Remote Science Support during MARS2013: Testing a Map-Based System of Data Processing and Utilization for Future Long-Duration Planetary Missions

Abstract

MARS2013 was an integrated Mars analog field simulation in eastern Morocco performed by the Austrian Space Forum between February 1 and 28, 2013. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the system of data processing and utilization adopted by the Remote Science Support (RSS) team during this mission. The RSS team procedures were designed to optimize operational efficiency of the Flightplan, field crew, and RSS teams during a long-term analog mission with an introduced 10 min time delay in communication between "Mars" and Earth. The RSS workflow was centered on a single-file, easy-to-use, spatially referenced database that included all the basic information about the conditions at the site of study, as well as all previous and planned activities. This database was prepared in Google Earth software. The lessons learned from MARS2013 RSS team operations are as follows: (1) using a spatially referenced database is an efficient way of data processing and data utilization in a long-term analog mission with a large amount of data to be handled, (2) mission planning based on iterations can be efficiently supported by preparing suitability maps, (3) the process of designing cartographical products should start early in the planning stages of a mission and involve representatives of all teams, (4) all team members should be trained in usage of cartographical products, (5) technical problems (e.g., usage of a geological map while wearing a space suit) should be taken into account when planning a work flow for geological exploration, (6) a system that helps the astronauts to efficiently orient themselves in the field should be designed as part of future analog studies.

The AMADEE-18 Mars Analog Expedition in the Dhofar Region of Oman

“…The FAP-directed experiment locations as well as related traverses that met operational constraints were communicated to the field crew via the Traverse Plan (TP). For the development of this plan, in contrast to the previous missions MARS2013 (Losiak et al, 2014) and AMADEE-15 (Groemer et al, 2016), a more elaborate geodata workflow was implemented (Sejkora et al, 2018). During previous missions, TPs were created by using Google Earth, accepting several shortcomings (Losiak et al, 2014).…”

“…For the development of this plan, in contrast to the previous missions MARS2013 (Losiak et al, 2014) and AMADEE-15 (Groemer et al, 2016), a more elaborate geodata workflow was implemented (Sejkora et al, 2018). During previous missions, TPs were created by using Google Earth, accepting several shortcomings (Losiak et al, 2014). For AMADEE-18, a central server with GeoServer software stored all geodata and made them available to clients by using the Open Geospatial Consortium standards.…”

“…Since the Apollo-era, analog studies have supported planetary surface missions (Preston and Dartnell, 2014) as an effective and efficient tool to prepare for future missions to Mars. Mars analogues on Earth are used to understand processes on the Red Planet from a scientific point of view (Wentworth et al, 2005;Michalski and Niles, 2011), optimize operational workflows (Losiak et al, 2014), and test field equipment and human factors in a representative environment. Such past analog campaigns include initiatives such as the NASA Desert Research and Technology Studies (D-RATS) field simulations conducted between 1997 and 2010 (Abercromby et al, 2013;Ross et al, 2013), the NASA HI-SEAS long-duration missions Hunter, 2013 andManoa, 2015), the MOONWALK project (Imhof et al, 2015), the NASA NEEMO underwater missions, the ESA CAVES missions (Bessone et al, 2015), and the NASA BASALT mission (Thomas et al, 2016) among others.…”

Mars-Relevant Field Experiences in Morocco: The Importance of Spatial Scales and Subsurface Exploration

“…M ars analogue studies on Earth support the planning (Baliva et al, 1999;Farr et al, 2002;Berczi et al, 2007;Hargitai, 2009;Orzechowska et al, 2011;Orgel et al, 2014;Amador et al, 2015), testing (Groemer et al, 2010(Groemer et al, , 2014Losiak et al 2014), and realization of Mars missions (Golombek and Rapp, 1997), and help to widen and deepen our understanding of various processes and conditions beyond Earth (Barlow et al, 2011;El-Baz et al, 1979;Wentworth et al, 2005;Warren-Rhodes et al, 2007;Catling et al, 2010;Hesse, 2012). Among these field sites, accessible desert analogues (Komatsu et al, 2007;Ori et al, 2014b) provide ideal locations for the preparation and testing of methodologies of planetary surface exploration.…”

The ScanMars Subsurface Radar Sounding Experiment on AMADEE-18

“…Fieldwork in hostile environments offers an important opportunity to build experience in terms of protocols, workflows, instrumental performance, and problem-solving techniques, all of which will enrich our knowledge and help to improve the design, operation, scientific analysis, and outcome of future missions (Snook and Mendell, 2004;Cannon et al, 2007;Groemer, 2014;Losiak et al, 2014aLosiak et al, , 2014b. Several simulated missions have been developed in the past decade, such as the NASA DESERT-RATS (Abercromby et al, 2013), the NASA HI-SEAS (Binsted et al, 2013;Binsted et al, 2015;Häuplik-Meusburger et al, 2017), the ESA CAVES (Bessone et al, 2015), MOON-WALK (Imhof et al, 2015;Vögele, 2016), MARS-500 (Poláčková Š olcová et al, 2016), and others (West et al, 2010;Steele et al, 2011).…”