This value will be instrumental for improved flight planning during future missions.

DELTA requires a complex set-up: it is based on the repetition of six dummy experiments which reflect activities typically undertaken during a standard EVA, such as soil sample collection, the set-up of a surface science station or the repair of a rover (human-machine-interface). In order to allow repeatability, the experiments are carried out on an artificial “obstacle path” that is set up in the desert of Morocco and that forces testers into specific motion patterns.

Setting up obstacles for the analog-astronauts (C) OEWF (KATJA ZANELLA-KUX)

DELTA PI Alexander Soucek explains his satisfaction with DELTA so far: “I told our analog astronauts in the beginning: You will be going to hate DELTA. For a sound statistical baseline, we need to do the experiments again and again, by each astronaut, at each time of the day, with and without the space suit and always following very precise procedures. We are not yet at the number of runs we must have, but with each data transmission from the field, new time values drop in, and we are on a good way.”

Mapping data from a Mars mission.

Back at the Mission Support Center (MSC), the Remote Science Support (RSS) team offered us a remarkably interesting sneak peak into the map they are working on using GoogleEarth, a map that compiles a lot of interesting scientific information.

The RSS team receives daily the science log from the field containing GPS coordinates and the execution details from each experiment. Due to bandwidth limitations in such a remote site and the ten-minute communication delay, experiment data is uplinked overnight, ready for the RSS team in the morning at the Mission Support Center.

Mike Rampey, leader of the RSS team:

“The RSS-Team is supposed to be the nerves center that handles all of the scientific data that come back from Morocco or Mars, simulating Mars. For the most part that’s an exercise that is being done because in a real Mars mission the scientific results would be of great importance. That would be the main driver of the mission, besides going there, which is a great accomplishment of itself already, but getting the scientific data would be an equally important aspect of such a mission.”

Experiments can be comprised of runs and/or samples. For example, one experiment can consist of several runs and collect varying amounts of samples per run. This is dependent on the activities as defined by FlightPlan, technical constraints (like the power available) and the most influential factor: the weather! The RSS team monitors closely the latest weather predictions for the area where the MARS2013 team is based to give advance notice of any adverse changes so the crew can protect themselves and secure the experiments.

RSS actively supports the team in the field, bearing in mind that they are a Mission Support Center, not a Control Center and thus the field crew has a significant amount of autonomy just like on a real Mars mission due to the distance and time delay.

RSS Team on the toughest challenge of their work:

“To be as close as possible to a Mars mission, where the terrain cannot be explored by the RSS team in advance, RSS was restricted to remote sensing imagery and digital elevation models to assess the suitability for each experiment to be carried out in a certain location. Google Maps is used as an open source tool, which can be shared amongst the different teams and extended/edited for post-mission analysis. RSS uses a map to suggest suitable and avoid non-suitable locations for each experiment. However, the field team on the ground decides the exact daily operations.”

At the same time, RSS is creating a map full of scientific data, which, in the end, will be an accurate visual representation of the entire mission. A snapshot of the map can be seen in the image below.

Everything gets recorded. (C) OEWF

The image displays all the cumulative experiment runs conducted during the mission up until now marking out their exact locations, as well as the terrain explored by the crew (via a wearable GPS), and planned traverses for the upcoming day. The colours show which suit was used (Aouda.X or Aouda.S) for the experiment or alternatively if the experiment was unsuited (a rover or a weather station). The lines show the planned route, any bonus exploration and subsequently the planned locations as well as the actual location of each experiment run.

Everyone on the MARS2013 mission team can use the map to gain an excellent overview of each experiment and the date and location where it was carried out – the map can be filtered by date/experiment/planned/actual/suited/unsuited – anything the user would like.

The RSS team on the mission:

“MARS2013 was the toughest mission yet done by OeWF with amazing participation from 23 nations. When there will be a Mars mission, we will know that part of the way was accomplished now in Austria.”

Exploring Martian cliffs with rovers

Cliffs provide access to layers telling the story of millions years of geological, meteorological and possibly biological activity. One solution to explore such an area is to use a cable-suspended rover. The Cliff Reconnaissance Vehicule (CRV), also known as Cliffbot, involved in the Mars2013 mission is precisely testing a vertical exploration robot that can be lowered down by a human to explore steep terrain.

Alain Souchier, CRV PI, on the challenges raised by the Morocco desert environment, which would be similar on Mars

“The Morocco desert environment presents cliffs and slopes similar to what may be found on Mars. The traps that could endanger the vehicle operations, such as cracks in the rocks, overhangs, big blocks, are probably similar as well as the dust environment.”

