Commander Report – January 22nd

MDRS Crew 220 Commander’s Report 22Jan2020
Commander: Shawna Pandya

Power to the (Martian) People!

Sol 3 and we have already come together admirably as a crew to rise to the occasion. As I understand it, for the first time in station history, over Sol 1 & 2, both the generator and the solar panels failed due to the Martian winter, and station power went down to a SOC of 0%, leaving us to place all EVAs and science on hold until we got back line. There are some who might shrink back from such a challenge – and there are those who rise, grow and become closer and stronger in the face of adversity. I am proud to say that MDRS Crew 220 is the latter. These strong men and women of Mars stepped up to the occasion, powered down, took the ~36hrs without electricity in stride. We shared experiences by flashlight, sang favorite tunes by guitar (like “Hallelujah” by Jeff Buckley), and did our best to look after each other’s mental and physical status. The fortitude that this crew has shown has made me proud.

Today, as the Hab got back online, we started to catch up on normal operations and getting our mission back on track. First, we restored power in a graded fashion, bringing essential electrical operations online first as the state-of-charge of the back-up batteries reached first 12, then 50 and finally 100%. We started with our radio chargers, followed by our life support suits for EVA and rovers and internet, followed by full operations. The rest of the day was spent bringing the mission back on track to achieving our objectives with respect to mission, exploration and science objectives, including planning EVAs and getting our science back online. We started the morning by doing EVA preparatory drills, to ensure that we knew our gear inside out, and could equip ourselves expediently in case of an emergency.

Next, we completed took part in a body mapping activity, where we outlined our bodies, and then mapped our physical, physiological and psychological states onto the posterboard. This crew has put a special emphasis on wellness, and this body-mapping activity comprised today’s wellness actviity. All in all, this crew has demonstrated incredible fortitude and resilience, but just as importantly, incredible compassion and humanity. We check in with each other, ensure we stay fed and hydrated, and look out for signs of distress, fatigue and over-exertion. I am honored to be amongst this crew.

Looking forward to the ensuing Sols,

Commander Pandya

Sol Summary – January 22nd

Crew 220

MDRS Crew 220 Sol 3 Summary 22Jan2020

Summary Title: WE HAVE THE POWER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Author’s name: Shawna Pandya, Commander
Mission Status: THE MOST NOMINAL WE’VE EVER BEEN
Sol Activity Summary: Praise Mars! Power was restored as a new generator came online today. We spent the day coming back online in a cautious graded fashion: first radios were charged, then suits and rovers and internet were plugged in as SOC increased past 12%, and finally the entire Hab came fully online as we got past SOC 50%. We are now sitting pretty at a SOC of 100% (SOC of our morale is also 100%).
Look Ahead Plan: The plan is to get the generator back online tomorrow, and spend the day getting the station comms, operations and science back online, with EVAs on hold until we are operational. Anomalies in work: Generator crisis resolved! THANK YOU OUTPOST FOR YOUR INCREDIBLE WORK! <3
Weather: -4C low / 3C max, 0C average.
Crew Physical Status: Electrified 🙂
EVA: N/A.
Reports to be filed:
Sol Summary
Commander’s Report
Ops/Engineering Report
GreenHab Report
Photo Report
EVA Request: Submitted.
Support Requested: Please remove trash from airlock.

Sol Summary – January 21st

MDRS 220 Sol 2 Summary 21Jan2020

Summary Title: Powerless
Author’s name: Shawna Pandya, Commander
Mission Status: Super not nominal
Sol Activity Summary: The Crew faced a Mars first: both the generator failed while the solar panels failed to charge during the previous day, leading to the dreaded 0% State of Charge, putting the station in a state of emergency for 24+ hours. The crew rose admirably to the occasion, using flashlights, propane power and bringing water in manually to deal with the situation. With no power to charge the rovers, suits or radio comms, all EVAs for the day were unfortunately cancelled. Our science that required internet and/or power was similarly put on hold. Despite this the crew proved their mettle and why they are “Made for Mars” with the mental resilience and good spirits. The crew still maintained co-station briefs and activities with the MAU crew, including singing, dancing, guitar playing, and bonding in a “Mars Sharing Circle.”
Look Ahead Plan: The plan is to get the generator back online tomorrow, and spend the day getting the station comms, operations and science back online, with EVAs on hold until we are operational. Anomalies in work: No power, no back up power 🙁 | Water access and propane heater still functioning. 🙂
Weather: Snow fell in the morning. -4C low / 3C max, 0C average. Crew Physical Status: All watered and fed.
EVA: N/A.
Reports to be filed:
Emergency reports only: Sol Summary, Ops/Engineering Report, GreenHab Report EVA Request: None until Generator back online.
Support Requested: Generator back pretty please <3

