Author: jburk

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Operations Report – February 12th

Crew 205 Operations Report 12 – FEB – 2019

SOL: 2

Name of person filing report: Veronica Trivino

Non-nominal systems: Generator

Notes on non-nominal systems: Radiator hoses and alternator need replacement on generator. A contractor has been arranged to make these repairs within a few days.

Generator (hours run): Turned on this evening by 1708 (12thFeb), Stopped by this morning 0730 (12thFeb)

Solar— SOC % – Turned off Gen (12th Feb) 33%, Turned on Gen (12th Feb) 69%

Diesel Reading – 100%

Propane Reading – ~ 50%

Ethanol Free Gasoline – 10 gallons

Water (Auxillary tank) – Not in use gallons

Water (Static tank) – around 77%, ~ 422 gallons

Auxillary to Static tank transfer – No

Gallons transferred: Not Applicable

Water in GreenHab – ~ 276.5 gallons

Water (loft) – 12 marked level

Static to Loft Pump used – yes

Water Meter: 01411709 units

Toilet tank emptied: Yes

Deimos rover used: No, still not functional

Hours: N/A

Beginning charge: N/A

Ending charge: N/A

Currently charging: N/A

Sojourner rover used: ASSIGNED TO DIRECTOR

Hours: Not Applicable

Beginning charge: Not Applicable

Ending charge: Not Applicable

Currently charging: Not Applicable

Opportunity rover used: Used

Hours: 49.6 hours

Beginning charge: 100%

Ending charge: 61%

Currently charging: Yes

Curiosity rover used: Not Used

Hours: 73.6 hours

Beginning charge: 100%

Ending charge: 100%

Currently charging: Yes

Spirit rover used: Used

Hours: 73.7

Beginning charge: 100%

Ending charge: 40%

Currently charging: Yes

Notes on rovers: Spirit was accidentally left on after returned from EVA no.1. Engineer when checking readings in the evening turned it off. It was charged to 100% when checked by engineer.

ATV’s Used: N/A

Reason for use: Not used

Oil Added? N/A

ATV Fuel Used: N/A

# Hours the ATVs were Used today: None

Notes on ATVs: None

HabCar used and why, where? N/A

Crew Car used and why, where? Not used

General notes and comments: None

Summary of internet: Nothing to report

Summary of suits and radios: Several suits with fan broken. Other suits had not finished charging by the time the second EVA preparation had begun, even though they were set to charge as soon as the crew from the first EVA came back. One of the suit chargers is not functional. More information was sent to Atila/Mission support in an email.

Summary of Hab operations: Nothing to report.

Summary of Green Hab operations: Nothing to report

Summary of Science Dome operations: Nothing to report

Summary of RAM operations: Nothing to report

Summary of any observatory issues: Nothing to report.

Summary of health and safety issues: Nothing to report

Questions, concerns and requests to Mission Support: None

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Greenhab Report – February 12th

Crew 205 Green Hab Report – 12-FEB-2019

GreenHab Officer: Nathan Hadland

Environmental control: Heating and Cooling w/ ambient air (4 hrs)

Shade Cloth (40%)

Average temperatures:

Low: 17.7°C

High: 27.9°C

Hours of supplemental light: 5 Hours

Daily water usage for crops: 12 gallons

Water in Blue Tank: ~ 276.5 gallons

Time(s) of watering for crops:

TIME NOTED TEMPERATURE(° C ) / HUMIDITY(%) [AT TIME OF WATERING]

1) 09.00 AM 19.5° C / 54 %
2) 12.00 PM 27.6° C / 28 %
3) 15:30 PM 19.8° C / 63 %
4) 18:15 PM 18.7° C / 45 %

Changes to crops: None

Narrative: Today we continued sample collection on EVA’s for the regolith samples for the nutrient supplementation experiments (see mission summary). We also began characterizing regolith samples and took photographs underneath the dissection microscope. A more thorough analysis of the samples will be available in tomorrow’s science report. The A. Thaliana seeds were washed and placed on germination plates last night and we expect germination to be in initial stages tomorrow.

Additionally, we took photographs of the dissected cucumber samples under the optical microscope and found evidence of degraded cell structure, likely from the fungi growing on the dead plants. More information and photos will be available in tomorrow’s science report as well.

