Category: Journalist Report

Sol #9
Title: Observing Solar Storms and Advancing Mars Research
Crew name: Alpha
Crew number: #287

Sol # 9 commenced with our cherished morning routine of exercise and a healthy breakfast, setting a positive tone for the day. The weather was exceptionally pleasant, sunny, and warm, adding to the overall good spirits of the crew.

A highlight of the day was Captain Dono’s work at the Musk Observatory. He shared with us an extraordinary view of a solar storm, showcasing the Sun’s beauty and charisma in a new light. This experience was not only awe-inspiring but also educational, offering us a glimpse into the dynamic nature of our closest star.

Today’s meals, masterfully prepared by Tungaa and Dono, were also highlights. Lunch featured an impressive Beef Bulgogi complemented by red cabbage microgreens, demonstrating our commitment to combining nutrition and taste. Adding to the culinary delight, I, Sunny, prepared a frozen yogurt dessert, offering a refreshing end to the meal.

HSO Duluu’s dedication in the Green Hub continues to yield results. Today, she focused on planting bean and sunflower microgreens, contributing to our sustainable living practices and ensuring a steady supply of fresh produce.

Davaa’s efforts in testing bricks made from grey and red clay soil samples are critical in our exploration of using Martian-like materials for building purposes. Muggi delved into the development of the MARS-V project’s program, focusing on defining the engineering tasks in the “Science taker,” “Challenge taker,” and “Experience taker” programs. His work is essential in shaping the roles of engineers in future Mars analog missions. Tunga continued her important work on the Mars food experiment, investigating the psychological and nutritional aspects of space cuisine, vital for long-duration missions.

Sol #10
Title: Continued Exploration and Culinary Innovation
Crew name: Alpha
Crew number: #287

As Sol 10 dawned at the Mars Desert Research Station, we were welcomed with another day of sunshine and warmth. The crew’s day began with a nutritious breakfast and routine exercise, infusing a positive energy amongst us. This set the stage for a day filled with diverse and impactful research and sustainability projects.

HSO Duluu and Geologist Davaa focused on geological tasks tailored for the MARS-V Program’s “Science taker”, “Challenge taker”, and “Experience taker” categories, contributing valuable insights to our collective understanding.

A key highlight of our daily life at the station has been the innovative culinary endeavors led by Engineer Muggi and HSO Duluu, especially with the use of red cabbage from our Greenhub. This nutritious and vibrant vegetable has brought not only a dash of color and variety to our meals but also underscored the importance of sustainable agriculture in space environments.

The crew engaged in an online meeting with the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs team, discussing the MARS-V Analog Beta Helmet development. The meeting was progressive and effective, adding momentum to our technological advancements.

As we approach the end of our mission, the crew remains deeply committed to achieving our established goals. The anticipation of concluding our journey brings a mix of excitement and reflective thoughts on the invaluable experiences and learnings we’ve gathered here.

Sol #1
Title: First Day at Mars Analog Center
Journalist’s name: Sunny
Crew name: Alpha
Crew number: 287

Today, history was made as the world’s first Mars Analog Center welcomed the Alpha Crew 287. Stepping into the simulated Martian landscape felt like a thrilling leap into the unknown.

Led by Captain Dono, with experts like Geologist Davaa, Engineer Muggi, Health and Safety Officer Dulu, and Psychologist Tunga, our team began training.

Training and induction were skillfully guided by Ben and impressed everyone. The Science Dome, packed with instruments, promises exciting discoveries in our simulated Martian world.

As we embark on this analog Martian adventure, the Alpha Crew 287 eagerly anticipates the mysteries and adventures that await in this groundbreaking simulation.

Sol #3
Title: Adapting on Mars
Journalist’s name: Sunny
Crew name: Alpha
Crew number: 287

As of four days into the Mars simulation at the Desert Research Center, our team has begun to adjust to the 13-hour time difference. This adaptation is evident in their improved sleep patterns, allowing for more effective daily operations.