Mission Summary – Crew 219

ARES Mars Desert Research Station Mission Summary

ARES MDRS Scientific Research and Engineering Testing

Astrobiological Research and Education Society (ARES)

 

Mission Overview:

            The exploration of Mars has a myriad of physical and technical challenges that will demand the greatest ingenuity and moxie ever displayed by human explorers. To meet these challenges, STEM professionals use Mars Analogs like the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) to evaluate their procedures and technologies in a setting where challenges occur in real time. This provides feedback that permits space agencies to conduct safe and effective missions to Mars.

The Astrobiological Research and Education Society (ARES) was established to unite astrobiology scholars in the search for life and the study of Earth-born organisms that leave Earth. ARES engages in Mars analog studies for two justifications: to define the methods that which might detect life on Mars and to study biological sustainability techniques that facilitate long-duration habitation. Crew 219 came to MDRS with a variety of scientific and engineering-related challenges to expand on this work.

 

Crew Member Names and Roles:

Commander: David Masaitis

Executive Officer: Nathan Hadland

Lead Science Officer: Hannah Blackburn

Health and Safety Officer: Keith Crisman

GreenHab Officer: Cynthia Montanez

Astronomer: Robinson Raphael

Geologist: Abdul Elnajdi

Engineer: Alejandro Perez

 

Acknowledgments:

MDRS Crew 219 is supported by international partners including Florida Tech, Ball State University, Compass Equipment LLC, and Anker. We would also like to thank The Mars Society for providing three Scholarships to our IESL Crew 205 Veterans for this year’s visit. Outreach programs are ongoing using the following networks: ARES, Pi Lambda Phi Fraternity, and the Student Astronomical Society. We would like to thank several people: Dr. Andrew Palmer for his guidance, our outreach coordinator David Merced, Dr. Daniel Batcheldor, Dr. Sam Durrance, Dr. Saida Caballero, David Handy, MDRS Crew 205 (IESL), and you too!

 

Overview of Research

EVA Operations:

Crew 219 executed eighteen Extra-Vehicular Activities (EVAs), serving five of our seven projects. These projects collected data and we will begin post-mission analysis after our return. EVA’s consisted of geologic sampling for both mineralogical analysis and biological viability. We implemented Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), which are available as separate appendices.  After each EVA, biometrics data were collected for evaluation by the HSO.

 

Biometrics and Neurobehavioral Research Pertaining to Cardiovascular Health during EVAs

This was a two-series data collection taken concurrently: Series I focused on collection of biological metrics and Series II focused on collection of neurobehavioral metrics on varying schedules. Data collection for this research is nearly complete.  It should be noted that some metrics were skipped or eliminated at the discretion of the HSO:

  • Respiratory Rate (B4)
  • Modified DAN OSNE (N3)
  • Lower Extremity Measurements (B2)

Data collected was compiled in individual folders and broken down by Average (AVG) of individual metrics minus the Preliminary Collected Individual Metrics, Minimum Value (MIN), Maximum Value (MAX), Variation between MIN and MAX, and Variation from AVG and Preliminary Collected Individual Metrics.  The latter values were recorded on a master spreadsheet to compare crew metrics by averaging each and deriving the deviation from the average for each crewmember at each metric.  These will be combined with EVA data (time, duration, difficulty) and Sleep Logs to determine if the variations in and between crew members for each EVA were indicative of correlation between EVA and cardiovascular health decrement due to the high stress (physical and neurological) of long duration EVAs.