We removed 1 dead sunflower from its grow bed to prevent the spread of mold. Similarly, we removed 1 dead Red Leaf Lettuce from its pot. Additionally, we groomed dead biomass (fallen leaves/stems) from several of the grow beds. We also harvested small amounts of oregano, parsley and lemon basil for lunch.

Harvest: 1/3 g Oregano

1/3 g Parsley

1/3 g Lemon basil

6.3 g of dead material (including dead cucumbers)

Support/supplies needed: None.

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Astronomy Report – February 12th

Crew 205 Astronomy Report 12 Feb 2019

Crew Astronomer: Ghanim Alotaibi

MDRS ROBOTIC OBSERVATORY

Robotic Telescope Requested: MDRS-14

Objects Viewed: ASASSN-V J081823.00-111138.9. I called it MDRS Target 1 in Skynet (RA: 08 18 23.00 , DEC: -11 11 38.9). The observations are planned to be 120 s exposure time with the B filter and 60 s with the V filter. 9 exposures were requested for a period of about 3 hours. A photometry value was calculated for the target SY MON (that was observed in 11 Feb 2019), and the photometry value was found to be 14.147. This value will be submitted to the AAVSO.

Problems Encountered: Nothing to mention

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Journalist Report – February 11th

Crew 205 Crew Journalist Report 11-FEB-2019 Sol 1

Author: Maria Grulich

Title: One small step…

Today we woke up on Mars! The weather looks great, the Red Planet is really showing us its best side. We are just not sure what the white crystal soil is outside…

The morning was preparing for our first crew EVA: Daniel (HSO), Dave (XO), Hannah (COMMS) and Nathan (GHO) are ready to step on Mars to explore the wonders of the Red Planet. Due to the unexpected white crystal soil, crew 205 was instructed to a different location closer located to the hab, near the rock formation known as the “Kissing Camel”. Maria (Media) was in the role of Hab Control as EVA support.

The EVA started with getting into the rovers which seems to be challenging to get used to, due to the size of the space suit (described as “a mid-western barn” by our XO). Once at the location, the new habitants of Mars collected their first samples. These samples will be used later for growing plants in the base’s GreenHab. Communication between Hab and EVA1 crew was difficult due to issues with microphones and distortion.

The second EVA at 1500 with Natalia (Commander), Ghanim (Astro), Veronica (Engineer) and Maria (Media) was supported by Daniel and Hannah as Hab Control. The sun was shining and walking on the red planet was a lot harder than expected. The EVA2 crew members collected another sample.

Earlier than expected the crew experienced rising temperatures in their suits and increasing fog affecting the view. The EVA2 crew therefore decided to return early to avoid overheating. Walking on Mars seems to be easier than it actually is.

The support crew was ready to welcome them with water to cool everyone down.

The lesson for the following days is to reduce the number of layers EVA crews wear, as due to the additional weight of the space suits the body temperature is raised naturally and less warm clothing is needed.

The day was closed with our first dinner on Mars serving mashed potatoes, spam and the first harvested carrots of the Green Hab!

We are very excited for the days to come and hope that we keep the spirit up!

Ad Astra!

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Operations Report – February 11th

rew 205 Operations Report 11 – FEB – 2019

SOL: 1

Name of person filing report: Veronica Trivino

Non-nominal systems: None

Notes on non-nominal systems: N/A

Generator (hours run): Turned on this evening by 1730 (11th Feb), Stopped by this morning 0730 (11th Feb)

