Mars Desert Research Station

Analogue Research Stations are laboratories for learning how to live and work on another planet. Each is a prototype of a habitat that will land humans on Mars and serve as their main base for months of exploration in the harsh Martian environment. Such a habitat represents a key element in current human Mars mission planing. Each Station's centerpiece is a cylindrical habitat, "The Hab," an 8-meter diameter, two-deck structure mounted on landing struts. Peripheral external structures, some inflatable, may be appended to the Hab as well.

The Place

"Magnificent Desolation" were the first words of Buzz Aldrin, the second man who stepped on the Moon, when he descended onto the Lunar Surface. The place in Utah USA is no less. Located in the middle of the desert, MDRS really makes you feel like you are on a different planet.

The Hab

Here is how the hab is structured inside. The crew's sleeping/living quarters and the kitchen are on the first floor (left). The ground floor is composed of the scientific bay, the lab and the amenities (right).

"We are here" sign marks the EVA preparation room and the decompression chamber.

The Observatory

The Musk Observatory is house for a C-14 telescope and a ST 8300 camera.

http://mdrs.marssociety.org/home/science/musk-observatory

The sky is magnificent and the research includes astrophotography, education and outreach.

The GreenHouse

At MDRS, the Greenhouse is used to recycle the gray water and to support crew's horticultural endeavours.

Explore this site

Commander's Log

The commander of the expedition will keep you posted with the latest progress in the preparation of the project.

KiwiMars Mascot from Aotearoa receives its name (17 Apr 2012)
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Happy Anniversary KiwiSpace (12 Apr 2012)
Today we (KiwiSpace) are officially one year old. Looking back I'm very proud of all that we achieved during this year:launching a balloon to the edge of space, visiting schools, covering space shuttles launches, creating the world's first World Space Week podcast, seeing the 8th grade of the "What if" competition won by New Zealand just to count the few. But the thing that I am most proud is to be part of a team that dreams about New Zealand being out there at the forefront of space sciences. During this year we had effective support coming from friends of space across New Zealand and abroad and that gave me wings, made everything worthwhile. So thank you to all of you who personally made the difference in my life!

Looking forward to what the future will bring and see you on 'Mars' in 10 days!

Haritina Mogosanu

KiwiSpacer

21 March - meet KiwiMars Crew at Mission Control - Carter Observatory (1 Mar 2012)
With exactly one month to go until the first NZ crew begin their 2 week expedition at the Mars Desert Research Station in Utah, Carter Observatory will host an evening of Mars exploration. Meet some of the crew, find out more about their mission and learn about the Red Planet. Bookings are essential!... Read more

Happy New Year in the Month of Mars (1 Mar 2012)
Today is the first day of March, marking the beginning of the Springtime in the Northern Hemisphere. The ancient Romans and the ancient people of Dacia (my tupuna) called this month, 'of Mars' - Martie, transliterated March into English. They used to wear a Martzishor is the diminutive of martz, the old folk name for March (Martie, in modern Romanian), and thus literally means "little March".

1st of March was also the beginning of the year for the ancient Romans. Mars was not only the God of War but considered an agricultural guardian ensuring the rebirth of all nature.

KiwiMars 2012 Mission Patch (5 Mar 2012)
Mission patch for the crew 118 was revealed today.... Read more