APUS Analog Research Group 2025
Space Analog for the Moon and Mars (SAM) at Biosphere 2
February 9-18, 2025

AARG is a student-led, faculty-advised research group under the direction of APUS faculty members Kristen Miller and Terry Trevino, with Noah Loy as the student Program Manager. Kristen Miller is a Professor in the Department of Space Studies with the American Public University System (APUS). AARG will perform a 10-day mission mid February 2025 at SAM. The mission will feature both a mid-mission crew shift-change from the SAM pressure vessel to the SAM Operations Center, and visa versa. This will be made possible using the SAM airlock. The mission will be facilitated by an on-site Mission Support team under the direction of Mission Flight Director Dennis Miller. Crew Captains Luis Gonzalez and Laura Reiske will each lead a crew of 4 for five days. Both crews will perform a wide variety of research projects including algae studies, EVA research, communications, crew nutrition, microbial spread, and water electrolysis.

Overview

  1. A study of the use of Spirulina algae as a growth remediation for plants grown in simulated regolith;
  2. A study of the effects of time latency and crew prior mission experience on the mission control – crew interaction;
  3. A study of the effects of gravity on locomotion and cardiovascular response;
  4. A study of microbial spread and diversification within a sealed, pressurized habitat;
  5. A study of the use of drones as an aid for situational awareness during EVA;
  6. A study of the optimization of water electrolysis methods including both oxygen and hydrogen production;
  7. A study of crew response to a plant-based diet during a space analog mission.

Research Descriptions

Study 1: Investigate and identify the best practices for transportation, cultivation and productivity of Hawaiian Spirulina® as a food supplement for future human space missions.

The goals of the proposed research are to create protocols supporting transportation and revitalization of algae samples; to analyze how the space environment affects Spirulina growth rates; and to determine the optimum growing conditions which will maximize the nutritional content of the spirulina samples. Environmental CO2, humidity, and temperature readings will be taken daily, and the light profile (wavelength and exposure time) recorded. A 1-ml sample of the solution will be extracted and analyzed under a microscope to monitor growth and health through images and cell counts. Optical density will also be assessed prior to harvest.

Study 2: The purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding of the levels of stress and frustration experienced by both mission support and the astronaut crew, and how that affects task performance and the working relationship. In particular, the study will test if previous experience as a crew member increases the effectiveness of communications with an analog crew in the habitat.

This study will examine the effects of time delayed communications during different time periods within an analog mission. Communications will be recorded at the SAM habitat using their onsite mission control headquarters facility with time delay capability and will be analyzed for frequency, word count, overlapping messages, and miscommunications. Standardized communications protocols will be used to help facilitate clear communications and decrease misunderstandings. The data will be analyzed to determine the impact of time delay on effective communication. Surveys will be conducted to gain insight into the crew and mission control experience before, during, and after the transition.

Study 3: How does Martian gravity affect the cardiorespiratory response, efficiency of bipedal locomotion, and physiological strain of astronauts compared to Terrestrial gravity?

This study aims to assess astronaut performance in simulated gravity environments by measuring cardiorespiratory responses and step cycles across different gravity configurations. This research will provide insights into the physical demands astronauts experience during EVA operations in different gravity environments. During each EVA, astronauts will walk on a self-powered treadmill using the gravity rig to simulate the gravitational profile, using regular bipedal locomotive techniques. Cardiorespiratory responses will be monitored using Garmin heart rate watches, and step cycles will be monitored via stationary GoPro cameras.

Study 4: What is the microbial impact on a closed-system habitat as measured by the spread rate and diversification of pathogens?

The main objective of this study is to determine the microbial impact on a closed-system habitat operating under increased atmospheric pressure. This data may be used to evaluate the spread rate and diversification of pathogens in a confined environment that is analogous to space travel. Microbial growth media will also expose colony morphology that is commonly used as a baseline to establish microbial identification. However, this study’s primary focus is to observe the initial microbial impact of astronaut crews on pre-established, closed-system habitats.

Study 5: This research aims to evaluate the performance of drone-based visual tracking in a Mars analog habitat. By exploring the drone’s tracking accuracy, resilience, and adaptability in various scenarios, the project seeks to establish a foundation for drone-aided astronaut support on Mars

This research examines a drone’s ability to autonomously follow an astronaut in a Martian analog environment, simulating conditions that future Mars explorers may encounter, including open spaces, near large objects (boulders, etc.), lava tubes, and obstacles. In this research, data collection is centered on understanding the drone’s tracking performance across different environmental scenarios within the Mars analog habitat. Each scenario will yield detailed data on the drone’s ability to follow and reacquire the astronaut under varying levels of obstruction and environmental complexity. Each scenario will be repeated under similar conditions to gather tracking accuracy data, including response times, deviations from path alignment, recovery post-occlusion, and battery usage.

Study 6: To determine the optimal cathode material (platinum, copper, graphite) for efficient oxygen production and evaluate its feasibility under extraterrestrial conditions.

The research will use the Hoffman Electrolysis Apparatus as a primary tool to study oxygen and hydrogen production rates, assess their potential for astronaut life support, and explore implications for water mining in lunar environments like Shackleton Crater. The Hoffman apparatus will serve as the platinum electrode control, while interchangeable copper and graphite electrodes will be tested in auxiliary setups for comparison. Additionally, the research will investigate the potential for byproduct integration into plant modules and CO2 capture systems, ensuring that all findings contribute to sustainable space habitat design. Real-time data logging will track energy input, gas volumes, and water consumption.
Study 7: This study specifically focuses on gathering qualitative data on the challenges, benefits, and any perceived effects of a plant-based diet as experienced by mission participants.

Participants will complete a pre-mission survey to establish baseline dietary habits, perceptions, and expectations regarding the plant-based diet and will log daily dietary intake for one week prior to the mission. During the mission, participants will maintain a daily food log and complete a mid-mission survey to assess adaptation and any observed effects on health and well-being. A post-mission survey and debrief interview will be used to capture the crew’s overall experience, perceived effects on health and well-being, and overall impressions of a plant-based diet.