Tactical Scientific Decision-Making during Crewed Astrobiology Mars Missions

Area of Science:

• Planetary Science
• Human Space Exploration
• Human Factors

Background:

• Mars exploration presents unique challenges, including significant data transmission limitations and communication latency between Earth and Mars.
• Standard terrestrial fieldwork and lunar exploration methodologies are insufficient for Martian surface operations.
• Effective human-Mars exploration requires novel approaches to scientific decision-making and sample collection under constrained communication conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and define optimal strategies for scientific exploration on the Martian surface.
• To examine the impact of communication bandwidth and latency on crewed extravehicular activities (EVAs).
• To determine how Earth-based science teams can best support surface crews in collecting scientifically valuable samples.

Main Methods:

• Simulated extravehicular activities (EVAs) in Mars analog terrains.
• Testing under various Mars-relevant bandwidth and latency conditions.
• Evaluation of tactical decision-making processes between surface crews and Earth-based science teams.

Main Results:

• Surface crews must possess scientific training to effectively communicate data and support Earth-based decision-making.
• Appropriate planning, structured protocols, and tools like a "dynamic leaderboard" can enhance EVA efficiency.
• Earth-based scientists can provide significant scientific value to EVAs despite communication latency.

Conclusions:

• Human exploration of Mars necessitates a scientifically trained surface crew capable of independent decision-making.
• Effective collaboration between Mars surface crews and Earth-based scientists is achievable with structured protocols and tools.
• The BASALT program provides recommendations for optimizing scientific return during human Mars exploration missions.