Category: Sol Summary

Crew 286 Sol 11 Summary Report 23-NOV-2023
Sol: 11
Summary Title: “A monster MASH success, followed by mashed potatoes”
Author’s name: Roger Gilbertson
Mission Status: Nominal
Sol Activity Summary: In the morning, the EVA 11 crew loaded up the MASH vehicle with suits and equipment for their excursion. Guillaume completed another live media interview, then boarded with the three other MASH crew members: Don, Lizzy and Guillaume.
They detached from the docking portal next to the Science Dome at 9:15 am, backed out, then drove down Moon Walk Road, exited the campus and drove south on Cow Dung Road to Kissing Camel. There they performed a turn-around at the previously identified location, then parked.
All astronauts suited up, then the MASH depressurized its front section, and three astronauts exited. Ducky remained aboard as local Cap-Com. Lizzy and Gee walked along the base of the nearby ridge, with Liz piloting a drone scan of the magnificent geology, while Hugo captured images of the MASH operating in the the exotic terrain.
Unexpectedly, at about 10:55 am the MASH control panel showed a “check engine light” and the engine would not start. The crew contacted Cap-com and consulted with them about the situation. Cap-com informed Mission Support, and options were discussed. Ducky suited up, depressurized, and went out to check the fluids on the vehicle, remaining fully in-sim the entire time. Oil was added to the engine, and the vehicle then restarted properly.
Filmmaker Hugo was pleased to capture an actual unexpected situation, and though it did not develop into a full “emergency,” it provided some much-hoped-for moments of true drama and concern.
Once all had reboarded and repressuized, they were able to have a small snack, then returned to MDRS in the comfort of the pressurized MASH interior. Redocking at the portal occurred smoothly, and the vehicle doors were opened at exactly 12:00 pm.
Roger successfully modified the plaster mold, then melted down the failed third metal part, and recast it. He then trimmed the pieces, and performed a test assembly.
Guillaume performed another sampling and was pleased to find that the bacteria growth had reached a plateau in growth, indicating a successful completion of his experiment for this mission.
We gathered images and text for our Final Mission Report, then turned to the kitchen to prepare our much-anticipated Thanksgiving dinner.
EXIT PLAN: Tomorrow morning we plan to exit sim upon awakening, then pack our things, clean, do the food inventory, and load the Crew Car. Then we plan to borrow the Habitat Car and visit the Special Area to the north. We will return to campus by 4 PM so that we can depart in the Crew Car before sunset, and head for Grand Junction.
Anomalies in work: none
Weather: overcast
Crew Physical Status: nominal
EVA: EVA 11 completed
Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, Journalist report, Photos, Operations report, Green Hab report, EVA 11 report, Final Mission Report.
Support Requested: May we have the Crew Car delivered to the habitat by 10 AM or so, for loading? And we still hope to borrow the Hab Car to visit the Special Area before we depart, as time and weather allows.

Crew 286 Sol 07 Summary Report 19-NOV-2023

Sol: 07

Summary Title: “Rainy Mid-Mission Report Day.”

Author’s name: Roger Gilbertson

Mission Status: Nominal

Sol Activity Summary: Rain fell on and off throughout the night, causing the cancellation of both morning and afternoon planned EVAs. We performed interior tasks, monitoring bacterial growth, GreenHab work, and preparing and collating our Mid-Mission reports.

Look Ahead Plan: The science program will continue to monitor bacterial growth. Plaster mold preparation continues for test metal casting, as well as processing of LIDAR scans, photography and videography.

We will continue to monitor weather and surface conditions in hopes of revising our EVA proposals. Our visiting New York Times photojournalists plan to depart tomorrow morning, Sol 8.

Anomalies in work: none
Weather: rainy

Crew Physical Status: nominal

EVA: none

Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, Journalist report, Photos, Operations report, Green Hab report, EVA 7 request, Mid-mission report.

Support Requested: none

Crew 286 Sol 08 Summary Report 20-NOV-2023

Sol: 08

Summary Title: “Again We Are Six.”

