Category: Commander Report

Sol: 9
Summary Title: Trouble on Mars
Author’s name: Dr. Jenni Hesterman, Commander
Mission Status: Nominal
Commander Report:

The crew was up early today to discuss the day ahead. Sadly, we only have 3 more days on Mars and endeavor to maximize opportunities to hone skills for operating in a remote, austere environment with limited resources.

First up was a local walking EVA for the XO and Health and Safety Officer (HSO) to the Gateway to Candor area. Upon arrival, the crew notified the station that the XO injured her ankle and then lost communication. Two of the remaining four crew members in the station quickly donned their gear and entered the airlock within minutes to respond. They took two rovers and headed to the last known position of the crew with a first aid kit and a leg splint.

Once the crews made contact, they splinted the XO’s leg and she was loaded into a rover. After all crewmembers were safe in the station, the XO and HSO informed us this was a drill and we spent an hour discussing the strengths and weaknesses in our response.

After lunch, three crew members set out with two rovers on a biological mission to Cowboy Corner. We were surprised to find several areas with ice, despite the mild temperature and sunny day. The Crew Biologist took samples and photographed several species of lichens. We spotted an unreachable lagoon in the distance, surrounded by green plants and a tree. The Crew Engineer successfully accomplished a carry capacity test with the Pleiades Anchor, which will help astronauts easily retrieve rock and soil samples without having to bend over or squat. She deliberately pushed the robot to the breaking point to test its ability to function with an accumulation of debris and on different surfaces.

Following a dinner of cheesy pasta with a ham or tuna topping, the crew accomplished mission planning for the rest of the week. We have one long EVA tomorrow, then the American crewmembers will host an early Thanksgiving celebration for their international colleagues.

Sol: 8
Summary Title: Monday on Mars
Author’s name: Dr. Jenni Hesterman, Commander
Mission Status: Nominal
Commander Report:

The crew was up early today for first aid training using the Oculus VR goggles, then practiced splinting fingers and thumbs. The commander led a training and education session on crisis leadership and communication, presenting theory, case studies and her personal experiences. Two crew members suffered minor injuries today, another wake up call we must fight complacency during a risk-laden mission.

After lunch, three crew members set out with two rovers on a biological mission to the Sea of Shells, with a stop at the Overlook. The Crew Biologist took samples of ice, salty rock and dirt from the roots of plants, searching for microbial life that is helping them retain water.

The Crew Engineer spent the day preparing for carry capacity tests with the Pleiades Anchor. She will also put the device through weather and debris tests. The instrument will help astronauts easily retrieve rock and soil samples without having to bend over or squat.

Following a dinner of pizza and salad made from fresh kale, radish and dill from the GreenHab, the crew participated in an emergency response tabletop exercise to hone our crisis leadership and communication skills. Tomorrow will be a full day with two EVAs, training and research activities, so the crew is having a quiet evening and will turn in early.

Sol: 7
Summary Title: “Caitie’s Down!”
Author’s name: Dr. Jenni Hesterman, Commander
Mission Status: Nominal
Commander Report:

After an evening of card games, the crew decided to sleep in and enjoy a slow start to their Sunday. After brunch, three crew members set out on foot for Hab Ridge Road to search for water on Mars and located hydrous minerals in the form of clays, sulfates, silica and carbonate salts. At the top of the path, they were surprised to find mounds of seashells, likely left behind when the Western Inland Sea retreated from Utah during the late Cretacious period, 100-60 million years ago. Upon return, the crew accomplished a visual inspection of the Hab and found no damage or anomalies.

While the crew was cooking dinner, Crew Biologist Caitie went to the GreenHab to accomplish the evening watering. When she did not check in as expected, the Commander the Crew Journalist went to her location for a health and safety check. We found her lying on the ground outside the GreenHab. She was responsive and said she may have passed out and wasn’t sure if she hit her head. We covered her with our sweaters, and called the other crew members to inform them of the situation, asking for the Health and Safety Officer (HSO) to respond ASAP. The HSO quickly arrived and assessed the patient, determining she was stable and recommending relocation inside the Hab. Caitie was able to stand and walk under her own power, with support from the crew.