Cliffbot had to face several challenges during the simulation.

“We had some difficulties in operating the vehicle and the study of these difficulties is one of the main objectives of the experiment. The vehicle was always safely retrieved. Once the rope sled into a vertical crack in the cliff, increasing the forces needed to pull up the Cliffbot. Another time the rod which links the vehicle to the rope became itself slightly twisted between two protruding rocks in a vertical cliff, precluding down or up motion and the vehicle had to be manually pushed up to free the rod.”

Cliffbot in action. (C) OEWF (KATJA ZANELLA-KUX)

The experiment already brought new insights in what the rover can do:

“Cliffbot was equipped with a new HD camera, compared to its configuration in the Dachstein cave simulation in April 2012. The picture shows far better details. Numerous fossils were seen on the videos (even if shell fossils are not expected on Mars!). Also on some Cliffbot runs performed on 6 February, strange blue rocks that were not visible from the top of the cliff were discovered. As a fun fact, the last test conducted that day by Gernot Groemer in the Aouda Spacesuit was the 100^th since experimentation began in 2001.”

In terms of ideas for future improvements, Alain says:

“I always considered that other instruments than cameras could and should be installed on Cliffbot. A ground sounding radar developed by the LATMOS laboratory for the Exomars ESA rover was tested on a Cliffbot during the Dachstein simulation. Also more cameras should be used and pictures sent to the operator up hill in order to assess the vehicle situation. To avoid the blockage by a rock protruding between spokes, plain wheels would be efficient, but the vehicle was designed to be disassembled and stored in a suit case, which had some consequences on the design.”

On the MARS2013 mission, Alain says:

“I am always impressed by the organization and the amount of work that is behind the ÖWF simulations. Also the team is very motivated and the mood is professional and at the same time very friendly. A lot of extraordinary discoveries lie in front of us in the solar system and particularly in Mars exploration. Science and adventure fit together well in this endeavor which will shape our future as humankind.”

We end this science bulletin with a quote from one of our Analog-Astronauts.

Daniel Schildhammer, about the conditions in the desert:

“It is an exciting experience to be in the desert for now already two weeks and sleeping in tents in these cold nights. As an Analog-Astronaut you don´t realize how the temperature is during the day, because inside the spacesuit simulator you’ll have your own little environment and can’t feel the temperature outside. It is really interesting and fascinating to do this huge amount of experiments together with a great and well organized team.”

MARS2013 is an integrated Mars analog field simulation in the Northern Sahara near Erfoud, Morocco. MARS2013 is organized by the Austrian Space Forum in partnership with the Ibn Battuta Center in Marrakesh.
From the 1st to 10th of February, the field crew including three analog-astronauts prepared for the simulation, which officially started on Monday 11th of February 2013. Until the 28th of February the 10-person crew will conduct 16 experiments from various fields (life sciences, engineering and infrastructure, geosciences, rover & spacesuits). The Mars Simulation is backed by a Mission Support Center in Innsbruck, Austria. All communication during the “in SIM” phase (in SIM phase is declared just before the start of an EVA (extra-vehicular activity) and finishes with the end of an EVA) between Morocco and Austria is delayed by 10 minutes, to gain operational experience about communicating with a time-delay. To achieve a proper time delay, all transferred data e.g. audio, text chat, webcam viewings, gets a time stamp and is instructed to wait for 10 minutes before proceeding automatically.

Learn more about MARS2013 and all experiments and partners on mars2013.oewf.org

Media Contact: 
Monika Fischer, OeWF Vienna, Tel.: +43 69912134610, *protected email*

(c) OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux)

Team & Task(s)

Alain Souchier comes from France and is president for the French chapter of the Mars Society. He participates as one of the many principal investigators (PI) in the MARS2013 Mission. He is responsible for the CLIFFBOT experiment and will check its performance during the first week in Morocco. Later he will be available to deal with any problems which may occur on the CLIFFBOT during the simulation.

Space & MARS2013

How did you first get in touch with the topic of space / astronomy / analog research?

I have been interested in astronomy as a child and then turned my interest to astronautics in 1957 with the beginning of the space race. I was ten in 1957.

When did you first hear about the Austrian Space Forum (OeWF)

Mainly through the AustroMars mission at MDRS.

How did you learn about the “MARS2013” mission?

Discussion in Dachstein.

