Proposal Submission Instructions

Before submitting a proposal, ensure you have reviewed the following:

• The Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) facility overview
• Available crew windows and scheduling constraints
• Equipment and resources available at the station
• Previous research conducted at MDRS

Proposals should be developed with input from your institution's research office to ensure compliance with any applicable regulations.

Each proposal must include the following elements:

Your methodology section is critical for crew execution. Follow these guidelines:

• Be explicit: Assume the crew has no prior knowledge of your specific research area
• Use numbered steps: Break down procedures into discrete, actionable steps
• Include time estimates: Specify how long each step should take
• Define decision points: Describe what to do if results vary from expectations
• Safety first: Highlight any safety considerations prominently

1. Setup (15 min)
   - Locate equipment in Lab Storage Bay A
   - Verify sensor calibration using reference sample
   - Record ambient conditions in log

2. Data Collection (30 min)
   - Position sensor at marked locations (see diagram)
   - Take reading, wait 60 seconds, repeat 3x
   - If variance > 5%, recalibrate and restart

After submission, your proposal will go through the following review process:

1. Initial Screening: Staff review for completeness and feasibility within 5 business days
2. Technical Review: Subject matter experts evaluate methodology and resource requirements
3. Scheduling Assessment: Coordination team matches proposal to available crew windows
4. Final Approval: Program director signs off on accepted proposals

You will receive status updates via email at each stage. The typical review cycle is 3-4 weeks.

Understanding data ownership and intellectual property:

• Raw data collected by crews remains property of the research PI
• The Mars Society retains rights to use anonymized data for program improvement
• Publication rights remain with the research team
• Acknowledgment of MDRS and the Mars Society is required in publications

For specific IP concerns or institutional requirements, contact the program office before submission.