4Frontiers Corporation, in coordination with the Mars Society, is conducting a Mars simulation in July 2011 at the Flashline Mars Arctic Research Station (FMARS), a simulated Mars base located on Devon Island in the Canadian Arctic. There a crew of six scientist and engineers will conduct field exploration and scientific investigations while operating under Mars mission constraints. A Florida-based Mission Support team, led by Earthrise Space, Inc., will provide remote assistance. The simulation provides the opportunity to pursue research projects focused on understanding technical and human factors which may be faced by the first Mars explorers. This mission also provides a unique opportunity for education and outreach.

 

The FMARS crew will share the experience off conducting a simulated Mars mission through press and media interaction, dissemination of high definition still and video imagery, and through live, interactive video question and answer sessions between the crew and student groups throughout the United States. This proposal seeks support to offset some expedition costs and to provide an opportunity for Florida students to take part in Mission Support and these Q&A sessions. These activities will provide Florida students direct exposure to this exciting space exploration related research, while highlighting STEM careers.