On Mars, the time delay between the Command & Control Center on Earth and local mission control complicates and prevents any assistance or rescue. Therefore, a special training routine is essential for the entire crew of such a mission to react independently.

On Mars, the time delay between the Command & Control Center on Earth and local Mission Control complicates and prevents any assistance or rescue. Therefore, special training and routines are essential to prepare the entire crew to react fast and independently.
In this regard, one of the main operational objectives of MDRS Crew 238 is to define, practically test and analyze the behavioural and logistical response to emergency scenarios (e.g., fire, radiation, medical deployment during an EVA) and then derive Standard Response Strategies (SRS) from the results of the emergency training activities. This is not just about developing conceivable events with a potential threat to human life, health, or risk of damage to infrastructure. It is also about developing the necessary measures to ensure the feasibility of an operation. Additionally, this research plan represents an attempt to categorize emergencies on other celestial bodies, develop rapid decision-making paths for Earth-independent command structures, and analyze practically-tested case studies with diverse angles. Recommendations will be derived and published for replicability and further research on targeted courses of action, especially to address unpredictable events routinely and in a calm manner.