The eight month Field Season hosts engineering and scientific professionals and college students. Most missions consist of two to three week periods, under conditions that simulate a Mars experience. The MDRS campus consists of six buildings, each with its own individual features from suit simulators and airlocks, to its own robotic observatory.

The Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) owned and operated by the Mars Society in Utah, is an exciting space analog facility that provides a simulation of being on Mars. This isolated station allows for research in extreme environments along with technological, operational, and scientific studies typically needed for a potential real mission to Mars. The station is powered by a 15 kW solar system that also includes a 12 kW generator. Support equipment includes ATV's and electric Polaris Rangers for field transportation, as well as a 4 wheel drive SUV. With over 1,000 people partaking in crews, and having accumulated 45 years worth of training days - the MDRS ensures numerous thrilling opportunities for all of those interested in contributing to their demonstration of a possible Mars mission.

Although MDRS is an incredible mission, you are not authorized to walk into the property. You can pass by the site and take some images, (I recommend a telephoto to get a good shot of the station) and this whole area is absolutely amazing to explore nearby! An awesome place to stop at and enjoy from the road and continue on to explore the bentonite hills.