"The red Utah rocks contain iron just as the rocks on Mars do. There are other geologic features such as water-carved channels, mineral deposits, layered rocks, etc., that are similar to features we are discovering on Mars with robots."

The crew is comfortable, Heldmann added. "Each day here at MDRS is very busy as we try to accomplish all of the science and engineering goals, and so everyone has multiple tasks each day."

For recreation, the crew can watch DVDs or read books. Some play cards, and they keep one other entertained. "We try to schedule some time (especially on weekends) for recreation since it is difficult to work 16-hour days for two weeks straight," she wrote.

"For example, after our work was done yesterday (Saturday), we watched the movie 'Red Planet."'

The spacesuits seemed cumbersome at first, but the "astronauts" are getting used to working outside in them. It's much more difficult to do fieldwork, such as collecting samples and making notes, while wearing the large bulky suits, she said.

"But these are the challenges that astronauts on Mars will face, and so we are practicing them here on Earth first."

Asked how people relate to each other in the close quarters of the Habitat, she replied, "Thus far everyone gets along just fine.

"This is a very important point, though, and highlights the issues of crew selection. It is critical that the members of an expedition to Mars are able to get along — you will be living and working with the same people for about two years."

Finally, the newspaper asked if she would want to travel to the red planet for real. Heldmann wrote back, "I certainly hope to go to Mars someday."

---

E-mail: bau@desnews.com