Mars Society Mars Desert Research Station, Crew 119, Dec 1-14 2013

In this Martian analog on Earth, the crew spent 2 weeks living and working in a remote, simulated habitat: planning Extra Vehicular Activities, wearing space suits, exploring the terrain on foot or via rovers, maintain/upgrading systems, and experiencing a tin-can existence. Through this research, they’ll be able to better understand how people will live and work effectively on the Red Planet.

Dan’s mission was to document what life will be like for the first humans on Mars from “a feet on the ground” perspective. This work was research for his MFA Thesis project: a live musical performance and concept album around the theme of humanity crossing the sea of space and touching down on a familiar new world.

Journal

As Crew Journalist, I wrote a daily report in the “first landing” perspective and compiled pictures to send to Mission Support. After returning to Earth, this information was compiled into a book: Heading to Mars

Press

Press about my particular trip

CMU Tartan Article: Professor, students take a trip to an alien destination

CMU Piper: Mars Adventure: Two-week Simulation Spurs Imagination of Students, Lecturer

Training

Before heading to the MDRS, I did a little training in the red soil of my hometown, Huntsville AL:

Images

Visit the Flickr set