Category: Sol Summary

Sol: 5
Summary Title: Sol Five: E.L.F. is alive!
Author’s Name: Adriana Brown
Mission Status: Nominal
Sol Activity Status:
Crew 289 awoke to greet sol 5 at 7:30 AM in our Martian abode. Breakfast was by Nathan (ENG) who prepared a giant vat of oatmeal with various sweet toppings. After morning comms with Purdue Mission Control, the EVA crew consisting of Nathan, Adi (SCI), Riya (GHO), and Gabe (HSO) set out at 10:30 AM to conduct further LiDAR scans. The first scan took place on the MDRS campus and the second at Hab Ridge. Both scans utilized two methods: Adi flying the drone with a LiDAR equipped phone mounted to it (utilizing his soon-to-be-patented rubber band method) and Riya on the ground with an elevated phone mount. This was also the first EVA without a CO/XO, and we are proud to report they performed like champs! Once our comms window opens, they will be able to process a 3D reconstruction of their sites, including our Home Sweet Hab.
Meanwhile, Adriana (CO), Sara (XO), and Eshaana (GEO) remained at the Hab, preparing potato gratin with a rehydrated sour cream, lemon pepper, and GreenHab-dill sauce. Once the EVA crew returned, the team sat down to a pleasant and starchy lunch filled with conversation around Eshaana’s creative questions (our Crew Geologist loves to get morbidly existential!). Then, as usual, the team dispersed to continue independent research. Riya went to the GreenHab to water the plants and then the Science Dome to check on her hydroponics set up (spoiler alert: they’re sprouting!) and test the soil pH. Nathan and Adi jammed out on the lower deck, working on their sensors and E.L.F. (and their Coldplay karaoke), respectively. Excitingly, E.L.F. has received his new batteries and has all the power of a kid in a candy store. They grow up so fast! Adriana spent some time in the Science Dome organizing her samples and notes and set up her experiment testing carbonate percent weight with a few samples (sand, silt, and a bentonite from Hab Ridge) collected so far. On the upper deck, Sara continued working on her project coding past MDRS reports and Eshaana troubleshooted her mini farm sensors and drew up a schematic of the farm set up. Gabe is gearing up to complete the day’s swabbing to monitor dust accumulation in the Hab.
Tonight, Adriana is preparing one of her specialities: enchiladas! The crew appears to be excited, which means the culinary stakes are higher than ever. The crew is also planning out their necessary EVAs and data to wrap up the end of the first half of the mission before our rest day on Sunday. The team is functioning as a well-oiled machine (as evidenced by our faster EVA prep times and increased data collection!), and I am confident the sol will end with the standard late night kitchen table conversations, characterized by more laughter than actual talking.
Look Ahead Plan: EVA #7 to test robotic capabilities and EVA #8 to sample a sediment section on Hab RIdge
Anomalies in work: None
Weather: Sunny and clear
Crew Physical Status: Nominal
EVA: LiDAR scanning manually and using the drone during EVA #6 to campus/Hab Ridge
Reports to be filed: Journalist Report, Greenhab Report, Operations Report, Sol Summary, Astronomy Report, Photos, EVA report, EVA request
Support Requested: None

Sol: 4

Summary Title: Sol Four: Chert Galore

Author’s Name: Adriana Brown

Mission Status: Nominal

Sol Activity Status:

Sol 4 began at a brisk 7:30 AM with nutella and strawberry crepes by Riya (GHO) (my personal favorite breakfast so far). Luckily, the crews’ friendships survived last night’s game of UNO (especially notable for Nathan and Adi). The crew used their morning comms window to send messages to our mission control at Purdue, which is staying busy sending us requested reference materials, saving our uploaded sensor data, and advising on robot and drone projects. It’s nice to know we have friends in Earthly places.