After entering the Hab, we were informed by the XO, HSO and Caitie that this was an emergency response simulation they designed to test our crew’s crisis response protocols. We are at the halfway point of the mission and settled into our routines, so the exercise was a good reminder to fight complacency. When teams get comfortable with a high level of performance, overconfidence can lead to massive failures. We are thankful for this opportunity to hone our skills and competencies.

Sol: 6
Summary Title: Lichens on Mars!
Author’s name: Dr. Jenni Hesterman, Commander
Mission Status: Nominal
Commander Report:

After a good night’s sleep, the crew was up early to watch a beautiful sunrise break across the Martian landscape. Three members then set out to The Peanut to collect biological samples of lichens and soil around the roots of plants. The crew biologist was excited to find several colorful lichen nestled in the rock formation. She will accomplish further tests to identify their species.

Upon return, the EVA crew undertook an external inspection of the Hab and then accessed the airlock. After waiting the prescribed amount of time for depressurization, they entered the station.

Over a lunch of tortilla soup and fresh bread, the crew accomplished another first aid training module on the Oculus VR, learning how to brace and splint a broken ankle with supplies found in the Hab. They also participated in a guided roundtable session to discuss personal challenges and professional opportunities for women in the science profession.

After an ambitious start, we are learning the importance of achieving balance between EVAs, research, team building and relaxation/renewal activities. Life on Mars will be a marathon, not a sprint, and we will need to pace ourselves accordingly for mission success.

Sol: 5
Summary Title: Misstep on Mars
Author’s name: Dr. Jenni Hesterman, Commander
Mission Status: Nominal
Commander Report:

The crew was up early and enjoyed a light breakfast while discussing the day ahead.

In the only scheduled EVA for the day, 3 crew members took 3 rovers out to test them after recent servicing. They proceeded up Cow Dung Road to Brahe Highway, the turnaround point. On the return trip to the station, one of the rovers overheated and stopped working in a gulley. The other crew members safely parked and made their way on foot down to the location. After a few attempts to restart the rover, the crew decided to leave it behind and return to base 25 minutes before the end of the mission to assess the situation. As the rover is a precious resource, the crew should have spent the extra time waiting to see if the vehicle would cool off. We continue to learn each day and know these mistakes and experiences will inform our future work.

Over a lunch of baked macaroni and cheese, the crew discussed lessons learned and updated the EVA procedures checklists. They enjoyed a quiet afternoon in the station, reading, playing space chess and interacting with Paro, an artificial intelligence therapeutic robot in the form of a baby seal.

We’re excited to get back out on an EVA tomorrow morning! We will accomplish first aid training and team building activities in the afternoon

Sol: 4
Summary Title: First Harvest
Author’s name: Dr. Jenni Hesterman, Commander
Mission Status: Nominal
Commander Report: The crew was up early and enjoyed breakfast burritos and fresh yogurt for breakfast. We then discussed our goals for the day and updated the EVA checklist with lessons learned.

After additional first aid training on the Oculus VR headset, 3 crew members took rovers out for a two-hour EVA to collect lichen, soil and rock samples from White Rock Canyon. They explored the dry riverbed, searching for fossils and plant life.

After a lunch of miso soup and dried seaweed, the other half of the crew set out on foot to Hab Ridge Road for an orientation expedition near the station. They also completed an inspection of the exterior of the habitat.

Additional activities included the crew engineer repairing the kitchen sink drain. Also, the crew biologist inoculated mushroom spores into substrate, which included coffee grounds and other food waste generated by the crew. She also harvested the first batch of microgreens for a dinner salad, which was served with chili and fresh bread.

Although we all just met for the first time a few days ago, the crew is already a high performing team. We attribute this to the months spent mission planning and getting to know each other on weekly video calls.

We wake up each day thankful for this incredible experience, endeavoring to maximize our time here on Mars.

Ad astra!

Sol: 3
Summary Title: Break a Leg
Author’s name: Dr. Jenni Hesterman, Commander
Mission Status: Nominal
Commander Report: The crew opted to sleep in an hour this morning after viewing a delayed video and convened for breakfast at 8:30AM for strawberry pancakes and yogurt.

