A bubble-like structure on Mauna Loa’s northern slope could once again host simulation-based experiments meant to mimic conditions on Mars and the moon.
The 91直播 Space Exploration Analog and Simulation, or HI-SEAS, facility was previously operated by the University of 91直播 at Manoa with funding from NASA, but has not been used in recent years. UH Manoa’s grant to conduct research at the site ended in 2018.
Now, with a new $750,000 grant from NASA, UH Manoa is seeking to resume research at the station and took a step in that direction this month by completing an environmental assessment for reopening the 0.5-acre site.
Prepared by Hilo-based consultant Geometrician Associates, the assessment states that it is not believed the project will have any significant environmental impact. The assessment includes evaluations of the ecological, cultural and archaeological impacts of the project, which it claims are negligible.
“The site is almost devoid of vegetation and contains no rare, threatened or endangered species,” the report states. “Consultation and archaeological survey found no cultural sites, resources or practices.”
The HI-SEAS facility is located within the Mauna Loa Forest Reserve, which is managed by the Department of Land and Natural Resources and requires a special permit.
A five-year permit was initially granted for the facility to operate starting in 2013, when it was constructed. During that time, simulation missions were aimed at better understanding the operational and psychological challenges astronauts might face in space.
“It’s a site that is like either the surface of the moon or the surface of Mars in critical ways that allow us to do essentially a dress rehearsal for human exploration,” said Kim Binsted, a UH Manoa professor in the Information and Computer Sciences Department who has been involved with research at HI-SEAS since the beginning.
She said that Mauna Loa provides a uniquely valuable environment for this type of research.
“Mauna Loa is fantastic for this, particularly at our site, which is at about 8,000 feet,” she said. “We are above most of the vegetation and large animal life, so when you’re there, it’s visually very like Mars — aside from the blue sky with puffy clouds.”
However, the facility and its location within the forest reserve has drawn some concerns. DLNR submitted a written comment in response to the draft environmental assessment which outlined several, including proximity to endangered species and the potential for the project to become a long-term installment.
In addition to resuming activity at the current facility, the university is also seeking to add some additional infrastructure to the site. This includes a 1,000-gallon propane tank and a “growth chamber utilizing a shipping container design,” to simulate growing plants in space, according to the draft EA.
Binsted said they are taking steps to mitigate disruption to local wildlife and that everything that is built is intended to eventually be removed from the site when research is done.
“It is important to be clear that this is temporary. It’s not a permanent facility, so when we are done, we will take it all away,” she said.
The draft EA is now available to the public and open for comment for a 30-day period that will end on May 26.
It can be accessed at: tinyurl.com/4cyehhhu.
Email grace.adams@hawaiitribune-herald.com
