Expressions of Intent for IPY 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

CANADA #32:A Mars Analog Expedition Research Program for the Preparation of Human Expeditions to Mars  (Expedition Three)

Outline
Expedition Three is a proposal put forward by the Mars Society of Canada (MSC) to conduct a Mars analogue study based at the Flashline Mars Arctic Research Station on Devon Island. The purpose of the project would be to conduct geological, geophysical and biological studies of Devon Island and Haughton crater, while investigating the operational and human factors of each, using exploration technology analogous to what may be used on Mars. This would continue the work begun with previous Mars analogue studies Expedition One (conducted at the Mars Desert Research Station in Utah (MDRS)) and Expedition Two (conducted in Arkaroola, South Australia adjacent to the Flinders Ranges), and Expedition Alpha (again at MDRS) contributing significantly to understanding the operational context for which Mars expeditions to polar deserts and impact crater terrains on Mars could be accomplished. Devon Island exhibits geological and glacial features which resemble features found on Mars, its daytime temperatures are similar to those of a "summer" day on Mars, and it is largely snow and ice free in summer – something which the Antarctic, another popular Mars analogue, cannot offer so easily. While the atmosphere may be 100 times as dense at the atmosphere on Mars, this is not a critical concern. All the other features about the island make it an ideal proving ground for technology and equipment that may one day be carried to Mars. The Haughton meteorite impact crater, on Devon Island, in the Canadian high arctic, is 20 km in diameter and formed 23 million years ago. It is the highest-latitude terrestrial impact crater known on land (75°22'N, 89°41'W). It lies in the "frost rubble zone" of the Earth, i.e., in a polar desert environment which approximates in several respects the conditions that may have prevailed at the surface of Mars earlier in its history, when wetter and warmer conditions might have existed. By its nature, the crater is a testimony to our planet's profound ties with the cosmos. By location, it represents a geographic extreme on our planet and, as it turns out, a unique analogue to a neighbouring world. Therefore, by studying the Haughton crater and its surroundings, we hope to learn more about Mars, the Earth's geologic past, a cosmic phenomenon (impact cratering) that has in the past catastrophically altered the course of the Earth's evolution, and an extreme environment in one of the most rarely visited corners of our planet. While investigating Haughton, we will also learn how to best explore Mars, by testing robotic and human exploration technologies and strategies, and by optimizing interactions between the two. Haughton and its surroundings show that a wide suite of natural features and processes occurring there that provide possible analogues to similar Martian features. These observations provide a basis for identifying similar features on Mars or, alternatively, for understanding why such features might be different there or altogether absent. Continued studies of Haughton will allow more detailed investigations of these Martian analogues, and ultimately a better understanding of the evolution of Mars itself. The Flashline Mars Arctic Research Station offers a unique potential for broad-ranging science return and an opportunity for innovative engineering in planetary exploration. It is perhaps the combination of these factors that best defines the significance of the project.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
his project will make advances in relation to Themes 1, 4 and 5. In relation to Theme 1 biological studies undertaken will help to advance the state of knowledge surrounding the current state of biological communities on Devon Island and more specifically in the area of the Haughton impact crater. Theme 4, investigating new frontiers, will be addressed within the geologic and geophysical studies of the Haughton impact crater. Theme 5, the polar regions as vantage points, will be the most fully addressed theme for this project. Although possibly not exactly what the Joint Committee had in mind when they drafted this theme, this project definitely uses Devon Island as a vantage point to learn more about the cosmos beyond. By conducting a Mars analogue study in this location Devon Island becomes a “living observatory” in which the information gained from the study can one day be applied to both the planning and execution of the exploration of Mars both rem! otely and with manned missions. Finally this project addresses one of IPY’s over-arching goals to train the next generation of polar scientists. A significantly large portion of the participants in this project are currently students who will be able to utilize this project to increase their experience in polar research in the fields of geology, geophysics and biology and to hopefully use this experience to continue work in the polar regions.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Mars Society Canada will invite researchers from universities, agencies and institutes of Canada, Australia, the United States, and other nations. Involvement is likely from Canadian universities such as Carleton University, University of Waterloo, University of Toronto, University of Victoria, University of British Columbia, and University of New Brunswick; as well as the Canadian Space Agency. Collaboration with many Canadian researchers at academic institutes across the nation will be actively pursued as well as from institutions internationally, such as NASA, Mars Society Australia, the International Mars Society, University of Houston, John Hopkins University, and the Australian Centre for Astrobiology.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
The Flashline Mars Arctic Research Station Devon Island located approximately 75 degrees North, forms a part of the Queen Elizabeth Islands grouped between Baffin Bay and the Arctic Ocean. The Haughton meteorite impact crater, on Devon Island, in the Canadian high arctic, is 20 km in diameter and formed 23 million years ago. It is the highest-latitude terrestrial impact crater known on land (75°22'N, 89°41'W).

