Crew Photos – January 3rd
Sol Summary – January 3rd
Sol: 2
Summary Title: Sim Commences
Author’s name: Kshitij Mall
Mission Status: Nominal
Sol Activity Summary: The crew completed the final leg of the training starting at 1000 after completing the daily exercises and breakfast routine. After completing the necessary rover training the crew entered the sim at 1100 after bidding adieu to Shannon, Sergii, and Don. Two EVAs were then successfully completed at Marble Ritual by 1600 hours. Right after the EVAs the crew filled out the daily personal survey and cognitive performance tests requested by the XO. After coming back from their EVAs at 1530 the XO set up the air quality monitors in the Hab, Science dome and her room, while the Greenhab officer planted more items in the Greenhab.
Look Ahead Plan: Embark on a longer EVA and further provide training to the crew members for such EVAs
Anomalies in work: None
Weather: Mostly sunny with overcast conditions at around 1600 and later
Crew Physical Status: Good
EVA: Two
Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, Operations, Journalist, EVA Reports, EVA Request, Greenhab.
Support Requested: None
Operations Report – January 3rd
SOL: 2
Name of person filing report: Mason Kuhn
Non-nominal systems: Hab toilet, EVA suit charger #1
Notes on non-nominal systems: No new issues with the toilet, just the sound that has been previously noted. EVA suit charger #1 has a voltage of 12.2 V whereas the rest are ~13.7 V. Suit 1 charge will not exceed 10.4 V, and 12.5 V is requested by mission support as the minimum for use on EVAs.
ROVERS
Spirit rover used: Yes
Hours: 206.4
Beginning charge: 100%
Ending charge: 67%
Currently charging: Yes
Opportunity rover used: Yes
Hours: 110.9
Beginning charge: 100%
Ending charge: 72%
Currently charging: Yes
Curiosity rover used: Yes
Hours: 218.2 (educated estimate, forgot to record after training)
Beginning charge: 100%
Ending charge: 76% (educated estimate, forgot to record after training)
Currently charging: Yes
Perseverance rover used: Yes
Hours: 252.9 (educated estimate, forgot to record after training)
Beginning charge: 100%
Ending charge: 76%
Currently charging: Yes
General notes on rovers: Crew 272 had rover training this morning prior to entering Sim. All 4 rovers were used during training. EVA 1 from 1330 to 1445 used Spirit and Opportunity. EVA 2 from 1500 to 1615 used Spirit and Opportunity.
Summary of Hab operations: The damaged clothes hanging board in the 2nd stateroom from the right was fully repaired and is nominal.
WATER USE: 49.5 gallons
Water (static tank): 360.5 gallons
Static tank pipe heater (on or off): On
Static tank heater (On or off): On
Toilet tank emptied: Yes
Summary of internet: Nominal
Summary of suits and radios: Suits 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 were used on EVAs. All suits are currently charging. All radios 1-7 were used during EVAs or as HabCom. They have been recharged and removed from the charging docks.
Summary of GreenHab operations:
WATER USE: 7 gallons
Heater: On
Supplemental light: 4 hours
Harvest: 20g beans, 3g basil, 3g chives, 6g dill, 28g carrots
Summary of ScienceDome operations:
Dual split: On
Summary of RAM operations: Retrieved a Phillips head screwdriver to repair a state room’s clothes hanging area. Replaced the screwdriver & DMM in the RAM at 1730. Took a measuring tape at 1730 to measure static tank water volume & put it back in the RAM immediately after.
Summary of any observatory issues: N/A
Summary of health and safety issues: One crew member got a small hand cut from an open can, and it was treated by washing, Neosporin, and a band-aid.
Questions, concerns, and requests to Mission Support:
Concern for Mission Support: Commander Kshitij is concerned that there is some airflow issue in the loft because his loft stateroom gets drafty and much colder than the rest of the Hab during the night.
