Category: Sol Summary

Crew 261 Sol Summary Report 07-05-2023

Sol 7
Summary Title: Crew rest day on Sunday

Author’s name: Aline Decadi, XO

Mission Status: nominal

Sol Activity Summary: No EVA took place. This is Sunday, the Crew rest day. The crew made Cardiovascular measurements and proceeded to a rigorous protocol for handling and storing human biological samples (as part of the COSMOS experiment).
Crew members performed sports and worked on their own experiments. Our Artist and journalist Kris Davidson performed a demonstration on her fantastic artistic projects that are going to be fed with our Mars analog mission. The crew made a debrief of the day, then spent the evening together, including having dinner.

Look Ahead Plan: We will have 2 EVAs tomorrow: EVA-11 in the morning (10 AM to 12 PM) for ADAPA Drone engineering test; EVA-12 in the afternoon (1 PM to 5 PM) for Atmosphinder engineering test#4 using rovers Opportunity and Curiosity, according to mission request approval.

Anomalies in work: None.

Weather: Pleasant and sunny.

Crew Physical Status: Nominal.

EVA: No EVA on Sunday.

Reports to be filed: HSO Report, EVA Report, Operations Report, Journalist Report, Pictures of the day, GreenHab Report.

Support Requested: None.

Crew 261 Sol Summary Report 06-05-2023

Sol: 6

Summary Title: Long-range EVA

Author’s name: Aline Decadi, XO

Mission Status: nominal

Sol Activity Summary: Today took place 2 EVAs:
– EVA-9 with the following crew members: Audrey Derobertmasure (EVA Leader), Erin Kennedy (Crew Roboticist), Kris
Davidson (Journalist) (Not In Sim – Not Wearing Suit)
– EVA-10 with the following crew members: James Burk (Commander) (EVA Leader), Cecile Renaud (GreenHab Officer)

EVA-9 conducted 1) testing of Atmosphinder prototype mechanised wind sails and improved towing method at a walking distance from the Hab; then 2) drove the rover Spirit for Testing the Atmosphinder prototype descending hill with steeper grade.
The crew drove the rover Spirit instead of the rover that was planned in the EVA Request The reason for this is they have been confused by the first EVA request that was mentioning Spirit – while the second approved EVA request has changed to Perseverance and Curiosity (one additional rover was considered in case the journalist would have joined). It turned out that the journalist has walked and not joined the rover drive.
EVA-9 conducted Atmosphinder testing in the half-sized configuration (~1 m diameter) with sails (17" x 28.5") extending from the two hoops. The testing was divided into two sections: sail testing near the Hab and steeper grade hill testing near Phobos Peak.
Sail testing took place in front of the Hab. The sail testing observed the performance of the trim motors with the gusts of wind. In all 3 positions and on both sides, the motors performed to specification. The force of the wind on the sail frame ranged from 2N to 9 N, as measured with force spring gauges. The wind on the sails was able to tilt the electronics payload bay to 30 degrees. This test built on learnings from EVA-6.
Steeper grade hill testing took place in the vicinity of Phobos Peak, within close proximity to the road for transporting the robot. The location was scouted on foot. The candidate hill was approximately 2 meters tall, at an estimated 30 degrees grade, and clear of boulders. The robot was towed to the top of the hill while walking while keeping in mind astronaut safety.
The robot was given an initial push to roll down the hill. This was conducted to observe the dynamics of the robot structure given the terrain. With an enthusiastic ‘Bon Voyage’, the robot rolled down the hill with gusto! As the robot approached level land, known weak pieces broke under the loads, similar to EVA-2. All pieces were collected. An initial damage analysis shows that it was not as destructive as it had appeared to be in the field. The repaired pieces from EVA-4 held up well.
EVA-9 built on the lessons learned previously as well as the pertinent safety training received yesterday. The EVA-9 resulted in new information being learned that would only be possible in this unique environment. Many thanks to the entire crew — both on the EVA, at HabCom, and behind the scenes!