After breakfast, Adi (SCI), with the help of much of the crew, worked on designing a mount for the drone which started as a full Lego brick harness and ended as three strategically placed rubber bands. No one can say we over-engineered this one! Meanwhile, Adriana (CO) consumed stratigraphy papers and a large bowl of cereal in preparation for the day’s EVA to Barrainca Butte. At 11:00 AM, the crew departed. Adriana, Eshaana (GEO), Nathan (ENG), and Sara (XO) drove southward of the Hab and then walked on foot to Barrainca Butte. During their drive, they were forced to stop when a small, high-pitched canine alien with an exceptionally poor sense of self-preservation decided to make its home in the center of Cow Dung Road. Luckily, the alien was soon called away and they continued. Their journey was strikingly beautiful. As they traversed over the plain towards the Butte, they trod over sloping river-cut sandbanks, delicately scattered ripples, and brilliantly colored rocks of green, blue, red, and orange (and every color in between). As you may be able to guess from the title of this report, many of these rocks were chert. Although a common mineral, it is one of surprising variety and can contain a truly astounding palette of colors.

Although no oyster fossils were found, Adriana was pleased to note a "bentonite swarm" that will be useful in constraining the ages of previously collected oyster samples. Eshaana was kind enough to pose as her "bentonite model" so that the scale of the swarm can be evaluated back at the Hab. Even without fossils, the crew still returned with heavier pockets thanks to the chert scattered about. Fortunately, just as the EVA crew felt hunger gnawing at their stomachs, they depressurized and entered the upper deck of the Hab to the delicious aroma of homemade pizza with freshly dissolved Tang. With a full stomach, Adriana went to work in the Science Dome to organize her field notes, label oysters, and catalogue her samples. In the GreenHab, Riya was busy testing the pH of the soil and water and composted coffee grounds and leftover dehydrated broccoli. Excitingly, we have new kale, lettuce, and arugula sprouts. Meanwhile, Gabe was the first crew member to embark on potentially the most exciting EVA yet. After gathering all his gear (towel, shampoo, conditioner), he walked on foot down Hab Stairs road until reaching his final destination: the shower. Other crew members soon followed.

This evening, Adriana and Eshaana discussed different geological hypotheses from their field notes and observations so far, diving deep into Tununk stratigraphy and the near-MDRS paleoenvironment. The Hab is filled with the sounds of report-writing, robot whirring, sizzling Indian dishes, freshly delivered research equipment from Earth (thank you, Mission Support!), and the nightly lower deck conversations by Nathan and Adi (if you have any burning questions about relativity, dark matter, or the fundamental nature of our existence, please send them through the proper communication channels!). Here’s to another productive sol for Crew 289!

Look Ahead Plan: LiDAR scanning with drone (EVA #6 to Hab Ridge)

Anomalies in work: None

Weather: Sunny with few clouds

Crew Physical Status: Nominal

EVA: geologic EVA #5 to Barrainca Butte

Reports to be filed: Journalist Report, Greenhab Report, Operations Report, Sol Summary, Astronomy Report, Photos, EVA report, EVA request

Support Requested: None

Sol: 3
Summary Title: Sol Three: Bivalves for me!
Author’s Name: Adriana Brown
Mission Status: Nominal
Sol Activity Status:
Crew 289 awoke at 7:30 am and ate a breakfast of berries and biscuits by Adriana (CO). The crew then engaged in morning stretches to limber up for a day of research and fieldwork. At 10:00 AM, Adriana led a briefing for the EVA crew, Eshaana (GEO), Gabe (HSO), Riya (GHO), and Adriana, on what they would be looking for in the field in terms of specimens, formations, documentation, and the sample collection plan. The two main objectives of the EVA were to collect bivalve fossils from the Tununk Shale and locate bentonite beds in the area. The EVA crew departed at 11:00 AM, quickly awed by the colorful strata, views of the sprawling Martian landscape, and ancient shells scattered about. The EVA crew met their objectives, collecting 36 oyster fossils from two sites on Hab Ridge, noting the coordinates, and also sampled the sediment matrices of the two sites and a bentonite bed. Riya gathered LiDAR scans of Hab Ridge that will be processed this evening.
While on the EVA, the Hab crew made a delicious cheesy broccoli soup (Adi) with homemade bread (Sara), and with some remnant spaghetti noodles (Nathan), as well as worked on robots and processed survey data. Once the EVA crew returned, the team had a group lunch then dispersed to work on research. Eshaana troubleshooted her mini farm sensor and labeled its plants, Adi worked on his robot son, E.L.F. and Nathan soldered a battery pack for his air quality sensors.
This evening, Gabe is gearing up to compile his photometry measurements for his variable star and set a baseline for his dust experiment (aka cleaning Hab surfaces!). Adi is brainstorming mounts so the drone can take LiDAR scans, and Adriana will check on her samples drying in the Science Dome. Dinner will be provided by Nathan and Gabe which will feature pasta and chickpeas with a side of report writing.
Look Ahead Plan: Geologic EVA #5 to Sea of Shells
Anomalies in work: None
Weather: Cold, clear, and sunny
Crew Physical Status: Nominal
EVA: geologic EVA #4 to Hab Ridge
Reports to be filed: Journalist Report, Greenhab Report, Operations Report, Sol Summary, Astronomy Report, Photos, Mission Summary Report
Support Requested: None

