Dr. José Hurtado explains the simulated asteroid mission activities that the RATS team is conducting during the 2012 Phase 1 testing at Johnson Space ...
Scientists and researchers are performing field tests on Earth to prepare for the challenge of exploring destinations in space - and blogging about their work:
The Research and Technology Studies (RATS) team evaluates technology, human-robotic systems and extravehicular equipment for future human exploration missions in space. The team runs simulated missions, also known as analogs, at NASA's Johnson Space Center to provide a knowledge base that helps scientists and engineers design, build and operate better equipment, and establish requirements for operations and procedures.