Our culinary practices have incorporated Mongolian-inspired dishes, noted for their time efficiency, minimal preparation, and delicious flavors. The crew have reached a consensus on a new approach: packaging green vegetables separately to maintain freshness. The lunch menu, prepared by the crew commander Dono and assisted by the psychologist Tungaa, featured a delectable spaghetti dish that I found particularly enjoyable. It’s fascinating and fulfilling to taste meals prepared by colleagues, despite our years of acquaintance. Dinner was an innovative twist on traditional cuisine, featuring black bean burgers and vegetable broth, during which we discussed strategies for more efficient water usage.

In terms of scientific exploration, three key team members – the crew commander, engineer, and geologist – embarked on an EVA this morning. Their goals were multifaceted: evaluating the rovers’ long-distance capabilities, identifying potential geological sampling sites, and comparing the efficacy of new versus old helmet designs. The Greenhab officer, serving as CapComm, reported positively on the EVA team’s performance.

From a journalistic standpoint, I’ve been planning feature pieces on the physical and psychological transitions involved in returning from Mars to Earth. The weather today was favorable, with minimal cloud cover and abundant sunshine, contributing to a positive working environment. A highlight of the day was the distribution of care and support by our ‘welfare minister’, whose identity remains a delightful secret among the team.

Team Alpha remains enthusiastic and well-prepared for another exciting day on this simulated Martian landscape.

Sol #4
Title: Habituation
Journalist’s name: Sunny
Crew name: Alpha
Crew number: 287

Today at the Mars Desert Research Center, Sol #4 commenced with the usual spirited breakfast, an essential start for our team’s physical health and psychological wellbeing. The day’s highlight was the long-distance EVA, led by Tungaa with team members Dono and Muggi. As CapComm, I, Journalist Sunny, had the privilege of overseeing and documenting this crucial operation. The EVA crew embarked at 10:30 a.m., aiming for the Gateway to Lith. However, an unexpected turn occurred when the rover’s battery proved insufficient for the journey, leading the team to stop at Cowboy Corner. This unplanned halt, rather than being a setback, became an opportunity for discovery as the crew explored the surrounding Martian landscape.

HSO Duluu, was immersed in the Greenhab, planting and harvesting microgreens, including radishes for our lunch salad. The freshness of these greens added a delightful touch to our already fantastic lunch, reminding us of Earth’s flavors amidst the Martian wilderness. As the evening approaches, excitement buzzes through the Hab. We’ve planned a "Martian movie night," featuring "Space Between Us." This event is not just a recreational activity; it’s a moment for the team to bond and unwind after a day of rigorous exploration and work.

In conclusion, Sol #4 has been a blend of meticulous planning, unexpected adventures, and communal harmony. As we forge ahead in our mission, each day reveals new facets of Mars and strengthens the camaraderie essential for our journey on this distant world.

Sol #5
Title: Habituation
Journalist’s name: Sunny
Crew name: Alpha
Crew number: 287

As the Martian sun rose over the horizon, the Mars Desert Research Center buzzed with a disciplined rhythm, signifying another day of exploration and innovation. I, Journalist Sunny, am here to capture the essence of today’s activities.

Morning Activities: Our day began with a brief yet energizing breakfast, fueling us for the challenges ahead. Shortly thereafter, we engaged in a live log meeting with members and supporters of the Mongolian MARS-V project. This interaction was not only informative but also a morale booster, reinforcing the collaborative spirit of our mission.

EVA #5: The highlight of the morning was EVA #5, where as the lead, I joined HSO Duluu, Geologist Davaa, and Engineer Muggi in a venture to Compass Rock. The EVA was successful, marked by drone testing and significant observations of the beautiful landscape of Mars and testing our rovers’ battery usage.

Afternoon Relaxation and Work: Post-EVA, we were treated to a delicious lunch of crew commander and psychologist, followed by a much-needed nap, allowing us to recharge our energy, quite literally. We received wonderful news from the greenhouse indicating that the radish and kale seeds, planted on November 28th, have successfully sprouted.

