Over dozens of field campaigns, the Houghton Research Station has provided a permanent place where scientists can pretend to be on the Moon or Mars, study similar geology, test equipment for future missions, and train humans to participate.
“It’s kind of like a ready-to-use process,” says Dr. Lee, though he noted that Airbnb cannot be viewed and used by anyone. The main habitat facilities are featured in a series of tents for geology, astrobiology, medicine, administration and repair work. There is a greenhouse of its own, while ATVs and Humvees support travel and simulate traveling vehicles.
Dr. Lee spent 23 straight summers at the facility eating canned sardines in cold weather on day trips away from the main camp. But in 2020 and 2021, a pandemic forced him to miss his annual trip to another world on Earth. I miss simplicity and solitude.
“When you are there, you are a Devonian,” said Dr. Lee, like a lone astronaut.
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However, there are times when scientists don’t need to look for isotopes: they can bring them home in simulated form, or substances that resemble the surface of the Moon or Mars.
Mars, for example, is covered in sand and dust which together are called regoliths. It makes travel difficult and can also block solar panels, clog filters and pick up moving parts. To determine how robotic vehicles, energy sources and other devices will withstand the rigors of the Red Planet, scientists will have to test them against something similar before traveling.
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