Photo Sets: HMP RS - July 25, 2009 | HMP RS - July 26, 2009 | HMP RS - July 27, 2009 | HMP RS - July 28, 2009 | HMP RS - July 29, 2009

Research activities are still going strong and taking advantage of a much wished for sunny day. This exciting and productive HMP field season will be wrapping up research activities in the next couple of days and shutting down operations over the next week. Filming of the Mars-1 Humvee Rover with a Hamilton Sundstrand suitport and Planetary Concept Suit continues today with National Geographic, and also a BBC crew who has arrived today. Both film crews have use of a helicopter today.

Following are updates from the last few days on just some of the research activities that are wrapping up soon. This may be the last written update since [yours truly] Elaine Walker, Education and Public Outreach officer for the Mars Institute, will be flying out on the 31st. There will be more video reports, so stay tuned, and we will be looking ahead to the 2010 HMP field season.

NASA lunar geologic traverse simulations:

Dr Pascal Lee (Director, HMP / NASA Ames, Mars Institute, SETI Institute), Dr Mark Helper (Distinguished Senior Lecturer, University of Texas at Austin) and Dr Essam Heggy (Planetary Scientist, JPL) completed simulated lunar geological and geophysical traverses that are part of their studies of robotic follow-up to human exploration, and of the efficiencies of pressured rover and EVA exploration. During the final simulated EVA, Dr Heggy and Dr Lee successfully captured ground penetrating radar (GPR) images along a 50 m traverse at four different frequencies that span a Gigahertz range. The techniques employed resemble those that could be used for seismic surveys on the lunar surface. This final geophysical EVA traverse was preceded by a 24 hour rover traverse designed to collect (GPR) data while roving and, at specific sites, by EVA. Helper and Lee had earlier completed a similar traverse that focused on the geologic history of Haughton crater.

Continue reading "Productive HMP 2009 Field Season Wrapping Up" »

Posted by Elaine Walker at 11:38 AM | Comments (0)

Photo Set: HMP RS - July 24, 2009

Five new arrivals flew in this morning, including Dr Alain Berinstain (Director, Planetary and Space Exploration Astronomy, CSA), Dr Mike Daly (Senior Engineer, MDA), Matthew Izawa (University of Western Ontario), Terry from Grise Fiord, and Michael Morrow and Jeff Thrasher from National Geographic, who will be filming HMP activities for the program Storm Worlds.

A 24 hour Mars-1 Humvee Rover traverse with the new suitport got underway this afternoon. The suitport was installed by the Hamilton Sundstrand team, Addy Overbeeke and Montira Satienpoch. Dr Mark Helper (Geologist, MMAMA) will be performing EVAs as an astronaut/field geologist who is unfamiliar with any prior work at Haughton crater, conducting a day-long traverse to learn as much as possible about the geology of the Haughton site. The traverse simulates, as closely as possible, the constraints of doing such work on the lunar surface, particularly in the times available for EVAs, for roving in a pressurized LER (Lunar Exploration Rover) and for doing field work in a space suit.

Also involved in the traverse planning and research this season is Dr Essam Heggy, a Planetary Scientist at JPL. Dr Heggy has brought some very high tech gear that will be used on the Mars-1 Humvee Rover traverses, including a Ground Penetrating Radar system and other instruments that can scan below the ground surface on different frequencies. Dr Stephen Braham (SFU / HMP Associate Director) spent the day supporting the Rover's communication needs, and the National Geographic team got some beautiful footage of the Rover and the "astronaut" EVAs.

Continue reading "24 Hour Mars-1 Humvee Rover Traverse With Suitport and Many Other HMP Activities" »

Posted by Elaine Walker at 4:10 PM | Comments (0)

Photo Set: HMP RS - July 23, 2009

The Hamilton Sundstrand team, Addy Overbeeke and Montira Satienpoch, supported the BBC film crew, providing them with shots of Dr Pascal Lee (Director, HMP / NASA Ames, Mars Institute, SETI Institute) wearing the space suit. BBC also filmed the Mars-1 Humvee Rover with the space suit attached to the simulated airlock. Addy and Montira completed the resizing modifications for Dr Mark Helper (Geologist, MMAMA) who is 6'4", and finished the latching mechanisms for the simulated pressurized bulkhead door on the Rover.

Dr Stephen Braham (SFU / HMP Associate Director) is setting up a repeater to allow network communication with Drill Hill. The Drilling Automation team, Dr Brian Glass an Dr Sarah Thompson (both of NASA Ames), bore a hole 1.5 meters with the CRUX drill.

Continue reading "Daily Report: BBC, Space Suit and Simulated Air Lock, CRUX Drill" »

Posted by Elaine Walker at 4:23 PM | Comments (0)

Photo Set: HMP RS - July 22, 2009

Five HMP participants departed on a twin otter flight today. We gave big thanks and said, "Until next time!" to Drs Robert Ferl and Anna-Lisa Paul (both faculty at the University of Florida), Tom Graham (Univ. of Guelph), Matt Bamsey (Univ. of Guelph / CSA) and Louis-Phillipe Durocher (Space System Engineer, CSA).

Jesse Weaver (field technician) prepared the Mars-1 Humvee Rover for the space suit team. Montira Satienpoch (Hamilton Sundstrand) sewed visors for the space suit helmet and Addy Overbeeke (Hamilton Sundstrand) is working on the space suit hatch on the back of the Rover. The space suit will be attached to the hatch in the same configuration as NASA's latest Lunar rover prototype.

Dr Essam Heggy (Planetary Scientist, JPL) and Dr Mark Helper (Geologist, MMAMA) started planning for the 24 hour traverse with simulated EVAs that will get underway tomorrow. Dr Helper is working with limited slope data to plan the traverses, having no inside scoop about actual terrain roughness collected last field season to add to the realism of the simulation.

Continue reading "Daily Report: Rover Suit Hatch, CRUX Drill, Autonomous Robot" »

Posted by Elaine Walker at 11:26 PM | Comments (0)

Photo Set: HMP RS - July 21, 2009

A twin otter arrived today with four new arrivals - Addy Overbeeke and Montira Satienpoch (both of Hamilton Sundstrand), Dr Mark Helper (University of Austin) and Dr Essam Heggy (Planetary Scientist, JPL). Addy and Montira will be attaching a spacesuit to the back of the Mars-1 Humvee Rover to mimic NASA's latest lunar rover prototype. Dr Helper and Dr Heggy will be involved in the Mars-1 Humvee traverses with the new spacesuit hatch.

Lots of activities are taking place simultaneously. Matt Bamsey (Univ. of Guelph / CSA) and Tom Graham (Univ. of Guelph) closed the greenhouse today and are preparing for their flight out tomorrow. Drs Robert Ferl and Anna-Lisa Paul (both faculty at the University of Florida) are also on their last day, and are packing up and preparing for their departure.

Continue reading "Daily Report: NASA Pressurized Rover Analog Study Underway" »

Posted by Elaine Walker at 6:18 PM | Comments (0)

Photo Set: HMP RS - July 20, 2009

A Lunar time delay was implemented in today's medical scenario. Dr Robert Ferl and Dr Anna-Lisa Paul, both faculty at the University of Florida, took part in this tricky medical scenario, saving the life of the high-tech robotic patient, in Lunar-delayed communications with the remote doctor. Dr David Musson (MD/PhD, McMaster Univ. CSA), Bosco Law and Matt Turnock (both MSc students at McMaster Univ.) and Marcel Pigeon (physician assistant, DND) stood by and observed. There were two additional medical scenarios today as well.

Today may have been the busiest day of the season so far. There was a whirlwind of activities. A few separate traverses took place. Two traverses were to Drill Hill, led by Dr Brian Glass and Dr Sarah Thompson (both from NASA Ames). Tommy Sulluviniq (Deputy Field Camp Manager, Resolute Bay) and Ben Audlaluk (from Grise Fiord) helped to set up the drill tent. The drill was unpacked and set into place in the drill tent, ready for the second traverse after lunch when testing began. Elaine Walker (EPO, HMP, Mars Institute) joined them to take some video and interview the scientists. The Drs went back to Drill Hill after lunch with Jesse Weaver (field technician) and Ben Audlaluk (from Grise Fiord).

Continue reading "Daily Report: Apollo Anniversary Busiest Science Day So Far" »

Posted by Elaine Walker at 9:37 AM | Comments (0)

Photo Set: HMP RS - July 19, 2009

A twin otter flight came in this morning with several new participants. Research activities, namely NASA activities, will be ramping up in this third quarter of the season. Starting on the 20th, which is the 40th Anniversary of Apollo 11, our HMP activities will get the prominent spot on NASA's Analog website!

