Abstract The Austrian Space Forum (OeWF) executes large scale, international, Mars analog missions with analog astronauts operating in high-fidelity spacesuit simulators on multiple occasions over several weeks. These are large scale missions in isolated and extreme environments, including the Negev desert. There are many international partners performing a range of research and experiments through the high-fidelity analog setting utilizing the analog astronauts and their extravehicular activities (EVAs). There are several large organizations, including space agencies and several smaller research groups, that are conducting these lunar and Mars analog missions with varying experience and safety profiles. To maximize the safety of these intricate OeWF missions in extreme environments, a systematic process was needed to ensure crew safety throughout the missions which also incorporated the medical aspects. Based on over 10 years of OeWF analog missions and frameworks, such as MIL-STD-882 E which aim to eliminate hazards where possible and minimize risks where these hazards cannot be eliminated, we present a case study of the latest mission from the OeWF, AMADEE 20. This mission was conducted in the Negev desert in Israel over a period of 6 weeks with a crew of 6 analog astronauts and concluded Oct 31, 2021. We aim to show how these frameworks have been applied to the mission, and the level of communication and teamwork needed across a wide range of specialist teams. We also discuss future developments emphasizing a combined framework for technical and medical safety aspects based on lessons learned from AMADEE 20 for future OeWF and other analog missions.

    Highlights • A safety process for Mars Analog Missions is proposed including a strong medical component • Medical considerations are central to protect the analog astronauts as being the most risk exposed members of the crew.. • A case study demonstrates how the safety program is implemented in practice by the Austrian Space Forum


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    Title :

    Safe Mars analog missions


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Acta Astronautica ; 203 ; 429-435


    Publication date :

    2022-12-12


    Size :

    7 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English




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