Scientific Colloquium
October 14, 2011
J.
MICHAEL DUNCAN
NASA HEADQUARTERS
"The Chilean Miner Rescue: NASA’s Experience"
NASA sent a four person team to
Chile after the Chilean Government requested assistance in
August, 2010, following a mining accident that entrapped 33
miners deep within the mine. The team consisting of two
physicians, one psychologist, and one engineer spent three days
at the San Jose Mine consulting with Chilean officials regarding
medical care, psychological support, and nutritional support for
the 33 men as well as engineering design requirements for the
Fenix rescue capsule. The miners were rescued on October 13,
2010 after 69 days in the mine at a depth of 2200 feet below the
surface in 90°F temperatures and humidity exceeding 90%. Dr.
Duncan, the team lead, will describe their experience.