Hypatia I — Mars Desert Research Station Mission
Utah, United States — April 16 to 29, 2023
Hypatia I was the first all-female national crew, at the natioal level, selected for an analog space mission at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) in Utah, USA. Chosen through a competitive international selection process by The Mars Society, Hypatia I became the 280th crew to conduct a mission at this renowned Mars analog facility.
Crew Members
Main Scientific Research Areas
During their 12-SOL mission, Hypatia I focused on multidisciplinary research relevant to future human exploration of Mars:
Astronomy
Observational astronomy projects simulating how the cosmos would be studied from the surface of Mars
Biology
Research in microbial, plant, and animal sciences aimed at understanding how life could survive, adapt, and thrive in Mars-like environment
Engineering
Hands-on projects that test and evaluate technologies essential for enabling human life and operations on Mars
Human Factors
Studies focused on the physical, psychological, and social challenges of human life in isolated, confined, and extreme environments similar to Mars
Science Communication
& Outreach
Making space science accessible, inspiring, and inclusive by translating complex research into engaging stories, educational resources, and public dialogue
Research Projects
- Menstrual Regulation and Ovarian Cycle in a Female Crew During a Mars Analog Mission (Human Factors)
- Optimizing Team Communication and Cooperation with Sociomapping® (Human Factors)
- Psychological Adaptation in Extreme Environments: Insights from a Mars Simulation (Human Factors)
- Temporal Evolution of the Solar Chromosphere (Astronomy)
- RGBLHa Color Imaging of Deep-Sky Objects (Astronomy)
- Building Blobarium (Engineering)
- Cellular intelligence on the martian surface (Biology)
- Martian Batteries (Engineering)
- Podcast ‘Missió Mart’, Daily reports, Articles and reports (Outreach and communication)
- CatMart: looking for Martian life (Outreach and communication)
- Seeds for the crew (Biology)
- Martian bottle: generate drinking water and light from the solar energy (Biology)
- Aquaculture on Mars: exploring hostile environments for food productivity (Biology)
- Martian GPS (Engineering)
- Sleep–Wake Cycle in a Female Crew During a Martian Analog Mission (Human Factors)
Mission Highlights (12 SOLs)
3 showers per person
in 12 SOLs
7 homemade breads
and 25 moka coffees
Favorite dehydrated food: Cheesy Broccoli Soup Mix
Average sleep:
~6 hours/night
4.5 liters of urine collected for Martian battery experiments
The Crew Commander completed an orbit around the Sun
— from Mars! (SOL 11)
Total EVAs conducted: 12
EVA Operations
EVA #4 – First Sample Collection for CatMart
The crew drove the Curiosity and Perseverance rovers from MDRS to Cowboy Corner via Galileo Road. The EVA aimed to practice off-station navigation, collect CatMart soil samples, and operate a small drone. During the activity, the team experienced some communication issues, which briefly delayed operations, but these were quickly diagnosed and resolved. The crew conducted additional drone maneuvers at Pooh’s Corner before returning to the Hab.
EVA #7 – Compass Rock Sample Collection
The crew drove the Curiosity and Opportunity rovers toward Compass Rock, following Mission Support’s advice to maintain a slow pace and preserve battery life. Communication with the Hub was regularly checked, but transmission was lost shortly after taking Galileo Road. At Compass Rock, the team explored within a 1000-meter radius of the rovers, collected sandstone and red sandstone samples, and documented the process. The crew returned to MDRS after a 2-hour EVA.
EVA #12 – Googly Rescue Navigation Challenge
In the afternoon, the crew drove the Perseverance and Spirit rovers from MDRS to Robert’s Rock Garden for a friendly navigation competition. Using provided maps, the teams raced to see who could complete the tasks in the shortest time. The exercise involved establishing communications with the base, locating four beacons around “Hippo Hill,” and retrieving Googly the cactus before returning to the parking area and heading back to the station.
GreenHab Agricultural Results
Crop
Harvest (g)
Jazz mix
102
Red cabbage
0
Rocket
8
Salad mix sprouts
269
Carrots
0
Chinese radish
0
Radish
0
Turnip
0
Scallion
99
Fennel
0
Cucumber
713
Crop
Harvest (g)
Cherry tomatoes (Red)
317
Cherry tomatoes (Yellow)
181
Microgreens
206
Basil
1
Chives
45
Coriander
0
Lemon balm
1
Mint
13
Sage
1.25
Salvia
3
Thyme
2.75
Water Use Overview
Initial supply
1785.20 litres
End supply
725.28 litres
Avg. daily consumption
13.4 litres
(per person)
Mission Logs
Throughout the mission, the crew documented daily activities, scientific progress, EVA operations. These reports provide insight into the operational rhythm of the station, the challenges faced, and the team’s resilience and adaptability.
Acknowledgements
The Hypatia I mission was made possible thanks to the support of numerous institutions, organizations, and private companies committed to advancing space exploration and STEM leadership.
