NASA’s Artemis program has created new interest in analog test sites where technologies being developed for the lunar surface can be tested during their developmental phases. Analog sites provide excellent, realistic, suitable, and economical accessible environments to carry out scientific research relevant to the exploration of the Moon and Mars. In addition, these sites are used in support of space exploration to evaluate surface mobility systems and auxiliary components in a realistic environment and terrain. The Island of Hawai’i has a long history of analog testing dating back to the Apollo days. Formed by five different volcanoes, the island offers a wide range of high fidelity analog test sites. Chemical composition of the basalt from the island has also shown close similarities with lunar and Mars regolith, making it a good simulant for some ISRU applications. The Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems (PISCES) has been offering analog site testing logistic support since 2008. In this paper, three different analog sites will be described as well as the support capabilities that PISCES can offer during test missions. 

 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1061/9780784483374.054

Hawaii Analogs for Lunar Operations (HALO) Exploration & Utilization of Extra-Terrestrial Bodies

Due to challenges with COVID-19, this 17th Biennial has been moved to April 2021 and will now be offered in a virtual format. This conference aims to bring the experience and knowledge of experts in the aerospace industry together to share and discuss the latest research and engineering techniques that effect the exploration and settlement of space. Presentations will be made in multiple concurrent symposia over three days. Topics will include: Granular materials in space exploration, Exploration in utilization of extra-terrestrial bodies, advanced materials and designs for aerospace and terrestrial structures under extreme environment, Structures in challenging environments, and Space engineering, construction, and architecture for Moon, Mars, and beyond.

Paper Proceedings: https://ascelibrary.org/doi/book/10.1061/earthandspace2021