Final Mission Summary – Crew 216

Crew 216 – Team A.R.E.S.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Crew Commander: Marc Levesque (United States)

Executive Officer/Crew Engineer: Mike Lawson (United States)

Health and Safety Officer: Andrew Kennedy (United States)

Crew Researcher: Rich Whittle (United Kingdom)

Crew Astronomer/GreenHab Officer: Michael Ho (Singapore)

Crew Journalist/Artist-in-Residence: Evgenia Alexandrova (Russia)

 

MDRS Crew 216 was an international crew whose projects and interests are reflected in their chosen name: Arts Research Education and Science.  This was the initial experience for all crew members at MDRS, and their first priority was for personal safety and that of fellow crew members.  Second was to maintain MDRS facilities, vehicles, and equipment in a safe and operable condition.  Finally, crew members focused on completing their planned projects while living in a Martian analog environment.  Below is a summary of projects, their status, and other activities at mission conclusion.

 

In-situ Fluorescent Mineral Prospecting in a Martian Environment – Mike Lawson

Martian colonists will have to exploit local resources to survive and thrive on Mars.  UV searches can identify possible sources of rare-earth ores, radioactive ores and other useful minerals, such as industrial gemstones for cutting, polishing and abrasive processes.

Traditional rock sampling, either by chipping rock faces or cone and quartering (alluvial gravel) would net only small samples (kilogram or smaller scale).  A large scale survey would take many EVAs.  An in-situ UV search of a rock-face or a gravel deposit can rapidly scan many tons of material in a matter of minutes.  If a target “lights up,” it could then be sampled for further analysis in the Hab.

 

For this project, a portable 6 watt Analytikea Model UVL-48 ultraviolet light source in shortwave UV mode was utilized.  Two key terrain types were favored for the UV survey:  rock faces in cliffs or canyons and alluvial gravel deposits.  The former present an opportunity to rapidly scan multiple layers of rock and identify target-rich epochs in the Martian geologic history.  The alluvial deposit survey capitalizes on Martian erosive forces self-selecting out “harder” materials of interest (in Mohs scale context), such as industrial gemstones.  Four target areas were planned to be selected based on imagery reconnaissance, two rock faces, and two alluvial deposits.  Target priority was to be for ease of access to minimize travel risk during the EVAs.

 

To reduce the risk factor, only two EVAs were conducted for this project.  A morning EVA identified a safe travel route and potential survey site at Robert’s Rock Garden.  That evening, a second EVA was undertaken in partial sim (flight suits only) with permission of the Mission Director for safer nighttime operation.

 

Project status: Samples collected in the field were analyzed in the Science Dome, and a paper detailing the results of the UV survey will be written and submitted to the Mars Society after the completion of the mission.

 

Documentary Film – Evgenia Alexandrova

This project was to capture footage for a one-hour film in the style of a “poetic documentary.”  It was not to be a pure factual coverage of the crew’s MDRS experience with a linear narration.  Rather, questions to be explored included:  What is behind our dream for space?  What are we trying to learn through learning about space? Our future?  Or actually is it about our past, and are we looking for understanding about where we come from and where do we belong?

 

The first years of Mars colonization will hardly be easy for humans: confined space, dehydrated food, heavy spacesuits, no green color of nature, and missing home.  There will be not much intimacy, but there may be solitude.  Still we are driven by some dream, instinct, or curiosity to explore beyond.  One aspect of the film is to capture the evolution of the emotional state of the crew members.

 

Filming was undertaken every day during working hours, meals, spare time, and evenings, as one could never predict when something interesting was going to happen.  Several EVAs also captured the landscape and activities of team members.  Those who agreed to be filmed during an EVA were equipped with a small microphone inside their spacesuit.  Additionally, each crew member participated in a 40-minutes interview, and release forms were obtained from all crew members who were filmed.

 

Project status: All desired film footage was captured. 

