Crew 200 EVA Report 12-13-2018
EVA #6
Author: Lindsay Rutter
Purpose of EVA: 1) Map out locations that allow radio communication
between EVA crew and HabCom around Phobos Peak 2) Test how EVAs can
safely and effectively be conducted with three-member crew, including
rover use.
Start time: 14:12
End time: 16:00
Narrative: With media guests visiting the habitat today, our EVA was
pushed back in time, which was authorized by Shannon. We continued our
communication and radio strength and connectivity testing protocol
today. Our EVA began with an engineering check. We then used
Opportunity to drive north on Cow Dung Road. We intended to stop at
the west end of Stream Bed Connector, but we inadvertently stopped at
the east end of Galileo Road 1104, which we walked along for almost
its entirety. Through our GPS system and our communications with
HabCom, we realized we were probably on Galileo Road 1104 and so we
returned back to the west end of it. We then continued driving
Opportunity northward. We intended to explore areas about 1 kilometer
north of Reservoir Dam, but by the time we were 0.2 kilometers north
of Reservoir Dam, we had lost connectivity with HabCom for several
consecutive radio tests. This lack of connectivity continued even when
we parked the rover and stood on higher points. We decided to return
driving south, communicating with HabCom throughout the return,
sometimes having to park the rover and stand on higher points.
Arriving back at the habitat about fifteen minutes early, we explored
the hills on the west side of the habitat, still following our
communication and radio strength and connectivity testing protocol. We
are excited to report that the battery usage on Opportunity was much
more efficient than it has been lately.
Destination: Galileo Road 1104, above 0.2 kilometers north of Reservoir Dam
Coordinates (use UTM NAD27 CONUS): 519100 E – 4252000 N, 518250 E – 4253000 N
Participants: Makiah, Lindsay
Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map : Driving on Cow Dung Road and walking
on Galileo Road 1104
Mode of travel: Driving and walking