Solar— SOC % – Turned off Gen (11th Feb) 21%, Turned on Gen (11th Feb) 70%

Diesel Reading – 25%

Propane Reading – ~ 50%

Ethanol Free Gasoline – 10 gallons

Water (Auxillary tank) – Not in use gallons

Water (Static tank) – around 88%, ~ 485 gallons

Auxillary to Static tank transfer – No

Gallons transferred: Not Applicable

Water in GreenHab – ~ 288.5 gallons

Water (loft) – 12 marked level

Static to Loft Pump used – yes

Water Meter: 01411118 units

Toilet tank emptied: No

Deimos rover used: No, still not functional

Hours: N/A

Beginning charge: N/A

Ending charge: N/A

Currently charging: N/A

Sojourner rover used: ASSIGNED TO DIRECTOR

Hours: Not Applicable

Beginning charge: Not Applicable

Ending charge: Not Applicable

Currently charging: Not Applicable

Opportunity rover used: Used

Hours: 49.2 hours

Beginning charge: 100%

Ending charge: 86%

Currently charging: Yes

Curiosity rover used: Not Used

Hours: 73.6 hours

Beginning charge: 100%

Ending charge: 100%

Currently charging: Yes

Spirit rover used: Used

Hours: 73.2

Beginning charge: 100%

Ending charge: 85%

Currently charging: Yes

Notes on rovers: None

ATV’s Used: None

Reason for use: Not used

Oil Added? N/A

ATV Fuel Used: N/A

# Hours the ATVs were Used today: None

Notes on ATVs: None

HabCar used and why, where? Yes, Off campus

Crew Car used and why, where? Not used

General notes and comments: None

Summary of internet: Nothing to report

Summary of suits and radios: Suit 10 – Fan broken. Email sent to to Scott for repair aid.

Summary of Hab operations: Nothing to report.

Summary of Green Hab operations: Nothing to report

Summary of Science Dome operations: We were operating the autoclave by the handbook that was provided and as the pressure began to rise to the optimal pressure, it began to drop suddenly. We found that there was a leak out of the threads of the pressure valve that attaches the whole valve assembly to the lid, probably because it was not tightened properly. In order to remedy that, the XO got an adjustable wrench and made a tightening quarter turn on the valve, which caused the leak to stop and pressure, began to rise again. However, a minute later, the upper pressure release segment popped off. Upon inspection, we found that the valve sheared where pressure normally releases. It appears that the valve was already weakened as it sheared cleanly. No threads were damaged, so if a replacement valve assembly can be obtained, the issue should be repairable. The minimum sterilization pressure (17 psi) was obtained only momentarily and no higher pressures were experienced.

Summary of RAM operations: Nothing to report

Summary of any observatory issues: Nothing to report.

Summary of health and safety issues: EVA 2 encountered 2 cases of overheating crew, one light, one more significant. All treated and crew were healthy again within 25 mins. See more in HSO report.

Questions, concerns and requests to Mission Support: None

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Sol Summary – February 11th

Sol: 1

Summary Title: First day

Author’s name: Natalia Larrea

Mission Status: Nominal

Sol Activity Summary: Today was the first day of sim. We woke up looking at the snowy Martian landscape from our small windows in the Hab. Slowly, we are adapting to the life here. We are getting familiar with our new home and our new crew family. We began the day by removing the snow from the ground in the tunnels and enjoying breakfast all together. Today we had the opportunity to experience our first EVAs. The snow however, introduced some changes to our initial plans. The first EVA team scheduled in the morning, originally planning to reach the White Moon area, was redirected to Kissing Camel Ridge. The team conducted some sample collection and explored the area. The second EVA team in the afternoon headed to North Ridge. Due to the hot weather, the team came back earlier than expected. We learned the challenges of moving around with the spacesuit under the “Martian” sun. Meanwhile, we started our project on food production in regolith; although it was challenged with some issues with the autoclave. We harvested some of the carrots from the GreenHab. We also performed our first astronomical observation (we expect to download the data later today).

In the evening, we did inventory of the food that we received today (shipped form “Earth”), arranged the kitchen and held our daily crew meeting. Tonight, a nice dinner including those Martian harvested carrots is waiting for us!

Looking Ahead Plan: Tomorrow we plan to also conduct two EVAs following the original plans scheduled for today: one team will head to The Moon area; the second team will head to North Ridge. We will test the drones for our EVA navigation projects, continue regolith sample collections, and continue working on the other research projects and duties (including photometry astronomical analysis, GreenHab and outreach activities).

Anomalies in work: None

Weather: Light snow on the ground in the morning. Clear skies all day long.

Crew Physical Status: Nominal

EVA:

EVA#01: 4249300,518100

EVA#02: 4250500, 518400

Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, EVA request, EVA Reports, Operations Report, Greenhab Report, Journalist Report, HSO report, Mission plan, Astronomy Report.

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Astronomy Report – February 11th

Crew 205 Astronomy Report 11 Feb 2019

Crew Astronomer: Ghanim Alotaibi

MDRS ROBOTIC OBSERVATORY

Robotic Telescope Requested:MDRS-14

Objects Viewed: SY MON variable star was requested for observation in Skynet in 10 Feb 2019 night at about 9:15 Local Time. 60 seconds exposure time using V filter was requested for the purpose of photometry.