Journalist Report – January 3rd
Sol: 2
Author: Kenny Pritchard, Crew Journalist
Title: Crash Course
This morning began the same as every other so far, with a toothbrush party on the Hab’s lower deck and an exercise/meditation session on the upper deck, this time led by Kshitij. Along with the dehydrated eggs Megan cooked for the crew, we enjoyed some powdered orange juice (which mysteriously seemed to be neither orange nor juice). Breakfast was followed by our final educational session with Mission Support: rover training. A few K-turns (or W-turns) later, we were ready to go and officially enter simulation before noon! Mason set us off on the right foot when he mended a shelf for a fellow crewmate (who will remain unnamed). In his own words, Mason really went out on a high note with this repair – he unfortunately experienced sim-death shortly thereafter, by entering an open-air compartment of the Hab without protection. Simulation has been a figurative crash course in the constant battle against Martian inhospitality. It’s also been a crash course in the literal sense, as we continue to accidentally bump helmets in the tight enclosure of the airlock.
Taking the crew’s first small steps and giant leaps into the Martian wilderness, Adriana, Arly, and Madelyn drove out to Marble Ritual, a geological hotspot not far from the habitat. Although Madelyn suffered our crew’s second sim-death experience when she inadvertently switched off her EVA-suit, the three were still able to collect a plethora of rocks and minerals for Adriana to analyze. Kshitij, Mason, Megan, and I took the next EVA. We followed in the earlier group’s bootprints and tire tracks, which were easy to spot in the pristine rusty sands that cover the surface here. The landscape’s primitive beauty pierced effortlessly through the fog-misted visors of our heavy helmets.
In other news, Megan has set up the 3d printer she’ll be using for her study into additive manufacturing. It will soon build a rock hammer and other tools for research, but currently the machine is toiling away to make a scoop for the coffee grounds that fuel us through every sol. For dinner, Kshitij and I will impose upon the crew our best impression of pizza, complete with fresh herbs from the GreenHab. Our recipe (and the recipe for the bread Madelyn has made daily) is courtesy of MDRS veteran and Crew 272 advisor Dr. Cesare Guariniello. The inclusion of Martian water really takes it to the next level!
GreenHab Report – January 3rd
Crew 272 GreenHab Report 03-01-2023
GreenHab Officer: Madelyn Whitaker
Environmental control: heater
Average temperatures: 69 F, 20 C
Hours of supplemental light: 4 hours
Daily water usage for crops: 6 gallons
Daily water usage for research and/or other purposes: 1 gallon
Water in Blue Tank : 288 gallons
Time(s) of watering for crops: 1600
Changes to crops: Planted cucumber, spinach, cilantro seeds. Removed dead snow peas.
Narrative: Removed dead snow peas, dead leaves from beans. Shredded old organic material and added to newly planted pots of cilantro, spinach, cucumbers. Harvested beans and carrots for snacks, basil for pizza, chives and dill for garnish.
Harvest: (include which crop and mass in grams): 20g beans, 3g basil, 3g chives, 6g dill, 28g carrots
Support/supplies needed: N/A
EVA Report – January 3rd
Crew 272 EVA Report 03-01-2023
EVA # 1
Author: Arly Black
Purpose of EVA: Training EVA to familiarize crew members with rover operation, suits, and navigation
Start time: 1330
End time: 1445
Narrative: We donned our space suits for the first time since training two days ago. Adriana opted for the one-piece suit while Madelyn and Arly chose the two-piece, which turned out to be much more uncomfortable. We waited the required 5 minutes in the airlock before heading out to the rovers. Madelyn drove Opportunity, while Arly and Adriana took Spirit, with Arly driving and Adriana navigating. We traveled the predetermined route along Cow Dung Road, parked the rovers, and walked to Marble Ritual, stopping many times along the way to marvel at the scenery and collect interesting rocks. Adriana went into professor mode and expertly described the various rock formations and their likely causes. We learned much about chert, the likely direction of water travel based on fine sediment left near plants, and Martian anthills. After just a taste of Mars’ offerings, we reluctantly made our way back to the parked rovers and returned to the Hab. Great first venture out into Mars!