Why did you choose to participate?

Prolongation of CLIFFBOT experiments conducted in 2002 and 2006 by me in Utah (and also by many other crews) and in Dachstein. Outreach for Planète Mars association and for Mars Exploration promotion in general

What was your first impression when you got involved with the OeWF team?

Professionalism and important number of people involved, logistics and technical means. Nice relations also ☺

What is your personal goal in this mission?

Collect data for the experiment, fun, learning more on simulation activities in general by close participation, bringing back outreach material (photos,…) to promote Mars exploration

Work, Life & Family

What I do for a living:

After spending 40 years as engineer in developing Ariane liquid rocket engines, I am retired and still consultant for my former company on propulsion and launchers. I am also president for the French chapter of the Mars Society.

A typical day in my life looks like this:

No typical day; consulting and answering mails, working for the Planète Mars association and particularly posting news on the website, preparing presentations for congresses or various public interventions, traveling for these presentations; meetings or congresses for my consultancy job. Technical or information notes writing for my consultancy job.

This is how I spend my spare time:

The definition of spare time becomes totally different when you are (partially) retired.

Family status:

Married, four children

How my friends would describe me:

Well ask them (remind me to ask my wife)

Me, Myself & I

What drives me crazy:

Things which do not work or lost items.

Something I would never do:

Just bad things (I hope)

One important thing other people should know about me:

In general they know

To relax I absolutely need:

9 h sleep

For this I would do almost anything:

Going to space and …(ha ha confidential)

Something that once changed my life:

Apart from the space race in 1957? Is marriage electable to this answer?

What is the most unusual / challenging / exciting / scary / funny thing you ever experienced?

176 zero g parabolas, MDRS simulations, Apollo 16 launch and Ariane 1 first launch (and some followings including failures), good memories also of some scuba diving or trips at skis.

Goal(s) & Motto

Something I would love to learn or to achieve:

Well, going to space. But being a little part of space access and exploration is already enough

My Motto / A saying I can identify with:

“Never give up never surrender”…no I am joking. I have another one about Earth: “A planet on which water is falling in liquid state cannot be totally bad”.

Video bei YouTube ansehen / Watch video on youtube

During the first simulation week the following experiments were conducted:
Aouda.X spacesuit simulator, DELTA, Long-term medical monitoring system (LTMS), MAT/SEG/MEDINC physiological and psychological variables tests, Microsphere and Endospore viability assay (mircoEVA), Magma White rover, GLXP Puli rover, Small rovers exploration capabilities (SREC), ERAS C3, Deployable Shelter, Geosciences, Hunveyor-4, MEDIAN Methane detection.

Puli Rover in the Moroccan Desert (c) OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux)

Hungarian GLXP Rover Puli team on their past week:
“As Mars2013 simulation is our first remote field test with our I2 Puli rover, we have tested the basic abilities of our rover such as communication, navigation and movement. We encountered some problems during some test runs due to the lack of WiFi signal depending on our position. Currently we are trying to figure out the source of the problem and find a solution for the next runs. We have had a strange situation when moving forward continuously for 5 minutes: our rover made a 180° turn while obeying a simple forward movement. We guess it was a stone or a hole that blocked the way of the rover and turned it back towards the starting point.
The Puli rover is controlled by our Mission Control Center in Budapest, Hungary and the Mission Control Team structure works smoothly; resources are well distributed according to our first runs. Straight and long runs on rocky field can divert the rover from the straight line, so we should monitor a movement like that by taking photos continuously or by issuing shorter commands at once. During the first week we have made some changes in our Mission Control Software according to the first runs. More tests, information and experience are needed for further advancements.
Our next plans are to test the climbing abilities of the rover on hills, sand and rocky field. And in addition we are planning a WiFi measurement experiment with the help of the field crew.

Jane MacArthur, MEDIAN Principal Investigator summarizes the last two weeks:
“Project MEDIAN ran four times during the preparation week and twice this week. The preparation week was very useful for dealing with various anomalies, fixing the biggest problem of a malfunctioning detector and repeating a test that did not work properly the first time. After receiving photos from the field, I have noticed that the gas bottle was not close enough to the ground. Therefore, the field crew in Morocco buried the tank in the sand and refined the diffusion of the gas from the outlet through a bottle, which should improve the experimental results. I am happy from results so far that all four detectors are functioning correctly and have performed according to baseline expectations.
I look forward to my experiment running regularly for the next two weeks, running the detectors in a variety of positions to build up a good quantity of data and to see how helpful they can be in locating the source of the gas.”

