First, the structure was strengthened, especially the Hard Upper Torso (HUT). Furthermore the screw couplings, which connect gloves and boots with sleeves and pants, were replaced with clip seals. These are easier to clean, to maintain and they aren't as vulnerable to pollution with sand as the old screw couplings were. Another modification of the structure was the mounting of a new carrying strap. The HUT is now wearable like a normal backpack.
"There were also changes in the Thermal Control System (TCS), which was nearly completely redesigned." Sebastian Sams comments on the upgrade sessions, "The liquid cooling was removed because during the tests it became clear that it wasn't as effective as expected and couldn't produce enough cooling power. This was also caused by the heavy burden w.r.t. power requirements and mass." Instead more powerful fans were added. They are able to supply cool air around the astronauts' belly and his head. Additionally a heating coil was added behind the top fan, so the helmet becomes heatable. It can be used as heater in cold environments and reduces the risk of fogging up of the visor.
A lot of smaller improvements were produced and implemented, e.g. new mountings for the WLAN-antenna and backup radio. Finally the HUT and Personal Life Support System (PLSS) was again varnished white and everything's now beautiful white and shiny again.
1st upgrade of Aouda.X
28. July 2009
In August 2009, first modifications and upgrades of Aouda were done at HTL Fulpmes based upon the experiences and lessons learned: Several tests performed during the Commissioning in Kramsach/Tyrol showed up some possible improvements of the suit
PolAres Schedule Update
15. June 2012: Deadline Announcement of Opportunity MARS2013 25.-27. Oct. 2012: 3rd Conference on Terrestial Mars Analogues 01 - 28. February 2013: Morocco Mars Simulation
Between 01 - 28. February 2013, the Austrian Space Forum will conduct an integrated Mars analog field simulation in the northern Sahara near Erfoud, Morocco. Directed by a Mission Support Center in Austria, a small field crew will conduct experiments preparing for future human Mars missions mainly in the fields of engineering, planetary surface operations, astrobiology, geophysics/geology, life sciences and other.
This field mission is supported by the Ibn-Battuta-Center at the University of Marrakesh, Morocco. The Austrian Space Forum now solicitates proposals to be reviewed by a selection panel. The deadline for submissions is 15. June 2012, the announcement of the successful experiments will be released on 15. July 2012.
Detail
The analysis of Mars analogue environments on Earth is of paramount importance for the interpretation of the data from past, present and future orbital and landed missions, as well as mission planning (both robotic and human). Sedimentary environments in particular attract strong interest because they can retain the palaeoclimatic and palaeoenvironmental history of the planet and under the right conditions may harbour fossil or present life signatures.
Date: 25. - 27. October 2012
Location: Conference Centre of the Hotel Meridien N'Fis at Marrakech, Morocco Organization: European Space Agency, Agenzia Spaziale Italiana, International Association of Sedimentologits, Ibn Battuta Centre, IRSPS, Universite Cadi Ayyad.
Between 01 - 28. February 2013, the Austrian Space Forum will conduct an integrated Mars analog field simulation in the northern Sahara near Erfoud, Morocco. Directed by a Mission Support Center in Austria, a small field crew will conduct experiments preparing for future human Mars missions mainly in the fields of engineering, planetary surface operations, astrobiology, geophysics/geology, life sciences and other.
