Helena Arias Casals

Additive manufacturing is considered a key enabling technology for future space missions, offering increased autonomy and flexibility in environments with limited resupply capabilities. This project investigated the application of 3D printing in an analogue Martian environment at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) during a 12-SOL mission. The study focused on the integration of a fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printer into daily mission operations to support research, engineering, and outreach activities using recycled polylactic acid (PLA) as printing material.

The project scope included the design and fabrication of structural components related to solar panel support systems, with test objects intended to evaluate resistance to environmental stressors such as wind and dust. These components were deployed externally during extravehicular activities to ensure exposure to realistic analogue conditions. In addition, the 3D printer was used to produce functional tools for geological fieldwork, enabling rapid design iteration and on-demand manufacturing in a remote and resource-limited setting. The project also incorporated an educational outreach component through the fabrication of tools designed by students as part of a design competition. Selected designs were manufactured and prepared for use in analogue mission activities, illustrating the potential of additive manufacturing as an educational and engagement tool. Throughout the mission, the printer was operated continuously to assess its integration into a simulated planetary habitat workflow and to identify operational constraints relevant to future space missions.

This project aims to capture images of the Martian sky for scientific outreach and astronomical education purposes, targeting a broad audience that includes students, educators, astronomy enthusiasts, and the research community. The observations were carried out using a 16-inch RCOS Ritchey–Chrétien telescope, an instrument particularly well suited for deep-sky observations thanks to its high-resolution optics and advanced tracking systems, which enable the acquisition of high-quality images of galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters.

One of the main objectives is to bring the exploration of deep space beyond Earth closer to the public through astrophotography, using celestial objects with popular and evocative names as a means of engagement. Through these images, the project seeks to foster interest in scientific research, facilitate the understanding of astrophysical processes such as star formation and galactic evolution, and promote the use of real observational data in educational environments.

This project investigates changes in body composition in the analog astronauts of the Hypatia II mission at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS), with the objective of developing and refining protocols for monitoring physiological adaptations in space-analog environments. The study focuses on how factors such as isolation, physical workload, and environmental conditions influence body composition during short-duration missions that simulate interplanetary exploration. The methodology integrates pre-mission, in-mission, and post-mission assessments, combining anthropometric, physiological, and biomarker data. The crew followed a structured physical training protocol before and during the mission, validated by specialists, while individual nutritional habits were analyzed to establish a baseline aimed at maintaining a balanced intake of essential nutrients. Physiological monitoring was conducted using wearable technology and biological sample analysis to provide a comprehensive view of body composition dynamics under space-analog conditions. This study aims to contribute to the development of robust and reproducible methodologies for body composition monitoring in simulated space missions, supporting the design of countermeasure strategies for future long-duration exploration missions.

Water is a scarce and precious resource on Mars, therefore recycling water is the base of auto-sustainability. Thanks to a bottle cap (Light Pills) designed by one of the crew members of Hypatia I, Helena Arias, we will try to generate potable water from fish tanks and generate of light, both very useful for living in remote places such as Mars.