Category: EVA Report

EVA Report #05
Author: Eshaana Aurora
EVA Date: 28th December 2023
Start time: 1105
End time: 1329
Purpose of EVA:
Collection of Oyster Fossils to Sample Western Interior Seaway Shelf Deposits
Narrative:
The Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA) commenced at 1105, led by Adriana, with the participation of Eshaana (Crew Geologist), Nathan (Crew Engineer) and Sara (Crew Journalist). The crew embarked on their Martian exploration utilizing the Spirit and Curiosity rovers, navigating from Cow Dung Road to the south until reaching Kissing Camel Ridge and then headed southwest until a quarter mile away from Zubrin’s head. Spirit and Curiosity initiated the mission with full charges – Spirit at 100% and 239.6 hours, Curiosity at 100% and 262.0 hours. The crew’s primary objective was to search for and collect samples of oyster fossils within the Tununk shale layer of the Martian terrain while navigating in EVA suits. This was the second chosen location for the oyster sampling.
Throughout the mission, the crew captured vivid photos and delved into the local geology, leading to the discovery of multiple bentonite beds which are extremely relevant geological time markers. With respect to oyster fossils, the chosen location did not seem to contain any despite having relatively the same stratigraphy and facies, including the dark gray layer discovered in EVA#04. However, the crew continued to take in the beautiful Martian rock formations and views, nonetheless. The crew initially stopped at a location that comprised the remnants of Dakota sandstone then moved up through the Tununk shale finally ending in the Ferron sandstone layer, which was a white to tan colored, quartz rich, top layer. This was the same quartz sand that we found during EVA #04 with a fine to medium grain size which was poorly consolidated.
Additionally, on the walk to Barrainca Butte the crew spotted extensive amounts of pebble to cobble sized chert. The crew also discovered some reddish beds which were poorly lithified and could perhaps be a subsequence in the Tununk Shale layer therefore the crew was able to witness the gradual switch between rich sandstone to clay like mudstone layers quite comprehensively. The major observation, however, was the bentonite swarms present which could perhaps be the reason for lesser oyster fossil preservation as there could have been major paleogeography changes resulting in poor oyster preservation conditions during that era. Heading towards the late middle Turonian, sea level is low and dropping and it’s dropping so perhaps that would explain the lower oyster content.
With one last strike of her rock hammer and a quick examination of the loosened debris, the crew commander determined that the chosen location was indeed devoid of oyster fossils and the crew began its way back to the rovers soon after, taking in the landscape and gathering beautiful chert and agate rocks along the way. Albeit the outcome of the EVA was not completely fulfilled, the crew commander explained how intriguing this absence of oysters truly was. On the scale of a large inland sea that spanned approximately 5500 km, having such a stark contrast of oyster fossil extent just within 4 km is definitely quite remarkable. Therefore, with a long rover journey ahead of us, the crew headed back to the Hab, feeling even more contemplative about the planet’s fascinating geologic history.
The crew encountered quite a few aliens while driving to and from the site with a particularly stubborn canine alien blocking our path midway, but the EVA progressed seamlessly, with an estimated radial walking distance of 2km, resulting in yet another resounding success. The team returned to the Habitat with airlock pressurization commencing at 1324 along with Spirit at 36% charge and 240.0 hours and Curiosity at 30% charge and 262.5 hours.
Destination: Hab Ridge
Coordinates (use UTM WGS 84): N4250500, E517900
Participants: Adriana Brown (Commander), Eshaana Aurora (Crew Geologist), Sara Paule (Crew Journalist), Nathan Bitner (Crew Engineer)
Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: Drive on Cow Dung Road 0110 southward until Zubrin’s Head, then walk further southwest to Barrainca Butte
Mode of travel: Walking and Driving (Spirit and Curiosity)

