Replicating Mars: NASA JSC’s Remote Field Demonstration Test Site

Johnson Space Center’s Remote Field Demonstration Test Site — also known as the “Mars rock pile” — provides a test bed for “dry run” tests of advanced spacesuit mobility studies. The half-acre test site, including its recently added hill, is representative of a Mars-like, rock-strewn surface.

“This outdoor facility has been extremely useful to ‘shake, rattle and roll’ the various system elements in preparation for more full-scale testing in actual remote field test locations,” said Joe Kosmo, Senior Project Engineer for JSC’s Crew and Thermal Systems Division.

Construction on the new hill at JSC’s “Mars rock pile” test site (More photos)