The experiments

Microbiology

Our project is to design an experiment to find out any bacterial life in rocks from the Utah desert, to grow it in culture, and to characterize it by a range of phenotypic and biochemical tests applicable in Martian conditions. We should be able to run these tests with very few equipment. Given that a drilling project is not conceivable, we should just focus on surface rocks from various places, such as an old river’s bed, to discover bacterial presence.

 3-D map conception & geologic simulation

The main idea of the project is to conceive a computer simulation of the land relief around the research station. Such a map would help the users to have a better knowledge of the surrounding terrain and thus allow them to plan the routes more easily, maximizing the available outdoors time to take measures or do experiments. As second part of the project, we’d like to add to this map the main characteristics of the surrounding rocks and soils. We would split the area into two parts: the zones which have already been studied before, for which we might find available data to build our geological simulation, and the non-previously studied areas. Concerning those areas, we’d first look up theoretical characteristics, assuming we roughly know what kind of soils we’ll find and would then compare them to the characteristics which shall be measured in situ. Furthermore, another goal of this project would be to determine whether an area is dangerous or not, since flash floods or sand tornadoes may arise. The 3-D map would find a practicable route back to the station, using a vehicle or not. We also could work on another project, about radio operator relays and antennas, helping them to know whether an area is covered or not.

 Localization

During our simulation at the MDRS, we will be testing our danger zone detection system. The goal is to be able to warn the members of the team on EVA when they approach a dangerous zone. This experiment will be conducted with the other experiment of the Crew 166 (named 3D Map and Simulation). We will accomplish the detection of the dangerous zones using zigbee communication with small zigbee emitters and an Arduino card equipped with a zigbee to allow us to measure the distance to other modules. The zigbee modules have a RSSI entry (Received Signal Strength Indication), allowing us to know the distance to the emitter which will be at the entry of the danger zone. If the data are positive, the set-up can be used to allow the location of the members on EVA, by setting up a certain number of zigbee emitters in an area around the base. Then, by using a fingerprinting location method, a trilateration method or a triangulation method, we will be able to locate the members on EVA. The fingerprinting method will take more time to implement and is environment dependent (if the emitters are moved, the method as to be applied again), but will give better results.

Using radio relay for communication

The aim of this experiment is to test the use of a communication relay while on EVA. To do so, the team in EVA will place a relay on a good spot so they can use the radio at a greater distance. The relay is composed of two two-way handheld radios, and a repeater. This configuration is very cheap and power efficient, since the radios can work during the whole duration of the EVA. The relay will be placed at the top of a mast. The mast will have to be transported by the team and positioned while on EVA. Upon return from an EVA, the team will have to unmount the relay and take it back to the base. On “Mars” there is no such things as cellphones. On the MDRS base in the Utah desert the participants will only be provided with a While on “Mars” there is no such things as cellphones. On the MDRS base in the Utah desert the participants will only be provided with a radio. The problem is that when there is an obstacle such as a hill or a canyon, communication is easily lost. Also, the team cannot go at a greater distance than the one the radio can cover. To improve communication, Bertrand will use a portable radio relay that the team will place when they go on a mission. The distance at which communication is possible will be improved.

​Astronomy experiment

In the MUSK observatory, which belongs to the base, we will conduct a spectroscopy experiment. Spectroscopy is to analyze the light from celestial objects to know their composition. For this purpose, we will use an optical fiber to connect the telescope to the spectrometer that will be used for the measurements. A program will see the curve of the emission spectrum of the analyzed object. The data will be compared with the absorption lines of atoms and small molecules. We will conduct the first tests on the Moon and Jupiter and then we will look at the brightest stars visible this season and if it is high enough in the sky, we will try Mars and Saturn. Some of the stars expected to be observed are Sirius, Rigel, Procyon, Betelgeuse, Aldebaran, Capella, Pollux, Vega, Deneb, ... On Earth, the atmosphere will interact with the signal sent by astronomical object but on Mars the atmosphere is one hundred times less dense and will not interfere as much with the data. Furthermore, the MUSK observatory is equipped to make astrophotography, and it’s planned to use this possibility. It allows us to have pictures of the object analyzed and other beauties present in the sky. The equipment needed to experience lent and funded by the Institute for Space Aeronomy.

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