Author’s name: Roger Gilbertson

Mission Status: Nominal

Sol Activity Summary: After dinner last night we experienced Scott (aka Groucho) performing an excellent music set in the Science Dome. He played an original composition on electronic keyboard, then played it again but engaged a specially designed digital filter which transformed the music to resemble what we would hear on the surface of Mars with its thin, cold atmosphere. After the show, we went to bed, eager to awake before sunrise, eager to hear the outdoor surface conditions report from Mission Support.

As the Sun rose above the eastern hills, we were given the "go” signal for our six-person EVA. But before leaving the habitat, we said goodbye to our visiting photographer Andrea, who was leaving sim so she could document our EVA, unencumbered by a suit. (As has been done with previous visiting media.) Her companion Caleb remained in-sim and joined us on our EVA. From then on Andrea was only a “ghost” and a fond memory.

Suited up, we walked to the RAM, carrying our helmets in their cases, then finished our preparations, closed the RAM door, performed a five-minute depressurization, and rolled up the door to a glorious martian morning.

The six of us carried a substantial amount of advanced music, photo, video and audio equipment, and made our way to the hills just north of the Observatory, where Maestro Groucho setup and performed another music set, this time in the open air, with all spectators in suits. As the end time of our EVA approached we returned to the RAM airlock and reentered.

The rest of the day involved various interior activities: vacuuming and sweeping the substantial amount of dirt that made its way in after the rains turned the surface to mud, sampling the prolific spirulina growth in the Science Dome and drying it so it can be returned to Cécile Renauld (MDRS 261 scientist and PhD candidate at University of Mons), video interviews, LiDAR scanning of the MASH vehicle, and casting of the 2nd half of the metal fabrication demonstration. We also learned that when reconstituted, dehydrated butter makes a very good mold release compound.
Look Ahead Plan: The science program will continue to monitor bacterial growth. Plaster molds are drying in preparation for a test metal casting, and we are mapping out the rest of our activities for the remaining sols.

Anomalies in work: none
Weather: sunny

Crew Physical Status: nominal

EVA: EVA 7 completed, request for EVA 8 submitted for tomorrow

Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, Journalist report, Photos, Operations report, Green Hab report, EVA 7 summary, EVA 8 request.

Support Requested: none

Crew 286 Sol 08 Summary Report 20-NOV-2023

Sol: 08

Summary Title: “A Fine Day Sampling Mars.”

Author’s name: Roger Gilbertson

Mission Status: Nominal

Sol Activity Summary: This morning’s EVA #8 to collect samples from three locations went smoothly. We prepared efficiently and exited the airlock at the planned time, driving out of the campus and south on Cow Dung Road. Gee used the iPhone GPS and directed us to stop on the road near the coordinates provided by the previous researchers. We trekked eastward, and located each sampling position with relative ease. The locations where the first two samples were previously collected appeared clearly on the ground, having only received minor erosion and filling in since their April sampling. The third sample, been in a stream bed, were not apparent, but we took samples at the indicated coordinates. At each location we collected and labeled samples, and photographed each before and after digging.

We returned to the vehicles with an hour remaining, and asked for a time extension so that filmmaker Hugo could continue to film content for his documentary, including shots taken by him standing at the roadside and filming as we drove past in the rovers. We continued northwards until we filmed rovers entering the campus, and astronauts entering the airlock.

We have cleaned both floors of the mud which entered after the rains. Science sampling continued, the purple bacteria continues to show steady growth. The second half of the metal casting mold was dried and trimmed. Then both halves were joined, and the first bismuth casting performed. It was removed from the mold successfully, and a second casting was performed prior to this report. Time permitting, a third cast will be made this evening, and then the three pieces can be assembled tomorrow into the final structure. Drone test flights were successfully performed in the tunnel between the habitat and RAM, in preparation for tomorrow’s EVA.

SOL 9 PLAN: Morning EVA #9, Afternoon EVA #10, completion of science and metal casting projects, begin drafting our Final Mission Report.