EVA-10 conducted the Drone Rescue to recover Acarus that was lost during the yesterday’s EVA. They drive to Cow Dung Road, then North to Galileo Road, then East/SouthEast to Compass Rock, then the location of the downed Icarus drone.
The crew drove the rovers Opportunity and Curiosity (instead of Spirit after concertation with Mission Support – Spirit has been used for the EVA-9 during this morning and its SOC went down to around 70% so it as changed for Curiosity). After retrieving the drone successfully, they went Northeast on Galileo Road and drive as far as rovers’ allow, up to Sommerville Overlook. They took a few minutes to find their road back to Galileo Road towards Sommerville as it is mostly covered by sand and sometimes difficult to see over the dunes). They Walk on foot to explore area up to Sommerville Overlook. Then went back to the Hab. They arrived at the Hab 30 minutes late because they have not been able to anticipate the time to make the round trip. Nevertheless, the 2 AA were wearing the 2 InReach devices and their location was updated on the Hab screen every 10 minutes, confirming to HabCOM that everything was operating nominally on the field.

The second EVA ended at 6:00pm. The crew ended the afternoon with the debriefing of EVA-10, the request activated on Skynet for observing Polaris from MLC-RCOS16 observatory (New Mexico), followed by the dinner and the reports of the day.

Look Ahead Plan: No Sim on Sunday.

Anomalies in work: None.

Weather: Chill in the morning. Very windy day.

Crew Physical Status: Nominal.

EVA: EVA-9 close to the Hab, EVA-10 to Sommerville Overlook.

Reports to be filed: HSO Report, EVA Report, Operations Report, Journalist Report, Pictures
of the day, GreenHab Report.

Support Requested: None.

Crew 261 Sol Summary Report 05-05-2023

Sol: 5

Summary Title: First long-range EVA

Author’s name: Aline Decadi, XO

Mission Status: nominal

Sol Activity Summary: Today took place 2 EVAs:
– EVA-7 with the following crew members: James Burk (Commander)
(EVA Leader), Aline Decadi (XO).
– EVA-8 with the following crew members: Julien Villa-Massone (EVA Leader), Kris Davidson (Crew
Journalist), Audrey Derobertmasure (HSO).

EVA-7 conducted EVA with the following purposes:
Test of drones at Compass Rock.
Build experience for longer-range EVAs.
HabCom training of crewmembers to support longer-range EVAs.

We drove with Curiosity rover to Compass Rock with intermediate points: drive to Cow Dung Road, then North to Galileo Road, then East/SouthEast to Compass Rock. Walk on foot to explore the area.
We took time to find the right turn on Galileo Road. The MDRS Map seemed not reliable enough: the GPS was pointing the right turn at 4252200 while the map was indicating 4252000. As a lesson learnt from this experiment, we concluded that the map shall not be used as a reliable tool while navigating in exploration areas, but rather as an indicator. The good solution is to focus on a detailed preparation upfront (using satellite imaging to visualize the shape of the road) combined to the use of navigation devices on the field.
Another outcome from this EVA was that the SOC of the Curiosity rover decreased in a non-predictive way: in ten minutes, it decreased very quickly from 100% to 85%, then it stays at 66% for a very long time. As a lesson-learnt, it could be useful to test the rover under 60% in the vicinity of the MDRS station (for safety purpose) to predict the SOC. This could help to learn/ predict if the SOC goes very fast from 60% to 40% or even 20% or if it stays stable for a certain time around 50%-60%; and what are the parameters that can influence the SOC while in a long-range EVA. As the battery consumption may be different for each rover, we would recommend performing this test on the 4 rovers and provide the results to the mission support.
The Atmosphinder electronics payload was included on EVA-7. The air quality monitor was added, which reports PM 2.5, PM 10, and NH3 every 10 seconds. This sensor data, along with the pressure, humidity, temperature, wind (anemometer), GPS, and battery, was logged at 1 Hz to the microcontroller’s micro sd card. The data will be analysed at a later date. Progress on Atmosphinder including adapting and installing both sail assemblies, affixing an improved towing method, and coding the mechanised sail trim motors.
EVA-8 conducted exploration of Area for Geologic Purposes. The crew walked to MDRS sign, then head due Southeast. The crew found various traces of ancient civilisations on the field. The purpose was also to train for communication between the crew and HabCom.

