The Mars yard at SAM is complete, save the near-future introduction of crushed basalt and basalt boulders to cover the currently exposed concrete slab. The Reduced Gravity Simulator is fully operational, with the prototype built principally from wood being rebuilt in welded aluminum over the summer for a lighter, more stiff frame and smoother operation.
History of the design and fabrication of this facility:
Red Hen delivers SAM’s first Mars yard construct – February 2, 2024
Framing the Mars yard at SAM – February 23, 2024
The Mars yard takes foam – March 29, 2024
The SAM Mars yard lava tube – April 3, 2024
Designing the Mars yard at SAM – April 12, 2024
Mars yard fabrication: Days 1-15 – April 18-24, 2024
All styrofoam to be recycled – July, 31, 2024
