FMARS Sponsors	FMARS 2002 Suggestions for Program Improvement One item that we all agreed pertains to all categories: We suggest building a functional LAN with: a dedicated mail server and a dedicated file server (for archiving of all documentation) both services can be combined in one computer This may require a dedicated "Hab Comm" computer that is configured offsite, then brought to FMARS and set up at the beginning of each rotation. Additionally, overall efficiency of communication should also be improved by setting up individual email accounts for each crewmember. Mail that is intended for the whole crew can be implemented using a mail list for communication between Mission Support and the entire FMARS crew. Safety Safety infrastructure (fire extinguishers, detectors, first aid supplies, etc.) needs to be reviewed and updated annually. The Crew Safety Officer should be given advance information to make this a priority upon arrival. Safety infrastructure should be reviewed by appropriate Mission Support Personnel before rotation begins to provide adequate support to Crew Safety Officer upon arrival. Crewmember selection should be pending review of medical history and approval by Mars Society Chief Medical officer. Effort should be made to maintain confidentiality of crew medical information. Some infrastructure issues are also safety issues, for example open switches, open plugs; these need to be addressed during Hab improvement. Suggest a metal ladder for loft, or improve current ladder so that the wooden "rungs" are non-skid and wider. This is especially important if a seventh crewmember will use the loft as private space. Simulation Part of daily sim schedule should include daily Hab maintenance. This is a realistic aspect of sim based on MIR, ISS, Skylab and shuttle experience. Also as part of improving science and infrastructure improvements, improve communications with Mission Support, especially with regard to backroom science support. Suggest a long-term program to improve fidelity of spacesuit glove. Suggest a long-term program to improve helmet air circulation. This is both a sim and comfort issue. Improved circulation would reduce fogging. Customized "deflectors" may improve personal comfort and could be a good short-term solution. Science Improve communication infrastructure so that all crewmembers can easily communicate with Mission Support and science backroom. Build library that includes record of previous work at FMARS. Suggest a library in three parts: Hard copies of reference materials at FMARS On-line (web) library of previous rotation reports and publications. Formal documentation (on-line) of lessons learned, successful innovations, new techniques, etc. A long-term goal should be building a science lab with dedicated basic equipment about which Mission Support has detailed knowledge (for example, microscopes, geological hammers, etc. See also list of laboratory items needed in the fmshplist.xls Excel spreadsheet.) Build a "network" of scientists with previous experience on Devon Island willing to provide assistance to future crewmembers and to function as part of science backroom. Long term goal: remodel lab to either provide additional "clean" counter space, or move current counter space away from directly in front of the EVA room door. This location causes operational conflicts, and makes it very difficult for clean lab scientists to keep that area sterile. Also the laboratory benches could be improved to provide more stable support for the equipment. Currently the microscope shakes when anyone walks on the first floor, or walks heavily on the second floor. It is also impossible to do microscope work when a lot of repair work is going on or when someone is running on the treadmill because of vibrations. A printer in the hab would be useful for printing maps and other items as they are developed. Public Outreach We all agree that public outreach is a very important aspect of the program in order to encourage support for manned planetary exploration. However, we find that some media personnel are too intrusive and interfere with both the fidelity of sim and normal science operations. Specifically regarding film crews / media personnel: Create a "Code of Conduct" that is freely available for all involved (crew as well as media). Media must agree to adhere to code before they will be allowed access. Visitors to FMARS, including media, must demonstrate that they are self-sufficient or they will not be allowed access. The Mars Society should provide visitors with a checklist of items that they are expected to provide. Exceptions will be made in extreme weather conditions, for example, but in general visitors should not expect to be able to "live" in the Hab. Media should make all effort to be non-intrusive, documenting rather than staging activities. Comfort Seven (7) people are pushing the limit of comfort in the Hab; we consider seven people a maximum limit. Suggest a "work crew" prepares Hab before simulation begins. The purpose of the crew is to update / repair Hab infrastructure to insure the fidelity of sim operations, for example, to lay temporary water pipeline. Suggest that the Hab be retrofitted with some type of ventilation to allow for circulation of air between levels, and to vent hot, humid air out of upper level. This will also improve the fidelity of sim since crew will not be tempted to go outside for relief or leave Hab doors open in an attempt to improve air quality. Food: Suggest more comprehensive menu planning to improve variety of meals. Suggest that the Mars Society consults a member with long term, backcountry cooking experience for menu planning and food purchase. Specific food items suggested: more powdered eggs, more powdered drink options (especially more hot chocolate); beans (refried and whole), peanut butter, powdered butter (for cooking), more canned soups to provide menu options, more cheese, chicken in addition to beef. We found potatoes went green and while desirable we more often ate instant mashed. We ate lots of pasta but had very limited options for sauce (basically limited to tomato sauces). We had plenty of rice but very limited ancillary items for producing rice meals. Part of the comprehensive menu planning might include recipe suggestions, keeping in mind the very limited facilities and time for food prep at the Hab. The Incinolet situation should be improved by: Determining the operational parameters of the Incinolet, i.e. its maximum rate of use and when the ashpot has to be emptied Investigate whether the installation of a second Incinolet is required for a crew of 6 to 7 Sim Plus Comfort: We suggest new arriving crewmembers take the time to custom fit EVA suit packs to improve comfort level. Need more pairs of larger boots Suggest glove liners and a glove dryer
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