During the debriefing session post-EVA, we have collected several additional lessons-learnt that are detailed in the EVA Report.

The crew spent the afternoon to their experiments: further tests on the drones and Meshtastic devices, to prepare for the next observatory session, to progress on Atmosphinder, to perform cardiovascular measurements post EVAs. I also proposed a training session for emergency on the field with the purpose to expose what kind of hazards may happen on the field, how to detect and make decisions on the most appropriate “way for action”. Then we trained on how to remove the helmet/ backpack in different degraded situations as quickest as possible.

Look Ahead Plan: We will be in Sim tomorrow according to mission request approval.

Anomalies in work: None.

Weather: Chill in the morning. Very windy day.

Crew Physical Status: Nominal.

EVA: One EVA to Compass Rock, One EVA walking in the vicinity of the Hab.

Reports to be filed: HSO Report, EVA Request, EVA Report, Operations Report, Journalist Report, Pictures of the day.

Support Requested: None.

Crew 261 Sol Summary Report 04-05-2023

Sol: 4

Summary Title: experiencing Mars is never routine – Focus on Safety (Drill)

Author’s name: Aline Decadi, XO

Mission Status: nominal

Sol Activity Summary: Today took place 2 EVAs:
– EVA-5 with the following crew members: Aline Decadi (XO) (EVA Leader), Audrey Derobertmasure (HSO), Cecile Renaud (GreenHab Officer), Kris Davidson (Crew Journalist)
– EVA-6 with the following crew members: James Burk (Commander) (EVA Leader), Erin Kennedy (Crew Roboticist).

EVA-5 was focused on the initial Meshtastic Testing and on conducting Safety Procedures for EVA Crewmembers.
Each team member carried one Meshtastic: it worked nominally and gave consistent positioning data. This concluded this test successfully. The next tests would be focused to analyze how far we can go from the Hab with this device performing well.
The crew drove with Perseverance and Spirit rovers to explore the Pooh’s Corner, looking for traces of ancient civilizations.
Safety Drill: On our way back, I experienced a possible smell of burnt and alerted the crew and the HabCom I was feeling weak and decided to abort the EVA. The rest of the crew brought assistance on the field removing my Helmet and Backpack, coordinating with the HabCom, and coming back quickly to the Hab for Safety. The overall management of the Safety issue took around 15 minutes. The objectives of the EVA were still reached, and immediate actions were taken while facing danger. A debriefing took place once the crew was safety back to the Hab, and led to a detailed list of the encountered issues from the crew perspectives, and associated outcomes that are deeply detailed in the “EVA Report” of the Sol 4, e.g. regarding coordination & communication management. Some improvements will be also proposed for the next EVAs, e.g. bring water in the rover and fix a water bag/ protein bar on the suit to be able to assist the crew on the field. Experiencing Mars is never routine, and we plan to train for safety procedures during the rest of the mission to learn to act with more confidence: e.g. how to remove very quickly helmet/backpack in case of emergency. The backpack has been checked once coming back at the Hab : no visible sign of damage, and seems functional.