Further research would utilize in-situ recording devices during EVA, allowing for persistent data collection.  One could then derive EVA duration and cardiovascular workload within simulated environments such as MDRS and extend into real-world off-planet science.

 

UAV Transport and Deployment

The objective of this project was to flight test a specialized quad-rotor UAV developed at Florida Tech. This preliminary phase of development is focused on the transportation, assembly, and deployment in a field environment. While later phases will focus on the more specialized performance aspects of the UAV, this mission sought to evaluate challenges involved in transport, deployment, and flight testing.

The UAV was assembled, and its camera assembly tested. During initial power-on, motors 1 and 2 tested successfully, but motors 3 and 4 failed to turn. Computerized diagnostics reflected the presence of the failing motors, so it was determined that further testing should be postponed in favor of fault isolation.

Fault isolation continued through the duration of the mission and revealed mechanical and electrical quality control issues that were not apparent when the UAV was collapsed into transport configuration. Due to a thorough investigation by the Engineer and his documentation of discovered issues, the UAV’s design team will have an evaluated list of repairs and improvements to make before it returns with next year’s mission.

 

Dust Mitigation for Optical Mirrors

Many telescopes rely on the detection of light after being reflected by mirrors. Environmental dust on these mirrors can cause obstructions or distortions of captured imagery. Removing it without damaging the mirror is time consuming. In this project, we tested known cleaning methods for optical mirrors in a Mars-like environment. We brought two 135 mm mirrors and a mount which were set up outside the Hab for 4 Sols. This served as a baseline for the effects of weather on an open optical mount. The mirrors were brought inside and given several days to remain undisturbed. Dust was introduced to the mirrors manually and 4 cleaning methods were tested. These methods are listed from most to least effective:

  • Contact method (no cleaning solution): Optical brushes and cotton fiber swab
  • Contact method (non-alcoholic): Lens tissue with optical screen cleaner (altura)
  • Contact method (alcoholic): Cotton swabs and balls with rubbing alcohol
  • Non-contact method: Blower

Methods were evaluated for time, simplicity, and effectiveness. Overall, the optical mirror brush proved the simplest and most effective for dust mitigation on Mars.

 

Astrophotography of Celestial Bodies

Using the MDRS-14 telescope, we observed celestial bodies to investigate the effect of various filters. Calibration and stacking of images was performed with AstroImageJ. Procedures were implemented to account for weather and atmospheric distortion. These methods include choosing the best fits file for each filter prior to calibrating and stacking as well as repeating observations for celestial bodies. The Discovery object observations planned were scrapped due to weather.

Observations conducted at MDRS included:

  • M32
  • NGC 7318
  • NGC 1068
  • Little Dumbbell Nebula
  • Whirlpool Galaxy
  • M40
  • NGC 4258

Celestial bodies observed had two images generated: one composed of the Johnson-Cousins filter set (B, V, R) and the other composed of a generic filter set (Generic R, Generic V, Generic B). In addition to filters used, the noticeable differences in both images depended on the size and brightness of the object. An example is provided:

                Whirlpool Galaxy (Color Image and Generic Color Image)

Using a set of generic filters alters the appearance of a celestial body from its color as the filters are not a single color. Generic filters made images brighter as opposed to the Johnson-Cousin set, but generic images tend to skew the quality of the image. Future work will test a wider range of celestial bodies with distinct characteristics and a wider variety of filters.

 

Remediation of Mars Regolith

This investigation consisted of regolith samples inoculated by cyanobacteria to examine mineralogical changes through primary and auto-succession. The intent was to take biologically inert regolith and transform it into substrate for food production. Regolith characteristics of interest were clumping, wettability, and chemical and textural changes. Four samples of regolith were collected during EVA missions. The cyanobacteria used in this study was Anabaena cylindrica.

