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Journalist Report – May 21th

Crew 281 Journalist Report 21 May 2023

Journalist Report

By: Rachel Jones

Sol 7, MDRS is Heaven!

A bit of a personal rant before I start my report today. My husband has never found the same joy as I in rucking. What is rucking? It’s an exercise where you wear a weighted backpack and walk. I’ve participated in a GORUCK Challenge and loved it. It taught me to wear a heavy pack and perform various tasks (usually in gloves). Because of this, I feel more confident wearing the EVA suit and performing complicated tasks with gloves on. Furthermore, from my personal experience in today’s EVA, rucking helps train you for Mars.

So, what did I do to feel so superior in my abilities? I beat a drone. (Yes… I know that it was only the terrain and my amazing ability that allowed me to succeed today, and it likely might not in the future).

Sol 7 started like many days with an EVA. Ana, Ritu, and I exited the Hab to perform three separate missions. First, we re-tested the Pegasus scoop. This round of testing avoided the issues we had with the previous deployment and, ultimately, demonstrated the product.

The second test involved baselining a new Mars medical drone supply delivery concept. Ritu first flew the drone from our start position, raised it to 10 meters, and then flew in a straight path 60 meters to our “downed” astronaut model: Ana. Once the drone reached Ana, it was lowered to allow retrieval of a possible payload and then flew back to the starting point. We did several control flights recording the times and battery the drone took without a payload before we tested the delivery system with a 40-gram payload. For the final test, I raced the drone’s time and took the payload to the downed astronaut. I won… but in a real-case scenario, I would not have been able to don my equipment and exit the Hab in the time the drone could have.

The third part of our EVA mission involved checking on my antenna setup. Every afternoon we have a light shower and high winds. I wanted to ensure my antenna was still dry and stable.

After we returned from a successful EVA, KC cooked lunch. It was a mix of noodles, rehydrated vegetables, black bean burger mix, and Alfredo sauce. Megan also made some cinnamon rolls for an afternoon snack.

This afternoon was a lot of report writing for the crew (in addition to what is becoming our routine chores). We each worked on a section for the Mid-Mission report. Megan checked her chocolate seeds and the GreenHab. Ritu downloaded her drone measurement results. Ana cleaned and stored her robotic scoop. KC checked batteries, tunnels, toilets, and our water level. Our crew checks the water level more than required as we compete and challenge ourselves to use less.

I was on the radio making contacts. I was able to reach GA, WA, and TX. The bands might not be great but they were better than yesterday. Dr. Tamitha Skov in her Space Weather Report, suggested the bands might not be ideal this weekend ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSQYjH6D_YA&t=1s ).

This evening we are making smashed avocado tacos, discussing our various reports, and planning tomorrow’s long EVA.

I’d appreciate it if you could catch me on the air but for now, signing off from Mars.

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GreenHab Report – May 21th

Crew 281 GreenHab Report 21 May 2023
GreenHab Officer: Megan Kane
Environmental control: mixed door open/ door open with fan
Average temperatures: 89.83 °F
Hours of supplemental light: None
Daily water usage for crops 1.59 gallons
Daily water usage for research and/or other purposes: 0.4 gallons
Water in Blue Tank 163.76 gallons
Time(s) of watering for crops:
1110: refilled 5 water bottles (2.5 L) watered other plants as needed 3.5 L
Changes to crops:
Removed most of the tomatoes old and damaged leaves that previously showed signs of stress.
Narrative:
In the morning the GreenHab was checked. Midmorning the plants were watered. Midafternoon the tomatoes were trimmed to promote healthy continued growth.
Harvest: (include which crop and mass in grams): None
Support/supplies needed: None