Destination: Marble Ritual
Coordinates (use UTM WGS 84): N518700, E4250800
Participants: Adriana Brown (Crew Geologist), Madelyn Whitaker (GreenHab Officer), Arly Black (Executive Officer/Crew Scientist)
Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: Drove out from MDRS to Cow Dung Road, drove north on Cow Dung Road, and went east on foot until Marble Ritual.
Mode of travel: Driving and walking
Crew 272 EVA Report 03-01-2023
EVA # 2
Author: Arly Black
Purpose of EVA: Training EVA to familiarize crew members with rover operation, suits, and navigation
Start time: 1500
End time: 1615
Narrative: After witnessing the triumphant return of the EVA #1 team, the EVA #2 team thought they’d try their hand at Martian exploration. Although the bar was set impossibly high (the first team was #1 for a reason), they had a successful expedition. Taking the same vehicles and route as the first EVA, they then set off to the east towards Marble Ritual. They took many dramatic pictures, attempted to play cricket/baseball in their spacesuits, and discovered what may or may not be a skull – did they just discover evidence of life on Mars?! Stay tuned for potential skull/no skull updates. They later ventured to the west side of the road for a short time, where they saw many black (volcanic?) rocks. The team then returned to the Hab, and many poor jokes were exchanged while waiting in the airlock. Great time had by all.
Destination: Marble Ritual
Coordinates (use UTM WGS 84): N518700, E4250800
Participants: Kenny Pritchard (Crew Journalist), Megan Rush (HSO Officer), Mason Kuhn (Crew Engineer), Kshitij Mall (Commander)
Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: Drove out from MDRS to Cow Dung Road, drove north on Cow Dung Road, and went east on foot until Marble Ritual.
Mode of travel: Driving and walking
Crew Photos – January 2nd
Sol Summary – January 2nd
Sol: 1
Summary Title: Redusters Training and Photoshoot
Author’s name: Kshitij Mall
Mission Status: Nominal, will enter the sim tomorrow when weather permits
Sol Activity Summary: The crew is well situated in the hab and started getting used to living in their Martian home while conserving energy to carefully utilize the solar power on cloudy sols. Training on radio comms, suits, and MDRS maps was completed. Furthermore, the protocols to safely and properly use the GreenHab, Science Dome, RAM, and Hab were further explained, and all necessary training was successfully completed. Since weather was not conducive for EVAs and for rover training due to muddy and damp Martian roads, both these events have been pushed to tomorrow. We instead got some drone testing done and some cool drone videography of MDRS with an amazing backdrop of the Sun spot-lighting the North Ridge and surrounding areas. Additionally, the crew completed cognitive performance tests and personal surveys requested by Crew Scientist/XO, Arly "Maple" Black, pre-mission and evening questionnaires requested by Andres Kaosaar (a doctoral student in the TRACE lab, University of Central Florida) doing his approved research at MDRS, and Off-Road Vehicle Certification mandated by Utah officials.
Look Ahead Plan: Complete the rover training tomorrow at 1000 and enter sim at 1200 if the weather permits. Then, embark on 2 EVAs upon approval to get all the crew members well versed and comfortable with using radio comms, rovers, and work with suits.
Anomalies in work: None
Weather: Rainy in the morning, intermittent sunlight after 1200
Crew Physical Status: Good
EVA: None
Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, Operations, Journalist Report, HSO Checklist, EVA Request, Greenhab Report.
Support Requested: Would need some information about the transmitting frequencies of MDRS Ham and the repeater in order to analyze using them for the Radio Navigation project.