Problems Encountered: The crew was informed that Skynet is not working properly in the past days due to a software glitch. No Data was obtained the night of 10 Feb 2019. However, this morning we were informed Skynet was nominal working correctly. We expect the observation to have been conducted this evening. We will try to download the data later tonight, and continue conducting photometry tomorrow morning.

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Greenhab Report – February 11th

Crew 205 Green Hab Report – 11-FEB-2019

GreenHab Officer: Nathan Hadland

Environmental control: Heating and Cooling w/ ambient air (5 hrs)

Shade Cloth (40%)

Average temperatures:

Low: 17.1°C

High: 26.4°C

Hours of supplemental light: 5 Hours

Daily water usage for crops: 11.5 gallons

Water in Blue Tank: ~ 288.5 gallons

Time(s) of watering for crops:

TIME NOTED TEMPERATURE(° C ) / HUMIDITY(%)
[AT TIME OF WATERING]

1) 09.00 AM 19.9° C / 33 %
2) 12.00 PM 25.2° C / 62 %
3) 15:30 PM 20.5° C / 22 %
4) 18:15 PM 19.1° C / 48 %

Changes to crops: None

Narrative: I scrapped 2 of the cucumber experiments and set the plant material aside for later analysis. We prepared some wet mount slides and analyzed the samples under the microscope in the science dome and found nothing unusual with regards cell structure. However, the discoloration and dry material leads us to believe that they died of nitrogen deficiency and improper watering. We will continue analysis at a later date. I am attempting to salvage three of the cucumbers that appear to still be living. In addition, I prepped the tomato pots so they are ready for the seed arrival.

In the large planter, we dug up all of the carrots that were growing wrong areas and replanted them in one section (as I mentioned in my last report, they were clearly taking over the planter and causing nitrogen deficiency on the other crops). In the rearranging process, we freed up a lot of room for the tomatoes in the planter and we intend on using some of the seeds we received to add to the number of tomato plants in the planter.

I also harvested many of the larger carrot crops and we separated the carrots from the carrot greens. We dried out the greens using the ovens for our In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) study on cellulosic ethanol production (see the GreenHab section in the mission summary report). The harvest is being used for roasted carrots for dinner!

I started autoclaving pipet tips and microcentrifuge tubes, however, we had issues with the autoclave (refer to tonight’s operations report). Once the autoclave cools, later tonight we will start the procedure for germinating the Arabidopsis thaliana seeds and plating on the germination plates. We will put those plates in the GreenHab and expect germination within the next few days. Today, we started sampling regolith on EVA for later physical property characterization. Once the A. thaliana germinates, we will transfer the seedlings to the regolith we identify as the best substrates.

Harvest: Carrots: 314 g total weight

124 wet weight of carrot greens

190 g of carrots

23 g dry weight of inedible cellulosic material

Support/supplies needed: None.

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Journalist Report – February 9th

Crew 205 Crew Journalist Report 10-FEB-2019 Sol 0

Author: Maria Grulich

Title: Landing on Mars and Handover of Command

3…2…1 Mars is calling, and we must go! The Eagle has landed! After spending several months preparing for this mission, 8 crew members from the USA, Spain, Germany, UK and Kuwait arrived at the lab.

The first day was focusing on exchanging information and get hands on learning how to run the MDRS. Everyone was talking about how to cook on Mars, maintaining the water, and living in the isolation of Mars. The night provided us with a gorgeous view of the stars. Thousands of stars above us like we have never seen before, it is breath taking!

Today the crew woke up after a night inside the Hab, which hosted 12 Martians. Blueberry pancakes with maple syrup and coffee put energy inside every crew member.

Early in the morning the two crews gathered outside to take pictures and watch the handover of command. Avishek, the commander from crew 204, shook Natalia´s hand with a smile to pass her the responsibility of commanding the International Emerging Space Leaders Crew 205. Two exciting weeks with a lot of experiments, EVAs and studies to understand leadership in such a diverse crew are ahead of us.

But SAFETY first! So we held a briefing with Attila at 1100. At 1500 the first group of four gathered to get familiar with the rovers and the second crew followed in the afternoon.

Tonight, Crew 205 will hold its first team meeting to go over our research goals, tomorrow´s EVAs, and the standard ISS voice protocol.

Tomorrow we will enter the sim and we can’t wait!

Ad Astra!

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