There are numerous technological and scientific gaps that, if not addressed, will be an obstacle for the crewed exploration of Mars, as is being contemplated by space agencies and enterprises. These include psychology, physiology, medicine, mission operations, human factors, habitability, robotic operations and life support systems – which can be best addressed using terrestrial analogs.
The European MaRs Analog Station for Advanced Technologies Integration (ERAS) project is an extension of the Mars Society Mars Analog Research Station (M.A.R.S.) program, which envisions addressing  the “Five Showstoppers for Mars” identified by the scientific community as:

1. Hypogravity
2. Radiation
3. Need for Regenerative & Bioregenerative Life Support
4. Martian Dust
5. Planetary Protection (Forward- and back-contamination)

The objectives of ERAS are to provide:

• In-field assessment of hybrid/inflatable habitat technologies
• An effective test bed for key enabling technologies
• Effective implementations of human factors advanced research into habitat design
• An environment maximizing scientific productivity
• An effective means of results dissemination to the scientific community
• Effective outreach
• Inspiration for the next generation of space scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs
• A reference center for Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) wishing to test and integrate advanced technologies with potential space applications

ERAS is a system of systems, and a key enabler for Mars exploration. It will serve as a state-of-the art test bed for international researchers working on the five showstoppers.