EVA Report #04
Author: Eshaana Aurora
EVA Date: 27th December 2023
Start time: 1110
End time: 1317
Purpose of EVA:
Collection of Oyster Fossils to Sample Western Interior Seaway Shelf Deposits
Narrative:
The Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA) commenced at 1110, led by Adriana (Crew Commander), with the participation of Eshaana (Crew Geologist), Gabriel (Health and Safety Officer) and Riya (Greenhab Officer). The initial airlock ejection attempt was unsuccessful as the crew had forgotten the medical kit and had to reenter the Hab. However, after obtaining the kit and a second depressurization attempt the crew began the 1.5 km walk at 1110. The crew embarked on their Martian exploration by heading north using walking path 1103. The crew’s primary objective was to search for and collect samples of oyster fossils within the Tununk shale layer of the Martian terrain while navigating in EVA suits. The layer of interest was located at an elevation of about 39.624 m and had a bluish-purple appearance and was located above the Dakota Sandstone layer.
Throughout the mission, they captured photos and delved into the local geology, leading to the discovery of two oyster swarm locations along Hab Ridge. The first location comprised a conglomerate and some extremely intricate calcite formations, making the sample collection relatively easy. The crew managed to collect about 16 rock samples from this location and headed forward discovering bentonite beds along the way. The second location was slightly elusive due to the presence of a variety of different layers and bentonite beds; therefore, after a quick reevaluation, the crew headed further up Hab Ridge in search of more Tununk shale. To the crew’s surprise an interesting dark gray sediment layer, which was underneath the white/purple layer contained the oyster fossils of interest. Here we collected about 21 samples and discovered yet another lighter gray layer beneath the powdery gray one which seemed to be extremely quartz rich and sandy. The Martian landscape, although rugged, revealed unique beauty and once the crew had climbed the 17.7% gradient slopes a picture was taken of the Commander in front of the stratified rock face. Additionally, throughout the EVA Riya conducted LiDAR scans of the landscape in an attempt to obtain a virtual 3-dimensional model of the rugged terrain.
Upon completing sample collection, the team began to head back to the Hab around 1253 hours, finally entering the airlock at 1317 hours concluding EVA #4. The crew encountered breathtaking views, diverse rock formations, and landscapes, contributing valuable insights into the geological aspects of Mars. Despite the slight dehumidification struggles endured by Riya who was using the lighter prototype EVA suit, she fearlessly powered through the entire journey and the EVA progressed seamlessly as the team executed planned steps, ensuring both exploration and safety were prioritized, thus resulting in a resounding success.
Destination: Hab Ridge
Coordinates (use UTM WGS 84): N4250500, E517900
Participants: Adriana Brown (Commander), Eshaana Aurora (Crew Geologist), Riya Raj (Greenhab Officer), Gabe Skowronek (Health and Safety Officer)
Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: Walking north along footpath 1103, then heading west up to Hab Ridge
Mode of travel: Walking

EVA Report #2
Author: Riya Raj
EVA Date: 26th December 2023
Start time: 1002
End time: 1102
Purpose of EVA:
Training EVA to familiarize crew members with rover operation, suits, and navigation
Narrative:
Today’s Extra Vehicular Activity (EVA) occurred at 1002, led by Crew Commander Adriana Brown, with the participants, Nathan Bitner and Riya Raj. One of the members had real trouble getting into rover especially when the air tank kept hitting the driver’s wheel -_- There was also a suspicious alien drifting near our rovers found at 10:14 am, but we did not say hi lolz. The crew used the Perseverance and Curiosity Rovers to navigate across Cow Dung Road to finally reach their first destination at 10:14 am, Marble Ritual. The mission was initiated with the rovers at full charge:
Perseverance: 100% battery and 281.4 hours
Curiosity: 100% battery and 261.9 hours
The crew’s main objective was to navigate and familiarize themselves with the Marble Ritual site. They were working on obtaining the proper knowledge to carry out successful missions during this training EVA. Adriana helped the crew learn a lot about what she researches by finding minerals and fossils! They walked around various landscapes while Adriana talked about the past history of the rock formations. The crew collected petrified wood and worm burrow trace fossils while exploring the amazing landscapes! Nathan also took a picture of a large shrub and Riya found a rock formation that looked like the Great Sphinx of Giza in Egypt! The EVA progressed fabulously as the team executed planned steps, ensuring both exploration and safety were prioritized, resulting in a resounding success. The crew returned to the Habitat (HAB) with the rovers at:
Perseverance: 73% battery and 281.5 hours
Curiosity: 80% battery and 261.9 hours
The reentry process for the HAB commenced at 1057, concluding their Martian exploration. While the crew was waiting in the airlock, they awaited to finally clean the waterfalls from their noses.
Destination: Marble Ritual
Coordinates (use UTM WGS 84): N518700, E4250800
Participants: Adriana Brown (Commander), Nathan Bitner (Crew Engineer), Riya Raj (GreenHab Officer/Crew Biologist)
Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: Drive North on Cow Dung Road and park at the side of the road. Then walk East 1 km.
Mode of travel: Driving (Perserverance and Opportunity Rovers) and walking

