Expedition

Objective

This is a scientific expedition series with an outreach goal. As a guiding theme, we seek to investigate the Australian geological landscape from the perspective of planetary science and space exploration.

The science campaign is being developed with input from our research partners and will build upon an existing body of knowledge amassed by other organisations, most notably Mars Society Australia. The campaign will be tailored to the opportunities and challenges of the country we are traversing, as well as the unique characteristics of our mode of transport. There is opportunity here for some creative thinking!

As we explore, we will further consider site potential for:

1. planetary science research, especially with respect to Martian geology and the search for life in the solar system;
2. field-testing space exploration technology and instrumentation; and
3. conducting analogue interplanetary mission activities.

Any equipment we use, instruments we deploy, and samples we collect will be transported between re-supply points by camel.

Integrated with the scientific campaign, our outreach programme seeks to ignite public interest in planetary science and space exploration. The Desert Portal AV system will allow the science team to share their knowledge in real time from remote and beautiful parts of the country. We can host live public Q&As, special subject seminars, and interact directly with classrooms – regardless of location.

You can read more on the greater purpose behind our Expedition here.

Where are we exploring?

The expedition series will follow a route through the Flinders Ranges and mound spring country flanking Kathi Thanda, then on to the breakaway region surrounding Arckaringa and Coober Pedy, and beyond. This swathe of country features a number of catalogued Mars analogue sites alongside a plethora of compelling geological curiosities. Although we will be visiting several known analogues, the region is vast, and much of the landscape we intend to walk has yet to be considered from the perspective of planetary exploration. There remains great potential for discovery.

The arid region of our continent comprises remote, beautiful and challenging country with profound human history. Across an inconceivable span of time, people have walked these lands and sought to understand the cosmos through observation, contemplation, and story. In the modern era, it is our responsibility – and great privilege – to continue this deeply important relationship.

Expedition model & logistics

Next Desert Mars is a journey by pack camel. The camels will carry all of our equipment and supplies.

Our packing list broadly comprises scientific instruments, tools and survey gear; communication and navigation equipment; medical kit; camp, cameleering, and kitchen items; video production setup (for outreach activities); food and water supplies; and any astronomical observing equipment we can fit!

While the total journey will be several months in duration, and likely split across at least two cool-weather seasons, for the purposes of crew rotation we will divide the route into multiple legs. This will better enable participating scientists to balance their valuable time between the expedition and their all-important research and teaching commitments. The duration of each leg will vary according to science objectives, navigability of terrain, and access points. Crew rotation will be facilitated by 4WD-capable vehicle, which will also serve as the primary means of re-supply.

Crew size will vary with each stage of the expedition. A typical crew will consist of the Expedition Lead, a 2IC (cameleer/camp hand), an Expedition Scientist (expert in the geology particular to that leg and responsible for that segment of the science campaign), and at least one Expedition Technician (responsible for outreach activity and managing the Desert Portal AV system).

We are recruiting

To deliver the science campaign and accompanying outreach activities, SSP is seeking adventurous people with expertise in planetary science, geology, and astrobiology. We are also looking for talented science communicators and camera operators/videographers.

What we are offering is exceedingly rare in the modern scientific era: a chance to travel in the style and spirit of early exploration, which involves slow, contemplative immersion in landscape. This ethos will guide the first astronauts on Mars as they familiarise with their new world.

You will journey with the camels, sleep beneath the stars, do fieldwork in remote and fascinating locations, and deliver the wonder of planetary science to homes and classrooms across the country.

Think your university, organisation or research group might be interested? Contact us. We are keen to hear your ideas and wish to work with you to develop a science campaign that would serve your research interests and meaningfully contribute to the study of planetary science here in Australia.

Next Desert Mars is developed and coordinated by the Southern Skies Project (SSP) as part of our science education & outreach programme. We have a vision and a plan, now we seek research partners and industry sponsors to see it done. The first stage steps off in the cooler months of 2027.

*Locations on Earth similar to those found on other planetary bodies are termed “analogue sites”. Such sites are extremely valuable in the study of planetary science and astrobiology, and aid the development of investigative protocols for exploration activities elsewhere in the solar system (principally to the Moon and Mars). Read more here: https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/planets/planetary-analogs/.