Sol: 2
Summary Title: Sol Two: Much to do
Author’s Name: Adriana Brown
Mission Status: Nominal
Sol Activity Status:
Sol 2 began with the crew rising at 7:30 AM to another brilliant Martian sunrise. Gabe (HSO) made blueberry pancakes with Sara (XO) in an advisory role. Because they recycled the water used to rehydrate the blueberries, the pancakes also turned out thoroughly blue. Speaking of recycling water, Sara used yesterday’s pasta water as a base for her risotto’s vegetable broth, which turned out great! Sometimes, conserving water on Mars leads to some extra tasty results. After pancakes, the crew communicated with our Analog Mission Control Center at Purdue University. Even with delays between Mars and Earth, it was heartwarming to hear holiday wishes from our friends at BoilerCom and know we have a support system back on Earth for our research needs.
Soon after, the first EVA crew suited up for the second training EVA to Marble Ritual. Adriana (CO), Nathan (ENG), and Riya (HSO) took a short jaunt up Cow Dung Road and found petrified wood samples and several trace fossils (worm burrows). The first EVA crew returned and with a short transition period, helped the second EVA crew suit up for our first non-training EVA. Sara, Gabe, Riya, and Aditya (SCI) ventured to Pooh’s corner with three objectives: use the drone to scout Candor Chasma for suitability of future origami robotics testing, test the drone’s abilities to transport cargo (a lightweight box attached with fishing wire to the drone, containing a small Lego creature named "Gerald"), and to take LiDAR scans of the area near Pooh’s Corner. The EVA crew successfully completed all objectives and returned to the Hab with drone footage of Candor Chasma, rock samples that will be used to assess the weight-carrying capacity of the drone (for future robotics experiments), and 179 LiDAR scans.
While half the crew worked at Pooh’s Corner, the remaining members at the Hab prepared lunch and worked on research. Eshaana (GEO) set up her mini-farm for her agrivoltaics research in the GreenHab while Nathan and Adriana monitored comms and prepared lunch. The EVA crew came upstairs to a massive pan of stir fry, which featured four different dehydrated vegetables and GreenHab produce to keep the crew strong and healthy. After lunch, Adriana and Eshaana discussed the plan for the next geologic EVA and the crew members dispersed around the Hab to continue their research. Nathan successfully set up his air quality sensors, Aditya worked on the electronics of his robot E.L.F. (I can hear happy robot noises from the lower deck at time of writing this report, so it appears to be going well), and Riya harvested plants in the GreenHab and helped Eshaana plant seeds in her mini farm, which is now ready for monitoring! Sara downloaded today’s EVA footage and videos from her GoPro and Gabe prepared to process his photos of the Crab Nebula from last night.
As the crew settled in for the evening, Adriana and Nathan calculated a water-use budget, and Sara figured out how to reduce her photo size for future journalist reports. Tonight’s dinner will feature leftover stir fry (it was a really massive batch) given a new life through Eshaana and Adi’s addition of Thai curry. As our distant sun sets on sol two, the crew reflects on the first few days of Martian life and our newfound routine. It is truly a wonderful opportunity to be here during this time.
Look Ahead Plan: Geologic EVA tomorrow to gather bivalve fossils, all other members continuing research (Aditya working on robot, Eshaana monitoring mini-farm, Gabe processing images and swabbing the lower deck for dust particles, Nathan working on sensors and checking the accuracy of sensor logs, Sara administering surveys and processing photos, Riya continuing work in the GreenHab, Adriana washing and cataloging samples)
Anomalies in work: None
Weather: Cold, clear, and sunny
Crew Physical Status: Nominal
EVA: training EVA #2 to Marble Ritual, EVA #3 to Pooh’s Corner
Reports to be filed: Journalist Report, Greenhab Report, Operations Report, Sol Summary, Astronomy Report, Photos, Mission Summary Report
Support Requested: None

