“The Earth's polar regions are the closest analog to the surface of Mars that we will find until we actually land on Mars. The Mars Society has long been the leader in exploiting these regions, and is continuing that tradition with this new initiative. This effort will bring real understanding to the space exploration community about what it will take to settle human beings on the surface of Mars.”– Mike Griffin, Former NASA Administrator

The Mars Society, the world's leading space advocacy group dedicated to the human exploration and settlement of the Red Planet, is initiating Mars Arctic 365 (MA365), an effort to conduct a one-year simulated human Mars mission in the high Arctic. The mission will take place at the Flashline Mars Arctic Research Station (FMARS), a simulated landed spacecraft and research station built and operated by the Mars Society. Situated at 75 degrees north, less than 1,000 miles from the North Pole, FMARS is perched on the rim of a 14 mile diameter meteor impact crater in the midst of a polar desert known as one of the most Mars-like environments on Earth. Past expeditions to FMARS have lasted only a few months during the mild Arctic summer, but MA365 will see a crew of six scientist – researcher – explorers conduct a Mars surface mission simulation for a full year, including the harsh, sub-zero Arctic winter. By conducting this simulation in a realistic habitat and environment for the same duration as an actual expedition to the Red Planet, we will learn how humans can work together to effectively explore the new frontier of Mars. Nothing like this has ever been done before. You can help make it happen.

FMARS crew members on Extravehicular Activity (EVA) in 2007

What is the project?

Mars Arctic 365 will simulate a one-year human Mars surface exploration mission at FMARS.  The mission crew will conduct a program of field exploration in one of the most Mars-like environments on Earth, while operating under many of the same operational constraints as an actual Mars mission. In the course of doing this, crew members will learn a great deal about which methods, technologies and tactics will work best on the Red Planet.  Furthermore, they will do this while dealing with the stresses that come not only from confinement, as the Mars500 crew experienced (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mars_500), but also cold, danger, hard work and the need to achieve real scientific results, and thus truly begin to explore the critical human factor issues facing Mars exploration.

“This mission is one of the most important efforts happening now for the advancement of human planetary expansion”– Dr. Chris McKay, NASA Planetary Scientist

The FMARS station, that will serve as the setting of MA365, is located on Devon Island, a Mars analog environment and polar desert, approximately 100 mi north east of the hamlet of Resolute in Nunavut, Canada. The station is situated on Haynes Ridge, overlooking the Haughton impact crater, a 14 mi diameter crater formed approximately 39 million years ago. The location is approximately 1,000 mi from the Geographic North Pole, and is at coordinates 75°25′52.75″N 089°49′24.19″W. The location is cold, remote and barren. Its terrain and geology are considered some of the most Mars-like on Earth, making it an ideal location for FMARS, and the perfect setting for the MA365 one-year Mars simulation.

FMARS Location - Devon Island, Nunavut, Canada

Haughton impact crater. FMARS is perched on the rim at the far left of this image

The MA365 crew will consist of 6 individuals, carefully selected to provide a mixture of scientific expertise, proven leadership, and hands-on experience in field expeditions. Crew members will undergo group training exercises starting soon after they are selected, learning to work together as a cohesive unit well before traveling to the Arctic. The Mars Society has collected applications from an open call for participants, and will be announcing the crew selection soon.

With their training complete, the crew will depart for the Arctic, traveling by commercial airline to the hamlet of Resolute, one of the farthest north communities in the world. There they will spend a few days organizing their supplies and equipment and conducting some final training while waiting for clear weather. Twin Otter aircraft (bush planes) will transport the crew for the final leg of their journey. These aircraft will land on a dirt airstrip located on Devon Island near FMARS. The crew will transport equipment and materials between the airstrip and the habitat by making use of All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) during the summer months, and snowmobiles in the winter.

Once the crew has settled in to the habitat, the formal one-year Mars simulation period of the expedition will begin. Crew members will find life “in-sim” to be distinctly different from their everyday life “on Earth”. Crew will be required to conduct any work outside the habitat while wearing a simulated spacesuit, with all communications conducted by radio. Space suited crew members will use a simulated airlock depress/repress procedure upon each exit and entry to the habitat. Communications between the MA365 crew and those back on “earth” (off-island researchers, media, members of the public, and even the crew’s own family members) will be subject to a time delay of up to 20 minutes, which mimics that of actual radio traffic between Earth and Mars. Even the food eaten will be different, limited to shelf storable items that would remain viable during the multi-year real Mars mission.