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EVA Report – May 21th

Crew 281 EVA Report 21-05-2023
EVA # 8
Authors: Megan Kane (Commander), Ritupriya Patil (Executive Officer), Ana Pires (Crew Scientist)
Purpose of EVA:
Second test for Pegasus Scoop (rock sampling device)
Acquire images
Test and operations
Drone payload test and drill
Test attaching a payload harness to the drone
Fly with payload to 100 m (short distance test)
This will be first minimum weight payload to establish a proof of concept
Possibly reposition antenna to the North West of the hab’s rear airlock for Ham Radio set up
Collect footage
Start time: 0834 hrs
End time: 1020 hrs
Narrative:
At 0834 the three members of the EVA entered the airlock exiting at 0839. They first went to the Pegaus Scoop test site. They arrived at site at approximately 0843 and set up the scoop. It operated well. Video footage was taken by GoPro and drone. The drone launched at 0845 and landed at 0852. The scoop battery was disconnected at this time as well.
Rachel and Ritu walked back to the hab and prepared for the drone payload test. HabComm recorded data. There were 9 tests
Test 1 – no payload – 0902 -0906
Test 2 – no payload – 0911 -0914
Test 3 – no payload – 0917-0919
Test 4 – no payload -0929 – 0931
Test 4 – 40g payload – 0940 -0948
Test 6 – 40g payload – 0954 – 0956
Test 7 – 50g payload – Abort
Test 8 – 50g payload – Abort
Test 9 – 50g payload – Walk test – 1000 – 1002
After completing the tests, Ana retrieved the scoop and placed it under Spirit Rover to retrieve later. At 1006 the Crew took a water break then proceeded to check the antenna. At 1009 it was confirmed that the antenna was in good condition.
At 1010 they returned to the Hab. Then checked all the rovers and collected their information. Hours and State of Charge were recorded for each vehicle and it was verified that all were securely plugged in.
The crew re-entered the airlock at 1015 and the Hab at 1020.
Overview of EVA
Tested Pegasus Scoop
Conducted Drone payload test
Checked Antenna

Issues Experienced During EVA
The simulated injured astronaut was not in a straight path of the drone’s line of sight. The trial flight without payload had to be redone to set a baseline. We wanted to get minimum variations and repeatability in the tests in terms of distance/speed tracking.
An improved landing pad would be useful for the payload preparation and landing– perhaps a larger towel or a second towel, because the downwash from the propellers would fly the small towel out of location and cause it to bunch up, further exposing the landing area and kicking all dust up.
When we went for a higher weight of 50 grams payload the harness did not work out, further work will be done to resolve that.

Outcomes
Crew completed Rover checks
Crew tested Pegasus Scoop
Crew completed drone payload test
Acquired footage of both tests
Crew checked Radio Antenna
Destination: MDRS Hab and surrounding 500 m radius
Coordinates (use UTM WSG 84): 518100 E, 4250900 N
EVA Participants 3: Ritupriya Patil (XO, EVA Lead), Rachel Jones (HSO), Ana Pires (Crew Scientist)
Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: Walk around the Hab
Mode of travel: Walk

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Sol Summary – May 20th

Crew 281 Sol Summary Report 20 May 2023
Sol: 6
Summary Title:
Author’s name: Ritupriya Patil (XO) and Megan Kane (Commander)
Mission Status: Nominal
Sol Activity Summary:
EVA:
First EVA was at the Kissing Camel Ridge. The crew of 3 drove Opportunity and Curiosity rovers and reached the site at 0755 hrs. The first objective was to capture scanline measurements for the boulders Ana Pires (Crew Scientist) approved on the East ridge. KC Shasteen helped with the Equotip measurements while Ana gathered the Schmidt hammer data. After finishing 5 station long scanline. Ritupriya Patil (XO, EVA Lead) set up to deploy the drone. Detailed vertical images and videos of the scanline were captured to help confirm the weathering grade, discontinuities of the rocks. There were also 4 translational drone passes along the scanline that captured the details of the boulders under geophysical analysis. These images and videos will be used for georeferencing the area around the scanline and for further assessment of the geological region.
For the second EVA the crew of 2 erected ham radio antenna to the northwest of the Hab. A coaxial cable was retrieved from where it had been passed through the tunnel wall. The cable length dictated where the station could be installed. It took 3 attempts to find a location where the ground spike could be deployed successfully. Once deployed the ground wire and the mini were attached. This was followed by the antenna and lastly by the coaxial cable. Grounding pole could not be deployed, and the wire was affixed to a rock. The hazard cones were placed, and the crew returned to the hab.
After the ham radio station set up Rachel Jones (HSO) jumped on the radio and established contact with Dan from Govetown, Gorgia, N4MI. This ham radio testing was approved during the Karman line discussion.
In the Greenhab, Megan (Commander) watered the plants and filled the cooler.
The science dome was quiet today, cacao seeds still doing well.
In the RAM, Ritu (XO) worked on her payload carrying harness for tomorrow’s drone flight test. The objective is to test short distance payload drop off for a simulated medical emergency.
For lunch Ritu (XO) made tomato sauce based pasta with mushrooms. And dinner was stir-fried veggies in soy sauce served with rice, made by KC. After that we buried our heads in report writing and mid-mission research material.
Look Ahead Plan: Tomorrow we will do an EVA for 3 around the hab to run second test on the Pegasus scoop (rock sampling device) and do a drone payload test and drill for minimum payload weight and distance. Likely do some work around the ham radio antenna.
Anomalies in work: None
Weather: Nominal
Crew Physical Status: Nominal
EVA: Completed 2 today

Reports to be filed:
Greenhab Report
Ops Report
Journalist Report
PHOTOS!
Photo of the Day

Support Requested:
Mission support is requested in case of storms, if the antenna needs to come down or be retrieved.

