Crew Photos – April 17th
Journalist Report – April 17th
Crew 297 – Janus 1 Journalist – David Laude
Our fourth EVA on Sol 3, taken on this beautiful Martian day by three of the crew, found the hidden nuclear reactor mockup (a 20-gallon capacity cylindrical metal container). Crew members of yesterday’s third EVA provided a simulated landing site for the nuclear power system. Sarah, the EVA Crew Leader, Pawel and Dave were given an approximate landing site via GPS coordinates, which was within 1000 feet from the actual location. The terrain here was like a maze of short hills, any of which could hide the reactor. Fortunately, we were headed in the correct direction from the start and Dave found the reactor within 15 minutes. Afterwards, the EVA crew was tasked to find a location where it could dig to bury it. In this Martian terrain it is common to immediately be stymied by loose chunks of sandstone. The team drove further south on Cow Dung Road and then parked the rovers. Digging near the road quickly revealed sand stone slabs. Dave, having been in this area before, suggested an area 60 meters further west from the road where Pawel found loose regolith with his shovel. He quickly dug down a half meter in one location and then another. This area is likely where it will be buried and later retrieved. Burial is required to help reduce radiation exposure to humans with an active installation.
Sarah had this to say about today’s highly successful EVA, "Today was the first EVA with the Gamma Ray Spectrometer. We measured the natural amounts of radioactive potassium, uranium, and thorium in the regolith 1000 m south of the Hab, as well as conglomerates at Robert’s Rock Garden, and sandstone and regolith at a location that from orbit looks redder that some of the surrounding rocks. Ratios of these different elements can tell us about predicted mineralogy, changes in lithology, and even if Redox conditions has been pervasive in this area."
EVA Crew Leader Sarah is currently a Geology Ph.D. candidate at the University of Kansas, focusing her research on analog materials for Mars and Ocean Worlds using Raman spectroscopy. She worked on developing a chemical calibration for chlorite minerals using Raman Spectroscopy, which also has implications for Mars research. Sarah also interned at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in the Origins and Habitability Lab in the summers of 2021 and 2022. Sarah was an active member on the ChemCam Instrument Team on the Mars Curiosity Rover and spent three summers at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Sarah is currently a Geology Ph.D. candidate at the University of Kansas, focusing her research on analog materials for Mars and Ocean Worlds using Raman spectroscopy. During her graduate studies, Sarah also interned at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in the Origins and Habitability Lab. In 2018, Sarah graduated from Kansas State University, with three bachelor’s degrees in Chemistry, Geology, and Geography. Throughout her undergraduate years, Sarah spent three summers at Los Alamos National Laboratory.
EVA Report – April 17th
Crew 297 EVA 4 Report 17-4-2024
EVA #4
Author: Sarah Lamm
Purpose of EVA: To locate the NPS from yesterday and to observe a geological formation that from orbit is redder than the surrounding location
Start Time: 9:36 AM
End Time: 1:00 PM
Narrative: We arrived at the first stop to locate the NPS device for Matt L’s research project. It was found quickly. From there we moved to the south and stopped at the location yesterday to test how easy it would be to dig in the regolith and to get initial Gamma-Ray Spectrometer readings of the regolith. We continued south to the region that looked redder from orbit, to take more observations of the regolith and the rocks. Lastly, we headed north toward the Hab and stopped at Robert’s Rock Garden to observe those rocks in comparison to those we had already seen.
Destination: Find the NPS, location to dig and gamma ray on regolith, redder area regolith & rocks, Robert’s Rock Garden (Stop #4)
Coordinates: 12S 518166N, 425092E (Stop #1); 12S 518065 4250003 (Stop #2); 12S 518819 4248714 (Stop #3); 12S 518278 4249467 (Stop #4)
Participants: Pawel Sawicki (Commander), Dave Laude (Journalist), Sarah Lamm (Geologist)
Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: Cow Dung Road
Mode of travel: Spirit, Opportunity; Walking
EVA Report – April 20th
Crew 297 EVA 8 Report 20-4-2024
EVA # 8
Author: Matthew Storch
Purpose of EVA: We first did another seek for the NPS Project, by traveling to the coordinates specified by Mission Support, and searching a 300 m radius for the NPS. We then evaluated the robot, excavated a site for placement of the NPS, and explored the surrounding region for geological purposes.
