Expedition Two: A Multi-Goal Mars Analogue Expedition to the Arkaroola Region

Expedition Two is the second in a series of expeditions to Mars analogue locations worldwide under the auspices of the Mars Expedition Research Council (MERC). The goals of Expedition Two are threefold: research, operations, outreach and education. The expedition will be contained with approximate 100 km radius of Arkaroola in the northern Flinders Ranges in the Australian Outback. There will be six main themes to the expedition within the goals: Field Science – Collecting baseline geological and biological data on the field area and its Mars analogue significance. Field Engineering-Trials of the MarsSkin 3 analogue Mechanical Counter Pressure suit. Exploration Operations – evaluation of exploration methodologies, data collection and data loggers, and a site database, and selection of the site for MARS-OZ Human Factors – psychological profiling of an international, multi-disciplinary team of expeditioners, cognitive function, leadership philosophies, and crew social interaction. Outreach– Based on previous expeditions we expect extensive local, national and international interest by web, broadcast and print media. Education – The expedition will be interacting with groups of students from the International Space University’s Summer School Program, undergraduates from the University of South Australia and th