SOL 10 PLAN (Thursday, last full day of sim): The science program will continue to monitor bacterial growth. Plans have been made for our final sols, including our Thanksgiving dinner. Our EVA 10 proposal is in development and proposes three crew members driving the MASH vehicle southwards, parking at the Barrainca Butte road, then conducting a 2-person walking EVA in the vicinity with CapCom operating in the MASH. The EVA walkers will conduct comms test from nearby hilltops to hopefully reach the stations via the CH1 repeater, then return to the MASH vehicle. After a rest and recharge, a second brief demonstration EVA may be conducted before returning to the habitat. We estimate the entire excursion to be about 4 hours from exit to return. Then we will complete our Final Mission Report, and celebrate with a martian Thanksgiving dinner.

EXIT PLAN: At present we plan to exit sim after waking Friday morning. We will clean, inventory, pack, and load the Crew Car. Then, as time allows, we would like to borrow the Habitat Car and conduct an out-of-sim drive to the Special Area to the north. We will return to campus by 4 PM, then depart in the Crew Car for Grand Junction.

Anomalies in work: none
Weather: sunny

Crew Physical Status: nominal

EVA: EVA 8 completed, request for EVA 9 and EVA 10 submitted, EVA 11 outlined above

Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, Journalist report, Photos, Operations report, Green Hab report, EVA 8 report, EVA 9 and 10 requests.

Support Requested: none

Crew 286 Sol 06 Summary Report 18-NOV-2023

Sol: 06

Summary Title: “Red, Red Rain.”

Author’s name: Roger Gilbertson

Mission Status: Nominal

Sol Activity Summary: We started the morning by watching the exciting and successful Starship launch from Earth. In the science dome our purple bacteria continue their excellent growth, as confirmed by samples which were taken and processed. The first half of the plaster mold was placed into an oven in the Science Dome for drying. Mid-mission reports are being prepared.

Today’s scheduled EVA-6 started about 20 minutes late, but as the four crew members exited the airlock door, drops of rain were noted. The rain increased a few moments later, and the crew returned to the airlock for the safety of their camera and electronic equipment. We watched the terrain grow increasingly wet, and Mission Support stated that weather radar showed that the rain was likely to continue for the duration of the EVA. After a few more minutes the crew agreed to abort and reschedule.

Look Ahead Plan: The science program will continue to monitor growth. Plaster mold preparation will continue, as will processing of LIDAR scans, photography and videography. EVA proposals are uncertain due to the now-muddy exterior conditions. Mid-mission reports will be delivered.

Anomalies in work: none
Weather: cloudy in AM, rain in afternoon

Crew Physical Status: nominal

EVA: EVA 6 completed, request for EVA 7 and EVA 8 submitted for tomorrow

Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, Journalist report, Photos, Operations report, Green Hab report, EVA 6 Summary, EVA 7 Request, EVA 8 Request.

Support Requested: none

Sol: 02
Summary Title: “Day Two, Seems Like Home”
Author’s name: Roger Gilbertson
Mission Status: Nominal
Sol Activity Summary: The morning was spent preparing and carrying out various individual projects. Cameras and equipment were setup for the afternoon EVA focusing on LIDAR and NeRF scanning. Science lab preparations continued for start of bacterial growth as soon as the pH meter arrives. Soil samples collected on EVA 2 were analyzed by crushing, sifting, then applying HCl and NaOH to small samples. Neither sample appeared to contain any appreciable amount of carbonates. GreenHab operations, planting and watering, continued with encouraging plant growth noticed.
A daily timeline was discussed and written up to streamline evening meal preparation and clean-up, to allow for more efficient use of the daily communications window, and earlier quiet and bed times. A step-by-step list was drafted for preparing, and returning from EVA. This includes using the three stations in the main downstairs room to setup each suit system in advance.
The afternoon EVA 3 departed about 30 minutes late and unfortunately the crew “assumed" a 30 minute extension without specifically requesting one from Mission Support. The EVA drove south on Cow Dung Road, noting a rapid drop in both vehicle’s state of charge. Communications became intermittent due to increasing distance from the repeater. One EVA crew member’s radio seemed to stop working, so they resorted to remaining close together in order to use gestures and shouting. CapCom was not notified of the radio problem until after the end of EVA, due to distance. The crew returned to the habitat at precisely 4:30 and entered the airlock at 4:35. Photos, documentary video, and 3D scans were successfully captured during the EVA. The crew will review the EVA requirements and communication protocols in the evening.
Look Ahead Plan: Tomorrow afternoon we plan for an EVA to collect soil samples in support of science started by a previous MDRS mission.
Anomalies in work: none
Weather: nominal
Crew Physical Status: nominal
EVA: EVA 3 completed today, request for EVA 4 submitted for tomorrow
Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, Journalist report, Photos, Operations report, Green Hab report, EVA 3 Summary, EVA 4 Request.
Support Requested: longest paint pole available to be attached to a window cleaning squeegee

