10
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In this recurring feature , Sky ’ s Up gives students the opportunity to ask 10 Questions to leading astronomers , space explorers , scientists and cosmologists . o o o The questions for this installment were submitted by students at Bellaire High School in Bellaire , Texas .
Close encounter
Left , Ansley Barnard served as engineering officer for HI-SEAS Mission V from January to September in 2017 . Opposite page , Barnard sits in an EVA suit near the solar panels that power the habitat . To stay true to the simulation experience , crew members had to wear EVA suits any time that they ventured outside of the dome .
COURTESY OF Ansley Barnard
Extended simulation gives engineer insight into challenges of crewed mission to Mars
At 13 years old , Ansley Barnard watched a tragedy unfold as the Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated during its re-entry on February 1 , 2003 , killing all seven astronauts aboard . “ Rather than feeling frightened , I started to wonder what was worth these folks risking their lives to learn ,” Barnard recalls . “ Shortly after , I told my dad I wanted to be an astronaut , and apparently confided in him my worry that my mom wouldn ’ t let me go into space , but he helped me research the requirements anyway and set me on a path to study aerospace engineering in college .” In 2012 , Barnard graduated from the University of Washington with a bachelor ’ s degree in aeronautical and astronautical engineering and an impressive resume that already featured posts at NASA . Although she has not yet made it into space , Barnard recently wrapped up an eight-month stint as the engineering officer for Mission V of HI-SEAS — an analog project that will likely play a crucial role in eventually launching a crewed mission to Mars . Operated by the University of Hawai ’ I at Mánoa and funded by NASA , the HI-SEAS program involves installing crews for extended duration Mars mission simulations in an isolated habitat positioned on a desolate slope of the Mauna Loa volcano in Hawaii . The purpose of the missions is to study crew dynamics and behaviors while researching some of the critical challenges
12 that will be encountered during an extended mission to Mars . The geodesic habitat has a ground floor with 878 square feet of usable space that incorporates a kitchen , dining area , common workspace , exercise area , a lab and a bathroom with a shower . It also includes a loft of just over 400 square feet that houses six separate sleeping chambers and a half bath . During her mission , which ran from January to September in 2017 , Barnard shared the compact space with five other crewmembers . “ I learned so much from my crew mates about facing conflict in healthier ways and finding joy in a simple life ,” Barnard said . “ Since my return , I ’ ve found myself peeling away from social media and constant electronic companionship . HI-SEAS was a sort of social detox . I ’ m more focused on treating my body well with exercise , hydration and sleep – these simple things make a huge difference in stress tolerance and overall comfort .” Since emerging from the habitat , Barnard has been working on publishing a paper based on her research during the mission while channeling the “ collaborative and experimental ” experience of HI-SEAS into rediscovering her passion for the arts and creative hobbies . While she still hopes to make it into space one day , for now , she is enjoying “ reconnecting with her Earthly life .” In this installment of 10 Questions , Barnard discusses the impact of the HI-SEAS project and the challenges of living and working in an isolated habitat .
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