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Operations Report – May 20th

Crew 281 Operations Report 20-05-2023
SOL: 6
Name of person filing report: Megan Kane (Commander), Ritupriya Patil (Executive Officer), and KC Shahteen (Crew Engineer)
Non-nominal systems:
Electrical outlets in kitchen
Remote observatory
EVA Helmet
Notes on non-nominal systems: None
ROVERS
Spirit rover used: No
Hours: (before EVA): 222.2
Hours: (after EVA): NA
Beginning charge: (Before EVA): 100%
Ending charge: (On return from EVA, before recharging): NA
Currently charging: Yes
Opportunity rover used: Yes
Hours: (before EVA): 129.6
Hours: (after EVA): 129.9
Beginning charge: (Before EVA): 100%
Ending charge: (On return from EVA, before recharging): 94%
Currently charging: Yes
Curiosity rover used: Yes
Hours: (before EVA): 239.8
Hours: (after EVA): 240.2
Beginning charge: (Before EVA): 100%
Ending charge: (On return from EVA, before recharging): 80%
Currently charging: Yes
Perseverance rover used: No
Hours: (before EVA): 264.3
Hours: (after EVA): NA
Beginning charge: (Before EVA): 100%
Ending charge: (On return from EVA, before recharging): NA
Currently charging: Yes
General notes on rovers: Curiosity and Opportunity were used.
Summary of Hab operations:
WATER USE: 34.5 gallons
Water (static tank): 339.0 gallons
Static tank pipe heater (on or off): off
Static tank heater (On or off): off
Toilet tank emptied: no
Summary of internet:
nominal
Summary of suits and radios: All suits and radios are fully recharged. There were intermittent issues transmitting from Hab during both EVAs. Signal was highly attenuated and difficult to hear (attention was paid to body positioning but did not seem to help signal). The same radios used outside the Hab that day (and on previous days) had no issues.
Summary of GreenHab operations:
WATER USE: 2.77 gallons
Heater: Off
Supplemental light: Off
Harvest: in grams : 0
Summary of Science Dome operations:
Dual split: Heat and AC, Off
Cacao Experiment:
Watered cacao seedlings
Summary of RAM operations: (Tools used, work done)
Scissors, twine, and tape were used to build Ritu’s drone payload carrying harness.
Glue was used for patch repair.
Summary of any observatory issues: NA
Summary of health and safety issues:
No new issues to report.
Questions, concerns and requests to Mission Support:
Request Mission Support assistance to take down or retrieve the ham radio antenna in case of emergency or high winds.

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Journalist Report – May 20th

Crew 281 Journalist Report 20 May 2023

Journalist Report

By: Rachel Jones

Sol 6, We Put Out Sticks.

Okay, not really, but it’s hard to rhyme six and an antenna.

Sol 6 was a busy day, and it started early. Ana, KC, and Ritu went on an EVA to Kissing Camel Ridge to gather more rock data from scan lines, test the geotechnical tools, and capture aerial drone footage. This was a longer EVA to start the day. Then, after a quick lunch, Megan and I performed an EVA to set up the High Frequency (HF) antenna. We set up a Chameleon HF Modular Portable Antenna System 2.0 in the portable vertical configuration. While both of these EVAs sound simple, I assure you the extreme Utah weather, in addition to the cumbersome EVA suits, makes any action outside the Hab an adventure.

With the antenna set up, the afternoon sent us all on our various tasks. Megan took on the GreenHab and checked on her chocolate plants. Ana prepared the robotic scoop Pegasus for tomorrow’s EVA. Ritu designed a dummy medical play load for her drone with KCs assistance. I, of course, was on the airways trying to make QSL contacts. Learning new equipment is always challenging, but I hope to get as many contacts as possible (pending weather/band corporation). The HF Antenna is connected via coax to a Shack-in-a-box configured to an Icom 7300, LDG tuner, and external speaker. Unfortunately, while I heard my friend Dan (N4MI) in Grovetown, GA, and Arkansas’ QSL Party, the bands didn’t support reliable conversation. I’m hoping to try again once to sunsets.

