Crew Photos – February 6th
EVA Report – February 6th
Crew 188 EVA #10 Summary Report 06FEB2018
Author’s name: Julia DeMarines, Crew Astronomer, Green Hab Operator
Purpose of EVA: Filming of artistic Performing Astronautics and Bending Horizons projects using the Insta360 Pro Camera.
Location of EVA: RC South Site Region
UDM27 Coordinates: 12 S 518293 E 4249791 N (waypoint taken on EVA009)
Number of EVA Crew: 3
Participants: Zac Trolley, Sarah Jane Pell, Julia DeMarines
EVA Commander: Sarah Jane Pell
Road(s) and routes per MDRS map:
1. Take East on Entrance Road (Driving)
2. Turn Right onto Cow Dung Road (Driving)
3. Park on Cow Dung Road behind filming area ridge
4. Walk to filming location in field
Mode of Travel: Rover and Pedestrian
Vehicles you will be using (if applicable): Curiosity and Spirit
Summary:
EVA #10 arrived at our destination to the filming location on a very windy morning. We scouted the area out making sure this is where we wanted to film and if we could find a more wind-protected area to shield the Insta360º Pro camera. After some scouting we decided that the original location was ultimately the best location for Sarah Jane’s performance art. We discussed the choreography, set up the camera and then began recording. The first take was a success!
After completing Sarah Jane’s Performing Astronautics piece recorded using the Insta360º Pro, lovingly called Magpie, EVA 10 performed a science experiment in honor of the Falcon Heavy launch today. Julia acquired two small pop-top containers (that were once used for electrolyte tablets) and several alka-seltzer tablets. When small chunks of the alka-seltzer tablets are mixed with water in a closed container, gas builds up as does pressure. It took a few tries to get the ratio of water, air, and tablets correct, but once we did, we were able to launch our “Falcon Light” mini rockets! Our landing was not as graceful as the Falcon Heavy’s boosters returning in sync but we do believe our successful launch was 100% responsible for the success of the launch today as pop-rockets are known for their good luck and scientific opulence.
We will send photos and videos tomorrow.
EVA Report – February 6th
Crew 188 EVA #11 Summary Report 6FEB2018
Author’s name: Tatsunari Tomiyama AHFP, Health & Safety Officer Purpose of EVA: Reconnaissance of “Moon” region near Brache Hwy 1572 for future 360 filming and micrometeorite samples in vicinity nears roads travelled.
Location of EVA: Copernicus Highway 1574 waypoints and Skyline Ridge as time permits.
UDM27 Coordinates: 12 S 515404E, 4253907N
Number of EVA Crew: 3
Participants: Ryan Kobrick Tatsunari Tomiyama, Renee Garifi
EVA Commander: Ryan Kobrick
Rovers used: ATV 1, 2, 3
Duration: 2hours 23minutes
EVA Departure Time: 14:03
EVA Return Time: 16:26
Summary:
The objective of this EVA was to create EVA way-points for a future mission. We started to prepare EVA #11 before the EVA #10 group arrived back to the base to maximize EVA activity time because we expected that the destination point could be far away than our planning expectation. We used 3 ATVs for this reconnaissance mission. Brahe Highway was relatively easy to navigate using GPS but has many large bumps and pits in the road and required us to go slowly during this part of the route. However, once people have experience, this issue could be negligible. Overall, the objective was successfully completed in this EVA activity although our Garmin GPS unit battery was running low due to use on both EVA #10 and EVA #11.
Following our micrometeorite sample collections on a flat hilltop, we took Brahe Highway to the right on the Copernicus Highway and headed to east. We passed “Yellow Moon” indicated on the MDRS provided map. At that point, we returned back the Copernicus highway toward west. We could drive nearby Toothy Ridge on the Copernicus Highway and we decided to return to the base because of the time restriction.
On the way back to the base, we passed a grey unmarked electric rover parked about 4 minutes north of the Hab on Cow Dung Road. The vehicle was the same color and the same type which we use for MDRS. There was no person around the vehicle and no name was labeled on the vehicle. We took a photo in case mission support would like to see the vehicle. It may be the personal rover of Dr. Rupert but we would like to confirm.
Sol Summary – February 6th
Crew 188 Sol 9 Summary Report 6FEB2018
Sol 9
Summary Title: Sacrifice
Author’s name: Ryan L. Kobrick, Ph.D., MDRS Crew 188 Commander Mission Status: Crew is well.
Sol Activity Summary:
I think it goes without saying that our crew made many sacrifices to be a part of this two-week experience (finances, family, work, and much more). One that may not be obvious, and would have been impossible to time, was missing the Falcon Heavy historic launch. The unquestionable highlight for today was SpaceX’s success launch and landings, and what that may mean for future human spaceflight exploration. Today was packed with exploration. Two EVAs including a beautifully choreographed performance optimizing a 360 camera, and a driving excursion to uncharted territory. The crew was able to watch the launch and twin landings in a video later in the evening. Wow. Even watching the launch delayed had a similar impact to being there with family and friends in Florida. It was rocket-eye-candy-overload. Who knows when the next FH launch will be, or where any of us may be located, but we do know that these are the ingredients needed to make a mission to Mars feasible.
Spacesuit Up!
Ryan L. Kobrick, Ph.D.
MDRS Crew 188 Commander
Look Ahead Plan:
Tomorrow solar observations will continue in the morning hoping for calmer weather. An afternoon EVA will celebrate our international diversity and the upcoming Olympic Games with our own Martian Olympiad.
Anomalies in work:
None.
