Sol Summary – January 10th

Crew 219 Sol Summary Report 10-01-2020

Sol: 5

Summary Title: Frozen Fog & Tang-glazed Cinnamon Rolls

Author’s name: Dave Masaitis

Mission Status: Nominal

Sol Activity Summary: The morning broke with the entire valley
shrouded in thick fog, dropping visibility next to nothing. By the
time EVA #9 was intended to depart, the morning sunshine had burned
off much of the fog, but ground conditions did not appear to support
safe maneuver conditions, so we decided to cancel it. The crew instead
busied themselves with science and maintenance, while H. Blackburn
prepared a wonderful lunch of pork sausage chili and fresh-baked
cornbread. The team for EVA #10 ate lunch and moved out on schedule,
achieving both their maneuver plan and sampling schedule. On the way
back, they recovered R. Raphael’s experimental mirror emplacement for
analysis. Upon their return they found another surprise, courtesy of
H. Blackburn – steaming hot chocolate and Tang-glazed cinnamon rolls –
a real treat! With full bellies, some crew members took a nap, while
others refined their reports for the evening Comms window. This
evening will consist of relaxed socialization while crew members
recoup for another Sol of hard work tomorrow.

Look Ahead Plan: We anticipate two EVA’s, and will continue ongoing
scientific analysis and maintenance operations.

Anomalies in work: None

Weather: Cold and foggy in the early morning, followed by clear,
sunny, and frozen conditions the rest of the day

Crew Physical Status: Nominal

EVA:

EVA #9 – Cancelled at Commander’s Discretion

EVA #8 – Geologic Sample Collection South of Mid Ridge Planitia
(0516800/4251600)

Reports to be filed:

Sol Summary

EVA Report 10

EVA Requests 11 & 12

Operations Report

GreenHab Report

Research Report

Journalist’s Report

Photos (Including Photo of the Day)

Support Requested: Refer to Operations Report

EVA Report – January 10th

Crew 219 EVA Report 10 JAN 2020

EVA #10

Author: Nathan Hadland

Purpose of EVA: The primary purpose of this EVA was sampling for our
geology project. Post-EVA, we collected data for our biometrics
project.

Start time: 1253 hrs

End time: 1513 hrs

Narrative: EVA #10 initiated a 5-minute decompression at 1253 hours
and headed north towards North Ridge. We then proceeded up Hab Ridge
using the Sagan Street (1103) access road. Abdul Elnagdi (GEO)
identified a site for sampling and we took 5 samples at the top of the
ridge and recorded GPS locations. The EVA team then walked along Sagan
Street until reaching Mid Ridge Planitia and took 5 additional
samples. The team then proceeded back along Sagan Street and descended
Hab Ridge. The team arrived safely back to the Hab and picked up the
optical mount for analysis. The EVA crew entered the air lock at 1508
hours and successfully pressurized in the air lock at 1513 hours.

Destination: Just east of Mid Ridge Planitia

Coordinates: 0516800/4251600

Participants: Nathan Hadland (XO), Alejandro Perez (ENG), Robinson
Raphael (ASTRO), Abdul Elnagdi (GEO)

Roads and routes per MDRS Map: North towards North Ridge and then
climbed Hab Ridge near Schubert Pass using Sagan Street (1103). We
then headed west towards Mid Ridge Planitia following Sagan Street
(1103).

Mode of travel: Walking

Research Report – January 8th

   Crew 219 Science Report 08-JAN-20
Crew Science Officer: Hannah Blackburn

1. Biometrics and Neurobehavioral Research

Continued taking sleep and post-EVA logs. Post-EVA biometrics were recorded.

2. UAV

Nothing to report.

3. Dust Mitigation for Optical Mirrors

Optics mount and mirror were checked on EVAs 5 and 6 and photographed.

4. Astrophotography of Celestial Bodies

Nothing to report.

5. Remediation of Mars Regolith

Regolith was inoculated.

6. Chemical and Mineralogical Composition of the MDRS Site

Samples were dried in the oven using glass beakers. Additional samples
were taken during EVA 6.

7. Protocols for the Discovery of Life on Mars

Nothing to report.

Glassware check out:

10 glass beakers (sizes between 200 and 500 ml) were used to dry
regolith samples in the oven, and we will need them for the same
purpose tomorrow.

Greenhab Report – January 8th

   Crew 219 GreenHab Report 08-JAN-20

Crew GreenHab Officer: Cynthia Montanez

Environmental control: Heating.