Dinner tonight focused on emptying the fridge of leftovers (one of my least favorite things). On Mars, should a crew eat group meals together? Or should individuals be required to meet specific caloric goals (i.e., you’re required to clean your plate)? I can see the pros and cons of both. Our crew enjoys the meals spent together around the table for now.

Till next time, please find me on the air! (KO4HLC/MDRS)

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GreenHab Report – May 20th

Crew 281 GreenHab Report 20 May 2023
GreenHab Officer: Megan Kane
Environmental control: mixed door open/ door open with fan
Average temperatures: 89.04 °F
Hours of supplemental light: None
Daily water usage for crops 2.38 gallons
Daily water usage for research and/or other purposes: 0.4 gallons
Water in Blue Tank 165.74 gallons
Time(s) of watering for crops:
0700: refilled 3 water bottle (1.5 L) watered other plants as needed 2 L
1750: refilled 5 water bottle (2.5 L) watered other plants as needed 2.5 L
Changes to crops:
More of the tomatoes shed their old and damaged leaves that previously showed signs of stress. Some of the new growth on various plants across the growing area showed signs of scorch, likey from the hot mid-day weather and very low humidity.
Narrative:
In the morning the GreenHab was checked and watered as required. The temperature and humidity was checked intermittently. At 1555, the water for the cooling test was mostly dry and was refilled. The plants are growing well. The maximum recorded temperature in the GreenHab today was 101.7 degrees Fahrenheit.
Harvest: (include which crop and mass in grams): None
Support/supplies needed: None

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EVA Report – May 20th

Crew 281 EVA Report 20-05-2023
EVA # 6
Authors: Megan Kane (Commander), Ritupriya Patil (Executive Officer), Ana Pires (Crew Scientist)
Purpose of EVA:
Conduct Geotechnical Survey of the area and geomechanical assessment
Schmidt Hammer and Equotip measurements along scanlines
Geological and geotechnical assessment of the scanline using the created datasheet by the Crew Scientist
Acquire images and collect loose rock/soil samples
Drone flight to record all of the above operations and do aerial imagery
Start time: 0734 hrs
End time: 1004 hrs
Narrative:
At 0734 the three members of the EVA entered the airlock exiting at 0739. They first checked all the rovers and collected their information. Hours and State of Charge were recorded for each vehicle and it was verified that all were securely plugged in. They then unplugged Opportunity and Curiosity in preparation for heading out to Kissin Camel Ridge (Site). They left at 0745.
EVA Crew arrived at Site 0755. After parking the rovers the crew did a visual survey of the area to locate a good location for the scanline. At 0806 the crew conducted a water break. At 0809 they completed laying the scanline. Measurements commenced at approximately 0811. There were 5 stations total. See the completion times below:
Station 1 complete at 0820.
Station 2 complete at 0832
Station 3 complete at 0848
Station 4 complete at 0858
Station 5 complete at -0908
Water checks were taken between each station. Samples were collected near station 4 at 0858. When station 5 began at 0859 drone setup was started. Drone was launched at 0909 after station 5 was completed. Aerial images from the drone will be used for georeferencing the area around the scanline and be used for further overview and assessment of the geological setting. The drone landed at 0929.
At 0938 the crew headed back to the rovers. At 0943 they started back to MDRS in rovers arriving at 0955. The crew re-entered the airlock at 0959 and the hab at 1004.
Overview of EVA
Drove to Kissing Camel Ridge
Completed a scanline
Took drone footage for georeferencing
Issues Experienced During EVA
Schmidt hammer kept rebooting during vertical measurements. Method of measuring changed.
Equotip required reboot mid EVA.
Outcomes
Crew completed Rover checks
Crew drove to Kissing Camel Ridge
Crew Completed Geological survey
Drone footage of survey area collected
Collected 12 rocks, 1.599 kg; 2 tubes of soil, 154 g
Destination: Kissing Camel Ridge
Coordinates (use UTM WSG 84): 518265 E, 4249570 N
EVA Participants 3: Ritupriya Patil (XO) (EVA Leader), KC Shashteen (Crew Engineer), Ana Pires (Crew Scientist)
Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: Drive towards Cow Dung Road, take it south to Kissing Camel Ridge
Mode of travel: Drive the rover for 1.5 Km and then walk to the radius of 500m from the rover

EVA # 7
Authors: Megan Kane (Commander), Ritupriya Patil (Executive Officer), Rachel Jones (HSO)
Purpose of EVA:
Erect antenna to the North West of the hab’s rear airlock for Ham Radio set up
Collect footage
Note: Assistance may be needed to take a part of the antenna down in case of high winds.