"Mars One is incredibly intrigued by the potential of the Mars Society's Mars Arctic 365 simulation mission. Identifying unknown problems associated with long term missions in remote locations has tremendous value to Mars One and any other manned missions, and we wish the Mars Society much success in this exciting endeavor." - Bas Lansdorp, co-founder and CEO of Mars One

Polar bears are an ever present danger in the Arctic, and the FMARS crew will protect themselves accordingly

Due to limited visibility of crew members wearing simulated spacesuits, all work outside the station will be conducted with one crew member "out-of-sim". It will be the responsibility of this crew member to be on look out for, and to protect the crew from, polar bears. This crew member will be armed, and the crew will also all carry bear deterrent devices known as bear bangers. No polar bears have yet been encountered by the crew of an FMARS expedition, although signs of their presence on the island are regularly seen, and at least one encounter has occurred with other scientific research teams on Devon Island.

The MA365 crew will collect terabytes of high definition video and still images during their one-year Mars simulation. This imagery will be regularly posted on the FMARS website and social media outlets, letting people around the world follow the mission as it progresses. The crew will also issue periodic reports to document conducted research, to advise on the status of engineering systems, and to capture details related to other aspects of the ongoing mission. These reports will include a Commander's Report, a Science Report, an Engineering Report and a Narrative Report. A Mission Support team located in Colorado will regularly release this information to the public and provide opportunities for interaction with the crew during the mission.

“This is the first dress rehearsal for Mars.”– Dr. Robert Zubrin, President of the Mars Society

FMARS crew members work together to conduct science & test protocols for Mars

What will this project accomplish?

MA365 will build upon and go beyond all previous efforts conducted by The Mars Society at FMARS.

• Groundbreaking 1-year Mars simulation in the Canadian Arctic;
  
• Test equipment, technology, techniques, and crew psychological factors; and,
  
• Overcome challenges to survive the harsh isolated conditions by working as a team.
  

This will be the most realistic Mars simulation ever conducted!

Past Mars simulations have provided useful insight and data, but have not gone nearly as far in replicating the conditions to be faced by the first Mars explorers:

1. Extreme isolation with limited access & resupply;
   
2. Duration of simulation;
   
3. Cold temperatures;
   
4. Mars analog environment (limited vegetation, similar geology, etc.);
   
5. Realistic habitat;
   
6. Realistic science, procedures, equipment & technology;
   
7. Hard work in a harsh environment with schedule pressure; and,
   
8. High visibility and public interest / exposure (people will follow the story, identify with the crew, and want to participate in some way).
   

We need much more realistic Mars simulations so we can truly identify, assess & learn to mitigate the actual challenges of human Mars exploration. In this way, MA365 will be a major step forward.

“During our life-times, the human race will move irreversibly off Earth. Mars is the first logical step. While our technology to make the mission happen is rocketing forward exponentially, we’re not prepared for the human element. Efforts like Mars Arctic 365 are critical to basic human-factors research. It’s the cheapest money we can spend to assure the success and expansion of the human race.” -Peter H. Diamandis, Chairman/CEO, XPRIZE Foundation

FMARS crew member Brian Shiro sets up a radio repeater in 2009

Why is this important? Why should you care enough to contribute?

The Mars500 mission recently completed in Moscow achieved much good scientific data and attracted worldwide attention, but MA365 will go much further. We will also deal with isolation issues, but instead of sitting safe and sound in a nice warm room in the middle of a city, our crew at FMARS will be required to conduct a sustained program of geological, microbiological and climatological field exploration in a cold and dangerous remote environment while operating under many of the same constraints that a human crew would face on Mars.

It is only under these conditions, where the crew is trying hard to get real scientific work done, while dealing with bulky equipment, cold, danger, discomfort, as well as isolation, that the real stresses of a human Mars mission can be encountered, and the methods for dealing with them mastered. It is only under these conditions that all sorts of problems that Mars explorers will face can be driven into the open so they can be dealt with. Only by doing these missions can we make ourselves ready to go to Mars. Nothing like this has ever been done before. It needs to be done, and we intend to do it.

“Long-term use of exploration hardware and exercise of astronaut mission timelines at a Mars analog site would produce valuable data for us. We applaud the Mars Society on this endeavor and look forward to collaboration.”– Jack Fox, Chief, NASA KSC Surface Systems Office and Co-Founder KSC Swamp Works

Magnificent desolation on Devon Island, with FMARS in the distance

When will the mission happen?