New setup gas buried. (c) OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux)

Old setup with gas too high. (c) OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux)

Short preliminary report of the two studies run by the Biomedical Engineers (BME) of MARS 2013 (By Stadler A. & Luger TJ)
AMPS-MEDINC study: The preliminary data of this by the Ethics Committee approved study including 68 participants (until today 15.02.13), shows no major illness or trauma interventions within the first two weeks, but some minor incidents and near accidents occurred. That is observed more in the crew living in the field (representing Mars) than in the members of the MSC (representing Earth). Even under the conditions in the Sahara the telemetry of the Aouda.X and Aouda.S shows stable reproducible parameters, especially the analog astronauts have only a few minor deviations. This study is not yet finished.
AMPS-SEG study: This Ethics Committee approved study investigating emotions, stress, and group dynamics during MARS 2013 has started and was welcomed by the crew in the field and the members of the Mission Support Center and is continuing. We are looking forward to the upcoming data analysis after this mission.

Magma White with Aouda.X (c) OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux)

Mateusz Jozefowicz, Project Lead of the Magma White Mars Analog Rover:
The Magma White is for the first time controlled remotely over the internet from another continent. We have some Austrian-American payload installed which will get tested, with a laser and optical system for detecting life traces on rocks. To establish the communication system, we were four days in Morocco and during the first Simulation week, we have been practicing setting the exact position of the life module and taking test samples from the rocks. By the end of the mission, we hope to have following things tested: the correlation of our GPS coordinates, with two separated GPS systems (on on-board GPS system and a spot device); the remote operation each with and without the time delay; collecting reliable samples for the life instruments with the help of the field crew or without depending on how far we go; driving capabilities of the rover on medium, harsh, and easy terrain. Especially on medium harsh terrain it will probably going to be hard to drive there remotely. There are no scientific results yet but we would like to calibrate the distance of the measurement, the distance to the rock and the speed of approaching of the rock.

Learn more about MARS2013 and all experiments and partners on mars2013.oewf.org

Media Contact:
Monika Fischer, OeWF Vienna, Tel.: +43 69912134610, *protected email*

See also

• Picture of the Day Week 01
• Picture of the Day Preparation Week
• #simulateMars meets #auroratweetup Google Hangout
• Globe@Night Campaign

MARS2013 Camp “Weyprecht” at Night (c) OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux)

Therefore the GLOBE at NIGHT campaign aims to raise awareness concerning light pollution and pleads for less light for more star light so future generations will have the possibility to see our beautiful night sky in full glance.

So let’s watch our nighttime sky and submit our observations. It takes only five easy steps:

1. Go outside more than one hour after sunset; ideally you should make the observations after Moonset as well.
2. Find following constellations: ORION, LEO or CRUX. (Find ORION, find LEO, find CRUX)
3. Match the observation with the Magnitude charts on GLOBE at NIGHT
4. Open this Google Spreadsheet.
5. Enter your observation, add in the location comments field “MARS2013”

The deadline for submitting the observations is 27 February.

Tip from our side: If you do the observations in a group you have more fun and you can submit multiple observations.

(c) OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux)

Team & Task(s)

Dr. Paavan Gorur was born in India and lives in the United Kingdom now. During the MARS2013 mission he is the doctor for the field crew in Morocco. His main role is to maintain the safety of the team. In addition, he is involved in the COMPSTRESS study taking place in the simulation.

Space & MARS2013

How did you first get in touch with the topic of space / astronomy / analog research?

I first became attracted to space medicine during my medical studies where I did an additional BSc in physiology looking at physiology in space and extreme environments. Last year, I pursued an MSc in Space Physiology and Health including a research project at the University of Graz, doing life science research.

When did you first hear about the Austrian Space Forum (OeWF)?

This was through my Research project supervisor at the University of Graz.

How did you learn about the “MARS2013” mission?

This was through my Research project supervisor at the University of Graz. He encouraged me to apply.

Why did you choose to participate?

My interest in space life science research is deep and I hope to forge a career in research I this area alongside my clinical duties. I feel that this experience will be brilliant at preparing me for this.

What was your first impression when you got involved with the OeWF team?    

Everyone was very professional and welcoming.

What is your personal goal in this mission?

My personal goal of this mission is to further immerse myself in the world of space life science. I hope to get to know like-minded people with different backgrounds all aiming to play a part in future manned space exploration. 