We welcomed incoming HMP participants, Dr Tim Barfoot, Paul Furgale, Braden Stenning and Pat Carle (all from the University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies), Laura Thomson (University of Western Ontario) and Marwan Hussein (systems engineer, OPTECH). They will be working together on various aspects with a rover equipped with lidar and other capabilities.

Also arriving today was Dr Brian Glass (Senior Scientist, Drilling Automation, NASA Ames). He and Dr Sarah Thompson (NASA Ames) will be experimenting with the automated CRUX drill, to gain more knowledge in drilling automation for Mars exploration.

Continue reading "Daily Report: Dr Brian Glass (NASA Ames) Arrives Along With Several Others" »

Posted by Elaine Walker at 11:10 PM | Comments (0)

Photo Set: HMP RS - July 18, 2009

Dr. Sarah Thompson (NASA Ames) supervised a traverse in the Mars-1 Humvee Rover to bring the CRUX drill and other equipment to Drill Hill. Along on the traverse to help position the drilling crate were Bosco Law (MSc Student in Health Research Methodology, McMaster Univ.), Jesse Weaver (field technician), Ben Audlaluk (from Grise Fiord) and Tommy Sulluviniq (Resolute Bay).

Starla Talbot, field assistant for Dr. Stephen Braham (SFU / HMP Associate Director), swapped out an antenna on the Mars-1 Humvee Rover. Starla has also been helping Dr. Braham prepare the webcams that will be going up soon, assisting new HMP participants with their internet connections, along with other technical duties.

A mock emergency medical scenario was conducted in the medical tent, led by David Musson (MD/PhD, McMaster Univ. / Director, Center for Simulation based learning, CSA). David observed while a remote doctor led [yours truly] Elaine Walker (EPO, HMP, Mars Institute) and Jesse Weaver (field technician) through life saving procedures on Simm Man, the high tech robotic patient, who had a leg torn off in an accident.

Drs. Robert Ferl and Anna-Lisa Paul (faculty, University of Florida) finished the battery box for the Arthur Clarke Mars Greenhouse, and Louis-Phillipe Durocher (Space System Engineer, CSA) took inventory. Matt Bamsey (CSA / Univ. of Guelph), with Anna-Lisa, gave a very thorough tour of the greenhouse systems this morning to several HMP participants.

Dan Green (assistant camp cook) gave an after dinner lecture titled Giordano Bruno: A Revolution in European Cosmology. His talk was informative and entertaining. Dan is not just an assistant cook. He has been accepted into the PhD program in Anthropology at Harvard University.

Photo Set: HMP RS - July 18, 2009

Posted by Elaine Walker at 8:31 PM | Comments (0)

Photo Set: HMP RS - July 17, 2009

There was a meeting of the HMP Core Team members this morning, planning ahead as we enter the third quarter of the season. The busiest times are fast approaching, and we look forward to a very productive next couple of weeks.

A twin otter flight came in today with the CRUX drill, fuel and propane. Research scientists from NASA Ames Research Center will be working with the automated CRUX drill over the remainder of the season, continuing to make advances in space-drilling technologies.

The Arthur Clarke Mars Greenhouse team Matt Bamsey and Tom Graham, both from the University of Guelph, are wrapping up this season's work with the plant growth systems and connecting the new battery bank today. Drs. Robert Ferl and Anna-Lisa Paul, both faculty at University of Florida, planted the Fall tray with very specific soil samples they collected this season.

The medical team gave a few HMP participants a crash course in advanced skills with emergency medical scenarios using guidance from their remote chief instructors. This is part of their ongoing research in telemedicine. Yours truly got training! It was a unique experience with the realistic robotic patient used by McMaster's Centre for Simulation Based Learning, complete with audible breathing, a physical pulse and a bone protruding from an upper leg.

Today is saliva day! Many of the HMP participants this field season are taking part in a study by McMaster University student, Matt Turnock, about the correlation between stress and Cortisol levels. Thankfully, saliva day is only twice a week. Matt also gave an entertaining and informative talk this evening that he called "A Crash Course in Telemedicine and Hi Fidelity Patient Simulation."

Photo Set: HMP RS - July 17, 2009

Posted by Elaine Walker at 2:31 PM | Comments (0)

Photo Set: HMP RS - July 16, 2009


The HMP Research Station is busy with activities. Dr. Stephen Braham (SFU / HMP Associate Director), with the help of Starla Talbot (SFU / field assistant), got a radio working in the Mars-1 Humvee Rover with a 60 kilometer range each way. Robert Ferl and Anna-Lisa Paul, both faculty at the University of Florida, traversed to Gemini Hills to collect breccia, similar to the breccia used in one of last year's studies in the Arthur Clarke Mars Green house, in order to repeat the study. Chris Iles (Network Systems Integration, CRC) and Dr. Leo Hartman (Computer Scientist, CSA) finished installing and securing the battery bank for the greenhouse. Telemedicine mock scenarios are underway in the medical tent, complete with a very high tech mannequin.

After dinner, Leo Dr. Leo Hartman, a computer scientist with the System Engineering Directorate at CSA, Chris Iles with the Communications Research Center of Canada, and John Klatte, a technician with AM General, were awarded this season's HMP patches for their participation since they are flying out today.

The twin otter flight came in after dinner with two incoming participants. Tommy Sulliviniq (from Resolute) is returning, and medical officer, Marcel Pigeon (Department of National Defence, Canada), has arrived as well. Also on the flight was food, propane, diesel and clean laundry. We said goodbye to Leo, Chris and John.

Photo Set: HMP RS - July 16, 2009

Posted by Elaine Walker at 2:35 PM | Comments (0)

Photo Set: HMP RS - July 15, 2009

John Klatte, a technician with AM General, and Jesse Weaver (HMP field technician), gave the Mars-1 Humvee Rover some upgrades, including heavy duty springs and new steering components. It was completed this evening! The Humvee was lifted with inflatable jacks from ARB. Our sincere thanks go to John Klatte for his skilled and efficient work.

Robert Ferl and Anna-Lisa Paul if the University of Florida, along with Louis-Phillipe Durocher (CSA) and Ben Audlaluk (from Grise Fiord) traversed to Drill Hill this morning. Robert and Anna-Lisa took samples vertically at various depths, to see how different soil compositions affect plant growth.

Camp cook, Mike Langenhan, prepared a wonderful salmon dinner this evening with help from assistant cook, Dan Green. Dan is more than just an assistant cook. He has been accepted to Harvard for a PhD program in Anthropology. After dinner, Dr. Leo Hartman (Computer Scientist, System Engineering Directorate, CSA) gave a power point presentation in the mess tent titled: An Integrated Approach to Resource and Fault Management.

Tent ties are being strengthened in preparation for expected high winds this evening.

Photo Set: HMP RS - July 15, 2009

Posted by Elaine Walker at 9:51 AM | Comments (0)

A twin otter flew in after dinner with new arrivals David Musson (MD/PhD, Director, Center for Simulation based learning, CSA), Bosco Law (MSC Student in Health Research Methodology) and [yours truly] Elaine Walker, Education and Public Outreach Officer for the HMP. Now that Elaine is here, daily updates will commence for the remainder of the HMP season.

HMP Research activities are well underway and the participants are taking full advantage of the beautiful, sunny and relatively warm weather.

Photo Set: HMP RS - July 14, 2009

Posted by Elaine Walker at 5:17 PM

Yesterday an Air National Guard C-130 out of Long Island, New York left the Vancouver international airport after being loaded with gear and personnel for a flight to Resolute Bay in the Canadian high arctic. Personnel aboard included core HMP participants from the Mars Institute and Simon Fraser University.

This is the second year we've had support from the Air National Guard out of Long Island, New York. It is always much appreciated. We'll have more pictures with credits once we get them from Resolute. The support of the Air National Guard enables us to deploy cargo and people in a timely and cost effective way.

Today HMP personnel are busy organizing cargo for the first flight to the HMP Research Station on Devon Island tomorrow. Weather being what it is in the high arctic, all flights are subject to the weather and conditions on the ground at the HMP airstrip.

- Images from cargo loading at the Vancouver International Airport.

Posted by Marc Boucher at 11:25 AM | Comments (0)

The 2009 HMP field season is almost upon us. This Saturday, June 27, the first participants from the Mars Institute core team will make their from Vancouver to Resolute Bay by way of an Air National Guard C-130 from the Long Island Air National Guard Rescue Unit.