Start Time: 9:08 AM
End Time: 12:55 PM
Narrative: Crew obtained the NPS search coordinates and proceeded to the search area, which was near the Candor Chasma. We stopped just off Cow Dung road and proceeded on foot along the Gateway to Candor, to conduct the search. The crew split into 2 teams that straddled a ravine. Matt Lynch quickly spotted the NPS and we retrieved it and returned to the rovers. We then proceeded north along Cow Dung Road to Galileo Road and headed east on Galileo until we reached the turnaround limit on battery power. The turnaround point was not deemed suitable for the other mission objectives, so we started to return along Galileo road, stopping twice to evaluate possible sites to cover the remaining mission objectives. Once a suitable location was found, Pawel and Matt S set up the robot, while Matt L scouted for suitable nearby excavation sites and Sarah conducted geological studies of the area. The robot had problems connecting to its network and there was not much we could do in the field to address the problem, so we had to abandon that objective for today. All four EVA crew members then joined the excavation effort, using a variety of tools and working in shifts. In the end we were able to excavate deep enough to properly bury the NPS, but finished just in time to return from the EVA with a suitable time margin. Excavation was much more difficult than in the first location, with the regolith removal rate being about one half of what it was in the first excavation, despite having 4 crew members to work this excavation vs. 2 for the previous one.
Destination: Candor Chasma area
Coordinates: 519608E 4251496N
Participants: Pawel Sawicki (Commander), Matthew Storch (XO), Sarah Lamm (Geologist), Matthew Lynch (Engineer)
Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: Cow Dung Road, Galileo Road
Mode of travel: Curiosity, Opportunity, and walking
GreenHab Report – April 19th
Crew 297 GreenHab Report 19-04-2024
GreenHab Officer: Sean Marquez
Environmental control:
– Heater on (set to 55F)
– Fan on (set to 92F; not accounting for power outages)
Average temperatures: 79F
Hours of supplemental light: N/A
Daily water usage for crops: 1 gal
Daily water usage for research and/or other purposes: 0 gal
Water in Blue Tank: 187 gal
Time(s) of watering for crops: 12:30
Changes to crops: N/A
Narrative: Fan power went out again shortly after entering the GreenHab around 12:20. Same procedure was implemented as previously whereby the GreenHab door was purposefully left open at 12:20 to allow air flow from the tunnel system to mitigate heat build-up, then closed at 17:25 when the GreenHab atmosphere temperature had dropped to ~85F and the outdoor temperature had dropped to ~79F. More brown leaves and/or yellow stems from cherry tomatoes were composted.
Harvest:
– 11g cherry tomato
– 1g rosemary
Support/supplies needed: Access to MDRSCampus network and HomeAssistant credentials would be convenient for being able to download temperature data from personal laptop, as opposed to having to use the lower deck computer.
Sol Summary – April 19th
Crew 297 Sol Summary Report 19-04-2024
Sol: 05
Summary Title: So much universe, and so little time
Author’s name: Pawel Sawicki
Mission Status: Nominal
Sol Activity Summary:
Today we all woke up early to the sounds of Strauss and the smells of freshly made pancakes by Chef Laude. Shortly thereafter the first of two EVAs commenced, where, within an hour of leaving the airlock, Matt S. located the [inert] Nuclear Power System (NPS). After the crew hid the NPS they met all their EVA objectives and returned to the Hab. The second EVA group was not quite as swift as the first in finding the NPS, but nonetheless Pawel was able to locate the NPS within an hour of EVA start. Collecting gamma-ray spectral data was unfortunately cut short during the second EVA due to a more urgent matter: a nonconforming fan on Suit 11, resulting in an expedited return back to the Hab. The day concluded with a spaghetti dinner prepared by Chefs Laude and Storch, report writing, and late-night games.
Look Ahead Plan:
Tomorrow we have an eventful EVA planned with three of the crew’s research topics consolidating into one EVA objective. The crew of four (Sawicki, Storch, Lynch, and Lamm) will first locate the [inert] NPS. Once found, the crew will use Case (which has recently been equipped with a Geiger counter) to approach the [inert] NPS and verify that the unit is safe to approach. During the recovery efforts, continued use of the gamma-ray spectrometer will further characterize the Martian rocks.
Anomalies in work:
Suit 11 (fan power significantly decreased mid-EVA): EVA was abruptly cut short due to low fan rpm, causing pressing concerns for heat exhaustion. Prior to the 1.5 hour EVA, the suit battery read 13.5 V and afterwards read 11.9 V.
GreenHab automated fan: The GreenHab fan powers on when the GH temp reaches 94F, but then shortly thereafter turns off. It power cycles continuously but never reaches its expected rpm.
ScienceDome: We have noticed a foul chemical smell the last few days which has made the ScienceDome unsuitable for any work. This intense odor has assuaged during the current sol. We still continue to monitor closely.
EVA headset #2 not receiving comms when connected with two way radio (radio works fine).
Weather:
Morning (data from 0900): calm winds (1 mph), chilly (59F), and few cloud coverage
Noon: calm winds (2 mph), warm (69F), and scattered cloud coverage
Afternoon (1800): moderate winds (17 mph), warm (71F), and broken cloud coverage
Crew Physical Status: Sarah is feeling a bit fatigued, but recovering well. The rest of the crew is presently nominal in terms of health.
