the crew of the station were envisaged to carry out diverse scientific studies in geology, geophysics, climatology and astrobiology. one particular advantage of humans was perceived to be their ability to run a laboratory in which complex and analytical tasks can be undertaken in polar science and exploration. the design study considered that the retrieval of a core into the polar ice cap would be one of the primary objectives of pole station. the core would be used to study past geological and climatological changes, including dating past martian dust storms. the core would also be used to investigate the nature of the polar layered terrains. it would be used to study whether the ice caps contained a record of organics on mars, to search for habitats in the ice and to study questions on the past and present habitability of martian polar ices. the occupants also had diverse climatology objectives to undertake. the study considered martian polar astronomy to be a potentially useful additional activity for the station crew members.