This year will see over 50 participants from 11 organizations visiting the HMP Research Station on Devon Island including representatives from the Canadian Space Agency and NASA.

We'll have more detail on the field season in the coming week.

Posted by Marc Boucher at 11:23 AM

If all goes well today the last of the HMP 2008 participants will leave Resolute today headed south to their various homes. It's been our longest and best field season ever with an incredible amount of research conducted in a short time. We still have many reports and images to post so keep coming by for a visit.

As one field season comes to an end, the cycle will begin shortly to prepare for next year. In the meantime there are a loose ends that need completing.

Thank you for tuning in to our activities. More to come.

Posted by Marc Boucher at 10:26 AM

We are in the last few days of the HMP 2008 field campaign and will soon be making preparations to close camp. This will include the webcams going offline sometime on Friday, August 15th.

It should be noted that we've created a time lapse movie for each day for all three webcams during the field campaign. They are archived and available from our YouTube channel. Here are the individual links to each webcam playlist;

• Webcam 1 - Base camp time lapse movie playlist
• Webcam 2 - Maynard Hill time lapse movie playlist
• Webcam 3 - Office tent time lapse movie playlist

Posted by Marc Boucher at 12:31 PM

copyright 2008 Mars Institute

This afternoon saw snow, and lots of it! By dinner the HMP Research Station was blanketed. It was very pretty, but not be conducive to traversing or Moon and Mars video imagery. Thankfully it started melting in the late evening. However, some very thick fog rolled in. Due to the snow, not many participants ventured away from camp, however, meetings and research continued at the Research Station. The season will still be in full swing until the afternoon of the 15th.

Continue reading "HMP Research Station Status Report" »

Posted by Elaine Walker at 10:54 PM

copyright 2008 Mars Institute

copyright 2008 Mars Institute

Posted by Elaine Walker at 9:45 AM

Dr. Brian Glass (NASA Ames), the principal investigator for the Drilling Automation for Mars Exploration (DAME) project, and his team: Sarah Thompson (NASA Ames), Sarah Huffman (NASA Ames) Shannon Statham (Georgia Tech) and Joanna Cohen (Honeybee Robotics) had a successful 2008 field season on Devon Island at the Haughton-Mars Research Station, Devon Island, High Arctic.

Posted by Marc Boucher at 9:44 AM

copyright 2008 Mars Institute

Andrew Abercromby (Project Engineer, EVA Physiology Systems and Performance Project / NASA Johnson Space Center) did a video interview for Film Director, Laurent Lichtenstein. Laurent is interviewing several participants for a documentary he is working on with Dr. Charles Frankel (author, planetary geologist).

Brian Glass (NASA Ames) took his final gravity measurements near the HMP Research Station to use as baseline measurements for calibration. He has cleaned and packed away the gravity instrument.

Posted by Elaine Walker at 4:34 PM

copyright 2008 Mars Institute

Brian Glass celebrated the completion of the walk-back experiments, and the success of the DAME this season, by breaking out a can of diet coke he had been saving for this moment.

Scott Thackrey (planetary geologist, University of Aberdeen) and Prof. Charlie Mason (Morehead State University) went on a traverse to look at impact ejecta and ground surges. Prof. Charlie Mason's students, Megan Ennis and Bill Atwood, did more mapping near the HMP Research Station and around the air strip.

Continue reading "HMP Research Station Status Report" »

Posted by Elaine Walker at 4:30 PM

copyright 2008 Mars Institute

Departing on the twin otter were Mary Roach (Author of best sellers: Bonk, Stiff and Spook), Air National Guardsmen, Stefano Guadagnuolo and Warren Ruedy, and Dr. John Parnell (University of Aberdeen).

Dr. Horton Newsom (Research Professor, Institute of Meteorites, University of New Mexico) participated in a "webinar", watching Dr. Lucy McFadden discuss her adventures in Antarctica last year. During the webinar, Dr. McFadden posted pictures of our HMP Base Camp Manager, John Schutt, during an expedition in the Antarctica.

Continue reading "HMP Research Station Status Report" »

Posted by Elaine Walker at 9:25 AM

copyright 2008 Mars Institute

On a separate traverse, Prof. Charlie Mason (Morehead State University) and his student, Megan Ennis, did some more surveying near the HMP Research Station, mapping areas of interest.

Photo Set: HMP-2008: August 6

"HMP7SFU Portable Elaine out and clear"

Posted by Elaine Walker at 9:07 AM

copyright 2008 Mars Institute

Several participants traversed to the Geological Survey of Canada Dome, including Dr. John Parnell from the University of Aberdeen and Phd. student, Scott Thackrey, Prof. Charlie Mason from Morehead State University and his students, Megan Ennis and Bill Atwood. Pauline Akeeagok (Senior Field Guide from Grise Fiord), and two Air National Guardsmen, Stefano Guadagnuolo and Warren Ruedy went on a separate traverse to do some surveying.

The Humvee was very carefully packed and went on a dry run through Von Braun Planatia in preparation for a Moon traverse scenario that will be starting tomorrow. The project is being led in the field by Andrew Abercromby (Project Engineer, EVA Physiology Systems and Performance Project / NASA Johnson Space Center) and Dr. Pascal Lee (Director, HMP / NASA Ames, Mars Institute, SETI Institute). The project's Principal Investigator is astronaut Mike Gernhardt at NASA Johnson Space Center.
Photo Set: HMP-2008: August 5

"HMP7SFU Portable Elaine out and clear"

Posted by Elaine Walker at 5:37 PM

copyright 2008 Mars Institute

HMP participants had use of a helicopter for a few flights. Film Director, Laurent Lichtenstein, took shots of the landscape for his documentary, and several HMP participants were flown to areas of interest for their research.

Dr. Pascal Lee (Director, HMP / NASA Ames, Mars Institute, SETI Institute) led a meeting of the HMP Core Team in the Core Module of the Research Station, making plans as the team looks toward the tail end of the field season.

Megan Ennis, from Moorehead State University, enjoyed a birthday today and was presented with an "ejecta block cake" after dinner, courtesy of camp cook, Mike Langenhan. She was also surprised with a helicopter ride that took her to a geologic location of interest to her and her team.

Photo Sets: HMP-2008: August 3 | HMP-2008: August 4

"HMP7SFU Portable Elaine out and clear"

Posted by Elaine Walker at 8:19 PM

copyright 2008 Mars Institute

Marcelo Vazquez (NSBRI, Space Radiation Liason) did walk back scouting with Sarah Huffman (NASA Ames) and Brian Glass (NASA Ames), doing a dry run in the gully. They are gathering data on different types of terrain in order to calibrate their instruments to analyze data from last season's walk back. Measurements taken were related to cadence, number of steps, heart rate and respiration.

A twin otter came in this morning and brought seven new participants: Andrew Abercromby (Project Engineer, EVA Physiology Systems and Performance Project), Scott Thackrey (planetary geologist, University of Aberdeen), Pam Baskins (JSC / NSBRI), Pauline Akeeagok (Senior Field Guide from Grise Fiord) and three Air National Guardsmen: Warren Ruedy, Jake Williams and Stefano Guadagnuolo. Leaving on the plane was the old incinerator and the large honeybee robotics crate with the DAME equipment.

Continue reading "HMP Research Station Status Report" »

Posted by Elaine Walker at 10:26 AM

copyright 2008 Mars Institute

Not to be dismayed by the clouds, HMP participants happily flocked to a good viewing site at the HMP Research Station, while [yours truly] Elaine Walker (EPO, HMP, Mars Institute) provided live commentary over streaming video in the Core Module, with some additional commentary by Dr. Pascal Lee (Director, HMP / NASA Ames, Mars Institute, SETI Institute). Thanks to Dr. Stephen Braham (SFU / HMP Associate Director) and the rest of the communications team Christine Pires (SFU / HMP System Support) and Steve Baird (UBC / HMP Field Assistant) for getting the streaming video up and running, in addition to other web cams that captured the dramatic darkening of the sky.

Continue reading "HMP Research Station Status Report" »

Posted by Elaine Walker at 11:25 PM

copyright 2008 Mars Institute

Dr. Pascal Lee (Director, HMP / NASA Ames, Mars Institute, SETI Institute) gave a talk about the Moon and showed non-trivial comparisons between Haughton Crater on Devon Island and Shackleton Crater at the south pole of the Moon, a location which is a likely candidate for future human missions to the Moon.