EVA Report #01
Author: Eshaana Aurora
EVA Date: 25th December 2023
Start time: 1405
End time: 1459

Purpose of EVA:
Training EVA to familiarize crew members with rover operation, suits, and navigation
Narrative:

The Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA) commenced at 1405, led by Eshaana and Sara, with the participation of Aditya and Gabriel. The crew embarked on their Martian exploration utilizing the Spirit and Opportunity rovers, navigating from Cow Dung Road to the east, ultimately reaching the Marble Ritual. Spirit and Opportunity initiated the mission with full charges – Spirit at 100% and 239.3 hours, Opportunity at 100% and 152.1 hours. The crew’s primary objective included the completion of the Marble Ritual, followed by an eastward journey to acclimate themselves to the Martian terrain while navigating in EVA suits. Negotiating slopes cautiously, the team limited their incline to 20-25 degrees, skillfully ascending and descending the small hills near Marble Ritual. Throughout the mission, they captured photos and delved into the local geology, leading to the discovery of stunning petrified wood samples by Gabe and Aditya. The Martian landscape, although rugged, revealed unique beauty.
Upon reaching the Marble Ritual site, the crew encountered breathtaking views, diverse rock formations, and landscapes, contributing valuable insights into the geological aspects of Mars. The EVA progressed seamlessly as the team executed planned steps, ensuring both exploration and safety were prioritized, resulting in a resounding success. The crew returned to the Habitat (HAB) with Spirit at 72% charge and 239.6 hours, and Opportunity at 90% charge and 152.3 hours. The reentry process for the HAB commenced at 1459, concluding their Martian exploration.

Destination: Marble Ritual
Coordinates (use UTM WGS 84): N518700, E4250800
Participants: Aditya Anibha (Crew Scientist), Sara Paule (Crew Journalist), Gabriel Skowronek (Crew Astronomer), Eshaana Aurora (Crew Geologist)
Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: Drive North on Cow Dung Road and park at the side of the road. Then walk East 1-1.25 km.
Mode of travel: Driving and walking (Spirit and Opportunity)

