Peace Region native spends Thanksgiving week in Utah Mars simulator
Dan Barnfield, now living in Cochrane, joined six crewmates for a week inside a simulated Mars habitat, complete with suited-up walks outside and an unexpected desert flash flood.
Dan Barnfield, originally from the Peace Region and now based in Cochrane, spent Thanksgiving week inside a Mars habitat simulator in Utah with six other crew members. The group spent their first day learning about the facility before moving into several days of full simulation, treating the exercise as if they were an actual crew living on Mars.
That meant following strict protocols, including suiting up in a helmet, air pack and special gear before stepping outside for simulated spacewalks known as EVAs. During these outings the crew drove rovers and carried out research work, which Barnfield described as one of the most memorable experiences of his life.
An unexpected surprise came from the weather. Rain fell for two to three days straight, turning the normally dry Utah desert into mud and triggering flash flooding. Barnfield said locals told him they had never seen conditions like it in the area.
Barnfield, who says he still hopes to travel to Mars someday, used part of his time at the simulator to develop lessons for his children's program BLAST OFF! He has since been speaking to Grade 3, 4 and 5 science classes near Cochrane and hopes to eventually bring his experience to other parts of Alberta, including the Peace Region.
Compiled by the Alberta Daily Desk — an AI-written summary of reporting from the credited sources below, produced and reviewed under our editorial policy.