All-Female Crew Set For Mission to Utah-Based, Simulated Mars Research Station

Phys.org / June 30, 2020

Mos Nicely Space Port

One of the first all-female crews to visit the Mars Desert Research Station in Utah is aiming to fill the data gap on women’s performance in space exploration. Six engineers, geologists, and scientists, all under 28-years-old, will be going to the Mars simulation center for a two-week mission in February 2021.

Two weeks!?

The crew will be living in Mars-like conditions at the research station, including having to wear astronaut spacesuits when they venture outside for EVAs (Extra-Vehicular Activity) experiencing delays in messaging transmission, and following a strict diet as they would in space. The desert area in Utah mimics the Martian landscape, and the station itself is similar to one that could be built on Mars.

Two weeks.

Helen Atkinson, Pro-Vice-Chancellor at Cranfield University, said: “Only last year, the first all-female spacewalk took place—there is much more to be done to increase women’s representation in space exploration. This crew is going to help us advance that by gathering crucial data on women’s performance in space environments.

… in Utah’s environment.

They are also going to be helping to inspire the next generation of female scientists and engineers. I wish them all the very best of luck as they gather pace towards their mission.”

— Gather what?

Also from the article: they are naming this “mission” (I’m not joking):

WoMars—Crew 241

WoMars?

Bad even for a Roger Corman title.

2 For 1?

“All Systems are BOGO”?

“We go to shoes not because they are easy, but because they are hard.”