 

Human Performance & Analog Mission Evaluation of Environmental Stressors via Behavioral Health Scales – Rich Whittle

Mars analog astronauts undergo a rigorous selection and training process to ensure crew cohesion and mission success.  However, even the healthiest, strongest individuals may face psychological challenges due to various stressors in extreme or abnormal environments. Examples of these stressors include isolation, confinement, close living quarters, monotony of food, delayed communication with ground control, time pressure, scientific or engineering failures, sleep difficulties, fatigue, etc.  In our effort to further human space exploration in a safe and effective way, we must thoroughly understand and protect the psychological and physiological well-being of crew, before, during, and after the space analog mission.

 

This project aimed to study crew member behavioral traits, including anxiety and depression levels, before, during, and after the mission using standard questionnaires at several intervals. This would allow us to better understand psychological well-being in response to known and unknown environmental stressors. This project further aimed to study the correlation between crew anxiety and depression levels and the possibility of a “third quarter phenomena” (TQP), whereby the first quarter of the mission may be characterized by crew excitement or anxiety, the second quarter by boredom and depression, and the third quarter by increased emotional outbursts. An addition to the study was to examine basic physiological changes in subjects over the course of the short duration analog mission to explore transient changes.

 

Five surveys were administered at Sol 1, 5, 10, and mission conclusion prior to departure from MDRS.  These surveys included PANAS (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule), POMS (Profile of Mood States), Sleep Quality Survey, ICE-Q (Isolated and Confined Environments Questionnaire), and PsychScale.

 

All crew members were contacted prior to mission to receive information and confirm if they would agree to participate.  Once on station, all crew members signed a form detailing the process of the research, any risks, and their consent to participate.  Note: This research was not for clinical findings, but for research only, with the research approved by the Texas A & M University Office of Research and Compliance.

 

Project status:  As of this summary, three-quarters of the surveys were collected, with the final one to be collected prior to departure.  The surveys will then be analyzed once they have returned to Texas A & M University.  

 

Mars Society and MDRS Educational Materials – Michael Ho

This project was to gather material to spread awareness of The Mars Society objectives and the Mars Desert Research Station by developing materials for a public presentation.  Activities included filming crew member self-introductions; recording the experience of maintaining physical and mental well-being living in a confined space with strangers for 14 days; an introduction to the physical structure and utilities of MDRS; a description of meals, water and energy resources, and waste conservation practices at MDRS; EVA procedures; and capturing drone video footage of MDRS, surrounding desert features, and EVAs on rovers.  Each crew member signed a written consent to be filmed for this project.  Additionally, taking pictures and observing celestial objects through telescopes in the Musk Observatory was undertaken in the role of Crew Astronomer, as was maintaining the GreenHab as the GreenHab Officer.

 

Project status: All desired material was gathered. Crew Astronomer and GreenHab Officer duties completed.

 

In-situ Resource Utilization for Medical Applications – Rich Whittle and Andrew Kennedy

This was a continuation of a Crew 215 project to collect gypsum samples to produce Plaster of Paris for application in medical interventions stemming from splinting to preliminary dental impressions.  This project required EVAs to collect and return materials from the field.  Three different ratios of water-to-gypsum were tested to conduct strength tests on the samples.

 

Project status: Using the best ratio of two parts gypsum to one part water, a plaster splint was created as proof of concept.

 

MDRS Communications – Marc Levesque

The current MDRS radio communication system of GMRS (UHF) handheld radios with an output of 2 watts limits how far EVA teams can communicate with the Hab.  A system utilizing VHF frequencies would greatly expand the range of radio communications.  Such a system would include handheld radios with 5 watt output and a solar-powered repeater with antenna located at an optimal site.  The design of this system would be a test bed for similar systems that could be deployed on Mars.