MA365, is divided into two phases. Phase 1 was initiated in July of 2013, and included refit and resupply of the station, beginning the task of preparing it for the one-year Mars simulation. Phase 1 will conclude this coming July 2014, with a second refit team delivering food, fuel, equipment and supplies, enabling FMARS to support an effective one-year mission. Following the refit, in August 2014, three 6-man teams will occupy the station for two weeks each, gaining familiarity with the habitat, terrain, and equipment while proving themselves in a team competition. The team which is judged to have performed the best during their two week trial will be selected as the prime crew for the one-year Mars simulation. Phase 2 is the one-year mission itself, which would begin the following Arctic summer in July 2015. 

“FMARS is unique in that it forces you into the mindset that you are really on Mars, and disconnected from our modern technological society. All you have to rely on is your fellow crew members and the tools and materials you bring with you. If something breaks and you don't have the part you need, you can't run out to the corner hardware store... you have to improvise and make do, just like real Mars explorers.”– Joseph Palaia, FMARS Program Director

FMARS crew member Joseph Palaia takes in the sight of the Gemini Hills

Who will be selected for the crew?

The Mars Society is currently in the process of down selecting candidates for the MA365 crew. From an initial applicant pool of 150 candidates, all but approximately 60 will be cut from consideration in the first selection round. These 60 first round candidates will then be further evaluated to down select to 18 (three 6-person crews). These three crews will travel to the Arctic for 2 week rotations at FMARS during this coming summer (August 2014) and, based on their performance in the Arctic, the best of the three crews will be chosen for the one-year mission.

"MA365 represents the next step in long duration space analog research, i.e. a deliberately composed crew conducting operations in real isolation, confinement and environmental danger for a sufficient length of time under conditions that accurately reflects the limited resources that will most certainly characterize the first Mars bases. Few initiatives to date have even tried for all these components; the time has come to move forward." - Sheryl Bishop, Ph.D., Director of the Biobehavioral Research Laboratory at the University of Texas Medical Branch

FMARS crew members plan the deployment of a robot scout

How much funding is needed?

The MA365 program, which includes the refit, three two-week crew rotations, and the one-year Mars simulation are estimated at roughly $1,000,000 total cost. The $100,000 Indiegogo threshold target would be sufficient funding to conduct all 2014 missions. Other donations and support raised by the Mars Society, as well as excess funds raised from this Indiegogo campaign, will help to enable the one-year mission. Funds in excess of $1M could be used to add more facilities & install upgrades at FMARS, allow more research and scientific investigations to be supported, and to fund other expansions to the program.

All donations to the Mars Society, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, are tax deductible. Our organization’s federal tax ID number is 31-1585646. Please express your support for Mars exploration and the MA365 program by contributing generously.

FMARS crew members perform geological investigations

What will the funds be spent on?

Efforts this coming summer will involve completion of the refit activities before handing the station over to each of the three 6-man crews.

Planned Refit Tasks:

• Deliver 2 additional ATVs & several snowmobiles;
  
• Deliver & erect a metal storage & generator building;
  
• Deliver a 2^nd new 8kW generator. Install both generators and run power & thermal lines to the habitat;
  
• Install remote radiator within the habitat and test thermal control system;
  
• Insulate the underside of the habitat;
  
• Deliver and stockpile additional diesel fuel to support the three 2-week rotations and the one-year expedition;
  
• Deliver and stockpile additional food supplies to support the three 2-week rotations and the one-year expedition;
  
• Install new cabinetry & carpet;
  
• Repair / upgrade electrical & plumbing systems; and,
  
• Train the incoming three two-week crews and handover operations.
  

Additional costs include transportation and personnel costs to conduct these missions. If less funds than our target are raised prior to this summer, the refit mission can still take place, with the purchase and delivery of some of the equipment and materials deferred until 2015.

We need your support in order to help cover the costs of this program.

The tri-color flag of Mars flies at FMARS

What cool perks can you get?

$1         Mailing List

For contributions of $1 or more, you'll be signed up on our mailing list and be kept up to date on the latest updates about the Mars Arctic 365 mission. 

The Mars Society website will include an honor roll listing all donors and supporters of the MA365 program. Anyone who contributes $5 or more will have their names displayed on this honor roll. 

$10       TMS Bumper Sticker & Button

This stunning full-color bumper sticker measures 3" x 10". Show your support by proudly displaying it, anywhere you choose to stick it! The Mars or Bust button is red lettering on a white background, and will stand out on shirts, backpacks, and other visible places.

