Antarctic Exploration Parallels for Future Human Planetary Exploration: A Workshop Report

摘要: Four Antarctic explorers were invited to a workshop at Johnson Space Center (JSC) provide expert assessments of NASA's current understanding future human exploration missions beyond low Earth orbit. These had been on relatively sophisticated, extensive expeditions with sparse or nonexistent support infrastructure in the period following World War II through end International Geophysical Year. Their experience was similar that predicted for early Mars other planetary missions. For example: one expedition lasted two years only planned resupply mission and contingency plans no should sea ice prevent ship from reaching them; several traverses across Antarctica measured more than 1000 total miles, required months complete, made without maps (because they did not exist) few aerial photos route; crews six 15 often international composition. At JSC, given tours development, training, scientific facilities, as well documentation operational scenarios exploration. This report records their observations about these facilities answers series questions provided them before workshop.