Daily measurements of cellular density were taken to measure population variations. Initial density was 1.78 x 105 cells/mL, an order of magnitude less than laboratory cellular density values. There was a significant change in algal color during transportation, which indicated a decrease in chlorophyll a and cell death. Low cell count and color change likely occurred due to lack of light and low temperature exposure. Cellular revitalization would have exceeded mission duration, so initial counts were taken and regolith samples were immediately inoculated. Three groups for each regolith sample were tested:

9 mL of regolith, 3 mL of media, and 1 mL of A. cylindrica

9 mL of regolith and 1 mL of A. cylindrica

9 mL of regolith (control)

After four days, no viable A. cylindrica were viewed in the samples. A. cylindrica did not survive the inoculation process, due to low initial cell count and continued exposure to temperatures below 15°C.

Upon completion of the Mars analog mission, follow up assessments will be made by using Electron Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to identify changes in the regolith. We investigated the properties of the regolith as compared to controls to observe the effects of A. cylindrica. Though this study did not result in an observable growth or decay in cyanobacteria population, we were able to investigate the regolith’s clumping, texture, and dryness. Further analysis will be completed back at Florida Tech.

 

Chemical and Mineralogical Composition of the MDRS Site

This research used collected samples from the MDRS region to determine chemical and mineralogical compositions of regolith using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis. Through small samples of regolith, we can infer the mineralogy, composition, and grade of the surrounding region.

The following steps have been completed for Crew 219’s mission:

  • Collected samples at 13 sites in the greater MDRS region and marked with GPS points.
  • Dried in an oven at 100 C0 and cleaned of impurities and plant roots. The samples were then sifted to two different sizes: 60m and 5m.
  • The samples were placed in special containers for shipment.
  • Run XRD and XRF analysis. This will take place in the geochemistry labs at Florida Tech and Ball State University.
  • Generation of a GIS map of the mineralogical composition of the site for future crews to use.

 

Protocols for the Discovery of Life on Mars

Crewed expeditions to Mars will need methods to identify and characterize extraterrestrial biology. Given the persistence of water on Mars, it is possible that life has or may exist on the surface. Our research focused on three categories of samples collected:

  • Known sources of microbial life (i.e. standing water, lichen, etc.)
  • Fossilized invertebrates (i.e. gryphea) as a proxy for extinct life
  • Random samples

Samples were photographed and collected for further study using fractal analysis, a possible method in the identification of extraterrestrial life. Previous work has demonstrated that fractals are an indicator of life on a microscopic and macroscopic scale. Using fractal patterns instead of chemical signatures allows us to identify non-standard biology on other planets. We took macroscopic and microscopic images of the types of samples listed above. Using FrAn, a Python program, we will analyze images for their fractal dimension or “D” value (Azua-Bustos and Vega-Martinez 2013).  This analysis will be performed upon return.

Future work will use images taken by our UAV and processed in FrAn. Using a UAV to identify areas with a greater “D” value can prioritize EVA sites as potential habitats, allowing astronauts to focus on the most promising locations.

 

Recommended Standard Operating Procedures and Inventories

Crew 219 tested procedures and checklists developed by Crew 205 (IESL), designed to improve crew efficacy. These procedures focused on improved performance for EVAs, tasks for Crew Engineers, HSOs, and team leaders. These task sheets were printed and laminated prior to rotation and will be handed to the assistant director upon completion of the mission. They will also be available digitally as a collection of appendices.

 

Recommended Update to Pre-Mission HSO Checklist Rationale

Crew 219’s HSO used his extensive safety and human-factors background to make a pointed re-evaluation of the HSO Pre-Mission Checklist, as included in the mission appendices.  The rationale behind these suggestions are based on efficiency and ergonomics of safety systems inspection and inventories, and bolster risk analysis and mitigation.

 

 

Operations Report – January 20th

   

Crew 220 Operations Report

SOL:1

Submitting Report: Alyx Skywalker, Crew Scientist (Engineer unavailable to report)

Non-nominal Systems: Generator

Generator: Inoperable

Hours Run: 0

Generator running times (Radio Outpost for info) Start Time (HH:MM) = N/A

End Time (HH:MM) = N/A

Total Run time (Hrs) = 0

Solar—SOC %: 0

Diesel Reading: 49%

Station Propane Reading: 25%

Ethanol Free Gasoline: N/A

Water (Loft Tank): 34 gallons in tank

Water Meter: 148,001.8

Water (Static Tank): 487

Static to Loft Pump used – No

Water in GreenHab—245.5 gallons (6.5 gallons for plants, 8 gallons taken to Hab in state of Emergency)

