Expedition one: A Mars analog research station 30-day mission

Abstract

Expedition One was the first of a series of expeditions by a single crew to Mars-analog research sites around the world. Interdisciplinary studies in human factors, geology, biology, operations, and exploration technology required careful coordination among diverse groups and individuals. Research over the thirty days of the mission was organized into four Phases, which progressively linked to develop an integrated mission science scenario. Mars-analog rover, datalogger and suit technologies were tested while studying group processes and conducting task analyses to optimize extra-vehicular activity field work for an intensive geology and biology research program. Mars-analog studies classified according to three mission types are discussed, with examples. A description of the complete Expedition One program is given, with inclusion of the decisions made for the way the mission was organized and conducted, and preliminary conclusions are provided pending further analyses of accumulated data