Work, Life & Family

What I do for a living:

I am a doctor working as an anaesthetist.

A typical day in my life looks like this:

An early start to the day with a strong cup of coffee! I get to the hospital at 7:30 and begin my anesthetic duties. This includes anaesthetizing patients for operations and dealing with medical emergencies in the hospital. Every day is different and unpredictable, which keeps things interesting and often far from typical!

This is how I spend my spare time:

I like to relax and spend time with my family. I am a huge movie fan and probably spend too much time (and money!) at the cinema. I enjoy reading biographies, inspiration can really be found in the stories of the famous!

Family status:

Married.

How my friends would describe me:

Enthusiastic, ambitious and caring.

Me, Myself & I

These things are precious to me:

Family, friends and my MacBook Pro!

What drives me crazy:

Laziness!

Something I would never do:

Swim the English Channel!

One important thing other people should know about me:

I am committed to both work and family.

To relax I absolutely need:

Music.

For this I would do almost anything:

To be able to meet the great Mahatma Gandhi and Neil Armstrong (sadly both have passed).

Something that once changed my life:

Getting married!

What is the most unusual / challenging / exciting / scary / funny thing you ever experienced?

I played the lead role in a show at university, which included singing to a crowd of more than 500 people. I am not a natural singer, believe me, but the crowd saw trough that and enjoyed the humour in my performance. I would say that this was a scary and also funny experience!

Goal(s) & Motto 

Something I would love to learn or achieve:

I would love to learn how to fly a plane.

My Motto / A saying I can identify with:

“Each of us must be the change we want to see in the world.” Mahatma Gandhi

(c) OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux)

Team & Task(s)

Katja Zanella-Kux is from Switzerland and currently lives in Schwaz, Tyrol. During MARS2013 she accompanies the field crew as part of the media team in Morocco to capture stunning moments during the simulation.

Space & MARS2013

How did you first get in touch with the topic of space / astronomy / analog research?

Star Trek.

When did you first hear about the Austrian Space Forum (OeWF)

I was visiting a planetarium in Schwaz and Gernot Grömer was advisor in one of the shows.

How did you learn about the “MARS2013” mission?

I already accompanied the OeWF with camera during the Kaunertaler Glacier field simulation. After the Rio Tinto mission in 2011 it was pretty obvious that MARS2013 would be the next mission.

Why did you choose to participate?

I am a passionate photographer and it is a fantastic experience for me to be in Morocco. I am always looking for new ideas – it is the perfect fit for me: photography in challenging and extreme situations.

What was your first impression when you got involved with the OeWF team?

The OeWF is a very open minded, happy and very curious bunch.

What is your personal goal in this mission?

Photography in a different location – four weeks in the desert. I just want to capture great moments and collaborate with the team members on the project.

Work, Life & Family

What I do for a living:

Professional photographer

A typical day in my life looks like this:

In the morning I’m in the studio; in the afternoon on the go for meetings and on locations.

This is how I spend my spare time:

I travel a lot, visit family in Switzerland, and friends everywhere. In addition, I pursue photography projects that I don’t  get covered during the week.

Family status:

Widow.

How my friends would describe me:

Bubbly, energetic, introspective, chaotic,  thoughtful.

Me, Myself & I

These things are precious to me:

Respect, open-mindedness, humor, creativity.

What drives me crazy:

Ignorant people.

Something I would never do:

To have prejudices for someone I really do not know.

To relax I absolutely need:

 A cup of tea.

For this I would do almost anything:

Just leave to go somewhere; I’d drop almost everything for that.

Something that once changed my life:

Cancer and the death of my husband.

What is the most unusual / challenging / exciting / scary / funny thing you ever experienced?

Photography during the Berlinale, a party with Antonio Banderas, a shoot with George Clooney.

Goal(s) & Motto

Something I would love to learn or to achieve:

When I am 60 or 70 I want to happily look back on my life and having the sense everything was good the way it was.

My Motto / A saying I can identify with:

What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.

