Moon Mars Workshop, Fukuoka, Japan, 2005

In preparation for the Moon Mars Workshop in October in Japan, a number of of online working groups will be established in the next weeks. The people active in these groups will meet online and work together to develop new ideas and concepts within the framework of their group's goals. The ultimate aim of the online working groups is to have a solid preparation for when the people in the groups actually meet during the Moon Mars Workshop in Fukuoka, Japan. This workshop will be organized within the framework of the Space Generation Congress.

Life Science - Life Support and Human psyche

The people chosen to return to the Moon and to endure the long expedition to Mars will need to be skilled in both technical and mental control. They will not only need to be the best in their chosen field they will need to have the mental capacity to endure a three year journey within an unchanged working and living environment. The crew will need to be capable of working in fields they are not accustomed to (i.e. geologist might have to also know how to fix the life support system). In addition, they will need to be compatible with each other and comfortably share their living and working area for an extended period. This workshop is aimed at identifying the entire human and psychological factors that would be required to undertake such a long mission. For example who should go and what type of individual traits should be onboard? How can we help them to cope during the confined time? What mental training would be required? Should they be tested in confined living quarters before selection? What are the selection criteria? How many? How old? Male or Female? Family health and mental history? Are we as a society ready to tackle interplanetary travel?

Life Science - Ergonomics/Human Factors

The first humans to travel to Mars will have a long flight in store. Their journey will be a challenging trip both mentally and physically. The aim of this workgroup is to brainstorm and develop ideas based on one of the most important Life Science areas - The Human Factor and Ergonomics of Long Duration Missions. This may include a range of areas from the EVA space suits to general attire, from the size of the living quarters to where each control button should be places. Other question that commonly arise include what is the most optimal layout of the space craft, what tools and robotics should be developed and taken, and what physical program would be required, should a relaxation and recreation room be used. These cover only a small number of problems faced when designing the ergonomics and human physical comforts of such a long journey.

Habitats

Getting to the planets is just one half of the technical problem. Once we land on Mars, where will we live and when we go back to the Moon what infrastructure should be built? Habitat design includes all living aspects of planetary travel from radiation protection to life support and from living quarters to green houses. Some of the problems we are already faced with is where will the materials come from, should it be carried on board, or should it be resourced from the planets and moons. Other areas include recycling and self sustained life support systems, entertainment and leisure, health and fitness, structural and weathering conditions. Should the habitat be above or below ground? Should it be permanent or for one use? Should it be built for one purpose or modular to grow as the mission grows and changes?

Goals for Moon Mars Missions - What should be done once we get there

Why are we going back to the Moon and why are we venturing out to the planets? Because we can? Because we are explores? These are the underlining reasons why human kind chooses to explore space. However, space is also an extraordinary resource and can provide a vast pool of knowledge. Once we arrive at the moons and planets what projects should be undertaken to gain the greatest benefit of such risky endeavours. This workshop aims at brainstorming the mission projects and research opportunities ranging form engineering, science, biological, astronomical, environmental, geological, social, and even business ventures, education and global relationships just to name a few.

Planetary Protection - Ethics, Global protection, Interplanetary protection

This workshop is aimed at developing ethical and political arguments based on protecting our own planet from unknown entities and risks as well as protecting the Moon and Mars from ourselves. These sessions will aim to answer questions such as if we find life forms should they be brought back to Earth, how long should we be looking for them, how much of the planet can we dig up or invade. Some organisations believe the Moon and Mars are not ours to land on and inhabit, they should be protected like a national park or historic monument. Others say they are there to be explored and not taking that risk would be to loose one of the worlds greatest resources.

Preporation for Lift Off and Transportation - How will we know when we are ready for interplanetary travel? When will the space craft be "safe enough."

There are always risks, Magelan, Cook, Columbus and others all left their homes to explore the world at great risk. At what point is the risk acceptable? This workshop will not only explore the technologies needed to launch from Earth to the Moon or Mars, but it will also examine the other factors involved such as cost and risk analysis.