Prior to actual missions, simulations allow for research into the vagueries that may well be encountered within a project or mission and to determine how best to offset such challenges.

A crewmember from the fourth Hawaii Space Exploration Analog and Simulation, or HI-SEAS mission.

Photo is courtesy of the University of Hawaii.

Researchers from the University of Hawaii at Manoa are now seeking crewmembers for a new series of NASA-funded long duration space exploration analog studies. These types of studies are essential for NASA to understand how teams of astronauts will perform on long-duration space exploration missions, such as those that will be required for human travel to Mars. The studies will also allow researchers to recommend strategies for crew composition for such missions, and to determine how best to support such crews while they are working in space.

The upcoming missions will be conducted at the Hawaiʻi Space Exploration Analog and Simulation (HI-SEAS) site, an isolated Mars-like environment on the slopes of Mauna Loa on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi at approximately 8,200 feet above sea level. Crewmember participants will live in the same modern geodesic dome habitat that successfully supported four long duration NASA-funded studies including a year-long study of team cohesion that garnered national media attention this year.

Key Dates (subject to change)

• Mission A: 2017 January–September (8 month mission)
• Mission B: 2018 January–September (8 month mission)

For more information, including requirements, and to access the application form, go to this UH News direct link...