Innovations and Meetings: The afternoon saw Commander Dono engaged in an online meeting with the Helmet Design Development Team of the MARS-V project, focusing on advancements in protective gear. Simultaneously, Engineer Muggi and HSO were busy making a hydroponic wick system for the Greenhab, enhancing our agricultural capabilities in this distant world. Engineer’s measurements of the water tank brought good news – our water usage is becoming more efficient, a critical aspect of our long-term sustainability here.

Conclusion: Today was a testament to the disciplined and innovative spirit that drives our team. Each activity, from the EVA to the individual projects, contributes significantly to the success of our mission. As we continue to decrease our water usage and improve our self-sufficiency, the dream of a sustained human presence on Mars becomes ever more tangible.

Crew 286 EVA #9 report 22-NOV-2023
EVA # 9
Author: Roger Gilbertson
Purpose of EVA: To perform hi-res LIDAR scanning of the campus buildings and surroundings (Scott). To perform aerial 3D imaging via a drone (Liz).
Start time for EVA: 10:06 am
End time for EVA: 11:35 am (five minutes late)
Narrative: In the morning, the EVA crew realized they would not need the entire duration originally planned, and requested a later departure time to allow for better lighting of the campus structures.
Suiting up went smoothly, and equipment was placed in the airlock. Their work proceeded effectively. Liz encountered some configuration errors with the drone, and eventually realized that the information provided in the manual was not entirely correct, or that something had changed from the standard settings. Many excellent scans and aerial clips were captured. They successfully returned, but five minutes past the requested ending time.
Destination: habitat campus only
EVA Participants:
Scott Beibin
Liz Cole

Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: none
Mode of travel: walking
Vehicles used: none

Sol 10 Journalist Report 22-NOV-2023

Liz Cole

Morning:

Scott Beibin (crew inventor) and Liz Cole (crew journalist) embarked on a morning EVA, capturing LiDAR scans and drone footage of the exteriors of the MDRS campus and facilities.

After a short break to rehydrate and recharge batteries, preparation started for the afternoon EVA.

Afternoon:

Donald Jacques (crew executive officer) and Guillaume Gégo (crew scientist) prepared the MASH for its EVA on Sol 11. The Mobile Analog Space Habitat will serve as the base station for a walking EVA, providing an opportunity for astronauts to rest aboard the MASH after they achieve the mission of the EVA, then return to the habitat. Scott set up to perform a Ptelepathetique concert just before the Martian sunset near the Observatory dome, with Liz recording the concert with the drone camera.

We used the RAM again as the airlock to accommodate Scott’s equipment for his concert, and Don and Guillaume’s preparation for getting the MASH ready for EVA.

Roger Gilbertson (crew commander) poured his third casting for medium complexity metal castings made of bismuth.

The plants continue to sprout in the GreenHab. Our hope is to have a harvest of sprouts by Thanksgiving.

Guillaume took samples, and further readings from the purple bacteria experiment. The Rhodopseudomonas palustris TIE-1 and Rhodospirillum rubrum SH1 are both growing well.

Sol 11 Journalist Report 23-NOV-2023

Liz Cole

Morning:

The crew rose at dawn to capture images of a spectacular red Martian sunrise and prepare for the last EVA of the mission.

The purpose was to demonstrate a simplified EVA mission onboard the MASH (Mobile Analog Space Habitat), a mobile habitat with an integrated ecological life support system including heating, cooling, food and water supply, and waste handling.
The MASH can take four astronauts aboard and travel further than the rovers. When parked it can serve as the base station for walking EVAs, allowing astronauts to return, rest and refresh aboard, then return to the MDRS habitat as needed.

Donald “Ducky” Jacques, crew Executive Officer and Chief Scientist at Earthseed, designed and built the MASH to approximate the features that NASA is including in their Space Exploration Vehicle (SEV) concept.