 

Viewshed analyses of various high points around the MDRS using geographic information system (GIS) software were undertaken, followed by EVAs to confirm the effectiveness and accessibility of these sites.  From these, it was determined that the summit of the North Ridge provided the widest radio coverage for those areas potentially explored by MDRS crews.  During an EVA, a team found an excellent site on the summit for a repeater location with direct line of sight to the Hab and confirmed the potential wide area radio coverage.  The team also mapped an accessible route, so that a future EVA (or non-sim work party) could carry the necessary components to the repeater site for installation.

An additional communications project attempted an amateur radio contact with the International Space Station (ISS) when its orbit passed directly over the MDRS.  This utilized a mobile radio in the Crew Commander’s personal vehicle set up in cross-band mode to allow the contact attempt to be accomplished from inside the Hab via a handheld radio.  The project required two short EVAs to set up and turn off the vehicle’s radio.  Crew members Levesque (W5MTS) and Lawson (KN4WOK), FCC licensed amateur radio operators, undertook the contact attempt.

 

Project status:  An optimal radio repeater site was identified for an expanded communications system.  If such a system is desired by The Mars Society, further research could be undertaken to determine the most suitable components for the repeater and handheld radios.  Should the project be implemented, The Mars Society would obtain an FCC license for VHF/UHF commercial frequencies that is available for non-profit and educational organizations and would provide the MDRS with its own unique frequencies. 

 

Contact with ISS was not made, most likely due to no astronaut operating the onboard amateur radio at the time the ISS was passing MDRS overhead.

 

Media visit

A production crew from Al Roker Entertainment spent a mid-mission sol with our crew to film one episode of a planned six-part science series to be aired in 2020.  During their visit, they filmed the area around the MDRS and its facilities inside and out, interviewed the crew as a group and a few individually, and filmed an EVA.  Our crew accommodated their requests in good spirits while maintaining sim.

 

Crew Commander Supplemental Note:

The selection of Crew 216 composition is to be commended, as the team worked extremely well together.  All members adapted in good form to conditions at MDRS and went above and beyond to complete station tasks and support other crew member’s projects, tasks, and activities.  As Crew Commander, I could not have asked for a better complement of bright, talented, creative, and enthusiastic individuals.  Given the steep learning curve that all members, including the Crew Commander, faced in their initial experience with station operations and protocols, I feel all performed exceptionally during the MDRS mission and are to be commended for their efforts.

 

Submitted by: Marc Levesque

Crew 216 Commander

06 December 2019

Research Report – November 25th

  

Crew 216 Research Report 6-Dec-2019
Sol 12
Submitted by: Whittle

1) Psych Scale (TAMU IRB2019-1042D) – Final stage surveys planned for tomorrow (Saturday).

2) Medical Casts – Proof of concept cast completed. Data to be analyzed post-mission.

3) In-Situ Fluorescent Mineral Prospecting – Nothing further to report.

4) MDRS Mapping – Nothing further to report.

5) MDRS Communications – Nothing further to report.

EVA Report – November 25th

  
 Crew 216 EVA Report 06-Dec-2019
EVA # 16
Author: Whittle
Purpose of EVA: Returning UV samples to Robert's Rock Garden and obtaining film footage in the area west of Zubrin's Head.
start time for EVA: 0830
end time for EVA: 1040
Narrative: Drove to Robert's Rock Garden, returned UV samples to correct locations. Continued to Zubrin's Head. Left vehicles and explored variable terrain to west of Cow Dung Road. Collected lots of footage in circular route over ridges and back along base of wash. Returned to Hab via Cow Dung Road.
Destination: West of Zubrin's Head
Coordinates (use UTM NAD27 CONUS): 12 S 0518501 4248050
EVA Participants: Whittle, Kennedy, Alexandrova
Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map:
1) Drove from Hab to Zubrin's Head (12 S 0519500 4248050) via Cow Dung Road, returning samples at Robert's Rock Garden on route
2) Explored area west of Cow Dung Road on foot, circular route around 12 S 0518501 4248050.
3) Returned to Hab via same route
Mode of travel: Curiosity, Spirit 

