Comments on Astronaut for Hire: Comparing FMARS and MDRS

Kim Binsted's been to both FMARS and MDRC.

2010-03-31T20:08:01.769-10:00

Kim Binsted's been to both FMARS and MDRC.

Awesome post... how many people have done both lik...

2010-03-24T05:07:14.475-10:00

Awesome post... how many people have done both like you? It is amazing to me all that they cram into those "Habs." The CRIBS video was great, I had not seen that along the way when you were there!

I went off to the Euro-Mars and MarsOz websites, I hope they are able to pull together projects in the future. And hopefully the Mars Society will get around to archiving more material. I think these sims would generate so much more interest if folks could read more collected data online...
:)

I have a suggestion that I didn't mention, I thoug...

2010-03-24T00:12:07.780-10:00

I have a suggestion that I didn't mention, I thought the difficulties with the quads could be solved with another type of arrangment.

I was thinking that It could be worth trying a gyroscope type seating that could have other attachments hung around it's frame, it would be particularly useful if any of the other quads had mechanical problems and could probably carry another four people and baggage.

The real benifit to the type of carrying would be a suspension which could actually be an improvement on the standard sitting on the seat of the vehicle.

I haven't any plans to start a company building off world quads, so, perhaps the contributers of the science equipment would consider it.

Norman Copeland.

Mike, My ramblings in this post are far from a co...

2010-03-07T13:30:06.375-10:00

Mike,

My ramblings in this post are far from a comprehensive comparison of the two Habs, but you're right to point out the oversight of not mentioning the astronomy facilities at MDRS. FMARS does not have that. A question in my mind has been whether we'll have astronomical observatories on Mars during the pioneering phase there.

I have no immediate plans to re-apply for missions to either Hab, but I wouldn't rule it out for the future.

-Brian

Brian: Glad you finally got around to this, and I...

2010-03-07T11:30:31.191-10:00

Brian:

Glad you finally got around to this, and I'll echo the comments about finally seeing them compared side-by-side. Since I have to be picky, you also failed to mention the radio and optical telescopes and associated infrastructure at MDRS, but other than that I don't think you missed anything at our home for two weeks...

Any ideas if you'll re-apply for either Hab in the future?
- Mike

Alina, That is a good suggestion except that it w...

2010-03-07T09:38:44.713-10:00

Alina,

That is a good suggestion except that it would be "breaking sim" somewhat to purposely put a vent to the outside like you suggest. However, MDRS has just such a feature that I forgot to mention. It has a hatch in the center of the roof that can be opened for ventilation and for emergency escape. FMARS does not have that.

Brian

This is an interesting comparison. From following ...

2010-03-07T02:50:35.170-10:00

This is an interesting comparison. From following your blog, I could pick up on some of the differences myself but it is interesting to see them laid out.

On a side note, as for the mold, wouldn't it be possible to install a ventilation fan, similar to what you see in a bathroom? You could put a hand crank on it if you didn't want to use up electricity.