Shade cloth (40% and 30%) on.

Average temperature: 18.8 °C; 20.7 %

Average Max: 23.4 °C, 23%

Average Min: 12.7 °C, 18.3%

9:20 A.M.

Floor Unit: 8 °C

Electronic: 16.4 °C

humidity 22%

Max: 21.4 °C; 24%

Min: 12.7 °C; 19%

3:24 P.M.

Floor Unit: 15 °C

Electronic: 22.2 °C

humidity 19%

Max: 26.1 °C; 24%

Min: 12.7 °C; 17%

5:34 P.M.

Floor Unit: 10 °C

Electronic: 17.9 °C

humidity 21%

Max: 22.6 °C; 21%

Min: 12.7 °C; 19%

Hours of supplemental light: Light system 7:00PM-12:00AM.

Daily water usage for crops: 4.86 Gal.

Daily water usage for research and/or other purposes: N/A

Water in Blue Tank – ~200.27 Gal.

Time(s) of watering for crops:

9:20 A.M.

SEASONAL PLANTING HISTORY:

Change to crops: All the crops in the direct path of the heater are
staring to have crispy, dry leaves despite the daily watering.

OTHER NOTES:

1st sprouts: N/A

Harvest: At 4:40 P.M., 18 grams white onions of was harvested.

Other: I was able to fix the temperature of the thermostat within the
greenhouse. The temperature before was at 16 °C and I placed it to 21
°C. Additionally, I planted two pots of snow peas, and one pot of
white onions. The snow peas are placed on plot A, column E, row 7; as
the white onions are on plot B, column F2, third shelf.

The photos requested by Director Rupert are attached below.

Suggestions: Since the thermostat was changed to 21 °C, the floor
temperature has increased to desired ranges (between 10 °C - 15 °C).
However, because of the angle the vents are for the heater, the heat
is directly hitting the hanging plants. Prior to this, some of the
hanging plants, e.g. cucumber, lettuce, and snow peas, had been
burning a bit on the tips of the leaves. By increasing the heat, the
hanging plants are now burning more and the soil is drying out faster.
I was wondering if it was possible to rearrange some of the plants and
place them in other areas of the greenhouse. For instance, since snow
peas prefer cooler to warm temperatures, all the hanging snow peas can
be connected and placed in the back of the GreenHab by the herb bed.
Also, the lettuce can also be placed at the back of the GreenHab and
connected with the other lettuce pots. The Narcissis plants can be
placed on the top of the plant stand in plot B and the spinach tray
can be underneath the plant bed next to the GreenHab doors. I can put
all the watering cans on the bottom rack where the pots and plant food
are to keep things organized, and the metal trellis can be placed in
the back right corner of the GreenHab where the icicle radish’s are.
Finally, I would move the bags of soil to the other side of the desk
so that it will be placed by the rack.

EVA Report – January 8th

  

Crew 219 EVA Report 08-01-2020 EVA #5 Author: Dave Masaitis Purpose of EVA: Geologic sample collection and monitoring of dust mitigation experiment Start time: 0904 hrs End time: 0931 hrs Narrative: EVA #5 departed the Hab on foot at 0904 hours and moved over to the dust mitigation experiment. R. Raphael made his observations, and the EVA team then moved west to ascend Hab Ridge. By the time the team crested the first set of hills on the way to the ridge, D. Masaitis called a short halt to allow team members some time to allow visor fogging to subside. Within minutes, D. Masaitis was able to make the observation that his helmet’s air vents were misaligned and were only able to defog the very bottom corners of his visor. Given that he was not fully fogged, the team decided to try and continue climbing. Three-quarters of the way up the ridge line, D. Masaitis noted that snow cover and ground conditions would prohibit the whole team from making it up the ridge line with the necessary sampling equipment. He conferred with H. Blackburn, and they decided to abandon the climb in the interests of crew safety. D. Masaitis called N. Hadland at the hab to discuss options. Since a last minute change of sampling location would violate procedure, D. Masaitis made the call to terminate the EVA, and EVA #5 returned to the airlock at 0931 hours. Destination: SW of Hab Ridge Coordinates: 0517500/4250100 Participants: D. Masaitis (CO), A. Perez (ENG), H. Blackburn (LSO), R. Raphael (ASTRO) Roads and routes per MDRS Map: W to Hab Ridge, S on Hab Ridge Rd. to target location 