EVA # 10
Author: Hunter Vannier
Purpose of EVA: Investigate geologic units between Compass Rock and Somerville Overlook along/near Galileo Road
Start time: 1000
End time: 1456
Narrative: EVA began at 1100 led by Hunter and Cesare, joined by Jilian and Ryan. Opportunity started with 100% charge and 151.0 hours, and Perseverance started with 100% charge and 280.6 hours. The crew took Opportunity and Perseverance rovers north on Cow Dung Road and exited for Galileo road. They turned left at Compass Rock and continued along Galileo Road ~3/4 km before parking. The crew unloaded sampling tools and walked northeast along the road, taking in the beautiful views of the western portion of MDRS and Mancos shales, and Henry Mountains to the south where snow looked to be falling. As the crew walked, the Sun broke through the low, thin cloud cover and bathed the southeast faces of Factory Butte and accompanying edifices in light. The crew walked mostly in tan/pink/orange sand with dry vegetation on either side of the road and frequent animal droppings. ~1/2 km into the walk, the crew reached a large outcrop of fine-grained, orange/grey cross bedded sandstone overlain by darker sandstone and conglomerate lenses; at least one was a Morrison Formation member. This location was identified for sampling on the return to the rovers. The crew continued along Galileo Road and stopped to observe a stream bed (finding their beach), and continued uninterrupted until reaching Somerville Overlook, where they spooked some pronghorns. There were approximately 9 of them, and one had a glowing red nose which the crew didn’t second guess given the season. At the Overlook, we established a station on a small hill covered in a thin layer of grey, silt-sized regolith like material. Many red, orange, and purple opaque and crystalline material an average of 5 cm length (longest axis), probably chert and other chalcedony were common on the surface. Just below the surface, there was abundant bright white well consolidated material expected to be a layer of gypsum which was sampled. This layer was situated below light-toned sandstone exposed upslope and above the brown Triassic deposits that lay before the crew in the valley below. The crew took some photos and made their way back to the previously noted outcrop and obtained samples from boulders of the conglomerate lens and lower sandstone unit. As with almost all areas in MDRS where the Morrison formation is exposed, there were large 2-4 m boulders typically dominated by conglomerate lenses, though some interesting light/dark weathering rind striping was present at this location. The crew observed the largest pebbles in a boulder thus far on our mission, and also saw that often the desert varnish on smaller boulders welded a layer of conglomerate pebbles to the top of finer-grained sandstone. This made the boulder appear conglomerate dominated, when in reality was mostly composed of light-toned sandstone. After bagging samples, the crew returned to the rovers at 1305 and drove directly back to the HAB. The team made it back with Opportunity at 44% charge and 151.7 hours and Perseverance at 31% and 281.3 hours. They began the reentry process for the HAB at 1335.

EVA # 9
Author: Riley McGlasson 
Purpose of EVA: EVA to obtain a large GPR survey and assess hydration content paired with geologic characterization and sampling.
Start time: 1100
End time: 1530

Narrative: EVA began at 1100 led by Riley (out of sim due to broken leg) and joined by Hunter, Jesus, and Lipi. The crew walked north from the Hab along 1103 until Hab Ridge, and then walked south ~0.5 km along the ridge to overlook the Hab. At this point they worked with the remaining crew at the Hab to conduct a proof-of-concept test for using a drone to transport small payloads from the Hab to the top of the ridge. Two small rocks and a piece of cake were exchanged between the two locations (the cake was eaten by Riley, as she was the only one out of sim on the EVA). After the drone test, they set up a 100 ft by 100ft survey side with 10ft grid spacing for GPR acquisition. After taking the GPR survey, Hunter led sampling and spectra collection at 5 sites within the survey region. The team then walked back to the HAB, happy with having accomplished their 3 science goals for the EVA. The team made it back to the HAB and began the reentry process at 1516.

Destination: Hab Ridge
Coordinates (use UTM WSG 84): N517950, E4251000
EVA Participants: Riley McGlasson (Executive Officer), Hunter Vannier (Crew Geologist), Jesus Meza Galvan (Crew Engineer), Lipi Roy (Crew Journalist). Cesare Guariniello (Commander) piloted the drone from campus, and served as Pilot in Command for Jesus operating the drone at the Ridge.
Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: Walk North from the Hab along 1103 until Hab Ridge, then South on Hab Ridge.
Mode of travel: Walking.