Sol: 1
Summary Title: Sol One: Lots of Fun
Author’s name: Adriana Brown
Mission Status: Nominal
Sol Activity Summary:
Sol one began with a 7:30 am wake-up to prepare for training. Amazingly, Santa made it all the way to our Martian home and the crew woke up to small gifts under a miniature Christmas tree. While Eshaana (GEO) and Nathan (ENG) whipped up a breakfast of scrambled dehydrated eggs and potatoes, the rest of the crew completed some light stretching to help our muscles after long days spent in transit. Shortly after, we met Sergii and completed our MDRS training, including taking the rovers for a spin to Marble Ritual and a brief Nutella and graham cracker break. We took some team photos in front of the Hab and then sent our first EVA crew off to Marble Ritual at 2:00 pm, signifying the beginning of our sim. While Gabe (HSO), Aditya (SCI), Sara (XO), and Eshaana were having their first taste of the Martian terrain, Adriana (CO), Nathan, and Riya (GHO) set to work making lunch for the hungry EVA crew: pasta salad with a plethora of GreenHab-sourced veggies and dehydrated mozzarella cheese. After lunch, the crew members dispersed to begin setting up their various research projects and complete chores around the Hab. Aditya worked on his robot, E.L.F. (Electronic LeapFrog), while Nathan worked on sensors that will monitor different states of the MDRS campus, building on his research project that was started during Crew 288’s rotation. On the upper deck, Eshaana planned out future EVAs, Gabe vacuumed, and Sara and Adriana tackled Mt. Dirty Dishes, with Sara developing an extra-water efficient method. Meanwhile, Riya tended to plants in the GreenHab and repotted a few of the residents (radishes and broccoli). As the crew prepares for their Christmas evening, Adriana is baking her apple pie (made from purely Martian ingredients!) and Sara is putting the finishing touches on her delicious-smelling risotto. On this Christmas night, the Hab is cozy and full of excitement for the coming sols. We will all go to bed tonight with visions of sugar plums and cool rocks dancing in our heads.
Look Ahead Plan: Complete training EVA #2 tomorrow and later use the drone to scout areas for Aditya’s robotics testing (potential EVA #3)
Anomalies in work: None
Weather: A beautifully clear day, very sunny
Crew Physical Status: Well-rested and excited
EVA: EVA #1 to Marble Ridge completed
Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, Commander’s/Journalist’s Report and photos, Greenhab Report, Operations Report, EVA Report, EVA request, Mission Plan, reformatted crew bios
Support Requested: None

Sol: 11
Summary Title: Finale Official Day on Mars
Author’s name: Jilian Welshoff
Mission Status: Nominal
Sol Activity Summary:
Crew 288 started the day off at 7:30AM for a breakfast of banana peanut butter pancakes made by Ryan (GHO). They had an earlier time for EVA so not much time for reading today post breakfast. The crew got ready to prep and Hunter (GEO), Jilian (HSO), Cesare (CMD), and Ryan (GHO) set out for the final EVA, #11 to Somerville Overlook. The EVA crew had a bumpy ride out to the walking destination and collected some final geology samples. The view and antelopes were worth the walk and the crew enjoyed the beautiful day for a finale to the mission.
The crew at the HAB had a day of relaxing and “CAPCOMing”. Riley wrote about geology and served as an awesome CAPCOM. Jesus was prepping for leaving and spent the day in the Science Dome finishing up and packing all his samples and equipment. Lipi had a day of listening and learning, Jesus explained photolithography and Riley and her had lovely conversations about geology and life.
After returning from EVA, the crew enjoyed leftovers of peanut butter pancakes and tacos. Ryan (GHO) collected parsley from the Greenhab to assist with dinners menu. Lipi had an adventure baking brownies, with the challenge being no eggs. She conquered the brownies kinda creating what we call “Choc Slop”. Delicious! Hunter and Riley spent time in the Science Dome analyzing data and Ryan watered plants in the Greenhab.
The crews plan for tonight is to eat a wonderful dinner cooked by Hunter and enjoy our last full day of simulation, as tomorrow includes cleaning and prepping to return home from Mars.
Look Ahead Plan: Looking forward to returning to Earth
Anomalies in work: Crew car waiting to be fixed
Weather: Cold and cloudy in the morning, sunny and beautiful in the afternoon.
Crew Physical Status: Sore but morale is high!
EVA: EVA #11 to Somerville Overlook
Reports to be filed: EVA Report, Journalist Report, Greenhab Report, Operations Report, Sol Summary, Astronomy Report, Photos
Support Requested: None