Start time: 1205 hrs
End time: 1248 hrs
Narrative:
The crew exited the Hab, walked around to the approximate location for the antenna, then the coaxial cable was retrieved from where it had been passed through the tunnel wall. The cable length dictated where the station could be installed. It took 3 attempts to find a location where the ground spike could be deployed successfully. Once deployed the ground wire and mini were attached. This was followed by the antenna and lastly by the coaxial cable. Grounding pole could not be deployed and the wire was affixed to a rock. The hazard cones were placed and the crew returned to the hab.
Overview of EVA
Run Coaxial cable to location from hab
Erect Antenna
Set up groundwire
Deploy required safety cones

Issues Experienced During EVA
Ground was hard, the spike for the antenna was difficult to deploy. Grounding pole was unable to be deployed. Ground wire affixed to the rock wall instead.

Outcomes
Crew erected the HAM Radio Station

Destination: MDRS Hab and surrounding 500 m radius
Coordinates (use UTM WSG 84): 0518100 E, 4250900 N
EVA Participants 2: Rachel Jones (HSO), Megan Kane (Commander)
Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: Walk around the Hab
Mode of travel: Walk

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Supplemental Operations Report 20May2023

[title Supplemental Operations Report – May 20th]

Supplemental Operations Report 20May2023

Name of person filing report: Sergii Iakymov

Reason for Report: Routine.

Non-Nominal Systems: Robotic observatory.
Action taken for non-nominal systems: New parts for Robotic observatory are received and installation is pending.

Power system:
Solar: nominal. Input breaker of one of MPTT was off two times this week. After resetting the breaker and solar charger work was nominal until the next bright and hot day. This issue has to be investigated by a certified technician.SOC Last 24 hours: Max 100%; Min 46 %; Avg 71.2%.
VDC Last 24 hours: Max 58.04V; Min 44.34V; Avg 50.17V.Generator run time: not used. Generator hours 3810.3.

Propane Reading Station Tank: 75%
Propane Reading Director Tank: 59%
Propane Reading Intern Tank: 71%
Propane Reading Generator Tank: 72%

Water (Static Tank) – 339 gallons
Water in GreenHab – 165 gallons
Water (Outpost tank) – 324 gallons
Water in Science Dome: 0 gallons
Hab Toilet Tank emptied: n/a

Sojourner rover used: Yes.
Hours: 191.7
Beginning Charge: 100
Ending Charge: 100
Currently Charging: Yes
Notes on Rovers: All are plugged in, charged.
ATV’s Used: (Honda, 350.1, 350.2, 300): None
Reason for use: n/a
Oil Added? No
ATV Fuel Used: 0 Gals
Ethanol Free Gasoline — 0 Gallons
# Hours the ATVs were Used today: 0
Notes on ATV: All parked at the outpost and awaiting to be taken to service.

HabCar used and why, where? Yes. To Hanksville for supplies to pick up.

Crew Car used and why, where? Yes. From Grand Junction by crew.

General notes and comments: Nominal.

Dual Split in Science Dome: off due to warmer weather.

Summary of Internet: Nominal

Summary of suits and radios: Nominal

EVA COMMS: Nominal

Campus wide inspection, if action taken, what and why: nothing to report

Summary of General Operations: All nominal.

Summary of Hab operations: Kitchen outlets are not working, inspection will be done after current crew rotation is over.

Summary of GreenHab Operations: Nominal, heater turned off.

Summary of SciDome Operations: Nominal.

Summary of any Observatory Issues: New parts for Robotic observatory are received and installation is pending.

Summary of RAM Operations: Nothing to report

Summary of Outpost Operations:

Director’s trailer: previously reported leak in the bathroom sink pipe was actually located at the pipe-faucet connection; the connection was adjusted to resolve the issue.
The shed was coated a second time to finish outside panting.
The barrel for the burnable trash has been cleaned from ashes.

Summary of Health and Safety Issues: Nominal.

Questions, Concerns, Supplies needed and Requests: Nothing to report

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