EVA-6 commenced with a thoughtful message from the Commander regarding the three reasons to go to Mars: for the Challenge, for the Science, and for the Future. This certainly gave colour to the present experiment where it could lead to in the future.
EVA-6 conducted Atmosphinder testing with the same size configuration as EVA-4 (half-sized, ~1 m diameter) in front of the Hab with repairs from EVA-4. The objectives of today’s tests focused on leveraging the excellent weather conditions, with wind speeds of 40.2 km/h and wind gusts of 77.2 km/h. The robot was able to be self-propelled by the wind gusts after an initial force assist, travelling approximately 4 meters from its starting position. This was repeated successfully 3 times.
A series of tests were conducted on the sail assembly to determine the amount of sail deflection by the wind with varying servo motor angles. The reactions of the servo motors interacting with the wind gusts were observed. By testing in these unique conditions at MDRS, this gave valuable insight into factors for developing the control system of the sail servo motors. Thank you to the Commander for assisting with the strenuous sail testing.
Final tests involved rolling the robot down a small hill outside the Hab. The robot completed all 3 runs successfully. The electronics payload was functioning separately, collecting environmental sensor data. The EVA-6 worked smoothly, and new information was learned. The success of EVA-6 was again in large part thanks to the entire crew — both on the EVA and behind the scenes!

Look Ahead Plan: We will be in Sim tomorrow: drone testing, according to mission request approval.

Anomalies in work: None.

Weather: Sunny and pleasant. Very windy day.

Crew Physical Status: Nominal.

EVA: One EVA to North West Pooh’s Corner, One EVA in the vicinity of the Hab.

Reports to be filed: HSO Report, EVA Request, EVA Report, Operations Report, Journalist Report, Pictures of the day.

Support Requested: None.

Crew 261 Sol Summary Report 03-05-2023

Sol: 3

Summary Title: experiencing EVA procedures in the windy environment of Mars

Author’s name: Aline Decadi, XO

Mission Status: Nominal.

Sol Activity Summary: Today took place 2 EVAs:
– EVA-3 with the following crew members: James Burk (Commander) (EVA Leader), Cecile Renaud (GreenHab Officer).
– EVA-4 with the following crew members: Aline Decadi (XO) (EVA Leader), Erin Kennedy (Crew Roboticist).

EVA-3 conducted a collection of soil for GreenHab experiments and operational testing of EVALink and VR-Comms procedures using Garmin devices. The soil collection is meant to support our Biostimulation experiments.

The crew drove with the Opportunity rover towards Cow Dung Road, took it South to the entry to Robert’s Rock Garden, and walked East to the collection site.

EVA-4 conducted Atmosphinder testing using the half-sized robot (~1 m diameter) in front of the Hab. The objectives of the test focused on
structural aspects of the robot and de-risking operational elements. The EVA crew members worked together to increase the operational understanding of extracting the robot out of the RAM, loading the robot into the rover (ATV), securing the robot to the rover (ATV), and driving slowly with sudden decelerations. The lessons learned from this exercise will de-risk these elements on future EVAs when transporting the robot to regions of interest. Quantitative testing of the robot was completed using force meters to measure the longitudinal and latitudinal forces required to lift the robot. Qualitative testing observed that the robot can roll down a small incline unassisted.
Structural elements on the robot that failed were known previously and can be repaired. The electronics payload was tested separately, with the new addition of the wind sensor compared to EVA-2. The EVA-4 worked smoothly, and valuable new information was learned. The success of this EVA-4 was in large part thanks to the EVA crew lead and the crew facilitating behind the scenes.

We spent the afternoon making analysis and processing yesterday’s experiments: the Musk observatory first Sun imaging; analyzing the soil samples collected for the GreenHab and Biostimulation experiments; and setting up the tomorrow’s experiments: robotics Atmosphinder, drone reconnaissance of campus with 4 waypoints. The Commander James Burk also made a detailed demonstration on MarsVR, showing the MDRS and the surrounding desert with very accurate details of the terrain, and also how we will be able to use the VR to plan out our EVAs and even see EVAs in progress.

The cardiovascular monitoring with requested parameters has been also performed as usual by HSO.