Sol: 12
Summary Title: Cleaning Day, Last Day
Author’s name: Jilian Welshoff
Mission Status: Complete
Sol Activity Summary:
Crew 288 started the final day off at 7:30AM for a breakfast of spam fried rice AGAIN made by Hunter (GEO). It was a delicious meal and great final breakfast for our crew. The day was a slow but efficient one, with cleaning and rental car pickup. But first, we got to take our first walks out of simulation outside the HAB and enjoy some fresh air. It was a nice conclusion to simulation and we were greeted by Sergii, our director.
After that nice moment, it was back to work. Jesus and Hunter set off to Grand Junction to pickup our new spaceship (a Honda van), while the rest of the crew got to cleaning. Riley (XO) and Jilian (HSO) tackled the food inventory and cleaning the upper deck while jamming out to music, Ryan (GHO) took care of the Greenhab plants and all the cleaning tasks. Lipi (JOU) and Cesare (CMD) took on the Science Dome, mopping and cleaning and checking tasks off the list. They had some time to pack and eat lunch of assortments of leftovers before getting back to cleaning. They finished their mopping and checks for the day then were able to take their final showers!
At last Jesus and Hunter returned with the “Astrovan” and wolfed down some snacks before the crews big final dinner at the Burger Shak. They happily ate their burgers and shakes then headed home to finish cleaning and writing their final reports to conclude their mission.
Look Ahead Plan: Looking forward to returning to Earth
Anomalies in work: Crew car not fixed
Weather: Cloudy overcast day with some rain at night
Crew Physical Status: Awesome
EVA: “EVA” to Grand Junction
Reports to be filed: Journalist Report, Greenhab Report, Operations Report, Sol Summary, Astronomy Report, Photos, Mission Summary Report, Research Report
Support Requested: None

Sol: 10
Summary Title: A Day of Firsts
Author’s name: Jilian Welshoff
Mission Status: Nominal
Sol Activity Summary:
Crew 288 started the day off at 7:30AM for a breakfast of the previously enjoyed spam and fried rice, made by Hunter (GEO). They spent the rest of the morning with some reading and slop related jokes and then prepped for EVA #9. Riley (XO), Hunter (GEO), Lipi (JOU), and Jesus (ENG) headed out to Hab Ridge to collect more GPR and geology spectrum samples with the help of Purdue AAE. Jesus and Riley used a drone to take overhead videos and photos of the GPR and of nearby areas while Lipi (JOU) and Hunter (GEO) grabbed more geology and spectroscopy data. They were able to deliver the first sample of sandstone to the HAB crew via drone!
The crew at the HAB had a day of baking, movie watching, and drone assistance. Cesare (CMD) and Ryan (GHO) made a yummy loaf of whole wheat bread used for lunch post EVA. Jilian (HSO) and Ryan (GHO) also setup a DVD of Harry Potter to watch and listened attentively to the radio for updates and check-ins. The HAB crew was involved in the initial and final take off and landings of the drone and were able to also send their own “sample”, of leftover coffee cake to the EVA crew via drone that was enjoyed by out of sim robo-Riley (XO)! Ryan (GHO) tended to the Greenhab harvesting basil for a quick pasta lunch made by Cesare (CMD).
After returning from EVA, the crew enjoyed leftovers of tacos from last night and made some peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on top of the freshly baked bread. Ryan (GHO) collected some dill to aid Riley’s (XO) lunch and had some leftovers the crew can use for the next couple days. To take a rest from EVA, some of the crew completed crosswords and read, while others finished Harry Potter. Jesus (ENG) had a different plan in mind. He spent some time in the Science Dome completing photolithography and created some of the first photo-patterns produced on Mars!
Lipi (JOU) is hard at work now making us a delicious rajma dinner of kidney beans and veggies, while the rest of the crew completes their reports. Later the crew might enjoy some board games, or Cesare’s (CMD) VR set, or more likely some crosswords and reading.

