An Analysis of the Potential Application of Analog Based Research and Technology Testbeds for Lunar and Mars Mission Scenarios

The efficacy of analogous test beds for space missions was rated by a diverse group of scientists and engineers with respect to short and long duration Lunar and Mars mission scenarios. Ratings for fidelity, repeatability, adaptability and availability of Historical Data, internal habitat factors and external environment factors were made for analog environments including: Space Station, Space Shuttle, Polar Environments, Underwater Environments (not Submarine), Deserts, Expeditions, Submarines, Closed Systems, Virtual Environments. Individual factors rated must be considered against a fully defined mission scenario to make the best case by case selection for testing, however, the overall highest average ratings were for polar environments, and submarines.