Continue reading "HMP Research Station Status Report" »

Posted by Elaine Walker at 8:40 PM

copyright 2008 Mars Institute

Another group headed to the DAME site. The traverse was led by Dr. Pascal Lee (Director, HMP / NASA Ames, Mars Institute, SETI Institute) and included Mary Roach (Author of best sellers Bonk, Stiff and Spook), Eleanor Whitworth (daughter of Alex Whitworth, writer), Marcelo Vazquez (NSBRI, Space Radiation Liason) and [yours truly] Elaine Walker (EPO, HMP, Mars Institute), who did a video interview of the DAME team. Pascal's dog, Ping Pong, came along as well.

We are keeping a watchful eye on the weather forecast and cloud cover above us in anticipation of the rare solar eclipse event happening early in the morning - 4:23 AM on August 1. Stephen Braham (HMP Associate Director), with the help of Christine Pires (HMP, System Support Specialist) and Steve Baird (UBC / HMP Field Assistant), is setting up the technology to have streaming video of the solar eclipse on MarsOnEarth.org.

In the event of complete cloud coverage, the video feed will show the HMP Research Station dipping into darkness for a fleeting moment. For HMP participants who have been experiencing continuous sunlight for multiple weeks, this will be spectacular in itself.

Photo Set: HMP RS - July 30, 2008

"HMP7SFU Portable Elaine out and clear"

Posted by Elaine Walker at 1:51 PM

copyright 2008 Mars Institute

Marcelo will be here until the end of the season and has a busy agenda. He is continuing with radiation measurements that Dr. Vince Pisacane (US Naval Academy / NSBRI) started last week. Marcelo will also be conducting "walk back" experiments to measure the metabolic cost on an "astronaut" of various terrain and slopes, working on techniques for slope calculation, studying soil characteristics, in addition to other research projects.

The DAME team, Sarah Thompson (NASA Ames), Sarah Huffman (NASA Ames) Shannon Statham (Georgia Tech) and Joanna Cohen (Honeybee Robotics), lead by Brian Glass (NASA Ames), performed more core sampling with the DAME, working mainly on software upgrades. They will have one more full day with the DAME. They have had a very successful season with the HMP so far and are meeting their goals and expectations.

Photo Set: HMP RS - July 29, 2008

"HMP7SFU Portable Elaine out and clear"

Posted by Elaine Walker at 11:38 AM

copyright 2008 Mars Institute

We are in the direct path of the very rare solar eclipse on August 1, and anxiously watching the weather forecasts. Unfortunately, the weather isn't looking good for the eclipse, with cloudy skies and possible rain. At the very least we will have a moment of darkness, which will be amazing in itself after being in solid daylight for so long.

John Schutt (HMP Base Camp Manager) has been continually surveying the land in and around the HMP base camp with the help of Kimik, the camp watch dog who follows John around every moment of the day.

Continue reading "HMP Research Station Status Report" »

Posted by Elaine Walker at 1:37 PM

copyright 2008 Mars Institute

The DAME team had another good day. Sarah Thompson (NASA Ames) worked hard on the code, Sarah Hoffman (NASA Ames) removed the casing from the drill, and Stephen Braham (HMP Associate Director / Communications) worked to improve the signal to the DAME site. The rest of the team also worked at the site and continued to meet the daily goals for the core sampling project.

Christine Pires (Simon Fraser University, HMP System Support Specialist) did a lot of desktop support around the HMP Research Station, particularly for Vince Pisacane (US Naval Academy / NSBRI) who was very thankful.

Continue reading "HMP Research Station Status Report" »

Posted by Elaine Walker at 11:27 AM

copyright 2008 Mars Institute

Also at the DAME site, Steve Baird (UBC) helped with the repeater link, Katsak Manik (from Resolute) helped with the generator, and Nick Wilkinson (HMP Project Manager) helped at the site as well.

Jesse Weaver, the camp technician, was the mock patient in the medical tent today. Dr's Dr. Jean-Marc Comtois (Head, Operational Space Medicine, CSA) and Dr. Christian Otto (Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa) performed a thyroid ultrasound with telementoring from Houston.

Dr. Vince Pisacane, the R. A. Heinlein Professor of Aerospace Engineering at the US Naval Academy, traversed to the center of Haughton Crater to set up his radiation experiment in the same location as before. Jarloo Kiguktak and his son Joseph Atchealak (from Grise Fiord) led the traverse, along with [yours truly] Elaine Walker (EPO, Mars Institute) who interviewed Dr. Piscane at the site, Dr. Christian Otto, and camp cooks Mike Langenhan and Mia Bourne.

Continue reading "HMP Research Station Status Report" »

Posted by Elaine Walker at 2:29 PM

copyright 2008 Mars Institute

Brian Glass (NASA Ames) and his team Sarah Thompson, Sarah Huffman (both from NASA Ames), Shannon Statham (Georgia Tech), and Joanna Cohen (Honeybee Robotics). Did more work setting up the DAME equipment and started core sampling at the hydrothermal site. Steve Baird (UBC) and Katsak Manik (from Resolute) also helped at the site.

Dr. Vince Pisacane (R.A. Heinlein Professor, US Naval Academy) also went to the area near the DAME site and got some radiation measurements. His rather expensive equipment is working well.

The medical team, Dr. Jean-Marc Comtois (Head, Operational Space Medicine, CSA) and Dr. Christian Otto (University of Ottawa) did another mock-medical scenario today, once again with [yours truly] Elaine Walker (EPO, Mars Institute). This time Elaine was a 26 year old pregnant girl with a mock ectopic pregnancy. Doctors video conferenced with Dr. Otto and remotely telementored him through the examination to try and diagnose the problem.

Continue reading "HMP Research Station Status Report" »

Posted by Elaine Walker at 12:22 PM

copyright 2008 Mars Institute

The video link with Dr. Sargsyan overlapped with a link from Dr. Scott Dulchavsky from Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit so that he could update Dr. Dulchavsky on the medical situation. Dr. Dulchavsky then telementored Dr. Otto in removing Elaine's mock appendix, which was inside of a box of very realistic guts strapped to her belly. Elaine watched her mock-appendix being removed in real time, on a video feed from the surgical camera.

Continue reading "HMP Research Station Status Report" »

Posted by Elaine Walker at 1:38 PM

Col. George Martin wanted to be an astronaut, he wanted to go to Mars. And if the opportunity had ever come up to go to Mars I think everyone who knew him at the Haughton-Mars Project (HMP) would have wanted him to be a part of their crew. Unfortunately George passed away on Monday when the B-52 bomber flight he was on crashed. The flight was part of a fly-by celebration for Guam's Liberation Day. There were no survivors of the 6 person crew.

George had been to the HMP three times. First in 1998 and then in 2000 and 2002. Each time he came, he made friends and brought his sense of humor with him to make us all laugh. At the HMP George was our medical officer, or as he put it, the HMP Doc, but more importantly he was integral part of the team that helped keep morale high while working in the extreme environment of the high arctic with its long work days and short stays.

George, 51, was the deputy commander of 36th Medical Group at Andersen Air Force Base on Guam. His love for space extended to his family as he named his daughter Gemini, and his dogs were named Apollo and Mercury.

For those of us who had the privilege of working with George when he was at the HMP and came to know him, if only briefly, we will miss him.

Marc Boucher

Links:

• Col. George Martin: a flight surgeon with dreams of space, Shreveport Times
• Air Force: Entire crew killed in B-52 crash near Guam, CNN
• Officials name downed B-52 aircrew members, Air Force Link
• Air Force to hold memorial service, KUAM Guam
• 1998 Space Team Online Web Chat, NASA Quest

Posted by Marc Boucher at 12:55 PM

copyright 2008 Mars Institute

Vince Pisacane was the only arrival. He is a professor of aerospace engineering at the US Naval Academy and holds the Robert A. Heinlein chair. His research is funded by the National Space Biomedical Research Institute (NSBRI).

Darlene Lim (NASA Ames) traversed to Stanford Lake with Katsak Manik (from Resolute) and Christine Pires (Simon Fraser University). She reports having another lucrative day sampling water.

Continue reading "HMP Research Station Status Report" »

Posted by Elaine Walker at 7:32 PM

copyright 2008 Mars Institute

Neil Banerjee (University of Western Ontario) and his students, Matthew Izawa and Mike Liberty, got arctic facials in both directions of their traverse, thanks to wind and rain. He and his team had a good day, and in fact it was fairly dry most of the time they were out.