Water in Science Dome: N/A

Toilet Tank Emptied: No

EVA 1

Spirit Rover Used: Yes

Hours: 127.3

Beginning Charge: 100%

Ending Charge: 84%

Currently Charging: Yes

Curiosity Rover Used: Yes

Hours: 133.0

Beginning Charge: 100%

Ending Charge: 87%

Currently Charging: Yes

EVA 2

Spirit Rover Used: Yes

Hours: 127.7

Beginning Charge: 100%

Ending Charge: 78%

Currently Charging: Yes

Curiosity Rover Used: Yes

Hours:133.7

Beginning Charge: 100%

Ending Charge: 72%

Currently Charging: Yes

Notes on Rovers: None

ATV’s Used: None

HabCar Used and why, where? Did not use today.

General Notes and Comments: None

Summary of Internet: 300mb

Summary of Suits and Radios: Suits are in good working conditions. During our EVAs many of our Radios died despite being fully charged. Currently all the yellow radios work and only 2 blue ones are working. We are charging all radios to test them once charged. Additionally, we only have 2 headsets that worked during our EVAs today.

Summary of Hab Operations: We have been operating on a state of emergency power due to the generator not being functional. We have used minimal lighting and are currently on flashlight power. We have not used Hab power for charging devices today although we did charge the spacesuits, radios and rovers. We did not fill the Loft tank today and have been using as little water that is driven from a pump as possible today to conserve what power we had.

Summary of GreenHab Operations: See GreenHab report

Summary of ScienceDome Operations: No operations today

Summary of RAM Operations: No operations today

Summary of any observatory issues: No issues

Summary of Health and Safety issues: See Health and Safety Report

Questions, concerns and requests to Mission Support: We just request to be kept appraised of the generator situation, especially to be notified when the state of emergency is over or any updates as to the duration of the state of emergency so that we can take appropriate steps.

Journalist Report – January 20th

   

Crew 220 MDRS Journalist Report 20Jan2020

Author: Connie Delisle, Crew Journalist

Sol 2

Title: Off to the (Mars) Races!

The morning arrived early. The night preceding ended with a flurry of activity in preparing reports, sorting through mission logistics and delineating crew roles. The challenges of ICE Environments are becoming evident, and the crew is already rising to the occasion.

During the morning brief, the MAU and MDRS teams conducted a joint briefing on the proposed joint mission EVAs and mission ops/logistics.

The excitement of this first mission captivated all and many heart-felt shares were offered in wrapping up the meeting. The MAU crew reported making further progress towards station operational efficiency, elated at the challenges and projects ahead.

The morning’s EVA began just before 10:00 am. The MDRS team leader and 2 crew members suited up and walked to the MAU station to join their counterparts. Together, they commenced to shuttle members to the rendezvous point (Marble Ritual). This was followed by a walk around the area prior to returning to their respective stations. This same procedure was repeated for the afternoon EVA which began at 13:30 with the crew members who had stayed behind in the morning. The key difference between EVAs was that the morning’s mission was truncated due to the later start time. Both missions were completed within the set time limit and met mission objectives. Crews are now familiar with the process of donning, doffing, use of the rovers and communications. Follow on EVAs are expected to reinforce familiarity and improve communications consistency.

See photos (separately sent)

Connie Delisle, PhD, MDRS Journalist Crew 220

Sol Summary – January19th

MAU-MDRS Crew 220

Sol Summary Report 19-01-2020

Sol: Pre-Sim Day 1

Summary Title: All Our Bags Are Packed, We’re Ready to Go…

Author’s name: Shawna Pandya, Commander

Mission Status: Really really nominal

Sol Activity Summary: Today both MAU & MDRS crews set about preparing to enter sim in the AM. For the MDRS crew, this entailed cleaning the Hab, moving supplies and personal gear into the hab, sorting and dividing up food rations with the MAU crew, completing the MDRS entry quiz (the crew of 12 passed on the first try – well done!), completing Hab orientation, undergoing EVA and rover training and finishing the night up with a joint MDRS-MAU dinner, completing pre-sim surveys and briefing a plan for tomorrow. From the MAU side, in addition to the above, the crew finished setting up base camp and established an internal power system (great job guys!!)