Crew 286 Sol 04 Summary Report 16-NOV-2023

Sol: 04

Summary Title: “And Then There Were Eight.”

Author’s name: Roger Gilbertson

Mission Status: Nominal

Sol Activity Summary: In the science dome the bacterial growth experiment continues and appears on-track. Samples were taken and tested, and optical density doubled in 12 hours, indicating nominal growth. Plaster mold creation was started in the RAM, with the intention of demonstrating the use of in-situ resources (local gypsum for plaster), in support of metal component casting.

Just after 9 AM we welcomed our visiting photojournalists, Andrea and Caleb, who will be with us for four nights. We helped bring their equipment up from the rear airlock, then oriented them to the facility and its operations. We had a group lunch to welcome them.

Afternoon EVA. With eight people now in the habitat, we were able to include Hugo, our filmmaker, on to the EVA crew allowing for our first 4-person excursion. Preparations went smoothly and the four astronauts exited the airlock at the appointed time. Our visiting journalists observed the process of suiting up, using the radios, and conducting the EVA, in preparation for their joining an EVA tomorrow. All four astronauts and their equipment fit into the airlock, and they exited the airlock on time.

Phase 1 of the EVA involved the full team to wash the exteriors of the windows on habitat and science dome. A special extra-long squeegee was prepared from available components, and loaded into the airlock in two parts. A bottle of special Mars window washing fluid was also prepared. Upon exiting, the crew assembled the pole.

The first test wash was performed on the exterior of the airlock window. The squeegee’s sponge side was moistened from the fluid bottle, then raised up and moved over the window surface. Then the wiper blade side was used to remove the fluid. A cloth was used to wipe the edges. Then the smaller habitat windows on the lower floor were cleaned. In future, a smaller width squeegee would be helpful for these.

The upper floor windows proved more challenging. The highest ones were out of reach, even with the long pole. The round window above the airlock could be reached from the porch. As expected, the spacesuits made moving the squeegee over the high window difficult. One astronaut moved it, while the other observed from a bit further away, and provided feedback and directions. Our improved radio communications skills helped. In the end, the triple-pane windows contain a lot of dust on the inner surfaces, which is inaccessible, so they are less than 100 percent clean.

The squeegee team moved their attention to the science dome windows. Being at eye level allowed full and proper cleaning. The science dome windows now have excellent clarity.

We then proceeded to Phase 2. Lizzy and Groucho began LIDAR scanning and soil sampling in the habitat yard, and then along the stream bed to the east of the science dome. Gee and Hugo walked to the north of the observatory dome and conducted a memorial service for founding member of the Belgian Mars Society, Étienne Lefebvre, who passed away recently.

During the EVA, the visiting photographers documented the activities from within the habitat, the science dome, and observatory dome area.

Look Ahead Plan: Tomorrow the science program will continue with newly arrived innocula and freshly generated hydrogen. EVA training will be given to the visiting photographers, and they will be taken on an afternoon EVA to Marble Ritual. Processing of LIDAR images and samples will continue. Production of metal casting molds will continue.

Anomalies in work: none
Weather: nominal

Crew Physical Status: nominal

EVA: EVA 4 completed, request for EVA 5 submitted for tomorrow

Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, Journalist report, Photos, Operations report, Green Hab report, EVA 4 Summary, EVA 5 Request.