Crew 219 EVA Report 08-01-2020

EVA #6

Author: Nathan Hadland

Purpose of EVA: Sample collection for mineralogy project and taking photographs of the optical mount for dust mitigation project

Start time: 1252 hrs

End time: 1449 hrs

Narrative: Under HSO advisement, a personnel change was made in the EVA crew. EVA #6 initiated a 5-minute decompression at 1252 hours and moved out on foot to the vicinity of the Robotic Observatory. After taking photographs of the optical mount setup to check for dust collection, we moved back to Curiosity and Spirit. After reporting SOC and hours, we progressed south along Cow Dung Road. We dismounted the rovers just past Robert’s Rock Garden and moved east on foot along the base of Kissing Camel Ridge E and then north towards Phobos Peak. After reaching an area directly south of the peak, Abdul (GEO) identified a flat site for sample collection. We collected 5 samples in a grid and recorded GPS locations. The EVA crew then headed southwest back to the rovers. Curiosity and Spirit proceeded safely back to the Hab at 1444 hours and the EVA crew successfully pressurized in the air lock at 1449 hours.

Destination: Phobos Peak

Coordinates: 0519500/4250100

Participants: Nathan Hadland (XO), Abdul Elnagdi (GEO), Keith Crisman (HSO), Robinson Raphael (ASTRO)

Roads and routes per MDRS Map: South along Cow Dung Road (0110), parked just south of Robert’s Rock Garden and then proceeded east on foot towards Kissing Camel Ridge E and then north towards Phobos Peak.

Mode of travel: Rovers (Spirit and Curiosity) and foot travel

Operations Report – January 8th





Operations Report

Crew 219 Operations Report 08-JAN-2020

Sol: 3

Name of person filing report: Alejandro Perez

Non-nominal systems: N/A

Generator: Run

Hours run: 14

From what time last night: 17:00

To what time this morning: 07:00

List of any additional daytime hours when the generator was run: N/A

Solar- SOC% (Before the generator is run at night): 59%

Diesel Reading - 73%

Station Propane Reading- 51%

Ethanol Free Gasoline- N/A

Water (loft tank) (gal) – 50

Water Meter (units)- 0147473,1

Water (static tank) (gal) – 506

Static to loft Pump used – Yes

Water in Green Hab (gal): 200.02

Water in Science Dome (gal): 0

Toilet Tank Emptied – Yes

Diemos rover used: Still in the Work shop

Hours:

Beginning Charge:

End Charge:

Currently Charging:

Sojourner rover used: Assigned to Director

Hours:

Beginning Charge:

End Charge:

Currently Charging:

Spirit Rover used- Yes

EVA #6

Starting Hours: 123.5

Beginning Charge: 100%

Ending Hours: 123.7

Ending Charge: 68%

Opportunity Rover used: Still in workshop

Hours:

Beginning Charge:

Ending Charge:

Currently Charging:

Curiosity Rover used: Yes

EVA #6

Starting Hours: 129.3

Beginning Charge: 100%

Ending Hours: 129.5

Ending Charge: 70%

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:

Oil Added? No

# hours the ATV’s were used today:

Notes on ATVs:

Habcar used and why, where? Used by Outpost team to take Crew car to
the Work shop, refilled with gas.

CrewCar used and why, where? Crew car was brought to the workshop, is
off site, and was refilled.

General Notes and Comments:

Summary of the internet: Nominal

Summary of Suit and Radios: A two- piece helmet had vents that were
stuck aiming downward providing no defogging during EVA #5. The vents
freely rotate within this helmet and cannot be secured. Transformer
for Charging unit 4 is giving very high amperage and voltage exceeding
the limits for the radio batteries. This transformer has been marked
not to be used. Also, during EVA there was a window where EVA radios
were giving a persistent static. The radios are being tested and
troubleshot for any deficiencies in connectivity, battery performance,
and individual radio issues.

Summary of Hab: Pipe froze again today. The heating coil is still
functioning and the pump is still operating properly. The freezing
seems to be in between the exterior wall and the interior wall leading
to the washroom. This was solved using a combined method of warm water
through the feedline, a hair dryer heating the interior and exterior
pipe through the wall.

Summary of Science Dome operations: Nominal

Summary of Ram operations: Nominal

Summary of any observatory issues: Nominal

Summary of Health and safety issues: Nominal

Questions, concerns, and requests to Mission Support: Requesting for
Teflon tape for the loft tank feedline and new insulation for the
Static tank to Loft tank pipe.