Brian Glass, Principal Investigator for the Drilling Automation for Mars Exploration project (DAME) at NASA Ames, led his crew to the hydrothermal sites to look at potential core sampling sites. The DAME crew consists of Sarah Thompson (NASA Ames), Sarah Huffman (NASA Ames), Shannon Statham (Georgia Tech) and Joanna Cohen (Honeybee Robotics). They met their goals for the day and plan to raise the DAME tent on Thursday.

Continue reading "HMP Research Station Status Report" »

Posted by Elaine Walker at 12:05 PM

copyright 2008 Mars Institute

Today was Oz's last traverse day. He and his crew headed into the Haughton River Valley and looked at some more hydrothermal activity along with Charles Cockell (Open University). Perry Johnson-Green (CSA) had a great day in the lakebeds. Tim Barfoot and Paul Furgale of UTIAS, along with Tom Lamarche (CSA), completed a mock drilling scenario. In the medical tent, the doctors are continuing to prepare for Thursday's mock surgical telementoring. Charles Cockell gave an evening lecture titled "Astrobiology of Impact Craters".

Photo Set: HMP RS - July 21, 2008

"HMP7SFU Portable Elaine out and clear"

Posted by Elaine Walker at 11:39 AM

copyright 2008 Mars Institute

The helicopter came in this morning. Gordon "Oz" Osinski (UWO) and his student, Simon Auclair, along with Neil Banerjee (UWO) and his students, Matthew Izawa and Mike Liberty, were in the first helicopter flight of the day. The second flight took Oz and students, Laura Thomson, Alaura Singleton and Matthew Izawa to the "Valley of Oz" and looked at geomorphological features for Laura.

Continue reading "HMP Research Station Status Report" »

Posted by Elaine Walker at 10:34 AM | Comments (0)

copyright 2008 Mars Institute

Back at the Research Station, Dr. Jean-Marc Comtois (Head, Operational Space Medicine, CSA) and Dr. Christian Otto (University of Ottawa) worked on surgical telementoring. Of course it was mock surgery, using a life-like model of organs and tissue. John Schutt (HMP Base Camp Manager) gave an amazing evening lecture titled "Meteorites and Ice: The Connection" which made us even colder, seeing his many adventures in the Antarctic.

Photo Set: HMP RS - July 19, 2008

"HMP7SFU Portable Elaine out and clear"

Posted by Elaine Walker at 1:34 PM | Comments (0)

copyright 2008 Mars Institute

The twin otter made it in this afternoon when the weather cleared up, after being delayed due to fog in Resolute and 90 degree crosswinds at the HMP base camp. Eight people went out and only three came in, so we will have a lighter crowd over the weekend. The traverses went out as usual, undeterred by the drizzle.

New Arrivals are Dr. Christian Otto (University of Ottawa, Emergency Medicine), Chris Ostafew (Mars Institute), Neil Banerjee (University of Western Ontario) and his student, Mike Liberty.

Continue reading "HMP Research Station Status Report" »

Posted by Elaine Walker at 12:28 PM | Comments (0)

copyright 2008 Mars Institute

As you can see, it's officially rainy and foggy today. We're expecting a similar weather trend for the next 3 days. Everyone is carrying on with their research as usual, with the addition of rain gear and a tarp or two.

Gordon "Oz" Osinski (University of Western Ontario) traversed with his students, and also Charles Cockell (Open University), Nadeem Ghafoor (MDA Space Missions) and Perry Johnson-Green (CSA).

Continue reading "HMP Research Station Status Report" »

Posted by Elaine Walker at 9:46 AM | Comments (0)

copyright 2008 Mars Institute

Continue reading "HMP Research Station Status Report" »

Posted by Elaine Walker at 9:48 PM

Three new HMP participants arrived today on a twin otter: Tom Lamarche and Perry Johnson-Green, both from the Canadian Space Agency, and Chris Iles from the Communications Research Center of Canada.

copyright 2008 Mars Institute

Gordon "Oz" Osinski (University of Western Ontario) and crew traversed to the Haughton River Valley. Tim Barfoot (PI, University of Toronto) joined them via helicopter. The day went well for all of them. After dinner, Oz gave a lecture on impact structures. Also after dinner Tom Graham (University of Guelph) was presented with a birthday "cake" shaped like the Arthur C. Clarke Mars Greenhouse.

The helicopter left today and will be back in a few days. It is snowing in Resolute so we were prepared for the weather to break, but today we saw a lot of blue sky.

Photo Set: Trinity Lake Traverse - July 15, 2008

"HMP7SFU Portable Elaine out and clear"

Posted by Elaine Walker at 8:49 AM

Four new HMP participants flew aboard a twin otter to Devon Island this morning. Participants include Katsak Manik and James Hunter, both from Resolute, who will be helping with many tasks at base camp, Nadeem Ghafoor of MDA Space Missions, and Elaine Walker, EPO, Mars Institute. Elaine (yours truly) will be posting status reports, blogs, photos and videos from now on until August 13 when she departs.

The weather was "warm" (this is a relative term) and clear upon our arrival. Greeting us at the landing strip was Nick Wilkinson (Project Manager), John Schutt (HMP Base Camp Manager), Stephen Braham (Associate Director), Kimik (the dog), Jesse Weaver (technician), and others.

Stephen Braham conducted the evening meeting in which the following was discussed: Nick Wilkinson reports that the helicopter will be arriving at 9:30am and staying until Tuesday. The next twin otter flight is Tuesday. John Schutt reports that the 1st oil change happened today, and that the next 4 or 5 days will not be sunny and that we should make sure our sleeping tents are prepared for high winds. Tim Barfoot (Principal Investigator, University of Toronto) reports that the Lidar is on schedule. Matt Bamsey (CSA) reports that the greenhouse will be operational soon. Gordon "Oz" Osinski (University of Western Ontario) had a good day in the crater. The rivers are dry so they could access areas that are normally more difficult. Charles Cockell had a good day looking for microbes and crustations.

"HMP7SFU Portable Elaine out and clear"

Photo Set: New Arrivals - July 13, 2008

Posted by Elaine Walker at 9:13 PM

A week after the initial Mars Institute advanced team arrived to setup the research station for this years field season operations are running smoothly. The weather so far has been great and the first researchers are conducting their work.

Currently researchers from the Canadian Space Agency and the University of Florida are working in the Mars Institute's Arthur Clarke Mars Greenhouse. As well, researchers from McGill University and the University of Toronto under the umbrella of the Canadian Space Agency Canadian Analog Research Network (CARN) are set to begin work.

Continue reading "HMP Research Station Status Report for July 9, 2008" »

Posted by Marc Boucher at 9:43 AM

Good progress is being made getting the HMP Research Station ready for the first researchers expected later this week. The second Air National Guard C-130 made it to Yellowknife, a scheduled stopover yesterday, where it refueled before experiencing a technical difficulty which has delayed its departure. Personnel were enjoying their brief unexpected stopover before a now scheduled onward journey to Resolute tomorrow mid-morning.

Posted by Marc Boucher at 4:25 PM

The second C-130 landed in Vancouver this afternoon from Long Island, NY. After a resting overnight in Vancouver the Air National Guard will load cargo tomorrow and then around midday head for Resolute Bay.

Posted by Marc Boucher at 6:54 PM

Led by HMP Research Station manager John Schutt, the Mars Institute team arrived at the station yesterday and is busy getting the station ready for researchers expected later this coming week.

Today a C-130 from the the 106th Rescue Wing from the Long Island Air National Guard Rescue Unit is heading to Vancouver, BC. Tomorrow morning the C-130 will load cargo and personnel with a mid-morning departure scheduled headed for Resolute Bay.

UPDATE 6:03 PM CDT: A total of six Twin Otter flights from Resolute to the HMP Research Station in favorable conditions occurred yesterday bringing in all necessary cargo and four people to the station including HMP Research Station manager John Schutt, cook Mike Langenhan, technician and mechanic Jesse Weaver and carpenter Mark Melcon.

Posted by Marc Boucher at 2:24 PM

Yesterday John Schutt, HMP Base Camp Manager and HMP Director Pascal Lee started the initial recon of the HMP Research Station. The station looks to be in good shape although at least one polar bear has visited the station. Damage was minor with a few tears to the mess tent, nothing that can't be fixed in short order.

If the weather cooperates then the plan for today is to get the initial setup team from the Mars Institute brought over by Twin Otter to make the station ready for the field season.

On Monday another another C-130 from the the 106th Rescue Wing from the Long Island Air National Guard Rescue Unit will leave Vancouver for Resolute Bay with more cargo and personnel. And on Tuesday personnel from that flight will head over to the station.

