Planetary Analog Sites
PROVEN TESTING GROUNDS
High-Fidelity Lunar & Mars Analog Terrain
For more than half a century, Hawaiʻi’s volcanic landscapes have provided test and training environments for space exploration missions. Apollo astronauts visited these analog sites for geological training exercises before going to the Moon. Space agencies from around the world have come to Hawaiʻi to test spacecraft hardware and instruments before flight. Because these analog sites possess very similar physical and chemical properties to lunar and Martian regolith (dirt and dust), they are an ideal environment for mission simulations and planetary surface systems tests. At PISCES, we facilitate and support test operations at various planetary analog sites in Hawaiʻi. Learn more about our services below.
OUR SERVICES
Site Access and Support
We facilitate and provide access to a number of planetary analog test sites on Hawaiʻi Island. Our support and logistical services are tailored to help your team conduct a successful test or simulation while ensuring appropriate and respectful use of the land. Our site services include:
- Site selection and permitting
- Site preparation
- Field personnel support (food, shelter, medical)
- Power
- Field operations center
- Data communications system
- Field communications system
- Night-time illumination
- Media and public outreach
In addition, we own and operate an ODG planetary rover with an open-payload design and remote command capability. If you are interested in using our rover as a mobile testing platform, please include this inquiry in your test site reservation request using the form below.