Weather:
The temperatures are cooling off and the winds remain high.
Crew Physical Status:
The crew has been burning on full throttle from 8am until 11pm and pushing hard to the finish line to be fully successful in their scientific and artistic investigations at MDRS.
EVA:
One is planned for tomorrow.
Reports to file:
1. Ops Report
2. Sol Summary
3. Journalist Report
4. Green Hab Report
5. EVA #12 request
6. EVA #10 and #11 Reports
7. Daily Photos
Support Requested:
– Heater for science dome requested. A purchase order request was made.
– There are potentially two packages at Hollow Mountain that we would love to have picked up.
– Vegetables were requested due to the insufficient supply for six crewmembers. Non-vegetarians have cut their personal rations to help stretch the supplies for the two vegetarians. We have two celiac members who cannot eat the starches provided. These diets were all communicated before our arrival. In order to feed crewmembers over the next 4 days, 2-3 cans of dried vegetables were requested (or fresh) with the missing items from the original food supply. We were informed today that we will not be getting any form of resupply. Susan Holden Martin suggested we reiterate this request to mission support since it remains open.
– Our reports have not been posted to the MDRS website since Saturday Feb 3rd. Please check the status of these documents for dissemination. We did see some photos on Facebook.
Greenhab Report – Frebruary 6th
Crew 188 Sol 9 Green Hab Report 06FEB2018
Zac Trolley (Engineer), Guest writing for Julia De Marines (Crew Astronomer/GreenHab Officer)
06 February 2018
Environmental control: Heating
Ambient with door opening: Shade cloth on
Working hours in Green Hab: 11:00 – 11:30, 18:00 – 19:00
Outside temp at working hour: 15ºC
Inside temp at working hour: 26ºC
Inside temp H: 33ºC
Inside temp L: 14ºC
Inside humidity: 23 %
Inside humidity H: 81%
Inside humidity L: 19%
Hours of supplemental light: 05:00 – 9:59
Changes to the crops: We picked many beans, herbs, and green leaves to dine upon.
Daily water usage for crops: 48 litres
Time(s) of watering plants: 11:00 – 11:30 (16 litres), 18:00 – 19:00 (32 litres)
Changes to research plants: The VEGGIE OASYS is progressing.
Narrative: Tat, our intrepid health and safety officer bravely foraged among the forest of plants being nurtured by our crew to bring home a bounty of green beans. Sadly, Sarah Jane has been unable to bridge the plant-human communication barrier.
Future needs and questions: We are awaiting the arrival of the tomato cages so we can replant the tall plants that require support to grow to their full potential. Please advise when they will arrive.
Operations Report – February 6th
Crew 188 Operational Report 06/02/2018
Sol 9
Zac Trolley
Non-Nominal Systems: electrical system, electrical cords
Notes on non-nominal systems: See individual systems at the end of the report.
Generator (hours run): 15.2h
Solar: SOC 74%
Diesel: 75%
Propane: 61 psi
Ethanol Free Gasoline (5 Gallon containers for ATV): 3 Gallons
Water (trailer): 0 Gallons
Water (static): 170 Gallons
Trailer to Static Pump used: No
Water (loft) – Static to Loft Pump used: Yes
Meter 130825.4
Toilet tank emptied: Yes
ATVs Used: The three blue ATVs were used today
Oil Added: None
ATV Fuel Used: 2 Gallons
# Hours the ATVs were Used today: 2
Notes on ATVs: It is very difficult to see the fuel level in the ATVs with the suit helmet on. Also, the gas can that had a little fuel in the bottom imploded due to temperature change. There was no leak, but the structural integrity of the can has been compromised and it should be destroyed. I suggest a new location be found to keep the cans out of the sun.
Deimos rover used: No
Hours: Hours: 108.1
Beginning charge: N/A
Ending charge: N/A
Currently charging: No
Sojourner rover used: ASSIGNED TO DIRECTOR
Hours:
Beginning charge:
Ending charge:
Currently charging:
Spirit rover used: No
Hours: 18.0h
Beginning charge: N/A
Ending charge: N/A
Currently charging: No
Opportunity rover used: Yes
Hours: 19.0h
Beginning charge: 100%
Ending charge: 97%
Currently charging: Yes
Curiosity rover used: Yes
Hours: 11.4h
Beginning charge: 100%
Ending charge: 99%
Currently charging: No
HabCar: Yes, to get a load of water.
General notes and comments:
During an EVA, a plastic handle from the passenger side roll cage on Demos came off. We have the handle, but no hardware to re-attach it.
Generator was turned off at 9:00
Generator was turned on at 18:04
I’ve found two extension cords that have been damaged and need to be replaced. If there are 3 prong plugs available, I can repair the cords. Please advise.
Summary of internet: Tests were run on the internet connectivity and passed on to Bernard.
Summary of suits and radios: Nominal
Summary of Hab operations: We are running low of vegetables, and there is a concern that our vegetarians will not have enough food for the remainder of the mission.
Summary of EVA operations: Nominal
Summary of GreenHab operations: The temperature gauge display has some non-functional LCD areas, a new one has been ordered.
Summary of Science Dome operations: The science dome is awaiting a portable heater as per the MDRS Director.
Summary of RAM operations: Not Operational.
Summary of health and safety issues: Nominal
Questions, concerns and requests to Mission Support: We could use another bag of toilet deodorizer, as we only have one puck left.
The “tunnel” had a few sharp edges of the metal at the corners, and a jacket was torn. I’ve taped over the edges so it doesn’t happen again.
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