This is the longest field deployment the Haughton-Mars Project has ever conducted with research ongoing until mid-August.

Posted by Marc Boucher at 11:14 AM

Yesterday the 102nd Rescue Squadron, part of the 106th Rescue Wing from the Long Island Air National Guard Rescue Unit, transported cargo and Mars Institute personnel from Vancouver to Resolute Bay in support of the Haughton-Mars Project. This is the first of three logistics flights that 106th Rescue Wing will provide this year.

On Monday, another flight will leave Vancouver destined for Resolute Bay with more cargo and personnel onboard.

Today John Schutt, HMP Base Camp Manager and HMP Director Pascal Lee will fly by Twin Otter from Resolute Bay to the HMP Research Station to evaluate the station after the long arctic winter. If all goes well then the first Mars Institute team will arrive at the station tomorrow to prep it for the field season and the arrival of researchers expected later next week.

• Photo's from yesterday's cargo loading in Vancouver

Posted by Marc Boucher at 11:21 AM

Today an Air National Guard C-130 Hercules is making it's way to Moffett Field at NASA Ames to be loaded with gear destined for the HMP Research Station (HMP-RS) on Devon Island, high arctic.

This will be one of three support flights that the Air National Guard will provide to the HMP this year. After taking on supplies today, the Herc will fly to Vancouver, BC tomorrow to pick up additional gear and passengers for a flight on Thursday to Resolute Bay on Cornwallis Island. Resolute Bay is the staging point for all field deployments for projects in the Canadian high arctic.

Once in Resolute the Herc will unload it's gear and the Mars Institute core team will make preparations to ferry over to the HMP-RS on Devon Island. Optimally the team will deploy to the HMP-RS on Saturday, June 28th if weather conditions permit. In the high arctic and in particular Resolute Bay, weather is always a factor for deployment, whether it's wind, fog or snow.

Posted by Marc Boucher at 12:24 PM

In just over two weeks the first group of Mars Institute staff will make their way to Resolute Bay on Cornwallis Island and then onward to the HMP Research Station located at the edge of the Haughton impact crater on Devon Island for the start of HMP-2008.

Once the research station has been opened up for this years field season over 80 participants from over 15 institutions and two space agencies will make their way to Haughton Crater to conduct an exciting science and exploration research program. This years field season is expected to run through to mid-August, our longest deployment to date and will include the total solar eclipse on August 1st.

This year we plan to keep you even better informed on a daily basis using a variety of online social networking tools including:

• Blogging though this site
• Microblogging updates through our Twitter account
• Image updates on our new Flickr account
• Video updates on our new YouTube channel

As well we're planning webcasts of various events which may include the eclipse itself. Stay tuned for me details on the webcast schedule. And of course when full communications have been setup we'll turn on our live webcams.

Posted by Marc Boucher at 12:07 PM

In just over four months the Mars Institute along with our research partners from various organizations and space agencies will once again make the trek to the HMP Research Station in the high arctic for the 12th year of research activities by the Haughton-Mars Project.

As we get closer to deploying we'll keep you up to date on what specific activities we'll be doing this year. One added bonus event this year is the total solar eclipse happening on August the 1st. The HMP Research Station is directly in the path of totality so we should have an excellent viewing and research opportunity, weather permitting of course.

The Haughton-Mars Project will be using even more social media tools this year to keep you up to date. To start, we invite you to follow us on our HMP Research Station Twitter channel. Twitter is social micro-blogging service.

Posted by Marc Boucher at 1:18 PM

We had a great field season with some of the best weather ever for our researchers. At this time we have been debriefing with all the participants the events of the past field season and making plans for an even better field deployment next year. As well next year has an added bonus of a total solar eclipse occurring on August 1st with our research station being in the direct path. This provides us with an opportunity for additional research we might not normally do from our location.

The HMP Research Station is unoccupied at this time however ongoing research is being conducted in the Arthur Clarke Mars Greenhouse with data being collected daily and being sent back by satellite to researchers in Vancouver and Montreal.

Posted by Marc Boucher at 1:16 PM

The HMP-2007 field season has now officially come to a close. By all accounts, HMP-2007 was a great success highlighted by several significant achievements. The HMP management and operational personnel have all returned home from the Arctic now, and planning for HMP-2008 is already underway.

Continue reading "HMP Research Station Update - August 14" »

Posted by Nick WIlkinson at 3:11 PM

I've returned to Resolute Bay to coordinate the preliminary end-of-season logistics and from what I've seen at the station, I'm happy to report that the HMP-2007 field season is going exceedingly well. Five weeks of continuously sunny weather has enabled all of the research teams to remain on schedule, and even get ahead of schedule in some cases. Most impressive however, is the hard work that everyone's been putting in to capitalize on the favourably dry conditions.

Continue reading "HMP Research Station Update - July 30" »

Posted by Nick WIlkinson at 8:15 PM

The field season is progressing well with more participants arriving today. We now have a list of the participants with a link to their biography. The weather has been great and unseasonably warm.

All the webcams are now online and the three HMP Research Station webcams are updating every minute. We've also added our second entry in our new feature this year "This Week @ HMP". Included are spotlights on various projects ongoing during that week as well as a new video feature.

Posted by Marc Boucher at 3:01 PM | Comments (0)

The HMP-2007 field season is now underway! Several HMP team members are now in Resolute Bay and on Devon Island at the HMP Research Station site. The first few days at the station will be spent setting up gear and the rest of the facility in preparation for the arrival of the first research teams, on July 10th and 11th.

Continue to watch this space and www.marsonearth.org for updates and additional information about the many interesting activities planned for this summer.

Posted by Nick WIlkinson at 11:42 AM

On Thursday August 10th the last of the participants left the HMP Research Station. The research station was prepared for the coming winter. While everyone has left the research station, work is still ongoing, both back at their respective institutions for participants and at the research station. At the research station the Arthur Clarke Mars Greenhouse is working autonomously with researchers monitoring systems remotely. Shown below is the ongoing summer plant growth.

This next image shows the Arthur Clarke Mars Greenhouse and surrounding area.

Posted by Marc Boucher at 1:01 PM | Comments (0)

The field season is winding down, and the station is being prepared for the winter as the final research projects come to a close.

Over the past week, additional testing of the Hamilton-Sundstrand spacesuit was conducted in addition to ongoing fieldwork being carried out by participants from Morehead State University, University of Aberdeen and University of Ottawa. The Mars Institute was also very happy to accommodate a visit by CSA astronaut Chris Hadfield. In addition to visiting HMP, Chris also gave talks about his experiences in space to the communities of Resolute Bay and Grise Fiord.

The station population is currently at 22, with this number expected to fall to 15 by the end of the day.

Continue reading "HMP RS Status Update - August 7, 2006" »

Posted by Nick WIlkinson at 2:16 PM | Comments (0)

Two new HMP Research Station webcams are now online and updating every 10 minutes. This brings a total of four webcams now available including the two from the Arthur Clarke Mars Greenhouse.

MarsCam2

MarsCam3

Posted by Marc Boucher at 11:19 PM | Comments (0)

The HMP RS has been swirling with activity over the past few weeks.

With the Greenhouse and DAME research efforts now complete, the focus at the HMP RS is now turning towards preparations for the third major activity of the season: a simulated medical rescue Extra Vehicular Activity (EVA). Participants from NASA, CSA, Hamilton-Sundstrand, SFU, Mars Institute and several other organizations are busily readying communications systems, biomedical sensors, patient extraction hardware, prototype spacesuits and much more in order to execute a scripted scenario, which will take place on Monday. More details to follow soon.

Many HMP-2006 participants have flown in and out of HMP over the past week. The Greenhouse, astrobiology and geology teams from the CSA have now departed, as have the members of the NASA DAME team and AC Hitch. Dr. Rick Scheuring, MD (NASA-JSC), Tom Chase and Addy Overbeeke (Hamilton-Sundstrand), Dr. Azhar Rafiq (Virginia Commonwealth University), and Steve Chappell (University of Colorado, Boulder, Mars Institute and Rocky Mountain Rescue) have all flown in to help conduct the medical rescue EVA simulation. In addition, Scott Thackrey (University of Aberdeen and Mars Institute), Charlie Mason and Wesley Smith (Morehead State University), and Marius Verscheure (Universite de Paris and Mars Institute) are now in camp to conduct a variety of geological studies. Nick Wilkinson (HMP Project Manager) continues to fly back and forth between Resolute Bay and the HMP RS, working where needed to coordinate logistical support.

