Category: Commander Report

Astronomy Report, Sol 2

Name: Aurélien Mure

Crew: 206
Date: 02/25/2019

MUSK OBSERVATORY

Solar Features Observed: None, no clouds visible but I was unable to focus on features, maybe because of the very low sun activtiy, tell me if I’m wrong.

Problems encountered : How do I move the telescope to be faced to the sun when the alignment is set ?

Hi Eric and Peter,
It was a long day of astronomy for me, I observed the sun, tried to work on my images of the crab nebula and planned the observation of M42 for tonight.
I have some questions to ask you :
– How can I use the hand control to move the solar telescope when it is focused on the sun and not well aligned ?
– Is it still normal that I can’t see any solar feature with any configuration of the telescope ?
I hope my first images will be great !
Thanks,
Aurélien

Crew 206 February 26th 2019
Sol 2

Just like yesterday, today’s plan was very dense. We got out of bed at 07:00 am, half an hour later than yesterday. Once again we worked out for a little more than 30 minutes. I took the same physical program that our commander had last year for mission 189. It’s quite intense but it’s a good exercise to start the day. We are slowly getting used to it, although we all have muscle aches from Sol 0. I am gathering the results of every crew member so we can see the evolution of our performances during the mission.

After a short breakfast with cereals, we started preparing for EVA #2. Although it wasn’t going to be a long EVA, we had to make sure we had prepared everything to correctly install our two outdoor instruments : LOAC and the weather station. So four of us (Benjamin, Cerise, Gaspard and I) went to the location we had spotted on EVA #1, 500 meters from the Hab. We took two rovers to carry the equipment which was cumbersome and heavy, especially the car battery. Installation went fine, but we had to go back to the Hab twice to get some tools. Aurélien was the HabCom and assisted the crew, by dropping what lacked for the EVA in the Engineering Airlock. I have to admit we had some unexpected issues that we could have thought of, but these few first days are very intense and tiring.

After that, most of us worked on our reports and experiments (these days whenever we have free time we use it to write reports and work on our experiments). Norbert worked in the GreenHab and gave space to the carrots and the salads. He started his experiments by planting radishes in eight pots. Aurélien and Norbert prepared pizzas for lunch, so we had a great meal ! After that I started working on the TELEOP experiment, which I supervise. I had some issues with the tele-operated rover. I couldn’t connect it to my computer although the exact same set-up in France worked fine. For today the crew only operated the simulated rover. Then it was time for the Virtual Reality session. I really like this experiment, it feels very relaxing to watch relaxing nature videos in the VR headset. I’m eager to see what will come out of the results. Then we all started working on our reports. Aurélien worked on preparing the meal again, but this time with Benjamin.

I’m quite happy with the mission beginning, the crew is adapting pretty well to the procedures, all experiments are developing well with only small drawbacks. They all have some great ideas for the rest of the simulation, for upgrading the station and improving some experiments. I think this mission will be very interesting…

Jeremy Auclair, Crew 206 Commander

Author: Avishek Ghosh

Title: The words of wisdom.

Crew 204 Commander Report 09-FEB-2019.

The day had been spent cleaning the hab and finishing the incomplete work by the crew. We had lunch together made by Sonal (Mars_Bag) and all of us. This was followed by training given to Crew 205.

It is really hard to believe that the simulation has ended. We feel fortunate enough to get this opportunity to be a part of this simulation. This experience has been a worthy one as we learnt to face a lot of challenges and difficulties with a success in the mission.

The journey taught us cultural exchange though we belong to the same country. I believe this isolation will act as an influential factor in our lives. From the bottom of my heart, I am thankful to mission support, Mr. Atila and Mr. David for supporting us the fullest.

This is Avishek Ghosh, signing off Crew 204 from Mars Desert Research Station and welcoming Crew 205 and wishing them very good luck and best wishes for the mission.

Sol 12

27DEC2018

When I took this position I knew it was going to be an experience that would forge my character and allow me to improve my leadership.

I thought it would be difficult but it has been the opposite. My crew has been more than better. They are focused people and know what they are coming for to Mars. After all, they chose to come to Mars instead of having a nice Christmas dinner and New Year´s Eve at Earth. As I already described, the fear I had about my age and experience when it was about taking the place of Commander was only at the beginning. To be the leader, be the Commander, it´s about getting to know your colleagues, their vision, objectives and learning how to take advantage of their skills and knowledge to find a common good.

Before arriving to Mars, during our training in Earth, our psychologist asked me that in some dangerous situation, if I had to choose between saving the mission or the crew, what would I save? My instant response was the crew, but as I answered the next question, I kept thinking about whether the answer was correct or not.

On one hand, my response was completely biased because within Crew 201 are my best friends on Earth. But also Crew 201 means an end and mission with a greater objective than the people it integrates, and above all it means to represent humanity (and Mexico). Today I still have a conflict about what the correct answer is and I’m not sure if there is only one answer.

We are a few days away and the weather here on Mars has become complicated. We don´t have much chances to solve our problems within the projects since our supply rocket had exploded before leaving Earth. Sadly, another of our supply spaceships it´s lost somewhere in the space between Mars and Earth. We hope to find it back home.

With our time counted on Mars I just have to say that we will miss you little red planet.

Tania Robles

Commander

Commander Report

26DEC2018

Tania Robles

It seems that lately, the energy in the Hab fluctuates a lot. If it wasn´t for Christmas and the special dinner we prepared, we would probably be in a more fatigued mental state.

The crew continues performing their tasks but the time is no longer feeling like the first days on Mars. We haven´t managed to wake up as early as before or maintain so much energy during the day. However, we maintain the spirit and daily routines to meet the objectives.

The day of departure to Earth is approaching and for now, the only thing we are focusing on is to finish our projects and to welcome the new earthlings on Mars.

Crew 201 Commander Report 23-DEC-2018

Sol 8

As the days go by, the crew gets adapted more and more to the daily routine on Mars. However, we have realized that today in Sol 8 we are already mentally tired. Now we laugh with any joke no matter how dumb it may be.

Although we have evolved in our relation, we remain as close as before or even more. All of the crew members work on their daily activities and fulfill each of their mission objectives.

There have been no conflicts although our personalities are the same on many occasions, especially when it comes to making decisions and establishing leadership. Within the Crew 201 there are the following types: ENTJ, ENTP, ENFP and INTP.

Tomorrow is Christmas, and although we had established that there would be no stoppage of activities by the date, the crew has shown special interest in celebrating, having different activities and rest. Maybe everyone starts to miss the Earth, or at least family.

Good job Crew, keep working like this.

Tania Robles
Commander

Sol 6.
The crew is beginning to present some situations regarding fatigue. The routine is already perceived among us. The temperature of the second floor of the Habitat affects the rest at night of the team because it is higher than what we normally had on Earth and in our country. This complicates our sleep and rest. Today four out of six crew members had nightmares.

During the day, we carried out our daily activities and continued working on our projects, however the technical complications continue to complicate the progress, especially the explosion that the supply rocket had and that suppose to would bring us several scientific instruments. Food became the best part of the days in Mars. Keep working like that crew.

Sol 5

Today the crew performed their activities satisfactorily. Humor and fun is becoming more present, as well as fatigue and lack of time in the routines that we must cover daily.

According to our previous schedule, we are a little behind with the work of our projects because of some technical programs with programming and electronics, but I trust that the most intelligent men of Mars will be able to solve it.

Today I received bad news from Earth, but a hug and the words of friendship from my dear crew members made me feel much better.

Our chef has managed to surprise us daily and keep us nourished, although hunger is always present. Mars is difficult, but being with this crew everything is better. Good work Crew 201