Look Ahead Plan: Sim starts tomorrow. First reconnaissance EVAs with station-to-station EVA coordination planned, 2 in the AM (1 for MAU, 1 for MDRS), and 2 in the afternoon (1 for MAU, 1 for MDRS). MAU crew to continue to optimize base camp set-up.

Anomalies in work: Network failure noted at 1800 local time – network status restored; Generator failure noted – currently on Emergency power protocol with minimal power usage. MAU – No anomalies.

Weather: 0C in AM, 10C in the afternoon, light to no wind with thin cloud cover.

Crew Physical Status: All well (MAU crew says they are really, really cold but are establishing heat with the new internal systems (hooray!). MDRS sympathizes with them).

EVA: N/A.
Reports to be filed:
Sol Summary
Journalist’s Summary
Ops/Engineering Report
Photo Report
GreenHab Report
Support Requested: Will leave trash in rear airlock tonight.

Commander Report – January 18th

Crew 219 Commander’s Report, 18-01-2020

Author: Dave Masaitis, Commander

SOL 13

Peace on Mars, and Goodwill To Crews

It was the Summer of 2017 when I spoke to Nathan on the phone and told him he should have a look at the MDRS website. He was busy with a summer internship in Tennessee, and asked me to give him a run-down. I told him it was a Mars analog in the Utah desert, and it could be a valuable resource for the members of our organization to send crews to evaluate our work. After some discussion, we both agreed that we should bring it to the rest of the membership in the fall with the intent of submitting an application. Three years and two MDRS missions later, and I am shaking hands with Commander Pandya of Crew 220, to transfer responsibility of the MDRS campus at sunset.

I took an out-of-sim hike up North Ridge with others from Crew 219 today, to show them the absolutely breathtaking view that Nathan, Hannah, and I had the pleasure of seeing as members of Crew 205. In their words it was another life-altering experience, but for me personally, it was finally an opportunity after quite a number of persistently busy years and back-to-back missions to stop and reflect. The air was clear, the sun was shining and there was a steady but light breeze from the northwest. It has been an extremely long road to this point, rife with challenges, but we made it. We all made it. We did it together, but I can no longer contain the pride and excitement that I feel having had the honor of leading the first All-Florida-Tech crew through this experience, especially knowing that more will follow.

We selected and trained an exceptional crew, who stayed motivated and cheerful while they accomplished a lion’s share of high-fidelity science and engineering. Their diligence and
professionalism is a testament to each of their characters, but their willingness to greet adversity with a smile and a laugh is a testament to their spirits. I am humbled to have shared this time with them, and I couldn’t have asked for a better group of peers, friends, and colleagues.

This afternoon we had the opportunity to meet and train a new group of selected professionals, each with their own stories, capabilities, and expectations. I think I can speak for all of Crew 219 when I say that we are extremely excited to see the work that Crew 220 produces in their time here, so we have been doing everything we can to help them get up to speed and get situated for their time here. After I finish writing this, we will take pictures and eat dinner together, and by 0500 in the morning, we will be leaving this mission on Mars in their capable hands.

I am grateful to Dr. Robert Zubrin and Dr. Shannon Rupert for giving us this incredible opportunity. I am thankful for the diligence and hard work of Atila Meszaros and David Mateus as well as the slew of wonderful volunteers and members of CapCom and the Mars Society that provided us with knowledge and support along our journey. I am thankful for the support and encouragement provided by Florida Tech and our sponsors.

I am humbled and grateful, but not heartbroken. We did what we came here to do, and now it’s time to go. Now it’s time to return to Florida and prepare another crew. Now it’s time to embrace new challenges in exploration, both in the sky and the sea. Now it’s time to keep pushing the boundaries of human experience; to go where others will not, to see what we did not even know to look for.

Onward.

Dave Masaitis

Commander, Crew 219

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