Capcoms

Andy Chen is a Mechanical Engineering student at the University of Toronto and a space enthusiast who sees space exploration as a common goal for mankind. His passions for science and space have accompanied him for a decade, growing from a youth spent staring at the night's sky in fascination. Andy is currently the Aerodynamics Officer for the University of Toronto Supermileage Team. In his spare time, Andy enjoys stargazing, astrophotography, soccer, cycling, running and swimming (these last three being especially important in the quest to be an astronaut!).Andy's participation as a CapCom and Mission Supporter was referred by Mike Jensen, president of SEDS-Canada. Expedition 73 was his first supported mission and he is thrilled to assist the simulation missions again in 2013. He hopes that his experience with Mission Support will benefit his own missions later as well as future manned spaceflights. His biggest wish is to watch a manned space mission launch live.MIGUEL COOPER - CAPCOMEngineer in computer sciences. Over Thirty years of experience in the information technology area, in roles from programmer to system analyst, from technical support to operations manager. These many roles include knowledge of the operating system data communications, computer room design and security Implementation program. Hobby: Space Exploration: Participated as CapCom with the MDRS of the Mars Society in 2011

Publication in the OCTOBER 1990 Issue of the "Journal of Aerospace Engineering" of the ASCE an article titled "The Concept of Adaptability in Space Modules". Participation in the “2 Encuentro internacional del Mar” 2007 (second international encounter of the sea) organized by the Government of Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz with the theme “ Towards Space”.  Participation in the “3 Encuentro Internacional del Mar” 2008 (Third International encounter of the Sea) Organized by the Government of Coatzacoalcos Veracruz with the Topic “ The end of the Shuttle program and beyond 2010”.

Participation in the “13th International Mars Society Conference” august 2010 Organized by the Mars Society with the paper name “ A Mars Manned Mission Conceptual design”. Participation in the “15th International Mars Society Convention” in August 2012 with the paper name “The ISS reconfiguration project for a Mars Manned Mission”.

BRUCE NGATAIERUA - CAPCOM

Bruce Ngataierua is a Science teacher who specializes in Physics and Chemistry and currently working at Te Aho o Te Kura Pounmau or the Correspondence School. His family or whakapapa comes from the west coast of the North Island (Taranaki region) and his tribal affiliation or iwi is known as Nga Rauru.

He served as HSO & Education Officer on crew 118 (KiwiMars 2012) and while at MDRS his research was focused mainly on education.  KiwiMars 2012 mission was a fantastic opportunity as an educator in schools to become involved in exploring Mars and promote its importance to both students and teachers throughout New Zealand or Aotearoa. As an avid amateur astronomer and scientist he is also excited to be part of a team that is looking toward the next stage in space exploration. 

During this season at MDRS he is excited to contribute to furthering Mars exploration in being a part of the CapComs team. 

JASON KRING - CAPCOM

Jason Kring was born in Littleton, Colorado and currently resides in Florida where he is an Assistant Professor in the Human Factors and Systems Department at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida. He received his B.A. in Psychology from the University of Colorado, Boulder, his M.S. in Experimental Psychology from Emporia State University, and Ph.D. in Applied Experimental and Human Factors Psychology from the University of Central Florida. 

At Embry-Riddle, Jason teaches courses on human factors in space, human performance in extreme environments, and human factors design for aeronautical and space systems. His research efforts focus on small team performance, human factors in spaceflight, and the application of simulation and game-based training for military and space teams. He is currently developing methods for monitoring the function and performance of teams during long-duration space missions. Jason also works with the Space Frontier Foundation’s “Teachers in Space” program to promote education in science, technology, engineering, and math and organizes an annual workshop on space medicine and human factors for high school teachers.

In his free time, Jason enjoys running, trying to play guitar, and learning about dinosaurs from his six-year-old daughter. He lives in Orlando with his wife, daughter, and mini Australian Shepherds, Luke and Kenobi.

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DARREL ROBERTSON - CAPCOM

GERRY WILLIAMS - CAPCOM (ON HIATUS)