EVA: The first EVA today was a complete success. The crew was able to locate the NPS and re-hide it for the next crew in great time. While the second EVA crew was able to locate the NPS quite quickly (~25 minutes), there was a fan malfunction within suit #11 that resulted in an aborted EVA and expedited return to the Hab. Sarah had begun exhibiting symptoms of heat exhaustion from the lack of airflow within her helmet.
To loosely paraphrase Artemis by Weir: "[Mars] is mean. [He] doesn’t care why your suit fails. [He] just [cancels your EVA] when it does."`
Reports to be filed:
Sol Summary
Journalist Report
GreenHab Report
Operations Report
EVA report (2 EVAs)
EVA request (1 EVA)
Support Requested: We have requested that the [inert] NPS be placed by Mission Support at a location of their choosing (though reachable by rover on Galileo Road 1104 and within a maximum of 25 minutes of walking) for a search and recovery EVA #8 on 20-04-2024. The NPS will be placed in the rear airlock tonight, 19-04-2024 by 2000. Once the inert NPS is hidden, precise GPS coordinates and a photo are requested to be taken to not lose track of the location. These GPS coordinates are then asked to be sent to Sean. Many thanks for the support provided thus far for the NPS placements!
We have also requested one additional EVA headset, as one is not functioning properly.
Operations Report – April 19th
Crew 297 Operations Report 19-04-2024
SOL: 5
Name of person filing report: Matt Lynch (Engineer)
Non-nominal systems: Suit 2 (stuck valve), Suit 9 (broken visor), Radio 2 (possibly damaged antenna), Suit 11 (poor battery life),
Notes on non-nominal systems: The issues with Suit 2 and 9 were already noted before our mission. Suit 2 repairs are ongoing. The problem with Radio 2 has been determined to likely be its headset, we are asking for a replacement. Suit 11’s battery was checked before EVA #7 today and was at 13.5 V (fully charged), yet the fans had a noticeable drop in speed by the second half of the EVA. Ultimately resulting in aborting the EVA early for health concerns. Testing the suit immediately after the EVA the voltage was 11.9 V, below the critical value of 12V. This suggested that the batteries have degraded to the point of not being capable of holding a considerable amount of charge to safely perform an EVA longer than 45 minutes.
ROVERS
Spirit rover used:
Hours: 251.8
Beginning charge: 100%
Ending charge: 39%
Currently charging: No
Curiosity rover used:
Hours: 278.2
Beginning charge: 100%
Ending charge: 44%
Currently charging: No
General notes on rovers: Opportunity’s key switch was noticed to be loose, this has been fixed by tightening the key switch during EVA #7.
Summary of Hab operations:
WATER USE: 23.5 gallons
Water (static tank): 309.6 gallons
Static tank pipe heater (on or off): off
Static tank heater (On or off): off
Toilet tank emptied: no
Summary of internet: Looking up recipes, downloading entertainment, report formatting methods, catching up on Earthly news
Summary of suits and radios: The zip-tie on the rear panel for Suit 4 was missing and has been replaced today.
Radios 1,3,4,5, and 6 were used.
EVA Suits 4,6,7,8,10 and 11 were used.
Summary of GreenHab operations:
WATER USE: 1 gallons
Heater: Yes
Supplemental light: N/A
Harvest: 11g of cherry tomatoes, 1g of rosemary
Summary of ScienceDome operations: A noxious sulfur-like smell has been noted in the ScienceDome, likely coming from the BioReactor experiment being autonomously performed there from a previous crew. This smell was not noticed the first two sols of this mission.
Summary of RAM operations: (Tools used, work done): Wrenches and channel locks were used to tighten the key switch on Opportunity.
Summary of any observatory issues: NA
EVA Report – April 19th
Crew 297 EVA Report 19-04-2024
EVA #6
Author: Matthew Lynch (Engineer)
Purpose of EVA: Perform the second searching EVA for the nuclear power project. Mission support will have provided a simulated landing site for the NPS. The Crew Commander (not on requested EVA) will give an approximate landing site, which will be within 1000 feet from the real location. This EVA will utilize known searching methods to find the NPS. Once found, it will be collected and a new simulated landing site will be selected and recorded for the next EVA crew to recover.
Start time: 9:04 am
End time: 11:22 pm
Narrative: Having a slightly late start we suited up, left the airlock, and entered the rovers without any issue. At 9:31 Curiosity’s charge was at 56% and we were still approximately ~1km from the edge of our search area by road. After parking the rovers, we proceeded on foot until we reached the edge of our search area at 9:47. Once there we spread out and moved towards the center of the region. At 9:55 Matt S. noticed a small hill he could see the local area from and once he climbed it he spotted the NPS near the edge of our search area. We collected the NPS and returned the rovers to return to the hab. On our return we stopped and deposited the NPS for the following EVA (that day) to search for in an area. We then returned to the hab and entered the airlock at 11:17 AM.
