Documentation processes during the CanMars mission: Observations and recommendations for future application in analogue and planetary missions

Abstract This contribution provides and overview of the documentation process for the CanMars Mars Sample Return rover mission conducted in partnership between the Canadian Space Agency and the University of Western Ontario (Western). Documentation is a key component of planetary science missions in improving the value of data through contextualization, as well as providing lasting information on the design and outcome for post-mission analysis. Documentation of this analogue mission aimed to capture key decisions and better understand the decision-making process related to science interpretation, planning, and sample selection. In this paper we present evidence-based observations on challenges related to effective documentation in analogue and planetary science missions. Based on a review of documentation data and debrief sessions between documentarians, team leads, mission operations mangers, and primary investigators, we conclude with recommendations for future missions’ use of documentation.