Author: jburk

MDRS Commander Report 25JAN2020

Sol 6

Author: Shawna Pandya, Commander

Title: A solset on MDRS, a solrise on MAU

Today was a different day – the MDRS and MAU crew rendezvoused at MAU station to focus on crew training, learning and growth. In the morning, the crews worked on personal growth exercises based on the book "The New Right Stuff" and went through the questions in the book. Next, after a team lunch, the medically trained personnel of the team took the rest of the crew through a medical simulation, followed by principles of medical triage in a trauma scenario, and practicing these drills. Next, one of the crew members demonstrated the use of their "Golden Bubble" device, designed to transport injured astronauts in a trauma scenario. The rest of the evening passed by with body-mapping artistic activities, training on a VR device, being briefed on communications in the field and a "Grand Rounds" academic presentation.

Every day on Mars brings its challenges, but plants do not blossom without rain. For this crew’s personal growth, life on Mars -is- the rain.

On a personal note, tomorrow myself and the XO move out to take command of MAU station. We are impressed with what the current crew has achieved, and knowing XO Svensoy and working with him as well as I do, we very much look forward to conducting MAU Operations as a team.

Till the Next Sol,

Commander Pandya

MDRS MAU Commander Report 25JAN2020

Sol 6

Title: Learning Medical Trauma Response and Demo New Invention

Author: Commander John Hanacek

Today was the start of crew medical training, learning protocol for first response trauma medicine. We drilled with a scenario of a crew member who hurt their leg. I found my training as a CA state parks beach lifeguard coming back to me, yet I was a little rusty! We are privileged here to have two three medical doctors, two who are experts in trauma medicine, one who works in hospital and one with deep field experience, and an ex special forces soldier to assist in training. I have been looking forward to this mission to grow my skills under the supervision of these professionals in this austere, isolated environment. Many members of the crew have no formal medical training and so this is a fascinating opportunity to test training of life-saving skills. If we are to thrive on Mars, we are required to have intimate knowledge of field medical skills. Plus, one crew member has brought in an invention, “The Golden Bubble,” a pressurized field medical system that is meant to enable the successful stabilization and transport of injured astronauts even if their pressure suits are compromised. We will be testing our skills and this unique technology on future medical EVAs. We are all looking forward to such a unique opportunity.

Tomorrow the MDRS and MAU crews will switch places. This is the next stage of the unique ‘station to station’ experiment going on here and will represent a fresh opportunity to see a new side of the Martian terrain and a new experience for all of us.

Sol 5

Author: Shawna Pandya, Commander

Title: Learn, Baby, Learn…

Today was an incredible day of learning. I started the day awakening at MAU station, having spent the night there, as a means of pre-orientating to the MAU station operations. It won’t be long now, but we will be switching over at Sol 7. I am thrilled and amazed at the balmy desert paradise that the MAU station has created amidst a lone and frigid red jewel, and look forward to building on the work that MAU crew as started as we transition over next week.

Next, we attempted our first medical EVA drill, intended to be a joint medical drill. Unfortunately, we immediately ran into issues with our communications as soon as we stepped out. Additionally, one of the MDRS EVA crew members experienced some issues and needed to return to MDRS station. Once outside MDRS, we attempted to continue to troubleshoot the comms issues, but ultimately called off the EVA because of ongoing issues.

I am extremely proud of what happened next. The MAU and MDRS crews sat down together to debrief about the lessons learned, and also made the difficult, but correct call to abort the afternoon EVA as we worked to compile a list of lessons learned, and abort criteria for future EVAs. I am sharing some of the list elements here, in hopes that it will be of use for future crews:
(1) Equipment/suit failures;
(2) Medical emergencies;
(3) EVA exceeds pre-planned "return-to-base" time;
(4) If every EVA member is not able to complete the EVA;
(5) Predetermined comms criteria are not met; and/or
(6) Team determines that there is a valid safety concern with proceeding

Sometimes in order to hit your objectives, you have to go through the nitty-gritty details to set yourselves up for success on future operations. I feel we achieved this today, and am proud of my MAU-MDRS Martians for working the problem in a disciplined and methodical fashion. Mars. Whatever. It. Takes.

Commander Pandya
Over and Out

MDRS – MAU Commander Report Sol 5 24-01-2020

Sol 5

Title: The Gift of An EVA Abort

Author: Commander John Hanacek

When things don’t go to plan, sometimes it can serve as a powerful gift. Today’s EVA was meant to serve as a medical training scenario using previously gathered coordinates. Instead it turned into a deeply useful learning and coordination opportunity for both stations’ EVA crews. Our post EVA debrief led to a productive session of solidifying EVA abort criteria, and tangible lessons and improvements in intra-team communications, both over the radio and as a group. The debrief went into the time allotted for the second EVA, which the commanders cancelled. We spent the rest of the day catching up on science and connecting as a crew. As commander of MAU station, I am deeply grateful that we were able to achieve a positive outcome despite needing to abort an EVA. The crew performed admirably with adverse comms conditions We revealed that we had some structural issues with our communications technology, and techniques, and we were unclear about abort protocols. After this morning’s EVA, this is no longer the case. These kinds of lessons are powerful gifts, they show the cracks without breaking the vase. I am deeply grateful to the crew for problem solving as best they could in adverse conditions, and for each bringing their unique background, knowledge and experience to the post EVA briefing. Together we were able to achieve a new level of understanding with each other, and solidify protocols for the unique station to station situation. As pioneers of the station to station paradigm, we are pushing the envelope with coordination between teams. As astronauts we are committed to safety even before our heart felt desire to explore and learn on Mars.

– John