Look Ahead Plan: Complete final day on Mars, finish going on EVAs to aid in research, produce more photolithography, harvest and tend to the Greenhab plants, create new recipes for MDRS book
Anomalies in work: None
Weather: Very cloudy day, got colder in the late afternoon, ominous clouds
Crew Physical Status: Some sore muscles but good attitudes
EVA: EVA #9 to Hab Ridge completed
Reports to be filed: Eva Request, EVA Report, Journalist Report, Greenhab Report, Operations Report, Sol Summary, Astronomy Report, Photos
Support Requested: None

Sol: 8
Summary Title: Rocks and Buns and Showers Oh My!
Author’s name: Jilian Welshoff
Mission Status: Nominal
Sol Activity Summary:
Crew 288 started the day off at 7:30AM for a breakfast of oatmeal with raisins made by Ryan (GHO). There was an EVA today, so it was important for the crew to fuel up. They spent the morning reading some, and Jesus (ENG) put up a room sensor and then prepped for EVA #8. After they prepped, Hunter (GEO), Ryan (GHO), Jesus (ENG), and Jilian (HSO) headed out to Candor Chasma to collect geology samples. They walked through the beautiful geological structures and collected a few varieties of samples, mainly the solidified gypsum found in the layers of the rock. They were done a bit early, so they explored a bit and looked at great views and more rocks.
The crew at the HAB had a day of baking and showers ahead for them. In preparation for dinner, Riley (XO) and Cesare (CMD) made and proofed some buns! They also got the first showers of the day as well as Lipi (JOU). They made a large sum of ramen for lunch and waited for the rest of the crew to arrive back from EVA while remaining attentive CAPCOMs.
After returning from EVA, the crew enjoyed their ramen and their showers. Jesus (ENG) was hard at work in the RAM while the rest of the crew was enjoying music, reading, and napping. Ryan (GHO) harvested a variety of greens for dinner and Riley (XO) and Cesare (CMD) finished preparing the buns for black bean burgers for dinner!
Look Ahead Plan: Continue going on EVAs to aid in research
Anomalies in work: None
Weather: Beautiful day outside, cloudy
Crew Physical Status: A little tired from EVAs, but morale is high!
EVA: EVA #8 to Candor Chasma completed
Reports to be filed: Eva Request, EVA Report, Journalist Report, Greenhab Report, Operations Report, Sol Summary, Astronomy Report, Photos
Support Requested: None

Sol: 9
Summary Title: A Slop Kind of Day
Author’s name: Jilian Welshoff
Mission Status: Nominal
Sol Activity Summary:
Crew 288 started the day off at 7:30AM for a breakfast of crepes made by Cesare (CMD). They enjoyed putting on their own toppings and creating different variations. They spent the rest of the morning with some reading, then prepped for EVA #8. After they prepped, Riley (XO), Hunter (GEO), Lipi (JOU), and Ryan (GHO) headed out to area North of Brahe Highway to collect GPR and geology spectrum samples. They had a fun time creating grids and collecting data and picking up trash along the way to clean up!
The crew at the HAB had a day of baking and reading. Cesare (CMD) made a savory garlic and herb bread which was a delicious snack for the crew coming back from EVA. Jilian (HSO) also was baking and made some coffee cake! Jesus (ENG) was hard at work in the Science Dome for most of the day annealing silicon at 250 degrees with moisture in an oven to grow oxide for his research.
After returning from EVA, the crew enjoyed the baking efforts of Cesare and Jilian. Then they had a nice surprise from their commander. He brought “slop” a tokened term by Crew 288, also known as tubed space food! It was super fun to try out food products, such as French fries, chicken nuggets, and borsch that astronauts would eat but in tube form! Ryan (GHO) collected some cilantro for dinner and Riley (XO) and Hunter (GEO) made tacos for the crew’s Taco Tuesday.

Look Ahead Plan: Continue going on EVAs to aid in research
Anomalies in work: None
Weather: Beautiful day outside, sunny
Crew Physical Status: A little tired from EVAs physically but morale is high!
EVA: EVA #8 to “Sea of Shells” completed
Reports to be filed: Eva Request, EVA Report, Journalist Report, Greenhab Report, Operations Report, Sol Summary, Photos
Support Requested: None