Sol Summary Report – December 6th

  
Crew 216 Sol Summary Report 06-DEC-19
Sol: 12
Summary Title: Final sol in sim
Author: Marc Levesque
Mission Status: Active
Sol Activity Summary: Today was the last sol in sim for our crew's mission at MDRS. Andrew, Rich, and Evgenia conducted the final EVA in the morning to return rock samples and capture some final film footage. The rest of the day was devoted to taking a food inventory, packing, and starting the clean up process. The crew will officially go out of sim this evening at 2100.
Look Ahead Plan: Pack up personal gear, move Crew Car and personal vehicles to front of Hab for loading, refill Hab water tanks, and clean all MDRS areas.
Anomalies in work: N/A.
Weather: Clear and cold overnight.
Crew Physical Status: Healthy
EVAs: None
Reports to be filed: Sol Summary Report, Commander Report, Operations Report, GreenHab Report, Journalist Report, Research Report, and Photos.
Support Requested: None 

Operations Report – December 6th


Crew 216 Operations Report 06-Dec-19
SOL: 12
Name of person filing report: Mike Lawson
Non-nominal systems: NA
Generator: run
Hours run: 12
From what time last night: 1902
To what time this morning: 0654
List any additional daytime hours when the generator was run: N/A
Solar— SOC % (Before generator is run at night: 69%
Diesel Reading – 32
Station Propane Reading – 50
Ethanol Free Gasoline: N/A
Water (loft tank) (gal): 47
Water Meter (units): 1465756
Water (static tank) (gal): 154
Static to Loft Pump used – yes
Water in Green Hab (gal): 241
Water in Science Dome (gal): 0
Toilet tank emptied: yes
Deimos rover used: no
Hours:
Beginning charge:
Ending charge:
Currently charging:
Sojourner rover used: no
Hours:
Beginning charge:
Ending charge:
Currently charging:
Spirit rover used: yes
Hours: 116.4
Beginning charge: (Before EVA): 100
Ending charge: (On return from EVA, before recharging): 55
Currently charging: yes
Opportunity rover used: no
Hours: 68.7
Beginning charge: 100
Ending charge: 100
Currently charging: yes
Curiosity rover used: yes
Hours: 121.4
Beginning charge: 100
Ending charge: (On return from EVA, before charging): 64%
Currently charging: yes
Notes on rovers: Opportunity and Deimos off-site for maintenance.
ATV’s Used: (Honda, 300, 350.1, 350.2, 350.3): no
Reason for use: N/A
Oil Added? no
# Hours the ATVs were used today: 0
Notes on ATVs:
HabCar used and why, where?
CrewCar used and why, where?
General notes and comments: EVA to Zubrin’s Head. Began station cleaning. Food inventory performed. Samples
returned Robert’s Rock Garden.
Summary of internet: Erratic/unstable wifi connection.
Summary of suits and radios: Suit 4 airflow is weak, possibly a battery charging issue.
Summary of Hab operations: Routine maintenance and housekeeping tasks. Hot water line vibration is extreme when pump
engages, recommend securing it to HAB wall or risk fitting failure.
Summary of GreenHab operations: Routine watering. Greenhab cleaned.
Summary of Science Dome operations: Gypsum experiment completed. Lab cleaned.
Summary of RAM operations: RAM Rover power charging stations inop, electrical issues remain unresolved. RAM cleaned except for
outer airlock. All tools returned.
Summary of any observatory issues: Observatory cleaned.
Summary of health and safety issues: NA
Questions, concerns and requests to Mission Support: 1 bag B, 5 bag NB trash in airlock.

