Summer Antarctic expeditions in seasonal stations as analogs for long-duration space exploration missions: A critical review

Abstract

This critical review aims to compare the conditions of summer Antarctic expeditions in seasonal stations with key characteristics of long-duration space exploration missions (LDSEM). Utilizing NASA's Analog Assessment Tool and data from the COMNAP Antarctic Station Catalogue, along with scientific literature, the review identifies significant parallels for LDSEM analog research. We assess how seasonal and year-round stations differ and highlight aspects of where seasonal stations serve as a better or worse analog for LDSEM. Key findings include that while summer expeditions allow for more feasible evacuations than winter-overs, their access to medical care is more limited. Crowdedness in summer stations with shared rooms better represents LDSEM conditions than the lower density of winter-over settings. Varying daylight hours in summer stations provide a closer parallel to Mars or Moon surface missions than the continuous darkness of winter-over conditions. Additionally, constant hazards, risk management strategies, isolation, sensory deprivation, workload, leadership structures, autonomy, and communication challenges in summer stations align well with LDSEM scenarios. Conclusively, we propose a shift in perceptions, recognizing seasonal Antarctic expeditions as a valuable analog of planetary LDSEM with several advantages over traditionally accepted winter-over settings. Further comparative and longitudinal studies between seasonal and year-round Antarctic stations should be pursued to enhance LDSEM analog research and support interdisciplinary collaboration. This approach will not only advance progress in space exploration research but also improve the quality of life and safety in remote and extreme environments.