Support Requested: As previously requested, internet access at 6 AM to observe the Starship test launch (if it is still “go”)

Crew 286 Sol 05 Summary Report 17-NOV-2023

Sol: 05

Summary Title: “Visiting Marble Ritual with Visitors.”

Author’s name: Roger Gilbertson

Mission Status: Nominal

Sol Activity Summary: The science dome bacterial growth experiment is showing excellent growth – essentially doubling in 24 hours. In the RAM, plaster mold fabrication continued with clean-up of the first half cast yesterday.

We continued EVA and Comms training for our visiting photojournalists, Andrea and Caleb, then conducted them on a two-rover, four-person EVA to Marble Ritual. They captured images from the surface and some of the hills, then we returned to the Habitat and captured a few more images near the Observatory dome as shadows lengthened prior to sunset. EVA finished at the planned time of 4:30 PM.

Look Ahead Plan: Tomorrow the science program will continue to monitor growth. We plan a two-person EVA in the vicinity of the habitat to LIDAR scan and scout locations for an outdoor Martian music performance.

Anomalies in work: none
Weather: nominal

Crew Physical Status: nominal

EVA: EVA 5 completed, request for EVA 6 submitted for tomorrow

Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, Journalist report, Photos, Operations report, Green Hab report, EVA 5 Summary, EVA 6 Request.

Support Requested: Internet access tomorrow morning at 6 AM to observe the Starship test launch from Texas on Earth.

Sol: 01
Summary Title: “First Day, First EVAs”
Author’s name: Roger Gilbertson
Mission Status: Nominal
Sol Activity Summary: We completed EVA training in the early morning, after a crew meeting. We conducted a 3-person EVA-1 in the morning, which proved to take more time than anticipated, due to “learning curve”. Photo, video, 360 video, and drone aerial video were successfully captured. A small tripod was inadvertently dropped during the EVA.
In the afternoon, preparation for EVA-2 went more smoothly, and a patterned search for the missing small tripod was mounted. The tripod was successfully located and retrieved. Documentary footage was captured.
On both missions, short periods of mindful appreciation were conducted, in recognition of our amazing experiences here, and our enjoyable and growing team.
Inside the hab, we are conducting labeling operations, and preparing for science experiments was done in the chemical hood. Test of hydrogen production to be conducted this evening.
Look Ahead Plan: Tomorrow we plan to conduct two more EVAs, one to collect soil samples in support of a previous MDRS mission.
Anomalies in work: none
Weather: nominal
Crew Physical Status: nominal
EVA: EVA 1 and 2 completed today, requests for EVA 3 and 4 submitted for tomorrow
Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, Journalist report, Photos, Operations report, Green Hab report, EVA 1 Summary, EVA 2 Summary, EVA 3 Request, EVA 4 Request.
Support Requested: We are hoping for the arrival of two FedEx packages tomorrow.

Sol: 12
Summary Title: Last day on Mars
Author’s name: David Mateus
Mission Status: Nominal
Sol Activity Summary: The crew’s morning began at 7 a.m. with breakfast, after which they geared up for their final Extravehicular Activity (EVA). Departing for Hab Ridge at 9 a.m., the EVA #10 team embarked on exploration, capturing photographs and videos, and conducting the final test of the rescue project. They took a moment to say goodbye to the Martian landscape, appreciating one of the most stunning panoramas from the crest of the ridge.
Back at the habitat, the day proceeded with the team diligently composing their conclusive research reports and tidying up the Hab in anticipation of the arrival of the next team of explorers.
A note of gratitude to Mars for being our hospitable abode over these past weeks.
Look Ahead Plan: Leaving for Grand Junction tomorrow after checkout.
Anomalies in work: None
Weather: Clear skies
Crew Physical Status: Nominal.
EVA: Hab Ridge
Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, Journalist report, Photos, Operations report, Green Hab report, EVA #10 Report, Astronomy report, mission summary.
Support Requested: Nominal