Volunteer for the Mars Station's Dry Run

cfx666 writes "The Mars Society is seeking seven volunteers to participate as members of the crew of the Flashline Mars Arctic Research Station (FMARS) during an extended simulation of human Mars exploration operations on Devon Island (May 1 through August 31, 2007). As currently planned, the crew will consist of four individuals chosen primarily for their skills as field scientists in areas including geology, geochemistry, microbiology, biochemistry, and paleontology. Two additional crew members will be chosen primarily for their skills in engineering areas. Ability of crew members to support both roles is considered a strong plus."

Comments

Re:Crap, I thought they wanted REAL volunteers!

[Lurker2288]

I remember reading (I think it was in Michael Collins' book on Mars exploration) that back in the 70s, some folks in NASA talked about what they called the 'poor bastard' Mars exploration plan, in which a single man is landed on Mars with as many supplies as they can squeeze into the capsule with him, and he does as much science as he can before he runs out. Obviously there'd be almost no chance of resupply or rescue, hence making him the "poor bastard." There were some volunteers, but for obvious reasons NASA didn't want people talking about this in public.

Re:Whose the seventh?

[Anonymous Coward]

"In addition to the six person Mars exploration crew, one field support person will also participate in the expedition in an out of simulation role. This person should have excellent field mechanic and wilderness skills."

Re:Paleontology?

[TheRaven64]

My guess is that they want a geologist with palaeontology experience. That way, when they find unusual patterns in the rocks they have someone who can say with confidence whether they are fossils or not, rather than having someone proclaiming that they've found fossils on Mars that later turn out to be something far less interesting.