EVA # 7
Author: Hunter Vannier
Purpose of EVA: Investigate boulders within Candor Chasma and gypsum deposits.
Start time: 1100
End time: 1456
Narrative: EVA began at 1100 led by Hunter and joined by Jilian, Ryan, and Jesus. Curiosity started with 100% charge and 261.5 hours, and Perseverance started with 100% charge and 280.0 hours. The crew took Curiosity and Perseverance rovers north on Cow Dung Road and parked at the Gateway to Candor. The crew unloaded sampling tools and walked east along the streambed and admired the intact layers of conglomerate and sandstone that are largely converted to soil in other parts of MDRS. The crew also may have observed a fossilized bone in a boulder in the middle of the riverbed. Just before 12:00, they observed a pronghorn in the distance just as they descended into Candor Chasma, and then walked 2-3 km along the stream bed. Through this traverse, the crew noticed multiple changes in local geology, starting with the Morrison formation dominating the walls and much of the erosional material that was light-toned loose sand, some of which formed ripples that were covered in frost and scattered pawprints of pronghorn, coyote, and rabbit. The sand was present in the stream bottom along with red clay/sand sized particles, and at one point observed large limestone boulders 2-4 m tall. The crew then entered a region with abundant gypsum layers and veins intersecting darker brown/orange/grey thinly bedded layers. Finally, the crew descended far enough to see a 1-2 m exposure of limestone that was often in contact with the streambed and had rounded bulbous shapes due to weathering. In this area the crew also observed more significant walls of the thinly bedded brown/dark brown/tan layers dominating the walls of Candor Chasma. The eroded scree transitioned from lighter to a darker tone as we walked, likely due to a transition from more to less exposures of the sandstone capping unit. In this darker brown region, there were fewer obvious veins of gypsum and the paleosol/scree slopes reached as high as ~5 m from the top of the cliff face and was abundant through the gully. They then began returning to the rovers at 1300 and collected a few different forms of weathered limestone (crystalline green and orange) and examples of fresh and weathered gypsum. The team made it back to the HAB with Curiosity at 61% charge and 261.7 hours and Perseverance at 66% and 280.1 hours. They began the reentry process for the HAB at 1451.
Destination: Candor Chasma
Coordinates (use UTM WGS 84): N521500, E4251000
Participants: Jilian Welshoff (Health and Safety Officer), Ryan DeAngelis (Green Hab Officer), Jesus Galvan (Crew Engineer), Hunter Vannier (Crew Geologist)
Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: Drove north on Cow Dung Road and parked at the Gateway to Candor. Then walked east 2-3 km.
Mode of travel: driving and walking (Curiosity and Perseverance)

EVA # 8
Author: Riley McGlasson 
Purpose of EVA: Collecting 3D GPR data and use spectrometer to identify hydrated materials.
Start time: 1100
End time: 1530
Narrative: EVA began at 1100 led by Hunter and Riley (out of sim due to broken leg) and joined by Ryan and Lipi. The crew took Perseverance and Opportunity rovers north on Cow Dung Road. Perseverance started with 100% charge and 280.1 hours. Opportunity started with 100% charge and 150.4 hours. The crew drove north on Cow Dung Road until the rovers hit 55% batter about halfway between Cowboy Corner and Brahe Highway. The crew unpacked the equipment and started walking to their survey location northwest of the Brahe Hwy and Cow Dung Rd intersection. There they set up a 100 ft by 100 ft survey grid with 10ft grid spacing for GPR acquisition. The team took a very efficient GPR grid, and then Hunter led sampling and spectra collection at 5 sites within the survey region. The team then continued on foot towards the overlook on the western Brahe intersection, stopping frequently as Hunter took more spectra and got distracted by Gypsum. At their determined turnaround time of 1430 they started walking back to the rovers. The team made it back to the HAB with Opportunity at 35% charge and 150.9 hours and Perseverance at 27% and 150.4 hours. They began the reentry process for the HAB at 1516.
Destination: Brahe Highway intersection
Coordinates (use UTM WGS 84): N517500, E4255000
Participants: Riley McGlasson (Executive Officer), Hunter Vannier (Crew Geologist), Ryan DeAngelis (GreenHab Officer), Lipi Roy (Crew Journalist)
Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: Drive north on Cow Dung Road as close as the rovers can get to Brahe Highway and walk the rest of the way to the Brahe Highway intersection.
Mode of travel: driving Cow Dung (Perseverance and Opportunity) and walking to Brahe Highway intersection.

