Why a Mars blackout requires crew autonomy

Excerpt transcript

So to meet the needs of this analog, the crew is recording audio logs based on the questions that we have drafted for them. This episode centers on a unique moment in the CHAPEA mission—the simulated two-week loss of signal period that mimics a Mars-Earth communications blackout. This happens when Mars moves behind the Sun. We’ll hear from the crew via audio recordings twice: first during the two-week loss of signal or LOS with Earth, and then we’ll hear from them again after communication returns. For the CHAPEA crew at Mars Dune Alpha, it’s like the universe hits an ultimate airplane mode for two weeks. While they are typically in a time delay of three to twenty-three minutes, during this loss of signal, they will have no email, no mission control guidance, and ultimately zero problem-solving help from Earth.

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