Journalist Report – January 8th

  

Crew 219 08-Jan-2020 Journalist Report

Nathan Hadland, Crew 219 Executive Officer

Sol 3

Here Comes the Sun

White Mars is breathtakingly beautiful and continues to astonish us
with both its magnificent landscapes and interesting science. Today,
the Sun finally came out from behind the clouds briefly and greeted us
across the vast void of 93 million miles for the first time since we
arrived.

Alejandro (ENG) and I share the loft in the Hab, which we have dubbed
“The Penthouse.” We woke up early to treat our crew with blueberry
pancakes before the day’s activities. The rest of the morning was
spent helping with EVA prep. Our EVA’s have been running extremely
smoothly because of the implementation of the Standard Operating
Procedures (SOPs) developed by my last MDRS crew, the International
Emerging Space Leaders Crew 205. These are essentially checklists
designed to ensure that the appropriate equipment is operational,
everyone understands the route and purpose of the EVA, and everyone is
healthy and ready to go. Consequently, we never forget equipment and
generally the EVA accomplishes their tasks quicker and more
effectively.

The purpose of both EVAs today were to continue sampling for our
mineralogy survey and collecting data for our biometrics project. We
have been getting extremely interesting data and I am excited to
analyze what we have obtained so far post-mission. I will be taking
the samples we have been collecting to Florida Tech’s X-Ray
Diffractometer (XRD) and will work with the crew geologist to generate
a GIS map of the mineralogical and chemical composition of the MDRS
site.

The first EVA started out smoothly, but Dave’s (CO) helmet almost
immediately started fogging because the vents were not pointed
directly at the visor! Other personnel were having fogging issues too
because of the extreme cold so Dave decided to cancel the EVA and
return to the Hab after taking pictures of the optical mount we set
up. Upon arrival back at the Hab, the crew was warmly greeted with hot
chocolate. The rest of the morning was spent catching up on work in
the lab or laying on the couch and reading.

I was on the second EVA and wow, the landscape was astonishing. After
driving the rovers south, we walked along Kissing Camel towards Phobos
Peak. Along the way, the Sun came out and warmed our backs and started
freeing up additional sites for sampling. We also saw some mysterious
tracks… perhaps some Martian antelope? We got some interesting samples
along the base of the peak and returned back to the Hab. The EVA team
was greeted by cream of mushroom soup and fresh bread prepared by
Hannah, our Lead Science Officer (LSO). I have to commend her on the
food she has been making; every meal has been a treat!

Tomorrow, we are looking forward to continuing to explore this grand
and magnificent environment with two EVAs planned and further analysis
of our samples. Maybe we will see the Sun again tomorrow… 

	

Sol Summary – January 8th

  

Crew 219 Sol Summary Report 08-01-2020

Sol: 2

Summary Title: Pancakes, Fresh Bread, Sunshine, and Snow Flurries

Author’s name: Dave Masaitis

Mission Status: Nominal

Sol Activity Summary: Sol 3 began with N. Hadland and A. Perez preparing a delicious pancake breakfast for the crew, followed by the departure and early return of EVA #5. Afterwards, the crew settled into science and maintenance tasks, punctuated by periods of novel reading. By 1230 hours, all hands went below to help EVA#6 prepare for departure. While they were out H. Blackburn baked a couple loaves of fresh bread, which would be summarily consumed after the EVA’s return. The crew spent their time before Comms troubleshooting radios and thawing water pipes (again). In great news, Crew 219 now has well established troubleshooting procedures to keep water flowing from the static tank to the loft tank.

Look Ahead Plan: We look forward to two more sampling EVA’s and will continue maintenance and science work around the campus.

Anomalies in work: None

Weather: Cold and overcast all day, with temperatures below freezing. There was a brief moment of sunshine towards sundown, which was quickly replaced with cloud cover and light snow flurries.

Crew Physical Status: Nominal

EVA:

EVA #5 – Geologic Sample Collection SW of Hab Ridge (0517500/4250100)

EVA #6 – Geologic Sample Collection around Phobos Peak (0519500/4250100)

Reports to be filed:

Sol Summary

EVA Reports 5 & 6

EVA Requests 7 & 8

Operations Report

GreenHab Report

Research Report

Journalist’s Report

Photos (Including Photo of the Day)

Support Requested:

Outpost is tracking current Support Request

Copyright © The Mars Society. All rights reserved. | Main Site