Biostimulation experiments are divided in 2 sections:
– early growth biostimulation using different kinds of soil (Utah soil, Martian
regolith simulant and normal soil).
– biostimulation on grown tomato plants.
Biostimulant solution is made from spirulina.

We spent the evening having dinner, the commander briefing, and preparing the experiments for tomorrow.

Look Ahead Plan: We will be in Sim tomorrow to perform a flyover of the campus using a drone, and to test out the Meshtastic devices for the VR, and make a complementary structural test for the Atmosphinder experiment, according to mission request approval.

Anomalies in work: Toilet is smelly, and Crew Engineer will cover that in Operations report.

Weather: Sunny and pleasant. Very windy day.

Crew Physical Status: Nominal

EVA: testing Atmosphinder prototype, drone reconnaissance of campus.

Reports to be filed: HSO Report, EVA Request, EVA Report, Operations Report, Journalist Report, Pictures of the day.

Support Requested: None.

Crew 261 Sol Summary Report 02-05-2023

Sol: 2

Summary Title: Completion of the crewmembers qualification on EVA procedures on Mars

Author’s name: Aline Decadi, XO

Mission Status: Nominal.

Sol Activity Summary: Today has taken place the EVA-2 with the following crew members: James Burk (Commander) (EVA Leader), Erin Kennedy (Crew Roboticist), Kris Davidson (Crew Journalist). They were accompanied by the crew journalist and the HSO. They prepared our flight suits, backpacks, helmets, and radio. The purpose was training EVA procedures + communication test with crew members and with the hab.
EVA-2 crew members started donning at 8:45 AM and EVA started at 9:15 AM. Our Crew261 Commander pronounced the following emotional beautiful sentences when heading for the first time on Martian soil: “It is with a profound sense of humbleness, duty, and honor that we take these first steps on Mars. We come from Earth, on behalf of all humanity. We come to bring Life to Mars, and Mars to Life”. They drove the Rovers (Spirit and Perseverance) for the first time with their spacesuits to the Marble Ritual, then walked around. We exercised walking around with the spacesuits, making geology/ collecting samples, regular health status, made photographs, and performed communication checks & extensive use of the radio. The communication was confirmed to be good on the field, and the overall safety health checks were nominal. The EVA-2 crew members qualified on EVA procedures today. As a lesson learnt from Sol 1, the EVA total duration was extended from 1h00 to 1h30 to successfully finish on time at 10:22 AM (ETA in the mission request was 10:30 AM).
We spent the afternoon setting up experiments: the GreenHab, the PhotoBioreactor, the Musk observatory first Sun imaging, the file server, the headsets for MarsVR, the robotics Atmosphinder, and cardiovascular monitoring with requested parameters.

We spent the evening having dinner, the commander briefing, and preparing EVA & experiments for tomorrow.

Look Ahead Plan: We will be in Sim tomorrow: soil collection, make a structural test for the Atmosphinder experiment, according to mission request approval.

Anomalies in work: None

Weather: Sunny and pleasant. Very windy day.

Crew Physical Status: As lessons learnt from yesterday, the extended duration for the EVA enables it to function safely and with continuous operational communication. The EVA has been scheduled in the morning as the temperature is more moderate.

EVA: Training EVA to Marble Ritual

Reports to be filed: HSO Report, EVA Request, EVA Report, Operations Report, Astronomy Report, Journalist Report, Pictures of the day.

Support Requested: None.

Crew 261 Sol Summary Report 01-05-2023

Sol: 1

Summary Title: First EVA on Mars

Author’s name: Aline Decadi, XO

Mission Status: Nominal.

