Haughton Mars Research Project Report Number: HMP-2001-0808
By: Dr. Pascal Lee
This afternoon our information systems field integration tests with the
Hamilton-Sundstrand concept spacesuit were taken one step further. The
focus was on securing a short-range wireless communications link between
a suited explorer and other supporting explorers, say crewmembers in a
nearby pressurized rover. The supporting crewmembers would help the
explorer view maps, position information or any other data requested by
the suited explorer to help him/her carry out the task at hand successfully.
The Hamilton-Sundstrand concept suit upper torso backwall
supports the electronics and communication systems at the heart of
the system’s information and control tools. The Xybernaut MA IV
wearable computer (inverted) serves as a central element in the
configurations tested to date.
(Photo NASA Haughton-Mars Project / Pascal Lee 010808-0005)
Mike Boucher and Sean Murray put me once again in the upper torso of the
Hamilton-Sundstrand concept suit for advanced space exploration outfitted
with the powerful Xybernaut MA IV wearable PC-compatible computing system.
I then wandered off into the rock fields near the HMP Base Camp and began
doing some field geology. Using the wireless radio network established by
Steve Braham and Trish Garner, I was able to view as I hiked just about any
information I needed. Maps I called up were displayed, GPS positioning
data was also made available. The field test was a brilliant success.
Close-up of the Xybernaut wearable computing system mounted on the
backwall of Hamilton-Sundstrand’s advanced space exploration concept
suit currently undergoing field tests on Devon ISland on the NASA
Haughton-Mars Project.
(Photo NASA Haughton-Mars Project / Pascal Lee 010808-0003)
Then I rejoined the Hab and began preparations with Crew 5 on our planned
EVA. Charlie Cockell, Jaret Matthews, Kelly Snook and I suited up (this
time with the Mars Society simulated spacesuits) with help from Samson
Ootoovak who served as IVA for the event. Samson positioned SpaceRef.com’s
webcam #2 (dedicated to the memory of Gerry Soffen) on the lower deck so
that our suiting up could be viewed. We were off to “Site 7”, a promising
location where the Science Operations team gathered at NASA Ames Research
Center last week had lined up specific observations of gullies and
patterned ground for us to perform.
Pascal on a field geology foot traverse at Haughton Crater, Devon Island,
wearing the upper torso of the Hamilton-Sundstrand advanced space exploration
concept suit equipped with a Xybernaut MA IV wearable computer and a wireless
radio networking system developed Dr Steve Braham at Simon Fraser University.
(Photo NASA Haughton-Mars Project / Pascal Lee 010808-0015)
I headed out in the Purmacat with Jaret. Charlie and Kelly drove along on
Kawasaki ATVs. Jaret’s rover is allowing us to investigate the pros and cons
of a two-person vehicle in planetary exploration as compared to each
explorer driving his/her own ATV. On the one hand it seems that there is
reduced vehicle redundancy when two explorers have to rely on a common vehicle. On
the other hand the passenger in the two-person rover may be able to focus
more on the terrain and the landscape, on navigation and on science. Jaret
will announce the results of this research when the data is analyzed.
Pascal on a field geology foot traverse at Haughton Crater, Devon Island,
wearing the upper torso of the Hamilton-Sundstrand advanced space exploration
concept suit equipped with a Xybernaut MA IV wearable computer and a wireless
radio networking system developed Dr Steve Braham at Simon Fraser University.
(Photo NASA Haughton-Mars Project / Pascal Lee 010808-0013 / Mars-like color enhancement)
The drive to and from Site 7 and the site itself proved to be beautiful.
Site 7 is located at approximately 75*27.9’N, 89*56.7’W, towards the northern
end of Von Braun Planitia. On our way there, we established an imaginary
cache of oxygen at Marine Peak, the highest point along Battleherc Ridge.
At Site 7, a stepped limestone mesa butte, we saw interesting gullies and
well-developed patterned ground in the form of meter-wide rock polygons
with raised fine-grained central sections. Jaret positioned himself at the
very top of the butte to capture our activities on video while Kelly
shadowed Charlie and me in various locations to compare our findings with
conclusions we had reached a few days earlier via the simulated robot
teleoperation activity.
Pascal on a field geology foot traverse at Haughton Crater, Devon Island,
wearing the upper torso of the Hamilton-Sundstrand advanced space exploration
concept suit equipped with a Xybernaut MA IV wearable computer and a wireless
radio networking system developed Dr Steve Braham at Simon Fraser University.
(Photo NASA Haughton-Mars Project / Pascal Lee 010808-0014 / Mars-like color enhancement)
We were back at the Hab by 8:30 pm local. After dinner, Charlie went to
conduct some critical initial field tests of the “Bob” (Buoyant OBserver)
balloon surface drifter. Built by Dr Dale Stokes of the Scripps Institution
for Oceanography, the vehicle is elegant and simple in design but very
effective at handling difficult terrain. One day such as system might be
deployed on Mars. It could help explore vast tracks of territory both
reliably and at low cost.
Exploring “Site 7”, Devon Island, Arctic Canada.
(Photo by Pascal Lee 010808-0130 / Mars-like color enhancement)
Amazingly Phase 5 is already coming to an end. Tomorrow will be our last
day. Before we even part ways, we already know that our memories of living
and working together, the teleoperation activities and the EVAs to distant
and beautiful places will forever stay with us.
On the road, Von Braun Planitia, Haughton Crater, Devon Island, Arctic Canada.
(Photo by Pascal Lee 010808-0161 / Mars-like color enhancement)
