Haughton-Mars Project at 20: Challenges and Designs for Future Exploration

摘要

In 2016, NASA-affiliated researchers completed the 20th consecutive field season at Haughton Crater in Canada's High Arctic. The Haughton-Mars Project (HMP) has established a base camp to provide essential services during summer field seasons. The crater and surrounding areas provide a high-fidelity terrestrial analog for planetary exploration, with similarities in geology, weather conditions and complex logistics. This paper provides a systematic review of HMP infrastructure, design research and future development priorities. Status of camp buildings, mechanical systems, energy inputs, and site impacts are discussed, as are opportunities for integration of systems to conserve resources and reduce future operational costs. Techniques for rapid site assessment are compared. Recommendations include further design and program development for modernization of camp facilities, alongside restoration of relationships with service providers to re-engage local community members. This will ensure availability of a well-established, high quality proving ground for technologies and operational concepts for NASA's future planetary surface exploration missions.