EVA # 6
Author: Riley McGlasson 
Purpose of EVA: EVA to obtain a large GPR survey and assess hydration content paired with geologic characterization and sampling.
Start time: 1100
End time: 1530
Narrative: EVA began at 1100 led by Hunter and Riley (out of sim due to broken leg) and joined by Cesare and Lipi. The crew took Spirit and Opportunity rovers north on Cow Dung Road. Spirit started with 100% charge and 238.9 hours. Opportunity started with 100% charge and 149.7 hours. The crew drove north on Cow Dung Road until turning East on Galileo road, which they drove until reaching Compass Rock. At this point the rovers had between 60% and 65% charge, so it was clear that they would not be able to reach Somerville Overlook. On the NW side of Compass Rock they set up a 100 ft by 100ft survey side with 10ft grid spacing for GPR acquisition. After testing that the GPR survey wheel issue was fixed (it was!), the team took an excellent GPR grid that Riley is very much looking forward to analyzing. After taking the GPR survey, Hunter led sampling and spectra collection at 6 sites within the survey region. The team then started to head back to the HAB, pausing whenever Hunter (crew geologist) saw a cool rock or distant rock formation. The team made it back to the HAB with Spirit at 43% charge and 239.4 hours and Curiosity at 51% and 150.4 hours. They began the reentry process for the HAB at 1520.
Destination: Compass Rock and Somerville Overlook (only made it to Compass Rock)
Coordinates (use UTM WGS 84): N522000 E4253000 (planned), N520000 E4252000 (actual)
Participants: Riley McGlasson (Executive Officer), Lipi Roy (Crew Journalist), Cesare Guariniello (Crew Commander), Hunter Vannier (Crew Geologist)
Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: Drive North on Cow Dung Road until turning east onto Galileo Rd 1104 and driving that until Compass Rock. Walk less than ½ a km to get to GPR site.
Mode of travel: driving and walking (Spirit and Opportunity)

EVA # 3
Author: Riley McGlasson 
Purpose of EVA: EVA to obtain radar transects of two flat areas and assess hydration content paired with geologic characterization and sampling.
Start time: 1100
End time: 1530
Narrative: EVA began at 1100 led by Hunter and Riley (out of sim due to broken leg) and joined by Ryan and Jillian. The crew took Perseverance and Curiosity rovers south on Cow Dung Road. Perseverance started with 100% charge and 279.4 hours. Curiosity started with 100% charge and 260.9 hours. The crew drove south until the rovers hit 55% charge just shy of Watney Road, where they unloaded equipment and walked northeast to the river bed at the Watney Road turnoff. There they set up a small training area where Hunter and Riley tested out GPR and sampling protocols with Ryan and Jillian. Then the crew set a larger 3D GPR acquisition grid that covered the riverbed and the abutting bank, as well as collected spectra and samples from areas of geological variability. At ~1315 the team loaded equipment back in the rovers and drove back towards the HAB, stopping at Kissing Camel Ridge on the way back. There, Hunter led the gathering of spectra and samples at 4 geological sites on the north side of the east camel. Follow up 2D GPR transects were collected from the 3 accessible sample sites. The team made it back to the HAB with Perseverance at 37% charge and 279.9 hours and Curiosity at 40% and 261.5 hours. They began the reentry process for the HAB at 1520.
Destination: Aonia Terra, Kissing Camel Ridge
Coordinates (use UTM WGS 84): N520500, E4248500
Participants: Riley McGlasson (Executive Officer), Jilian Welshoff (Health and Safety Officer), Ryan DeAngelis (Green Hab Officer), Hunter Vannier (Crew Geologist)
Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: Drive on Cow Dung Road and park at intersection with Watney. Then walk northeast ¾ km or less. On return, will stop at Kissing Camel and conduct second set of measurements along the northern base of Kissing Camel Ridge E within ¾ km of road.
Mode of travel: driving and walking (Perseverance and Curiosity)