Actually they pay for the use of the research station.

But, it has evolved to being an okay research facility thanks to all the volunteers and experts who have helped. It uses batteries so if a generator fails it has a backup. It would be nice to have solar panels as another backup (any donations out there?).

We are about to change from canvas analog suits to a combination of Ballistic Nylon (or a high denier Cordura), Ripstop Nylon and Equestrian Lycra (or a similar equestrian knit) composite suit that should be readily sizable and durable. There currently is one prototype of the suit (S-1) at MDRS being evaluated. It is made of a lighter canvas which is serving in the same capacity as a muslin suits would for fitting and test of concepts only. We also plan to upgrade to a HUT (Hard Upper Torso) in the next year as well. All of which costs money. Each HUT will be fiberglass with rear entry (as with the Mark III and Orlan Suits). They will have machined Scye (Shoulder) bearings and a detachable helmet. I estimate at least a cost of 500 to 600 dollars for each of the HUTs and we will need at minimum 6.

All in all MDRS is a good investment and has brought a number of volunteer organizations into existence. The Engineering Team, Remote Science Team and the Spacesuit Task Force all a bunch of really good people and a pleasure to work with. I look forward to the intergration of the Euro Hab which should in the next couple of years be moved from England to Iceland.

I would point out to those who called us a Cargo Cult. Cargo Cults don't make functioning systems and don't make prototypes of actual robotic space hardware. Nor do they get printed up in peer reviewed journals.