Plus, you will receive:

• your name on our website honor roll.

$20        Certificate of Appreciation + 

This professional Certificate of Appreciation with your name on it is suitable for framing and will be a nice memento of your contribution. It will be signed by Robert Zubrin, President of the Mars Society.

Plus, you will receive:

• a Mars Society bumper sticker;
• a Mars or Bust button; and,
• your name on our website honor roll.

$35        Mars Society Cap + 

Plus, you will receive:

• a Certificate of Appreciation;
• a Mars Society bumper sticker;
• a Mars or Bust button; and,
• your name on our website honor roll.

$50        MA365 T-Shirt + 

A high quality, full color t-shirt featuring the Mars Society logo on the front, and the MA365 logo on the back.

Plus, you will receive:

• a Mars Society ball cap;
• a Certificate of Appreciation;
• a Mars Society bumper sticker;
• a Mars or Bust button; and,
• your name on our website honor roll.

$75        Mission Patch

The Mars Society is engaging a well-known mission patch designer to create a custom patch for the MA365 program. These patches will be proudly worn by the crew on each of their spacesuits. Only a limited quantity of these patches will be made, so be sure to reserve yours today and grab a piece of history. 

Plus, you will receive:

• a MA365 t-shirt;
• a Mars Society ball cap;
• a Certificate of Appreciation;
• a Mars Society bumper sticker;
• a Mars or Bust button; and,
• your name on our website honor roll.

$100      Autographed Photo + 

For contributions of $100 or more, receive an autographed photo of the MA365 crew. 

In 2009, the Mars Society had glossy postcards created which included pictures of each of the crew members (see image above). We are currently anticipating doing something similar for MA365, and having each crew member sign the cards before sending them to our contributors who provide $100 or more.

Plus, you will receive:

• a MA365 mission patch;
• a MA365 t-shirt;
• a Mars Society ball cap;
• a Certificate of Appreciation;
• a Mars Society bumper sticker;
• a Mars or Bust button; and,
• your name on our website honor roll.

$250      Personalized Book + 

The Case for Mars: The Plan to Settle the Red Planet and Why We Must is a nonfiction science book by Dr. Robert Zubrin, first published in 1996, and revised and updated in 2011.

The book details Zubrin's Mars Direct plan to make the first human landing on Mars. The plan focuses on keeping costs down by making use of automated systems and available materials on Mars to manufacture the return journey's fuel in situ. The book also reveals possible Mars colony designs and weighs the prospects for a colony's material self-sufficiency and for the terraforming of Mars.

For contributions of $250 or more, receive an autographed copy of The Case for Mars, with a personalized message from Dr. Zubrin just for you.

Plus, you will receive:

$500      Your name on plaque in Arctic + 

The Mars Society will have three identical large plaques made as part of the MA365 program. One of the three identical plaques will be transported to FMARS and installed at the station. One will be kept at Mars Society headquarters in Lakewood, CO. The third copy of the plaque will be donated to a museum for display. 

Each plaque will contain the names of each donor and sponsor who helped make this program possible. Those contributing larger amounts will be placed higher on the plaque in larger text. The levels are Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Contributor. A contribution of $500 will get your name engraved at the Contributor level. 

Plus, you will receive:

$750      Silver level on plaque + 

A contribution of $750 will get your name engraved at the Silver level on the MA365 plaque. 

Plus, you will receive:

$1,000   Copy of the plaque + 

For $1,000 you will receive your own reduced size copy of the MA365 plaque, to proudly display at your home or office. 

Plus, you will receive:

$1,500   Video Q&A with Arctic Crew +

The MA365 crew will stay in contact with the people back on "Earth" through a satellite internet link. During the one-year Mars simulation period, a time delay will be introduced for all communications, similar to that which a real Mars exploration crew would face. Prior to the start of the simulation period, this internet link can be used to support live video sessions between the crew and individuals and groups around the world. 

For $1,500, you will have the unique opportunity to hold a dedicated video Question & Answer session with the MA365 crew while they are in the Arctic. Ask them whatever questions you would like and get a unique glimpse into life on Mars! 

Plus, you will receive:

$2,000   Custom Mars Award + 

This stunning custom award will feature a Mars Direct Vehicle and the planet Mars itself suspended within a block of clear acrylic (the award is currently being designed). This is sure to be an awesome conversation piece for your home or office! Reserve yours now with a contribution of $2,000.