ÖWF Mars desert camp at night, with light logo (c) OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux)

10 Day 10 : February 10th, 2013
These stars in the night sky announce tomorrows Mars landing. (c) OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux)

Quiet sunset over the track laid out for the DELTA experiment. (c) OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux)

9 Day 9 : February 9th, 2013
Today there is a day of R&R in our flightplan. We’ll be back tomorrow, and on monday we will ‘land on Mars’. (c) OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux)

Setting up our own WLAN in the desert to cover experiments area. (c) OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux)

8 Day 8 : February 8th, 2013
We need VOIP communication and telemetry from our space suits and experiments. The desert (just like Mars) usually does not have WLAN coverage already. So we set up our own in the expedition area. (c) OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux)

This expedition really is isolated, (almost) just as it would be on Mars. (c) OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux)

7 Day 7 : February 7th, 2013
If you picture this landscape with the sky in a different colour and ignore the vegetation it looks quite a lot like Mars, don’t you think? (c) OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux)

Group of school children gets tour of Mission Support Center in full operation. (c) OeWF (Jarno Peschier)

6 Day 6 : February 6th, 2013
The field team in the desert is an important part of Mars 2013, but not the biggest part. For every person ‘on Mars’ there are about four people in the Mission Support Center. (c) OeWF (Jarno Peschier)

An important part of preparation week in the desert is working with various media. (c) OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux)

5 Day 5 : February 5th, 2013
We often get the question from selected media representatives visiting us already: “If you are only ‘landing on Mars’ on Monday the 11th, why are you already in the desert for almost a week?” The answer is that we have to put up the field tents, assemble scientific equipment and test all devices before we “land” on the 11th of February and isolate the field crew to begin the simulation. (c) OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux)

Dust devil photographed by Mars 2013 field team on the 3rd of February. (c) OeWF

4 Day 4 : February 4th, 2013
A snapshot of a dust devil in the vicinity of the base camp. This phenomenon has been seen by the Spirit rover on Mars and confirms the great similarity between Morocco and Mars. (c) OeWF

Desert camp at night. (c) OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux)

3 Day 3 : February 3rd, 2013
The Mars 2013 field camp is all set up under the same constellations in the night sky that past explorers used for guidance on their voyages. It will be a great reminder to make new discoveries of our own. (c) OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux)

Travelling out into the desert. (c) OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux)

2 Day 2 : February 2nd, 2013
The locations for the Mars 2013 simulation are remote sites in the desert region around Erfoud (Morocco). Whereas future manned Mars missions use spaceships to reach their destination our field crew has to resort to cars and trucks. (c) OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux)

Field Team departure (c) OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux)

1 Day 1 : February 1st, 2013
A new mission to Mars begins! At the end of January the field team travelled to Morocco to begin a month-long analog field-simulation in order to gain scientific and operational insights for a future manned mission to the Red Planet. (c) OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux)

In this way, Olivia Haider could tell something about the Mars 2013 field team base camp in Morroco, Jarno Peschier could give a quick tour of the Mission Support Center for Mars 2013 in Innsbruck, while Remco Timmermans – organiser of the AuroraTweetup – could tell something about the Northern Lights his group has already seen.

Tweeps in Finland watching the Hangout. (c) AuroraTweetup (Remco Timmermans)

Even though there were some technical problems along the way, which means that the middle part of the nearly one hour long Hangout was unfortunately not saved, and the beginning and ending of it are now stored in different YouTube videos, this does not mean this online meeting wasn’t a great succes.

Please have a look at the two videos below and let us know what you think; should the OeWF try to do this more often in the future?

Video bei YouTube ansehen / Watch video on youtube

Video bei YouTube ansehen / Watch video on youtube

(c) OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux)

Team & Task(s)

Leila Ghasemzadeh lives in Iran and is part of the Flight Control Team (FCT). Her tasks during the MARS2013 mission are coordinating the MEDIAN and HUNVEYOR experiments, as well as being a Capsule Communicator (CAPCOM).  The Capsule Communicator or CAPCOM is responsible for coordinating the space-to-ground communications.

Space & MARS2013

How did you first get in touch with the topic of space / astronomy / analog research?

When I was a teenager, I became interested in astronomy because it is a limitless science, nothing seems the way you see it. Whenever I looked at sky, I saw a lot of small spots of light that were beautiful and calm but when
I learned more about them, they became very different, more beautiful but not calm and more than what I initially saw. Later on, I started to take astronomy courses in the Science and Astronomy Center of Tehran, 2003.

When did you first hear about the Austrian Space Forum (OeWF)?

Through the Space Generation Advisory Council  (SGAC), 2011.

How did you learn about the “MARS2013” mission?

From an e-mail from SGAC’s executive director.

Why did you choose to participate?

Because of interests in space related activities, gaining experience and working with professionals.

What is your personal goal in this mission?

Learn something new, collaborate with space leaders and scientists.

