Investigating Aeroponics, Space Suit Design, and Team Performance at a Mars Analog
Authors' Class Standing
Chui-Minn Lee, senior Carolyn Newton, junior Chelsea Iwig, graduate student Antoine Juhel, graduate student Shyamal Patel, graduate Carlos Giraldo, junior Eric Watkins, junior Elise Reeves, junior
Lead Presenter's Name
Chui-Miin Lee
Faculty Mentor Name
Jason Kring
Abstract
Six students from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University simulated life on Mars for nearly 2 weeks at the Mars Desert Research Station to conduct behavioral and new space technology research at this isolated research center in Hanksville, Utah. Projects included: 1) validation of an aeroponics-based, plant growth system for long-duration spaceflight, 2) usability testing of prototype space suit components, 3) validation of a measure of crew function and interpersonal interactions, 4) monitoring sleep and activity levels before, during, and after isolation, and 5) measuring perceived stress levels associated with physical exercise. Although data analyses are ongoing, preliminary results indicate differences between crewmembers on perceived stress and crew function. Furthermore, studies of the new space technologies have continued throughout the Spring 2014 semester and will be reported.
Location
Center for Faith & Spirituality
Start Date
9-4-2014 1:00 PM
Investigating Aeroponics, Space Suit Design, and Team Performance at a Mars Analog
Center for Faith & Spirituality
Six students from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University simulated life on Mars for nearly 2 weeks at the Mars Desert Research Station to conduct behavioral and new space technology research at this isolated research center in Hanksville, Utah. Projects included: 1) validation of an aeroponics-based, plant growth system for long-duration spaceflight, 2) usability testing of prototype space suit components, 3) validation of a measure of crew function and interpersonal interactions, 4) monitoring sleep and activity levels before, during, and after isolation, and 5) measuring perceived stress levels associated with physical exercise. Although data analyses are ongoing, preliminary results indicate differences between crewmembers on perceived stress and crew function. Furthermore, studies of the new space technologies have continued throughout the Spring 2014 semester and will be reported.