Evening Lecture – From Antarctica to Mars

As space research evolves to ensure that crewmembers remain safe, healthy, and productive on long-duration space missions to Mars, the harsh environment of Antarctica provides an appropriate setting in which to conduct preliminary research. Indeed, Antarctica’s climate (winds up to 300 km/h), terrain, temperature (min -90°C), and degree of isolation provide an environment that most closely parallels the conditions of isolation and stress that are likely to be faced on long-duration human missions in space.
SCK•CEN conducts research activities on 2 extraordinary sites in Antarctica, namely the Belgian Princess Elisabeth station (opened since 2009 and located on Utsteinen Nunatak in Queen Maud Land) and the Concordia station (situated 1000 km inside the continent at an altitude of 3233 m at Dome C), in order to better understand how human physiology is affected in extreme environment simulating the space environment.
SCK•CEN seeks to understand the effect of the potential stress-associated psychological and physiological modulations that can lead to higher vulnerability of subjects living under extreme environments. This is a high concern for long term space exploration missions which is addressed through the various national and international space agencies.