Work, Life & Family

What I do for a living:

I’m studying Avionics (AVIation electrONICS) engineering. My research is about solar winds, space telescopes and miniaturized satellites. I was also teaching high school students, mathematics and physics.

This is how I spend my spare time:

Internet surfing, watching movies, reading, playing football.

Me, Myself & I

These things are precious to me:

My family, time, education.

What drives me crazy:

When planning to do a job but it fails.

Something I would never do:

Smoking.

One important thing other people should know:

I’m quiet and peaceful.

To relax I absolutely need:

To be alone and think.

For this I would do almost anything:

Reaching my goals.

Something that once changed my life:

Being interested in astronomy and familiar with SGAC.

What is the most unusual / challenging / exciting / scary / funny thing you ever experienced?

The most exciting thing I ever experienced is the first time I flew solo with single engine airplane.

Goal(s) & Motto 

Something I would love to learn (and/or) something I would like to achieve:

I would like to gain more and more experience in space activities

My Motto / A saying I can identify with:

The word Impossible demonstrates I’m possible.

(c) OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux)

Team & Task(s) Michael Rampey was born in the USA and presently lives in Switzerland. For the MARS2013 Mission he is the leader of the Remote Science Support (RSS) Team, which has the overall responsibility at the MSC for the operation and readiness of all experiments. That includes the scientific experiment activity planning and managing time, power and data rate requests from multiple experiments in cooperation with the Flightplan Team.

Space & MARS2013

How did you first get in touch with the topic of space / astronomy / analog research?

I have been interested in exploring outer space since I was a child. After college, I learned to fly high-performance jet aircraft for the USAF and later obtained a Ph.D. in Volcanology from the University of Cambridge, UK, in order to qualify for the US space program. Unfortunately I was not selected.

When did you first hear about the Austrian Space Forum (OeWF)?

I was told about the OeWF by a colleague who works at NASA.

How did you learn about the “MARS2013” mission?

Same colleague.

Why did you choose to participate?

At first I tried to submit a proposal for an experiment. When that wasn’t selected, Gernot asked me to get involved with RSS.

What was your first impression when you got involved with the OeWF team?

I was and am quite impressed by the level of commitment and excitement that the team members bring to the table.

What is your personal goal in this mission?

In general, I hope to help the team get its goals accomplished and specifically I hope to help Gernot to have a successful expedition. I would additionally like to see this experience lead to other opportunities with OeWF programs, especially with field simulations.

Work, Life & Family

What I do for a living:

I am a jet aircraft pilot instructor.

A typical day in my life looks like this:

I travel to Paris and teach pilots how to fly the Falcon 2000 EX aircraft.

This is how I spend my spare time:

I work on volcanology science research projects with colleagues in the UK and USA. Currently, I am particularly busy with a couple of Mars volcano projects.

Family status:

We are a small family of three. My son, who is 10, would like to fly airplanes once he has grown up.

How my friends would describe me:

Busy.

Me, Myself & I

These things are precious to me:

Time. My family/relatives.

What drives me crazy:

Rap music.

Something I would never do:

There are very few things I would never do.

To relax I absolutely need:

Very little.

For this I would do almost anything:

Travel to outer space.

Something that once changed my life:

Lots of things have changed my life: learning to fly, learning to do geology in Ethiopia, going on expeditions to Antarctica, and climbing in the Alps. Almost anything you do with your whole heart will change your life.

What is the most unusual / challenging / exciting / scary / funny thing you ever experienced?

Flying at the top of the atmosphere in a high-altitude military jet, was, I suppose, the most exciting thing I have ever done. Exploring Antarctica on two missions for the ANSMET program was about the most unusual and also satisfying thing I have ever done.

Goal(s) & Motto

Something I would love to learn or to achieve:

I would like to be the first man to set foot on Mars.

My Motto / A saying I can identify with:

Audaces Fortuna Juvat.

(c) OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux)

Team & Task(s)

Arnold Sams is a member of the Ground Support Team for MARS 2013. His many tasks include rooming, boarding, and transportation of the Mission Support Center members as well as taking care of visitors. He lives in Salzburg.

Space & MARS2013

How did you first get in touch with the topic of space / astronomy / analog research?

I watched the Moon landings as a child on TV.

When did you first hear about the Austrian Space Forum (OeWF)?

Through the project AustroMars 2006.

How did you learn about the “MARS2013” mission?

I have been a member of the OeWF since 2010 and learned about MARS2013 through their regular publications.