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 07/07-09/07            
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
The Flashline Mars Arctic Research Station is wholly owned by the International Mars Society, and serves as a base in the Arctic for Mars analogue studies. Other projects may use the facilities on a negotiated basis.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
The infrastructure is already present.

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?

Mars Society International has conducted operations at the Flashline Mars Arctic Research Station since 2001, and in the process have worked with logistical supporters in Ottawa, Iqualuit, and Resolute Bay.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
This pre-proposal has been reviewed and is being submitted by the Canadian Steering Committee (CSC). Ongoing discussions will integrate this pre-proposal into a larger network of related national and international initiatives. The CSC has initially sorted this pre-proposal into: SUB-THEME: Polar Regions as Observatories of the Universe

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?
YES
Mars Society Canada has planned a long term program of between 15 to 20 expeditions to Mars analogue sites around the world in order to define the metrics of exploration, conduct geological, geophysical, and astrobiological field studies, advance a program of development for exploration technology, and engage the public interest and support. This project is part of that long term program. The polar regions of Earth have many analogous characteristics to polar terrains of Mars.

How will the project be organised and managed?
Mars Society Canada will serve as the host institution to plan the logistics of the third Mars analogue research expedition of its long term program, as well as harness public support and media attention. MSC has conducted similar activities for three prior expeditions so far, all with terrific public attention. After funding has been acquired, the Project Manager will issue invitations to colleagues experienced in the kinds of Mars analogue studies conducted by Mars Society Canada, select from among their research proposals, and prepare all the logistical needs for the group.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Four outreach events promoting the project across Canada shall be held within eight months of the conclusion of Expedition Three. A report shall be delivered within 8 months detailing a review of Expedition Three research and the outcome of public outreach efforts.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document)?
Data will be disseminated over the project website, publication in professional academic journals, or through relevant data management institutions.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
Mars Society Canada (MSC) would seek sponsorship from industry and grants from private organizations. Successful fundraising in the past suggests it is possible to obtain approximately $15,000. MSC will seek more than this amount in order to subsidize participant travel costs. Funds will also be requested from the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). TOTAL budget requested from CSA for Expedition Three is Canadian $50,000, contributing 71% of all travel, supplies and operational costs. Other funding, if available, will be requested from the Canadian IPY Steering Committee. Budget: Travel costs to Resolute Bay for seven FMARS crewmembers are estimated at between CAN $3,200 and $5,000 per person. Each participant would contribute a portion of their own costs from their home institutions, grants, or sponsorships, including any travel costs above the $3,200 minimum estimate. BUDGET ITEM TOTAL (CAN$) Total Operating Costs $13,400 Travel to Resolute $35,000 Research supplies $10,000 10% contingency fund $5,840 10% management fee $5,840 TOTAL EXPENSES $70,080

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Rocky Persaud
Mars Society of Canada
P.O. Box. 19015
Toronto, ON
M5S 1X0
Canada

Tel:
Mobile: 416-454-9816
Fax:
Email:

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