Destination: NPS expected landing area #3
Coordinates (use UTM WGS 84): 517696N 4254089E (Expected NPS landing location)
Participants: Matthew Lynch (Engineer), Matthew Storch (XO), Sean Marquez (Greenhab Officer)
Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: Cow Dung Road 0110
Mode of travel: Driving 2 rovers (Curiosity & Opportunity) and walking.
Journalist Report – April 15th
Crew 297 Journalist – David Laude
The long anticipated soft landing on the surface of Mars occurred today for MDRS Crew 297. Six people with their own research projects from various scientific disciplines have come together to form this crew. Future journalist reports will focus on these projects and their progress. Sol 1 included training on MDRS systems that included water, GreenHab, comms, and EVA suits. Sim started at noon followed by the highlight of the day: certification for use of EVA suits and rovers with two EVAs to nearby Marble Ritual. Marble Ritual appears as an alien culture’s artwork, consisting of three narrow posts upon which three bowls are perched. Symbolic marbles or rocks can be found within the bowls. EVA1 was comprised of crew members: Commander Pawel Sawicki, GreenHab Officer Sean Marquez and Geologist Sarah Lamm while EVA2 consisted of crew members: Executive Officer Matthew Storch, Crew Engineer Matthew Lynch and Journalist/Engineer David Laude.
After an intense previous day of readying for touchdown and today’s Sol 1 training and certification, the crew earned a delicious formal dinner. The dinner of ceviche (consisting of shrimp, crab, cilantro, onion, tomato and avocado) was prepared by Sean and Sarah. After dinner, discussions regarding the next day’s meals flowed into a period of report writing and then finally relaxation near bed time. Tomorrow’s dawn will signal the start of our first full sol on Mars.
Crew 297 HSO Beginning Of Mission Checklist 14Apr2024
[title HSO Beginning Of Mission Checklist- April 14th]
HSO BEGINNING OF MISSION CHECKLIST 2023-2024
Submitted by: Pawel Sawicki
Crew: 297
Date: 14/04/2024
Part 1: Using the attached Safety Equipment Inventory, locate, test and confirm operation of all safety equipment. List any equipment not found and/or missing: none
Part 2: Locate and confirm the emergency escape routes in the Hab are functional and clear:
1. Stairs: ✅
2. Emergency window: ✅
3. Commander’s window: ✅
Part Three:
Inventory First Aid kit and note what needs to be refilled:
Lower HAB:
First Aid Kit:
Instead of Qty. 10 Antiseptic Towelettes, found Qty. 3 Antiseptic Towelettes and Qty 4. Alcohol Wipes. Qty. 3 Alcohol Wipes expired 03/2023
Only Qty. 7 Antiseptics present
Only Qty. 8 Burn Treatment present. Expires 04/2024
Mirror: none
EVA outdoor First Aid Kit: none
ScienceDome:
(Qty. 16) alcohol prep pads have expired on 08/2017
Note any safety issues: none (lower-stocked items pose no-factor to safe operations as they are present in other locations. Also no-factor to safety from expired items).
Note any health/environmental issues: none
Note any missing or recommended health and safety supplies: Recommend antihistamine and hydrocortisone, as Martian environment may present novel allergens for crew mates. Also recommend acetaminophen.
Safety Equipment Inventory 2023-2024
| HAB Upper deck | HAB Lower deck | RAM | GreenHab | ScienceDome | Rovers | |
| CO monitor | ✅(BIT passed) | ✅ (BIT passed) | ✅ (BIT passed) | ✅ (BIT passed) | ✅ (BIT passed) | |
| Escape ladder | ✅ | |||||
| Eyewash | ✅ | |||||
| Fire blanket | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | |||
| Fire extinguisher | ✅ (Type 3 & 4)
Exp: 5Jan2025 |
✅ (Type 3 & 4)
Exp: 5Jan2025 |
✅ (Type 3 & 4)
Exp: 13Feb2025 |
✅(Type 3 & 4)
Exp: 13Feb2025 |
✅(Type 3 & 4)
Exp: 13Feb2025 |
|
| First Aid | ✅ | ✅ | ||||
| Intercom | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ||
| Nightlight | ✅ | ✅ | ||||
| Propane alarm | ✅(power-cycle successful) | ✅ (power-cycle successful) | ||||
| Radios (Channels 10 and 22) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | |
| Smoke alarm | ✅ (BIT passed) | ✅ (BIT passed) | ✅ (BIT passed) | ✅ (BIT passed) | ✅ (BIT passed) | |
| Tow rope | ✅(Moved rope from RAM to Rover) |
Wishing you all great health back on Earth,
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