Plus, you will receive:

$3,000   Gold level on plaque + 

A contribution of $3,000 will get your name engraved at the Gold level on the MA365 plaque. 

Plus, you will receive:

$4,000   VIP TMS Convention Tickets + 

For a contribution of $4,000 or more, you and a guest will be VIPs at the 18th Annual International Mars Society Convention, to be held in August of 2015 (convention location TBD). During the convention, you'll stay at the convention hotel. You'll also be the special guests of Dr. Zubrin one of the evenings of the convention. (This Perk includes 2 VIP tickets to the Mars Society Convention, hotel stay during the convention, and dinner with Dr. Zubrin. Airfare is not included).

Plus, you will receive:

$5,000   You Name FMARS Equipment + 

Among the goals of the MA365 Phase 1 mission will be to refit and upgrade the habitat and deliver new equipment and materials to support ongoing operations and the upcoming one-year MA365 mission. The refit crew will be delivering a total of four dedicated all terrain vehicles (ATVs), four dedicated snowmobiles, one additional new generator and an upgraded lab. Those contributing $5,000 will be given the right to name any one of the 10 aforementioned major units as they choose, on a first come, first choice basis. Please indicate your top preferences with your contribution.

Plus, you will receive:

$7,500   Platinum level on plaque + 

A contribution of $7,500 or more will get your name engraved at the Platinum level on the MA365 plaque, the highest level available.

Plus, you will receive:

$12,500  Join the Crew in the Arctic

Those making a contribution of $12,500 can join the crew on an adventure of a lifetime! You'll arrive in Resolute, Nunavut, Canada, a small Inuit hamlet that serves as the staging area for FMARS expeditions. Here you can take some time to explore Inuit life until the weather clears and you board a bush plane for the final leg of your journey to FMARS. You'll see breathtaking scenery during the 45 minute flight over Canadian wilderness and the frozen ocean straight between Cornwallis Island (location of Resolute) and Devon Island. Your pilot will make some low passes over the station, allowing you to see FMARS from the air before coming in for a landing on the airstrip of this remote outpost. Once you arrive, you'll get to spend time meeting with and getting to know the MA365 crew who will give you a private tour of the station. You will attend in person the ceremony marking the beginning of the historic one-year Mars simulation. Finally, you'll bid the crew farewell, boarding the bush plane for your ride back to Resolute and civilization. The intrepid adventurers you have just left will not make this return journey to "Earth" themselves until an entire year has passed. (This Perk includes up to 4 nights hotel stay in Resolute, food, and bush-plane transportation to/from Devon Island. Airfare from your home to Resolute, Canada is not included). 

Plus, you will receive:

What if I contribute more?

For those interested in making a major commitment to the MA365 program, we can offer the following major benefits:

• $15k     Bumper sticker sized logo on the side of FMARS (approx. 3" x 10")
• $25k     Small logo on the side of FMARS (approx. 1 sq ft)
• $50k     Medium logo on the side of FMARS (approx. 2 sq ft)
• $100k   Large logo on the side of FMARS (approx. 4 sq ft)
• $150k   MA365 mission naming rights
• $250k   Arctic station naming rights (5 years) 

Please note that the Mars Society's agreement with Flashline.com expired several years ago, so naming rights for the station are now available!

Please contact us directly at info@marssociety.org if you are interested in any of these opportunities. 

We also welcome in-kind contributions of materials and services. This could range from equipment and supplies for the station, to donated use of aircraft. In 2013, the Mars Society received the generous support of two pilots who flew their privately owned bush planes to the Arctic, helping to deliver cargo and crew to FMARS. If you are a pilot who would like to help in this way, please contact us.

You can also really help by getting the word out about MA365 and about this Indiegogo campaign! We can make history with Mars Arctic 365, and you can help us make it happen! 

More about the Mars Society

The Mars Society is a space advocacy 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the human exploration and settlement of the planet Mars. Established by Dr. Robert Zubrin and others in 1998, the organization works to educate the public, the media and government on the benefits of Mars exploration and the importance of planning for a humans-to-Mars mission in the coming decade.

More information is available on the Mars Society website www.marssociety.org

Call to Action

“I am calling on everyone who wishes to see human explorers on Mars in our time to contribute whatever you can now to make this bold plan a reality.” – Mars Society President Dr. Robert Zubrin

FMARS during the harsh Arctic winter