The challenges of crewed long-duration exploration missions to the Moon and Mars

Come join us for our monthly Astronomy talk!

7:30pm-8pm: Social time with snacks

8pm: Talk begin

Title: The challenges of crewed long-duration exploration missions to the Moon and Mars

Abstract:
Human spaceflight has enabled many scientific discoveries that would not have been possible without the presence of skilled, adaptable, and creative human crews in space, but sending humans into space challenges their physiology, psychology, and general performance. Long-duration exploration missions present challenges more intense than those encountered in low-Earth orbit, with limited communications, limited access to resupply, challenging transitions between space exploration environments, and smaller spacecraft than what most current astronauts have experienced on the International Space Station. The unique challenges of missions to the Moon and Mars require creative solutions, including methods of monitoring health, strategies for managing the effects of communication delays, and plans for teams of humans and autonomous robotic systems working together to explore the rich scientific data available on these extraterrestrial surfaces.

Bio:
Dr. Katya Arquilla is an Assistant Professor of Aerospace Engineering Sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder. She is part of the multi-PI Bioastronautics Laboratory, focused on the study and support of life in space and other complex environments. She earned her BS in Astrophysics from Rice University then taught high school math and physics for two years before earning an MS and PhD in Aerospace Engineering Sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder. Dr. Arquilla started her academic career as an Assistant Professor at MIT before transitioning back to CU Boulder in 2023. Her research portfolio includes studies of the effects of isolation and confinement on behavioral health and performance, psychophysiological measurement using novel wearable sensors, and the study of team dynamics in challenging operational environments.

About the event:

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