Ducky, Crew Scientist Guillaume Gégo, Crew Documentary Filmmaker Hugo Saugier and brought our suits and gear into the MASH, and detached from the docking portal. We drove down Moon Walk Road, exited the campus and drove south on Cow Dung Road to Kissing Camel.

Moving an entire ecological life support system through rough, sandy roads is no small task, and the drive went very well.

Ducky performed a turn-around at the previously identified location, then parked. The MASH depressurized its front section, and Guillaume. Hugo and I exited. Ducky remained aboard as local Cap-Com.

Hugo captured images of the MASH operating in the stunning deep red terrain around Kissing Camel.

Guillaume and I walked along the base of the nearby ridge, and we took turns piloting a drone capturing high resolution video of the magnificent geology, stunning rock formations, views and vistas around Kissing Camel. We captured drone footage of the Baby Dragon rock formation and captured a fly through of a valley full of dried stream beds flanked by gorgeous red and purple striped Martian hills.

We could have spent all day out there admiring the beauty of the area.

While capturing the fly through of the valley, we received word that the MASH was having a problem. Unexpectedly, after parking, the MASH control panel showed a “check engine light” and the engine would not start. Ducky contacted Cap-com and consulted with them about the situation. Cap-com informed Mission Support, and options were discussed. Ducky suited up, depressurized, checked fluids and added oil to the engine, remaining fully in-sim the entire time.

Hugo was pleased to capture an unexpected situation, and though it did not develop into a full “emergency,” it provided him with some moments of true drama and concern.

All parties having captured their video and completed their tasks on the EVA, we boarded, repressurized and returned to MDRS in the comfort of the pressurized MASH interior.

Afternoon:

Upon returning, Ducky harvested fresh sunflower greens, broccoli greens and radish greens for the evening meal.

Roger Gilbertson (crew commander) successfully modified his plaster mold, then melted down the third bismuth part, and recast it. He then trimmed the pieces, and performed a test assembly of an icosahedron.

Back in the Science Dome, Guillaume performed another sampling of his purple bacteria from the bioreactor bags, and was pleased to find that the bacteria growth had reached a plateau in growth. The bacteria had multiplied in numbers to the greatest possible extent inside the confines of the bioreactor bags, indicating a successful end to his experiment for this mission.

Evening:

The crew started cleaning, packing and preparing the holiday dinner and for our departure from MDRS.

Sol 07 Journalist Report 19-NOV-2023

Morning:

It rained from early in the morning through mid day today.

Today’s intended EVA was to be a rescheduling of yesterday’s EVA, which had been cancelled due to rain. This EVA was intended to involve LiDAR scanning in the vicinity of the Observatory Dome and to set up equipment in preparation for a Martian music performance in the afternoon. The plan was for the equipment to be covered by a plastic tarp to protect in case of unexpected rain. The goal was for Scott Beibin (Crew Artist), Hugo Saugier (Crew Documentary Filmmaker) and Caleb Stein (photographer shooting for the New York Times) to conduct this EVA and take photos.

Today’s muddy conditions were deemed to be too risky for the astronauts to walk in, and unsafe for the delicate equipment including LiDAR scanning devices, camera gear, synthesizers, audio gear to be carried through.

Afternoon:

With our EVAs cancelled, the crew pushed ahead on the projects that can be done inside. Guillaume Gégo (Crew Scientist) monitored bacterial growth for the experiment involving CO2 fixation by purple bacteria for space food production. In the Green Hab, Donald Jacques (Crew Executive Officer) planted tomatoes, additional herbs, and greens. Some carrots have sprouted. All of the crew prepared and collated our Mid-Mission reports.

In order to conserve water, a water – saving dishwashing system was put into place in the kitchen.

Evening:

After dinner, Crew Artist Scott Beibin performed a Ptelepathetique Martian Music concert simulating the acoustics of Mars, inside of the science dome.