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 ExGamma (Crew 56), is building on the successes of previous Mars Society Canada training missions at MDRS (Expeditions Alpha and Beta) by carrying out research in the areas of geology, biology, and human factors. The training mission implements a fieldwork cross-training program intended to expose all crewmembers to a variety of Mars exploration-related disciplines. As with all MDRS crews, participation in one another's research and in general habitat systems training will provide the crew with significant exposure to several issues relating to Mars exploration. The comprehensive fieldwork training program rounds out this experience. The intent is that no matter what a given participant's specialization may be, cross-training in several disciplines will shed a balanced and insightful light on some of the more significant issues related to surface activities on Mars, resulting in well-rounded potential contributors for future expeditions. Conceived of as an "in-situ human Mars exploration tutorial", the mission Commander and Executive Officer (both veterans of prior MDRS rotations) will lead the training exercises and discussions. The MSC training plan was developed and formalized through consultations with experts in a variety of disciplines, and refined during ExAlpha and ExBeta. It will continue to evolve with ExGamma and each successive MSC training mission with the contribution of participant feedback, new research projects, and unique instructors.
Research Abstracts:
UV Resistance and Salt Screens:
The Search for Microbial Life in the Martian Environment:
Adrienne L. Kish, Biologist
The search for life on Mars is a daunting task that requires that we limit our efforts to areas with the maximum potential for high-yield discoveries. Evidence of ancient hypersaline environments on Mars as discovered by the Opportunity MER and the existence of halophlic micro-organisms on Earth strongly suggests we include these environments in our search for extraterrestrial life. UV radiation incident upon the surface of Mars has often been cited as a limiting environmental challenge for life. Recent experimental evidence has shown that salts can reduce the sterilizing effects of ionizing radiation through abiotic processes. This research proposal seeks to test this hypothesis in a field setting to help determine the optimal geological settings for biological field sampling in a Martian type environment.
Countermeasures to Decrease Fatigue and Increase Performance:
B. Liz Gauthier, Human Factors Researcher
During spaceflight, astronauts may encounter stressful situations that can cause fatigue, which can significantly impair performance. At these times, countermeasures should be implemented to boost performance and ensure mission success. It is proposed fatigue and performance levels are measured throughout the Expedition Gamma Mission in the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS). One time per day all crewmembers' fatigue levels can be measured using a self-report test and physiological data (e.g. heart rate and blood pressure). In addition, all crewmembers' cognitive performance can be measured using the DELTA performance batteries (these tests are approximately 15 minutes long). The crew will be randomly assigned to a control group or an experimental group. The experimental group will receive countermeasures to decrease fatigue and increase performance. However, the control group will not receive any countermeasures. These countermeasures will include a 30 minutes afternoon regiment exercise routine. After the mission, the control and the experimental group performance will be compared (using a two-tailed Z-test). Results should indicate that administering countermeasures during stressful situations does decrease fatigue and increase performance. This will prove useful for future missions by increasing overall crew performance.
Field and S.E.M. Anaysis of Evaporite Deposits in a Mars Analogue Setting
Cassandra L. Marion, Geologist
The Opportunity Mars Rover has discovered evaporite deposits preserved on Meridiani Planum, Mars. At the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) in Utah, a Mars analogue study of evaporite deposits will be completed. Small-scaled mapping, stratigraphic analysis and sampling of various evaporite deposits, primarily gypsum and halite, will be done with the aid of a topographic map, a Garmin handheld GPS unit and MapSource software. Further analysis and imaging of the evaporites will be completed with the aid of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) in search of mm- to um-scale features such as fluid inclusions and biological material. Fluid inclusions in evaporites on Earth have preserved the chemistry of the fluids from which the evaporites were precipitated and entrapped biomolecules and microbes.
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