What was your first impression when you got involved with the OeWF team?    

 Team: Total Effort by All Members

What is your personal goal in this mission?

I would like to support the team with my knowledge and experience as well as getting to know new people and their work.

Work, Life & Family

What I do for a living:

I am a non-commissioned officer in the Austrian Army. 

This is how I spend my spare time:

Reading, shooting my crossbow and playing golf  (if there is any time left).

Family status:

Married. One son.

How my friends would describe me:

I don’t think the answers are suitable for publication ;-)

Me, Myself & I

These things are precious to me:

Honesty

What drives me crazy:

Deceit

Something I would never do:

Eating porridge

To relax I absolutely need:

Tranquility, a little bit of music.

For this I would do almost anything:

A burger cooked by my wife.

What is the most unusual / challenging / exciting / scary / funny thing you ever experienced?

My first skydive was probably the most exiting  thing in my life. And retrospectively very comical: To jump out of an airplane on my FIRST flight.

Goal(s) & Motto 

My Motto / A saying I can identify with:

Man needs time, where he can collect himself and be introspective. (Albert Einstein)

Team & Task(s)

Thomas Luger, MD, is the head of the Biomedical Engineer (BME) Team and has the overall responsibility with regards to medical issues during MARS2013. He provides support for all issues relating to crew health and medical data management, including pre-flight preparation, real-time monitoring, real-time conferences and post-flight rehabilitation. He is furthermore available to assist with health related issues amongst the Mission Support Centre (MSC) staff. Thomas Luger lives and works in Tyrol.

Space & MARS2013

How did you first get in touch with the topic of space / astronomy / analog research?

I found exposure to space through my father who woke me one night in 1969 to follow the first moon landing live on TV. It was an impressive experience. My interest in Mars was sparked by my son Ulrich who is an analog astronaut.

When did you first hear about the Austrian Space Forum (OeWF)?

Due to my son’s involvement and Gernot Grömer through the Red Cross in Innsbruck.

How did you learn about the “MARS2013” mission?

I have been involved in preparing for MARS2013 since the Rio Tinto Mission.

Why did you choose to participate?

First, I believe that professional medical monitoring of the analog astronauts and the telemetry of the environmental conditions in the spacesuit is mandatory for the Mars simulations. And in addition to safe conditions an emergency MD should be present at all times. Secondly, it is scientifically interesting to establish a medical database and to use those findings for real Mars flights and Mars surface missions to allow for greater medical care in the future. That is one of the goals of these analog simulations.

What was your first impression when you got involved with the OeWF team?

Dedication, enthusiasm, professionalism and a little bit of being a freak or put in a different way: Dedication = to push beyond your limits during your free time, Enthusiasm = break new scientific ground together, Professionalism = to contribute your own knowledge on a very high level Being a freak = meant in a positive way to have fun while you are working together.

What is your personal goal in this mission?

To work together for a common goal but also having fun while being a professional and scientist.

Work, Life & Family

What I do for a living:

Anaesthesia doctor, Emergency medical doctor, scientist.

A typical day in my life looks like this:

Unfortunately too much work and too little time for my family.

This is how I spend my spare time:

My day does not end after an eight-hour workday and 25-hour shifts are added during the month. If I have time, I love being active like going mountain biking, Nordic walking, alpine skiing, cross country skiing, swimming, but also sauna, surfing the web, reading, listening to music and viewing art.

Family status:

I have been married for 32 years and my wife Christine and my children are the centre of my life.

How my friends would describe me:

You would have to ask my friends!

Me, Myself & I

These things are precious to me:

Enjoy creation in all its diversity.

What drives me crazy:

Being superficial in doing things.

Something I would never do:

Bungee jumping

One important thing other people should know about me:

I am in the midst of life and yet only a human.

To relax I absolutely need:

Serenity and depending on my mood music ranging from pop to classic.

For this I would do almost anything:

Esterhazy cake (from the medical point of view: permitted only once a year, unfortunately!)

Something that once changed my life:

When I saw my wife Christine for the first time.

What is the most unusual / challenging / exciting / scary / funny thing you ever experienced?

The most challenging thing was organizing a petition for the reformation of the Catholic Church in 1995 while I was finishing my habilitation thesis at the same time.

Goal(s) & Motto

Something I would love to learn or to achieve:

Every decade in my professional and private life reveals undiscovered territory.

My Motto / A saying I can identify with:

In veritate libertas! (In truth lies freedom)