Introduction by Ashton Zeth, host of Red Planet Live.
Now operating at MDRS
Smarter, Safer Exploration For Analog Astronauts
Crew EVALink (pronounced “E‑V‑A”) is a digital communications and tracking platform - built for EVA operations and space analog research centers. It keeps crews connected, maps positions in real‑time, and captures mission telemetry for research. It is currently deployed at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS).
What Crews Gain
Long‑Range Comms
GPS Tracking & Maps
Remote Collaboration
Telemetry & Data Logging
Safety & Emergency Protocols
What Is Crew EVALink?
A digital EVA network for science, simulation, and safety
Powered by peer-to-peer mesh technology, EVA crews can exchange text messages, share real-time position data, and transmit critical telemetry directly from the field. Unlike line-of-sight radios, the network sustains connectivity across rugged terrain and extreme environments - enhancing crew safety and situational awareness. Mission control monitors real-time maps with crew locations, relay status, and environmental data, while message and sensor data is automatically archived into EVA logs. The result is a comprehensive digital record that supports post-mission analysis, scientific research, and knowledge sharing across teams.
Science
Automatic data capture includes location, suit temperature, humidity, orientation, time on EVA, and available today to support field research initiatives.
Simulation
Delivers Mars-relevant workflows for planning, executing, and analyzing EVAs - supporting today’s analog missions and tomorrow’s planetary exploration.
Safety
Long‑range, low‑power digital messaging complements analog voice radios and helps overcome terrain obstacles - improving field awareness and emergency response.
Why It Matters
Reliable comms and research‑grade data for every EVA
- EVA network that is less affected by terrain than traditional line-of-sight repeaters.
- Lower power and lightweight gear extends range and mission endurance.
- Information embedded with GPS locations and real-time telemetry.
- Digital twin of the MDRS campus, enabling real-time coordination between field and remote researchers.
- Logs streamline sample cataloging and allow future crews to repeat or build on experiments.
Get involved
We’re building Crew EVALink in the open with the analog research community. You can help grow the network, the data tools, and the science.
Ways to participate
- Donate to support hardware, relay, and software development
- Volunteer for the project team
- Register for crew use at MDRS
- Deploy at your local research facility
- Submit a Crew EVALink research proposal
How It Works
Mesh radios + portable relays + mission software
- Mesh endpoints carried by analog astronauts provide messaging and location beacons.
- Mission console renders real‑time EVA maps and records logs / messages.
- Self-contained relays on nearby hills extend range and report health, location, and environment.
- Data pipeline archives telemetry for science research, post‑EVA review, and cross‑crew learning.
Crew EVALink is experimental. Science teams help test capabilities and limits.
What EVA crews can do today
- Plan EVAs with comms coverage in mind
- Send / receive text with embedded GPS
- Record telemetry and radio traffic
- Share data with remote collaborators
What’s coming
- Digital lab notebook & knowledge base
- Deeper analytics and visualization
- Expanded relay network & coverage
- Portable installations for off-grid requirements
MarsComms VR + Crew EVALink: Training, Simulation, and Field Connectivity
MarsComms VR, built by MXTreality for the Mars Society, immerses crews and the public in realistic Mars experiences. Paired with Crew EVALink, it forms a powerful ecosystem linking training with real-world EVA operations.
- Seamless Training-to-Field Transition: Crews can practice EVAs virtually, then execute with Crew EVALink in the field.
- Enhanced Safety & Awareness: Real-time digital maps sync with VR mission control views for immediate decision-making.
- Data-Driven Science: Field logs from Crew EVALink enrich the MarsComms VR simulations, enabling repeatable experiments.
- Expanded Collaboration: Remote researchers can follow missions live or in replay, opening new avenues for analog science.
Learn more about the MarsComms VR Project
News Coverage
Crew EVALink at the forefront of off-grid communications.
Inside analog missions where systems like Crew EVALink are tested.
Official announcement of the project effort with MDRS.
A note from Meshtastic on the MDRS mesh network.
Overview of LoRa mesh networks in remote environments.
Contact Us / Support The Mission
Every contribution helps expand our hardware, deploy more relays, and advance mission software. Whether you have questions about crew use, volunteering, research opportunities - or represent an organization exploring a partnership, we’d love to hear from you.
ASR Outreach Form
The Team
Ashton Zeth
Brad Midgley
Christopher Kozlov
Eric Kristoff
Jeff Rayner
Kent Nebergall
Mark Midgley
Patrick Selby
Peter Dekluyver
Special Thanks
Ben Stanley
James Burk
Mike Stoltz
Sergii Iakymov