Welcome to PolAres Programme

PolAres is an interdisciplinary programme of the Austrian Space Forum in cooperation with international partners to develop strategies for human-robotic interaction procedures and to emphasise planetary protection, in preparation for a future human-robotic Mars surface expedition.

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The first component of the programme prepares a geographical assessment of plausible regions for analogue science in Europe and the neighbouring Arctic (Greenland, Iceland and Siberia). Balloon “Passepartout”
"Passepartout" is our stratospheric/mesospheric balloon which is constructed and launched both as a training project and as a precursor for the Rover phase. Since 2007 we had 3 successful launches. Suit "Aouda"
One major component of the programme is the development of an analogue planetary surface excursion suit. With the prototype spacesuit simulator "Aouda.X" we want to demonstrate roboti-human interaction and investigate planetary protection issues. Rover “Phileas”
80-80-80.
A mission requirements document couldn't be shorter.
The PolAres Rover „Phileas“shall:

Mars is similar to Earth in many ways, having many of the same "systems" that characterize our planet, such as an atmosphere, a hydrosphere, a cryosphere and a lithosphere. In other words, Mars has systems of air, water, ice, and geology that all interact to produce the a Martian environment which might have been able to sustain life about a billion years after its formation and –in certain areas- maybe still as of today.

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The PolAres programme is lead by the Austrian Space Forum.

Management Board
Programme Lead
The Management Board is the highest decision making body within the organisation. It is comprised of three individuals from the Austrian Space Forums Board of Directors: Norbert Frischauf, Alexander Soucek and Gernot Groemer. Science and Technology Advisory Board
Advisory Boards
The Scientific and Technology Advisory Board is a vital organisational unit which acts as an external team of senior scientists and technology managers. It is comprised of high-level experts in relevant fields of space activities plus a representative from the Executive Board. Operations Office
The Operations Office (Ops Office) is a segment which takes care of the field expeditions. In close cooperation with the Executive Office, it manages all Mission Control Center related tasks, such as establishing the infrastructure, ensuring safety for all staff members, crews and equipment involved, providing services for staffing & crew training etc.. and is the focal point for all expeditions.