The HMP RS is currently supporting 29 participants, all of whom are enjoying and taking advantage of some gorgeous weather conditions.

Posted by Nick WIlkinson at 10:52 AM | Comments (0)

Aerial Photo of the Haughton-Mars Project Research Station (HMP RS) on Devon Island, High Arctic, taken from a helicopter on July 20, 2006. The HMP RS is managed and operated jointly by the Mars Institute and the SETI Institute. Research at the HMP RS site is supported mainly by NASA and the Canadian Space Agency. Photo HMP-2006 / Pascal Lee.

Posted by Nick WIlkinson at 11:20 AM | Comments (0)

Another busy day at the Haughton-Mars Project Research Station (HMP RS). As we approach the mid-point in the field season, researchers are making significant strides on a number of fronts for their respective projects.

Traverses were led to the Trinity Lake region and into the Haughton Impact structure to study geology and biochemistry, while the DAME autonomous drilling team continued to refine their operations and attain new milestones. As reported yesterday, the CSA team working in the Arthur Clarke Mars Greenhouse continued with their ambitious schedule and are continuing to report successes. Construction and upgrades to the HMP RS facility are also proceeding very well.

In addition, a telemedicine experiment was conducted. Dr Jean-Marc Comtois of the CSA, assisted by Canadian Forces physician Lt-Col Bruce Bain conducted a simulated patient scenario to test connectivity and fidelity of the telemedicine system. The simulation scenario involved a young researcher who had been in an ATV accident and was complaining of some chest pain and slight shortness of breath and moderately severe abdominal pain. Using a portable ultrasound machine provided by Sono-site Corporation, they performed a FAST (Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma) exam on a real volunteer and these images were transmitted via C-band satellite communication (Anik F1) to a trauma surgeon in Vancouver BC, Dr Ross Brown. The surgeon was able to clearly see the images and, had it been a real situation, these would have proven invaluable in assisting in the management of the patient, including when and if an aeromedical evacuation would have been required. This scenario also demonstrated the utility of having a consultant be able to visualize the patient and potentially be able to direct the practitioner on scene on the performance of certain types of procedures. Having this telemedicine capability greatly enhances the level of care available for real-life emergencies at the HMP site and underscores it's utility for remote medicine in general, be that in the arctic, in space or in other remote sites such as on board ships or submarines.

In the coming days, additional summaries and photos will be provided to outline the many different types of research and other activities that take place at the HMP RS.

Posted by Nick WIlkinson at 8:38 PM | Comments (0)

The weather cooperated just enough yesterday so that we could get one Twin Otter flight to the HMP Research Station (RS). Onboard were Brian Glass (NASA), Kris Zacny (Honeybee), Shannon Statham (Georgia Tech), Alex Spadoni (Georgia Tech), Patrick Audlaluk (Grise Fiord) and Tom Kiguktak (Grise Fiord).

Today the The Drilling Automation for Mars Exploration (DAME) team will get their project started in earnest. The Arthur Clarke Mars Greenhouse team is past just past the midway point in their field season and we'll have a report available tomorrow on their activities.

There are currently 39 people at the HMP Research Station.

Posted by Marc Boucher at 9:03 PM | Comments (0)

Yesterday we had one Twin Otter flight to the HMP Research Station (RS). Onboard were Pascal Lee (Mars Institute/SETI Institute), Camille Desportes (Mars Institute), Rhoda Akeeagok (Grise Fiord), Howard Cannon, Gale Paulsen and Edward Balaban from the NASA DAME team. Leaving the HMP RS was Perry Johnson-Green (Canadian Space Agency) who has completed his work.

Since we put in a couple of people early yesterday it was decided not to send any flights over today. Weather permitting we'll have a flight tomorrow with six people onboard and their cargo. There are currently 33 people in camp.

Posted by Marc Boucher at 10:55 AM | Comments (0)

Everyone at the HMP Research Station is settling in and research activities are ongoing. The weather has been good for several days. Today we have scheduled one Twin Otter flight to arrive bringing in more cargo and the return of Pascal Lee, principal investigator of the HMP. Tomorrow we have scheduled two Twin Otter flights which will ferry cargo and the NASA led DAME drilling team. The Drilling Automation for Mars Exploration (DAME) project, is developing automation for future Mars (or other planetary) drills. Also scheduled to be on the flight from Resolute to the HMP RS are Camille Desportes, another of the Mars Institute interns and Rhoda Akeeagok from Grise Fiord.

This week the Canadian Space Agency Arthur Clarke Mars Greenhouse team began upgrades to the greenhouse. Since 2002 the Dr. Alain Berinstain of the Canadian Space Agency has been principal investigator of the Mars Institute's Arthur Clarke Mars Greenhouse. Dr. Berinstain will provide a report shortly outlining this years goals and progress. You can view these earlier reports.

• 2005 Preliminary Fall Report (PDF format)
• Arthur Clarke Mars Greenhouse Update, July 20, 2005
• Arthur Clarke Mars Greenhouse Photo Report, July 23, 2005
• Arthur Clarke Mars Greenhouse Photo Report, July 28, 2005

Also this week Alex Lasslop of CNES, the French Space Agency, began his psychology research project. His goal at the HMP RS is:

On one side to be a participative observer, in order to get a personal experience of an isolated, confined, and hostile environment, and to observe how people interact in such special circumstances, which are close to what could be encountered on the Moon.

On the other side I wish to conduct a series of studies to analyze the group dynamics taking place in such environments (the impact of interpersonal and intercultural issues on the interaction of the crewmembers, and the influence of the crewmembers social characteristics, personality traits, and interpersonal needs on measures of behavior and performance at the end of their mission).

There are currently 28 people at the HMP Research Station with that number expected to rise to 37 by tomorrow.

Posted by Marc Boucher at 10:56 AM | Comments (0)

On Monday our one scheduled Twin Otter flight made it to the HMP Research Station (HMP RS) bringing in more field support participants including Pauline Akeegok (Grise Fiord), Brandy Iqaluk (Resolute) and Philip Junior Manik (Resolute). Leaving the HMP RS as scheduled was Daniel Iqaluk. As well on Monday evening three more participants arrived in Resolute Bay. They were from the Canadian Space Agency, Martin Lebeuf and Richard Leveille and Mars Institute intern Melissa Rice. They spent the night in Resolute and yesterday flew over to HMP RS. There are currently 28 people at the HMP RS.

In the last week the HMP RS has been prepped for this years research activities. A report on this weeks research activities will be available in the next couple of days.

Posted by Marc Boucher at 4:54 PM | Comments (0)

For the last several days the weather has been good enough to allow us to get nine Twin Otter flights to the HMP Research Station from Resolute Bay. Five flights went over on Thursday ferrying cargo and the following participants from the Canadian Space Agency, Dr. Jean-Marc Comtois, Matt Bamsey and Tom Graham as well as PJ Attagootak (Resolute student), Sarah Huffman (NASA) and Alex Lasslop (CNES).

Yesterday four Twin Otter flights made it to the HMP Research Station ferrying the bulk of the remaining cargo we had as well as the following participants: From the Canadian Space Agency; Alain Berinstain, Richard Giroux, Philip Neron, Lydia Calhoun, Marc-Andre Lavoie, Perry Johnson-Green, Gordon Osinski and from the University of Florida, Rob Ferl and Anna-Lisa Paul and from Simon Fraser University, Colin Russell.

This brings the number of staff and participants at the HMP Research Station to 25. We are on schedule and anticipate getting the research activities started in earnest within the next couple of days.

Posted by Marc Boucher at 4:55 PM | Comments (0)

On Tuesday, July 4th part of the Mars Institute core team arrived at the HMP Research Station on Devon Island. Two Twin Otter flights brought in base camp manager John Schutt, deputy base camp manager Samson Simeonie, Canadian principal investigator Stephen Braham, one of his assistants Christine Peres, A C Hitch, Jesse Weaver, Connie Pudluk and Daniel Iqaluk.

They are currently preparing the HMP Research Station for the arrival of the participating researchers. Today, weather permitting, one flight is scheduled to go to Devon Island carrying cargo. As well the second charter has left Edmonton this afternoon on its way to Resolute with cargo and several participants including researchers from the Canadian Space Agency.

Posted by Marc Boucher at 4:56 PM | Comments (0)

The first charter plane arrived in Resolute Bay yesterday on schedule with the initial Mars Institute core team and cargo. Another charter with personnel and cargo is scheduled to arrive in Resolute on Wednesday, July 5th.