Operations Report – January 2nd
SOL: 1
Name of person filing report: Mason Kuhn
Non-nominal systems: GreenHab door, Hab toilet
Notes on non-nominal systems: GreenHab Officer noted that the GreenHab door does not fully close. Dr. Rupert mentioned the toilet was non-nominal and made different sounds, but there are no additional issues to report.
ROVERS
Spirit rover used: No
Hours: N/A
Beginning charge: N/A
Ending charge: N/A
Currently charging: Yes
Opportunity rover used: No
Hours: N/A
Beginning charge: N/A
Ending charge: N/A
Currently charging: Yes
Curiosity rover used: No
Hours: N/A
Beginning charge: N/A
Ending charge: N/A
Currently charging: Yes
Perseverance rover used: No
Hours: N/A
Beginning charge: N/A
Ending charge: N/A
Currently charging: No
General notes on rovers: None were used. Perseverance is still parked near the GreenHab
Summary of Hab operations:
WATER USE: approximately 33 gallons
Water (static tank): 410 gallons
Static tank pipe heater (on or off): on
Static tank heater (On or off): on
Toilet tank emptied: No
Summary of internet: Nominal
Summary of suits and radios: Suits are charging after use during photo time. The radios have all been charged, removed from the charger to avoid battery damage, and are ready for EVAs tomorrow. Intercoms are nominal.
Summary of GreenHab operations:
WATER USE: 5 gallons
Heater: On
Supplemental light: 4 hours of use
Harvest: 41g beans, 5g chives, 2g thyme, 5g dill, 140g Daikon radish
Summary of ScienceDome operations: The crew toured and looked around, but no activities were done.
Dual split: On
Summary of RAM operations: The crew toured and looked around early on, and later I retrieved and replaced a tape measure after using it to calculate the static tank water volume. Also, a DMM was taken and was not replaced. It is in the Hab on the lower deck. I will put it back tomorrow morning after checking the suit voltage readings.
Summary of any observatory issues: N/A
Summary of health and safety issues: see HSO report
Questions, concerns, and requests to Mission Support:
I request permission to fix a state room’s clothes hanging area. One of the screws has come out of the wall and the threads in the wall from the screw are no good. The repair will involve making 2 new holes, ~1 inch to the side of each existing hole. The wall can be spackled if requested by mission support (dependent on if there is any spackle in the RAM’s inventory).
Journalist Report – January 2nd
Sol: 1
Author: Kenny Pritchard, Crew Journalist
Title: Hab Sweet Hab
Due to one of those pesky Martian dust storms delaying our entry into simulation, Crew 272 has spent today and yesterday (or should I say yester-sol?) making preparations for the mission. We’ve set up our lodgings, prepared our first meals, and the on-site Mission Support team is leading us through the necessary training! It looks like the beginning of a very rocky relationship with dehydrated food for us.
In the morning, crew Health & Safety Officer Megan led us through a routine of stretches to keep us limber for the sol’s activities. We’ve been lucky to get some glimpses into the awesome beauty of the Martian landscape here, but even luckier to experience the crew’s earnest attempts at Crow Pose and various other exercises. In the midst of a replenishing biscuits-and-gravy breakfast prepared by crew Engineer Mason, a slight oven storage mishap necessitated crew Geologist Adriana to try her hand at emergency tortilla amputation. The surgery was a success with only minimal loss of plastic-infused tissue.
A busy afternoon brought us a training session and our first test drive in the MDRS EVA suits. The whole crew partook in a lengthy-but-productive photoshoot, after which crew GreenHab Officer Madelyn was able to set up seeds for germination to begin her research into plant performance. Mason and crew Commander Kshitij took our drone (named Garud) for a sunset flight around the Hab, capturing some awe-inspiring shots of the flaming red ridges and sun-soaked mesas that surrounded us. Tonight, Adriana will don her chef’s hat to share with the crew her world-famous enchiladas (in fact the only enchiladas in this world). If all is well tomorrow, the dust storm will clear up, and the real mission will begin!
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