The SUBSEA (Systematic Underwater Biogeochemical Science and Exploration Analog) program conducts real (non-simulated) telerobotic science to understand the habitability potential of Ocean Worlds in our Solar System. Our science includes observation, instrument data gathering, and sample collection focused on fluid venting at isolated seamounts in the deep ocean as analog environments to hydrothermal systems on other Ocean Worlds. We will conduct our scientific fieldwork from the Exploration Vessel (E/V) Nautilus, which is equipped with the Hercules and Argus Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs). Access to this infrastructure is enabled through in-kind support from the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office of Ocean Exploration and Research (OER). These ROVs are controlled under low latency feedback conditions by proximal (ship-based) human operators who are provided scientific support and exploration direction by a remote, distributed Science Team (dST) who are located at Exploration Command Centers (ECCs) throughout the U.S. and connected to the Nautilus via a telepresence-enabled communications infrastructure. The Nautilus science-driven telepresence mission architecture is a high-fidelity, ‘flight like’ analog to Low Latency Telerobotic (LLT) mission concepts that are envisioned as an important component of NASA’s long-term strategy for achieving extended human presence in deep-space. LLT ops concepts offer opportunities for what the terrestrial robotics community considers to be high-quality telepresence. The SUBSEA team will leverage the Nautilus telepresence infrastructure to conduct real (non-simulated) science focused on objectives related to the habitability of Ocean World systems under simulated deep space/Mars-like high-latency communication delays between the ship and shore-based distributed Science Team as an analog to future LLT operations.

Deputy Principal Investigator of the FINESSE (Field Investigations to Enable Solar System Science and Exploration) science and exploration field-based research program. FINESSE is aimed at generating strategic knowledge in preparation for the human and robotic exploration of the Moon, near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) and Phobos & Deimos. We infuse our science program with leading edge exploration concepts since “science enablesexploration and exploration enables science.”The primary research objectives of our Science and Exploration programs are as follows:1) FINESSE Science: Understand the effects of volcanism and impacts as dominant planetaryprocesses on the Moon, NEAs, and Phobos & Deimos.2) FINESSE Exploration: Understand which exploration concepts of operations (ConOps) andcapabilities enable and enhance scientific return.My role is to plan and execute a complex field-based program that will involve a large, multi-disciplinary science and engineering team. I helped to lead the development of our winning, peer-reviewed proposal, which included building a team of world experts in the fields of planetary science, robotic and human exploration.

http://spacescience.arc.nasa.gov/basalt/@BASALT_ResearchThe BASALT program investigates terrestrial volcanic terrains and their habitability as analog environments for early and present-day Mars. We will conduct our scientific fieldwork under simulated Mars mission constraints to evaluate strategically selected concepts of operations (ConOps) and capabilities with respect to their anticipated value for the joint human and robotic exploration of Mars.a) Science: The BASALT science program is focused on understanding habitability conditions of early and present-day Mars in two relevant Mars-analog locations (the East Rift Zone (ERZ) flows on the Big Island of Hawai’i and the eastern Snake River Plain (ESRP) in Idaho) to characterize and compare the physical and geochemical conditions of life in these environments and to learn how to seek, identify, and characterize life and life-related chemistry in basaltic environments representing these two epochs of martian history.b) Science Operations: The BASALT team conducts real (non-simulated) biological and geological science at two high-fidelity Mars analogs, all within simulated Mars mission conditions (including communication latencies and bandwidth constraints) that are based on current architectural assumptions for Mars exploration missions. We use these field tests to identify which human-robotic ConOps and supporting capabilities enable science return and discovery during Mars missions. c) Technology: BASALT incorporates and evaluates technologies in to our field operations that are directly relevant to conducting the scientific investigations regarding life and life-related chemistry in Mars-analogous terrestrial environments. BASALT technologies include the use of extravehicular informatics, display technologies, communication & navigation packages, advanced science mission planning tools, and scientifically-relevant instrument packages to achieve the project goals.

The PLRP is focused on real (non-simulated) science and exploration activities that seamlessly blend astrobiology field science research with the development of human exploration tools, technologies and concepts. Through Darlene’s leadership, the program has not only produced numerous peer-reviewed publications, but has also garnered an international reputation for producing innovative, cost-effective solutions for the planning, management and support of complex science and exploration operations. Darlene is responsible for the overall management and direction of PLRP research. This includes overseeing the integration of scientific and exploration research activities, working directly with each science lead to ensure that all objectives are met, managing all awarded funds, ensuring field and operational safety and environmental stewardship standards are met, and engaging in education and outreach activities, mentoring students, and ensuring that all data are disseminated and archived appropriately. PLRP has become one of NASA’s exploration analog programs, and is included in the Global Exploration Roadmap (August 2013). (http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/563511main_NASA-Analog-Missions-06-2011_508.pdf). PLRP has involved over 220 participants, including 32 undergraduate and graduate students, and post-doctoral fellows.Darlene is responsible for the financial well-being of the PLRP, and as such one of her main responsibilities as PI has been to develop research proposals, and secure grants and in-kind support for the field operations and research activities. Darlene has been integrating resources across NASA Ames directorates as well as across NASA centers, which has a resulted in a multiplier effect for the project’s output and productivity levels. Other Notable Accomplishments: Darlene also led the establishment of the PLRP-Astronaut training program.