First up on the agenda was first aid training using an Oculus VR headset. After viewing the training, the crew practiced splinting a broken leg using material found in the habitat. We’re learning that everything in the station must have multiple uses since resources are limited and resupply is unknown.

The crew then supported the Intertribal Space Conference with a video explaining our mission and stood ready to address questions with the appropriate communication delay between Earth and Mars.

After finishing dinner leftovers for lunch, three crew members left on two rovers for a 2 hour EVA to explore White Rock Canyon. The crew initially experienced a communications problem in an area called Kissing Camel Ridge and learned they needed to move to a different radio channel. After sorting out this issue, they proceeded to the area and searched for unique plants, lichens and rocks. The crew collected eleven organic and inorganic samples and scouted several additional sites for future sample collection.

When EVA operations were complete, the crew met to discuss lessons learned from the mission. After a dinner of chicken and biscuits, we finalized the next day’s schedule. Priorities tonight include preparing for two EVAs tomorrow and a group learning preference and communication exercise.

Ad astra!

Sol: 2
Summary Title: Birthday on Mars
Author’s name: Dr. Jenni Hesterman, Commander
Mission Status: Nominal
Commander’s Report: The crew was up this morning for breakfast at 0730, which consisted of homemade yogurt with dehydrated fruit and biscuits with cheese and ham.

The crew of 6 split into 2 groups and accomplished their first Extra Vehicular Activity mission to explore an area called Marble Ritual. The Commander, Crew Engineer and Communications Officer went out in the morning and the XO, Crew Biologist and Health & Safety Officer took the afternoon mission. The crew enjoyed spectacular views and searched for plants, rocks and fossils unique to the area.

When EVA operations were complete, the crew met to discuss lessons learned. After a dinner of homemade soup and rice, we finalized the next day’s schedule. Priorities tonight include completing a video for the Intertribal Space Conference and watching a time-delayed video of the Artemis launch. Work is well underway on several fronts, including the Greenhab and the use of Paro the baby seal, a robotic comfort animal.

Today was my birthday and the crew surprised me with a cake, card and balloons. I am so fortunate to be on this mission with an amazing group of intelligent and kind women.

Ad astra!

Sol: 1
Summary Title: Landing on Mars
Author’s name: Dr. Jenni Hesterman, Commander
Mission Status: Nominal
Commander Report: After a busy day of settling into the station, the crew enjoyed a good night’s rest and were up this morning at 0730. Some crew members went for a last walk without spacesuits before the mission started. After a hearty breakfast of pancakes, dried fruit and reconstituted eggs, the crew met with Dr. Rupert to discuss the mission. Topics included simulation rules, building a successful crew, common pitfalls to avoid and map reading.

We enjoyed a loaf of fresh, warm bread, cheese and ham for lunch, then met Dr. Rupert on the lower deck for training on Extravehicular Activity (EVA) communication equipment and for spacesuit fitting. Next, we hit the road to test drive the rovers and learn how to properly and carefully navigate the Martian landscape.

Once back in the Hab, the crew said goodbye to Dr. Rupert, closed the airlock and officially started the simulation at 1600. After a short break, we met to finalize the next day’s schedule and write our daily reports. We enjoyed a pasta dinner with homemade sauce and garlic bread. We will enjoy a relaxing night before tackling two EVAs tomorrow.

Sol: 12
Summary Title: Last day on Mars
Author’s name: Marta Ferran-Marqués, Commander and Crew Scientist
Mission Status: Nominal
Commander Report: The WoMars crew woke up this morning at 7.30 am. After the commander’s debrief, the crew continued with the cleaning of the RAM, the Science Dome, the GreenHab and the Hab. Then, the crew started packing up and Laurene did her last EVA – an engineering check to the outsides of the Hab. Everything was up and running!

After 2PM, the crew went out of simulation and a special guest guided the crew towards the Overlook for a last Mars exploration trip. The views were amazing, thank you for this last opportunity Mission Support!

After writing the last reports, the crew will finish packing, have dinner and tomorrow they will start their trip back to Earth – time has flown!