PROJECT
MarsComms
If you arrived at Mars, the lack of cell towers would render your phone useless. Your compass won't work due to the lack of magnetic field. So how will you orientate yourself, let alone communicate?
That's where MarsComms comes into play.
With the help of scientists, researchers, and tech devs, we have created a custom experience built from the combination of new and old tech, that allows data transfer (vitals, findings, voice, text) where no common communication methods exist.
Through the use of meshtastic communication beacons, mixed reality headsets, and some computing smarts, MarsComms allows you to emulate, simulate, and plan Mars missions, while communicating off-the-grid with devices and people... on site and/or remotely.
MarsComms is a cutting-edge hybrid reality solution developed by MXTreality with the Mars Society and Archipelago Space Research, to address the challenges of communication and navigation in environments without traditional infrastructure.
On Mars, where cell towers and magnetic fields are nonexistent, MarsComms integrates meshtastic beacons, mixed reality headsets, and computational intelligence to enable real-time communication, mission planning, and team tracking. Designed for use at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS), it provides a realistic simulation of how future explorers will stay connected on the Red Planet.
This experience is a two-layer multi-player experience that is used for planning missions at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS).
PART 1 - The first layer leverages a gods-eye mixed reality view to plan missions, learn of hazards, and communicate in real-time with crews in the field.
PART 2 - The second layer allows you to teleport into a virtual representation of the terrain, practice missions, and even get detailed information while communicating with live field agents.
Developed for and in collaboration with the Mars Society, this experience demonstrates how our mix of hardware and software enables remote communications at the MDRS.
WHAT IS THE MDRS?
The MDRS is the Mars Desert Research Station, owned, built, and operated for over 20 years by the Mars Society. It is located in the Utah desert, and hosts academics, scientists, and astronauts in training for crews of 6, for 2-week missions.
HOW DOES THIS COMPARE TO MARSVR?
This work is part of a multi-project collaboration between MXTreality & The Mars Society (called MarsVR) to broaden participation and knowledge concerning human settlements on the red planet. MDRSVR is an experience we built together that takes you to the MDRS in virtual reality.
HOW DO THESE SOLUTIONS WORK TOGETHER?
MarsComms VR, developed by MXTreality for the Mars Society, immerses crews and the public in authentic Mars mission scenarios. When paired with Crew EVALink, it creates an integrated ecosystem that seamlessly connects virtual training with real-world EVA operations.
o Seamless Training-to-Field Transition: Crews rehearse EVAs in VR, then carry them out in the field with Crew EVALink... combining realities.
o Enhanced Safety & Awareness: Real-time digital maps sync with VR mission control for faster, smarter decisions.
o Data-Driven Science: Field logs from Crew EVALink feed back into MarsComms VR, making experiments repeatable and more robust.
o Expanded Collaboration: Remote researchers can observe missions live or on replay, opening new possibilities for analog science.
FOR MORE DETAILS:
About related projects, http://www.MarsVR.com
About the Mars Society, https://www.marssociety.org/
About the developer, https://www.mxtreality.com/marsvr
About Crew EVAlink, https://www.archresearch.net/
#Mars #MarsComms #MarsSociety #MarsVR #Space #EVAlink
#MXTreality #MarsComms #VR #AR #MR #virtualreality #mixedreality
Twitter:
@SeeYouOnMars @TheMarsSociety @mxtreality @jamesburk @thexrman
Key Project Info
2001
The MDRS was established, meaning it has been operational for over two decades
100
Crew members allowed to stay at the MDRS each year
500
Approx number of public visitors who attempt to enter the private lands around the MDRS
Quote
"
It's a shame that so many people want to see the MDRS, but are not allowed to... so we built MDRSVR, so that everyone gets that chance
James Burk
Executive Director, TMS
Project Gallery
Key Things to Remember
- Here are five interesting facts about the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS):
Location: The MDRS is situated near Hanksville, Utah, USA. It was strategically chosen due to its resemblance to the Martian landscape, making it an ideal analog for simulating Mars missions and conducting research.
Operational Time: Established in 2001, the MDRS has been operational for over two decades. It has served as a valuable training ground for astronauts, scientists, and engineers preparing for future missions to Mars.
Habitat Design: The MDRS habitat is designed to simulate the living conditions that astronauts might experience on Mars. The habitat includes living quarters, workspaces, a greenhouse, observatory, and necessary equipment for conducting various scientific experiments.
Research Focus: The primary focus of research at the MDRS revolves around human factors, technology, and equipment testing in an extreme environment. This includes studying crew dynamics, conducting geological surveys, testing equipment reliability, and experimenting with sustainable living practices.
Analog Missions: The MDRS hosts analog missions that simulate Mars exploration scenarios. These missions involve crews of researchers and professionals who live in the habitat for extended periods, conducting various experiments and operations that mimic the challenges faced during real Mars missions.
These statistics highlight the importance of the Mars Desert Research Station in advancing our understanding of Mars exploration and preparing for future interplanetary missions.