SAM is a dynamic platform and infrastructure for ever expanding research and experiential learning. It is our goal to provide visiting teams a rich personal and team experience both inside and outside of the Test Module (greenhouse) and crew quarters. Hi-fidelity, fully operational equipment and systems mirror those employed now or in near-future flight and habitation systems. The following details some of the integral components incorporated into the design of the total SAM facility.

Test Module
In 1987 Test Module was built as a prototype to the Biosphere 2. This hermetically sealed space proved atmospheric and water recycling, food production, waste management, and mitigation of atmospheric pressure changes. The Test Module serves as the Controlled Environment where hydroponic and grow bed experiments are conducted, food cultivated, and waste recycled in an integrated bioregenerative life support system. Learn more …

Lung and Pressure Regulation System
The Test Module lung is a variable volume pressure regulation system composed of a 3,800 pound steel pan attached to a flexible membrane, forming a sealed lower chamber and extended vessel. The mass of the pan exerts a continuous, downward pressure on the column of air which in turn pressurizes all of SAM. A computer controlled Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) blower enables rapid inflation of the lung and finite control over airflow during Mode 1 or Mode 2 operation. Learn more …

CO2 Scrubber
In 2021 SAM received a prototype CO2 scrubber built by Paragon SDC for NASA, to gain hands-on experience in this medium. In 2022 a UA Capstone Engineer team used SAM as a testbed for a NASA-funded swingbed CO2 scrubber prototype. In 2024 Dr. James Knox prepared a computer model of the SAM pressure vessel based on data from the first three missions. In 2025 an entirely new facility is being built to house a four-bed CO2 scrubber of original design, and physio-chemical and bioregenerative scrubbers delivered by visiting researchers.

Airlock
SAM incorporates a fully functional airlock for movement between the Mars yard and entry to the crew quarters. This airlock has two pressure doors, one on each end, and enables crew members to venture in and out of the habitat without depressurizing the entire vessel. The air used to repressurize is drawn from within SAM, and is compensated by the automated pressure regulation system.

Pressure Suits
SAM crew have at their disposal the use of two pressure suits for all EVA missions into the Mars yard. Developed by Dr. Cameron Smith of Smith Aerospace Garments, these high fidelity systems incorporate a pressurized bladder (1-4 psi over ambient) and cover-all garment for a realistic experience. The regulated airflow source can be an umbilical chord to SAM or a self-contained Mars cart with compressed air (SCUBA tank). Learn more …

Mars Yard
In April of 2024 an indoor, 3000 sq-ft (~300 square meter), geologically accurate representation of terrain on Mars was constructed adjacent to the SAM pressure vessel. This world-class facility was co-designed by Dr. Hamilton, Planetary Geologist at the University of Arizona, and provides visiting crew members with the challenge of moving over a variety of terrain features while encumbered by pressure suits. This facility incorporates a synthetic lava tube, embedded magnetic anomalies, trace gas delivery, and a reduced gravity simulator. View photos | Learn more

Reduced Gravity Simulator
The SAM Reduced Gravity Simulator (also known as a gravity-offset rig) is a mechanical means to reduce the apparent weight of a suited or unsuited individual for the purpose of training for movement in less than 1g gravitational fields, to test equipment and procedures, and to learn how a rover might operate when moving over varied terrain in 1/3 (Mars) or 1/6 (Moon) gravity. Learn more …

Operations and Mission Control
The SAM Operations Center and Mission Control is a 1,200 sq-ft building separate from the SAM habitat and Mars yard and on campus at Biosphere 2. SAM Ops includes a small workshop for on-site repair of equipment, a library and den, a full-featured conference room for local team and virtual meetings, a full kitchen and bath, and Mission Control complete with projection screen for real-time data monitoring and communications, four workstations as designated by visiting crew. SAM Ops will be fully operational in February 2024. Stay tuned!