Mars Desert Research Station

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Mars Desert Research Station

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Mars Desert Research Station, Research center near Hanksville, Utah, US

The Mars Desert Research Station is a research facility in red rock terrain equipped with two observatories, a greenhouse, and a two-story cylindrical habitat. The infrastructure is powered by a 15-kilowatt solar system with battery storage and includes laboratories, engineering areas, and sleeping quarters.

The facility was founded in 2001 by the Mars Society as part of the Mars Analog Research Station Project to prepare for future Mars missions. The project grew from the international effort to gather practical experience for human exploration of the Red Planet.

The station shows how scientists, engineers, and media professionals collaborate under simulated Mars conditions. Visitors can see teams in space suits exploring the surroundings and experiencing what daily life might be like on a future Mars colony.

The site sits in a remote desert landscape, so visitors should prepare for uneven terrain and extreme weather conditions. Proper equipment and precautions are needed to safely explore the surroundings.

Researchers study extremophile organisms in the surrounding desert to understand survival mechanisms in conditions similar to Mars. These findings help scientists learn more about the potential for life on other planets.

Location: Utah

Website: http://mdrs.marssociety.org

GPS coordinates: 38.40646,-110.79190

Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:01

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