Ok, so I have been remiss in posting material on my blog about the Haughton-Mars Project (HMP) Research Station and the fact that right now I'm in the high Arctic supporting the project. The picture to the right is of our group watching the space shuttle Discovery launch this morning.
I've been in the high Arctic since July 16, first in Resolute Bay and now at the project site on Devon Island next to the Haughton crater.
There's some incredible research going on here inlcuding a prototype Mars greenhouse, Mars drilling, various geology and biology projects, advanced communications, robotics, spacesuit systems testing, a Mars rover and much more.
Here's an overview of the project which for the Mars Institute manages and provides logistical support to the various participants. And for those who didn't know I'm a co-founder and CEO of the Institute.
From the website: "The Haughton-Mars Project (HMP) is an international interdisciplinary field research project centered on the scientific study of the Haughton impact structure and surrounding terrain, Devon Island, High Arctic, viewed as a terrestrial analog for Mars. The rocky polar desert setting, geologic features and biological attributes of the site offer unique insights into the possible evolution of Mars - in particular the history of water and of past climates on Mars -, the effects of impacts on Earth and on other planets, and the possibilities and limits of life in extreme environments. In parallel with its Science program, the HMP supports an Exploration program aimed at developing new technologies, strategies, humans factors experience, and field-based operational know-how key to planning the future exploration of the Moon, Mars and other planets by robots and humans."