Commander Report – December 6th

Crew 216 Commander Report 06-DEC-2019
Sol: 12
Summary Title: End of sim
Author: Marc Levesque
With a mixture of sadness and anticipation, the crew wound down its activities and prepared to go out of sim this evening. In some ways it seems like we have been at MDRS for a very long time, yet here we are nearing the end of our mission. I didn’t quite know what to expect when I was selected as commander of this crew, but being around this collection of bright and interesting people has been worthwhile and personally rewarding. We were all strangers prior to meeting for the first time almost two weeks ago. Now, that is definitely not the case. While some of us will likely never see each other again, I am sure we will stay in touch via email as we did before the mission. I am most anxious to see Evgenia’s final film production and Michael’s educational presentations. There will also be the Roker Entertainment science series episode to look forward to next spring. It will be most interesting to see how we all appear in these productions.

GreenHab Officer Report – December 6th

   
Crew 216 GreenHab Report 06-DEC-19
Crew GreenHab Officer: Michael Ho

Environmental control: Door opened for ventilation at 11.30 am, closed at 4.45 pm.
Average temperature: 18C
Hours of supplemental light: Automatic system
Daily water usage for crops: 10L
Daily water usage for research and/or other purposes: nil
Water in Blue Tank - enough
Time(s) of watering for crops: 9.30 am; 4.35 pm.

SEASONAL PLANTING HISTORY:
(Plants introduced since 03/11/2019 till 22/11/2019 please refer to Crew 215 GreenHab Report of 22/11/2019.)
Crew 216:
5/12/2019:
2 avocado seeds suspended in metal pot of water. 1" submerged in water.
26/11/2019:
1 avocado seed in small black pot
24/11/2019:
1 avocado seed in small black pot
23/11/2019:
seeded Zucchini in 2 large black pots
seeded Chilli Pepper 'Shishito' in 2 2-gallon black pots
seeded Sweet Greenfield Pepper 'California Wonder' in 2 2-gallon black pots
seeded Swiss Chard 'Flamingo Pink' in 4 2-gallon black pots
transplanted three self-seeded tomato plants in large blue tub transplanted to 2-gallon pots

OTHER NOTES:
1st sprouts:
Sweet Peppers - 2nd of 4 pots!

Harvest: None
Support/supplies requested:nil.

"You cannot change the course of the wind, but you can adjust your sails."

Journalist's Report – December 6th

   

Tonight’s report is not a journalist’s report, it is a filmmaker’s report, my personal report.

When you make a film in which you put your heart, it becomes more than a film to you, it becomes your mirror. This collective portrait of five men loving space became a portrait of myself. This is why it is so painful to imagine our paths separate in several hours. I know how those men breathe – I’ve put mics on them for the EVAs. I know what kind of food they enjoy – I filmed many cooking sessions. I learned every little trait on their faces – I did a lot of close-ups. I recognize the sparkles in their eyes when they talk about Mars. Their stories are forever with me. One of this man said in his interview to me that the greatest thing about space exploration is that it unites nations and people. Thank you MDRS for giving us the opportunity to meet each other. And I hope my film will be up to the mark of these wonderful people I had a privilege to share this experience with.

A good-bye anonymous post-scriptum:

How to say the time has come

The sun has passed the river run

We’ve loved our life in this small Hab

The thought of leaving is quite sad

Though yet these memories shall remain

Like martian red, our minds it stains

All strangers once but now a crew

Onward to Mars, and homebond too

Commander Report – December 6th

  
Crew 216 Commander Report 06-DEC-2019
Sol: 12
Summary Title: End of sim
Author: Marc Levesque
With a mixture of sadness and anticipation, the crew wound down its activities and prepared to go out of sim this evening. In some ways it seems like we have been at MDRS for a very long time, yet here we are nearing the end of our mission. I didn't quite know what to expect when I was selected as commander of this crew, but being around this collection of bright and interesting people has been worthwhile and personally rewarding. We were all strangers prior to meeting for the first time almost two weeks ago. Now, that is definitely not the case. While some of us will likely never see each other again, I am sure we will stay in touch via email as we did before the mission. I am most anxious to see Evgenia's final film production and Michael's educational presentations. There will also be the Roker Entertainment science series episode to look forward to next spring. It will be most interesting to see how we all appear in these productions. 
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