An initial assessment by the Polar Continental Shelf Project pilots of the landing strip on Devon Island at the HMP Research Station indicates it may be acceptable for use at this point. A reconnaissance flight to the HMP Research Station is scheduled for later today, weather permitting. Should the reconnaissance flight take place and if conditions are good then the first team will attempt insertion tomorrow to begin preparing the HMP Research Station for this years field activities.

Posted by Marc Boucher at 5:06 PM | Comments (0)

In just a few weeks the initial Mars Institute core team will arrive at the HMP Research Station on Devon Island for the 10th field season of the Haughton-Mars Project. Our field season on Devon Island is expected to run from the first week of July though to the first week of August, weather permitting.

We are anticipating an exciting field season with over 40 participating researchers from the Canadian Space Agency, NASA, CNES, University of Aberdeen, University of Calgary, University of Florida, University of Guelph, Morehead State University, University of Ottawa, Simon Fraser University, and Hamilton Sundstrand.

In early July we'll start posting updates as they come from the field to keep you up to date.

Posted by Marc Boucher at 12:07 PM | Comments (0)

The Simon Fraser University PolyLAB in Vancouver, a unit of the Telematics Research Laboratory, is expecting to hire one or two support engineers, for a short period, to support exciting Canadian national activities in planetary exploration science, in which researchers develop scientific, engineering, and methodological techniques for furthering planetary exploration. The focus will be on understanding planetary surface exploration, especially the human exploration of the Moon and Mars, through supported field activities at planetary analogue field locations and laboratories. The selected person will support systems in this area in a field deployment in an Arctic field camp.

The requirement is to hire personnel who can support SFU's engineering support and management of exploration systems at the Haughton-Mars Project Research Station (HMPRS), on Devon Island, in the Canadian High Arctic. The hiring will be for roughly one month, starting in mid to late June, journeying to the Arctic at the beginning of July, and returning in early August.

Posted by Marc Boucher at 1:08 PM | Comments (0)

The HMP Research Station is now closed until next summer with the exception of the Arthur Clarke Mars Greenhouse (ACGH) which is running autonomously. You can follow the day to day weather and plant growth progress with the three ACGH webcam's.

We had an exceptional field season and will post more reports in the coming weeks
and have already begun to plan for next year. Stay tuned.

Posted by Marc Boucher at 2:16 PM | Comments (0)

After an initial run of bad weather at the beginning of the field season the last two weeks have provided us with good to great conditions at times to conduct our research. Communications by Internet are now offline for the rest of the field season. At this time 14 people are scheduled to leave the Research Station today and tomorrow leaving a small group for the last 4 days before the Research Station is closed for the year.

We still have several photo reports that will be put online over the next couple of weeks for activities in the last week. This includes another report on the Hamilton Sundstrand space suit as well as the successful Mars-1 Humvee Rover traverse to the gullies.

The Arthur Clarke Mars Greenhouse continues to operate in autonomous mode and is sending back data daily including an image per day from each of the webcams.

Posted by Marc Boucher at 4:18 PM | Comments (0)

Today's activities centered around a major traverse into the Haughton Crater so that Dr. Jeff Jones could complete his sampling of unvisited locations looking to see if the human associated microbes have altered the local microflora for a planetary protection study. As well on the same traverse Dr. Brian Glass also needed to completed his sampling gravity measurements for his research.

Both of them along with four other participants then caught a late afternoon flight to Resolute ending their work at the HMP Research Station for the year.

An aerial View of Trinity Lake, the Mars Institute's Mars-1 Humvee, the DAME Mars Drilling site and Chawla Peak bathed in sunshine where Columbia Astronaut Kalpana Chawla's Inukshuk Memorial stands.

Read the complete report ...

Posted by Marc Boucher at 2:20 PM | Comments (0)

Today provided us with the type of weather you would want a brochure, sunny and warm. Everyone wanted to be outside to enjoy this day. It was also the perfect weather to testing the concept space suit from Hamilton Sundstrand. Pictured to the left engineer Susie Shimamoto tries on the suit for the first time (Click on image for larger version). Over the course of the next week the Hamilton Sundstrand team will test the suit in various scenarios including as part of traverse with the Mars Institute's Mars-1 Humvee Rover. Tomorrow we'll have a photo report of the Hamilton Sundstrand space suit activity.

A panorama of a part of area around the HMP Research Station. (Click for larger image.)

Read the complete report ...

Posted by Marc Boucher at 11:26 AM | Comments (0)

McCool Crossing.

To honor the memory of the seven astronauts of Space Shuttle Columbia's last flight, and at the suggestion of our colleague Keith Cowing of SpaceRef, the NASA Haughton-Mars Project (HMP) has established seven astronaut memorial sites on Devon Island, in the Canadian High Arctic, during the summer field seasons of 2003 and 2004.

Each site was chosen for its special significance in the NASA HMP's analog exploration program near Haughton Crater, and is marked by an Inukshuk, a traditional Inuit "Stone Person". The Inuit erect Inukshuks to mark land and to guide and comfort travelers on perilous journeys across the Arctic. At the base of each our Columbia Inukshuks, a sealed container was placed, enclosing the following in memoriam items: the bio of one of the seven Columbia astronauts, a patch of the crew's shuttle mission, and a patch of the NASA Haughton-Mars Project.

It is our hope that the Columbia Inukshuks on Devon Island will help bring peace to all those who continue to miss these seven astronauts, and will help inspire and guide future generations of space explorers who will journey to the Moon, Mars and Beyond.

Visit the Space Shuttle Columbia Inukshuk Memorials.

Pascal Lee
NASA HMP Principal Investigator

Posted by Marc Boucher at 10:32 AM | Comments (0)

Data collected by Dr. Cockell during his field work at our Arctic base helped him with this new find.

Large colonies of micro-organisms living under rocks have been discovered in the most hostile and extreme regions of the Arctic and Antarctic - giving new insights on survival of life on other planets.

Reporting in this week's Nature, scientists from British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and Scripps Institution of Oceanography reveal their surprise findings that rock-dwelling micro-organisms can photosynthesise and store carbon just as much as the plants, lichens and mosses that live above ground.

• New signs of life found at the Poles Press Release

Posted by Marc Boucher at 11:40 AM | Comments (0)

Several new photo reports are now available.

• All Photo Reports

Posted by Marc Boucher at 5:42 PM | Comments (0)

For the first time, a full-scale Mars-prototype deep drill has been tested under field conditions at a high-fidelity Mars-analog site. The first Drilling Automation for Mars Exploration (DAME) field season deployed a modified Honeybee Deep Drill.

• Complete Report

Posted by Marc Boucher at 12:40 PM | Comments (0)

Everyone has left our base camp at Devon Island but as mentioned in our previous update data is still being sent back from the Arthur Clarke Mars Greenhouse. The image below was sent back on Saturday, August 7th from the autonomous control systems.

Posted by Marc Boucher at 10:22 AM | Comments (0)

Another field season has come and gone. By tomorrow all participants will have left Devon Island and our camp will be closed until next year. However experiments are still ongoing in the Arthur Clarke Mars Greenhouse which is sending back data on daily basis by satellite to researchers.

We're not finished reporting from this field season just yet. We have a couple more reports to post and several photo reports will be online in the next week. So check back soon.

• July 31, 2004 - Elaine Walker's Journal
• July 30, 2004 - Elaine Walker's Journal
• July 29, 2004 - Elaine Walker's Journal

Posted by Marc Boucher at 11:18 AM | Comments (0)

The NASA HMP Featured on the Discovery Channel Canada. Recently the Daily Planet Show on the Discovery Channel Canada featured a week long segment on either a science or engineering project of the HMP. These segments are about 8 minutes long and provide an overview of some of the work being done.

The video is also availableonline for your viewing.

Posted by Marc Boucher at 1:48 PM | Comments (0)

The NASA Haughton-Mars Project Receives the Vision to Reality Award.

During its 12th Annual Conference in Los Angeles, CA, the Space Frontier Foundation presented its 2003 "Vision to Reality" Award to Dr. Pascal Lee and the NASA Haughton-Mars Project Team. Previous recipients of the award include: XCOR Aerospace and the EZ Rocket Team (2002), Dr Yuri Semenov, Yuri Koptev and Dennis Tito (2001), The MirCorp Team (2000), The Sea Launch Team (1999), The Lunar Prospector Team (1998), The Clementine Lunar Probe Team (1995), The Delta Clipper (DC-X) Team (1994), and The Founders of the International Space University (1993).

Posted by Marc Boucher at 11:50 AM | Comments (0)