Crew 310 Journalist Report 07Feb2025
Author: Jennifer García Carrizo, Crew Journalist
The crew is starting to get the hang of life on Mars! Today, they carried out an EVA so that Mònica Roca i Aparici, the crew’s engineer, could finish installing her reflector. Although the antenna is still missing, progress has been excellent! The corner reflector aims to calibrate satellites for accurate measurements, helping to monitor things like sea level changes and polar ice cap melting.
Mònica Roca i Aparici worked at ESA for 10 years before founding IsardSAT. These two entities have collaborated to deploy the corner reflector at the Mars Desert Research Station. Once it’s up and running, hopefully in just a few days, it will enable the calibration of planetary observation satellites!
Later, part of the crew accompanied the geologist Marina Martínez to explore Marble Ritual, where they made some fascinating discoveries. They collected samples and observed the stunning landscape that has been shaped by external geological processes, such as the wind, the lack of rain, and the extreme desert conditions.
After the exhausting EVA, the crew was treated to a fabulous risotto prepared by Estel Blay and Helena Arias Casals! A well-deserved feast to recharge and celebrate the day’s achievements!
In the afternoon, due to strong winds, the crew took the opportunity to rest, organize research projects, analyze their progress, and, most importantly, socialize—an essential aspect of missions like this! And tonight, the crew has a surprise activity, prepared by Helena Arias and Jennifer García Carrizo! What could it be?