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\nESA is developing an application that tells astronauts where they are, keeping track of scientific operations and report to mission control. The Electronic Field Book is a tool that collects mission data in one place, from locations to science communications.\n<\/p>\n
\nThis all-in-one, easy-to-use app can run without an internet connection, merge data on the fly and communicate with ground teams from base camp. Recording audio and video logs is also possible \u2013 no need for pen and paper anymore.\n<\/p>\n
\nAstronauts from five space agencies around the world are testing the tool during ESA\u2019s CAVES training course \u2013 Cooperative Adventure for Valuing and Exercising human behaviour and performance Skills.\n<\/p>\n
\nJust as Hansel left a trail of bread crumbs to be able to come back home, the explorers can leave virtual markers on each laser-mapped location and retrieve them on the Electric Field Book to understand where they are, where the science locations are or how to return to base camp.\n<\/p>\n
\nAnother first is the introduction of a high-bandwidth wireless communication from base camp to the outside world. This approach uses several shoebox-sized wireless autonomous transmitters that forward data to the next node.\n<\/p>\n
\nThis experimental data forwarding technique could one day be used on the Moon or Mars, where direct communication is not possible and time delays are part of mission control\u2019s problems.\n<\/p>\n
\nThe six cavenauts of this edition of CAVES are ESA astronaut Alexander Gerst, NASA astronauts Joe Acaba and Jeanette Epps, Roscosmos\u2019 cosmonaut Nikolai Chub, Canadian Space Agency astronaut Josh Kutryk and Japan\u2019s space agency JAXA\u2019s Takuya Onishi.\n<\/p>\n
\nThe three-week course prepares astronauts to work safely and effectively in multicultural teams in an environment where safety is critical.\n<\/p>\n
\nAs they explore caves they encounter caverns, underground lakes and strange microscopic life. They test new technology and conduct science \u2013 just as if they were living on the International Space Station.\n<\/p>\n
\nRead more about CAVES on our dedicated website<\/a> and follow this year’s CAVES campaign in the new blog<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n \nCredits: <\/b>ESA \u2013 E. Procopio\n<\/p>\n