On Friday, Oct. 8th, at 10 pm CST, the UND ILMAH X - APUS ARG 1 crew and the MDRS 228 crew met virtually to exchange ideas and messages of support. This unique opportunity gave us a look at what communications might be like between settlements on Mars one day. While there were some technical problems due to dust storms at the ILMAH location, the online chat was an overwhelming success and an excellent example of goodwill between space exploration organizations.
One of the key topics of conversation related to the general importance of analog missions to the future of human spaceflight to the Moon and Mars. Both crews discussed the “test before you invest” philosophy, and the role of analogs in providing an opportunity to explore many different designs here so that we will have proven, optimized habitats, techniques, and equipment on Mars. Solving problems in terrestrial analogs gives us confidence to move forward in space exploration efforts. The MDRS crew also emphasized the role analogs play in making space science more accessible to the public, and the ILMAH crew mentioned the opportunities analogs provide to perform a wide variety of research.
Both crews also spoke on the potential benefits of cross-habitat collaborations between analogs worldwide. The MDRS crew pointed out the travel between settlements on Mars will likely be difficult and dangerous, and that calls like the one tonight are importance practice for the future. The ILMAH crew mentioned the importance of sharing ideas and expertise as well as the benefits of discussing research concepts together. Each analog habitat has a different environment and different features; the MDRS crew discussed how collaboration allows us to combine experiences from different habitats to gain a more complete picture of what a Martian settlement will be like. Collaborations also give us an opportunity to explore international collaborations since there are analogs all over the world.
The two analog crews then shared their thoughts on the importance of World Space Week (WSW). The MDRS crew spoke about the value of celebrating human exploration of space and how important it is to share the joy of exploration with the public. They also discussed the international nature of WSW, and how this reflects the international nature of current and future space exploration. The ILMAH crew emphasized that WSW builds community and that we need to keep sharing the importance of space exploration every week. WSW gives the public the chance to show the space community and the political community that they support space exploration. They also mentioned that WSW is an excellent opportunity for outreach efforts.
Both crews reflected on the upcoming Mars Society Convention. The MDRS crew spoke about the wide variety of topics covered by the convention – everything from propulsion to water to habitats, etc. There is something for everyone at the convention! The ILMAH crew mentioned their interest in the debates during the convention, and the importance of having the opportunity to express opinions and counter-opinions as we work towards reaching Mars.
Both crews agreed that the conversation was beneficial and enjoyable. Living on Mars is about learning and experiencing, and the virtual chat tonight was an excellent experience for both ILMAH and MDRS. The ability to share knowledge and experiences between analogs is valuable, and it also can help to decrease the sense of isolation experienced by analog astronauts. We hope that cross-analog conversations like this one will become more common in the future!
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