Sol Activity Summary: We prepared our flight suits, backpacks, helmets, radio, and we prepared ourselves for our first EVA this morning. The purpose was training EVA procedures + communication test with crew members and with the hab.
The group of 7 crew members have been split in 2 EVAs:
– EVA-1 crew members: Aline Decadi (Executive Officer) (EVA Leader), Audrey Derobertmasure (HSO), Julien Villa-Massone (Engineer), Cecile Renaud (Greenhab officer), Kris Davidson (Journalist) (Kris has been added to EVA-1 after the commander asked approval from mission support for the amendment of the EVA request sent yesterday).
– EVA-2 crew members: James Burk (Commander) (EVA Leader), Erin Kennedy (Crew Roboticist), Kris Davidson (Crew Journalist).

EVA-1 crew members started EVA preparation at 8:30 AM and EVA at 9:37 AM. Julien Villa-Massone pronounced the following beautiful sentence when the crew walked for the first time on the Martian soil: “It’s a small step for women, but a giant leap for womenkind”. We drove the Rovers (Curiosity, Perseverance, and Opportunity) for the first time with spacesuits. We accommodated with maneuver to the Marble Ritual, then walked around no farther than 200 meters for communication check. We exercised walking around with the spacesuits, regular health status, made photographs, and performed communication checks & extensive use of the radio. The communication was confirmed to be good on the field. Each crew member has used the radio extensively, experienced the spacesuits, the walking, the driving, the team cohesion, and the overall safety health checks were nominal. The EVA-1 crew members qualified on EVA procedures today. Nevertheless, it took more time than expected to go outside the hab, drive with the 3 rovers, and qualify for the EVA procedures.
The EVA extension has been always made safely and with operational communication (continuous communication with CapCom). We went back at 10:30 am instead of 10:00 AM. Back there, the Commander asked us for a crew debriefing and for a crew discussion. The discussion finished around 11:20 AM which was already late for the entire EVA-2 window. So, the Commander has informed the mission support that the EVA-2 will be cancelled for today. EVA-2 is rescheduled for tomorrow to qualify James Burk (Commander) (EVA Leader) and Erin Kennedy (Crew Roboticist), and they will be accompanied by the crew journalist and the HSO.
We spent the afternoon setting up experiments: the GreenHab, the PhotoBioreactor, the Musk observatory check, the file server for MarsVR and cardiovascular monitoring with requested parameters.

We spent the evening having dinner with MDRS Assistant Director Sergii Iakymov, having a commander briefing, and preparing EVA-2 and experiments for tomorrow.

Look Ahead Plan: We will be in Sim tomorrow for EVA-2 according to mission request approval. We will end the qualification of the overall 7 crewmembers on EVA procedures.

Anomalies in work: None

Weather: Sunny and pleasant. No significant wind during the morning EVA. Wind picked up in the afternoon.

Crew Physical Status: One crewmember was feeling weak and dehydrated today. They had a medical checkup with HSO and rested during the afternoon and worked inside the hab in the shade (it was too hot inside the RAM). A general point of attention was to all members to remember to drink water very often and to keep cool when it is too hot.

EVA: Training EVA to Marble Ritual

Reports to be filed: HSO Report, EVA Request, EVA Report, Operations Report, Crew Bios, Journalist Report, Pictures of the day

Support Requested: None.

Crew 280 Sol Summary Report 28-04-2023

Sol: 12

Summary title: A Bittersweet Day on Mars

Author’s name: Mariona Badenas-Agustí, Commander.

Mission status: Nominal

Sol activity summary:

This morning, the Hypatia I crew started packing and cleaning the station. At around 4PM, they returned to the Earth, hence concluding a productive and intense stay on the Red Planet. It has been an emotional afternoon, and the crew will celebrate their effort and hard work with a nice dinner tonight in Hanksville.

Looking back, the Hypatia I mission at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) has been a challenging but rewarding experience. And although everyone is looking forward to going back home, they know that their work on Mars is far from over. Indeed, as the crew returns to Barcelona, they will continue to promote scientific vocations, especially among young girls interested in STEM careers. By showing them what is possible, and by encouraging them to pursue their dreams, Hypatia I hopes to create a new generation of explorers and scientists. As NASA Astronaut Sally Ride once said: “You cannot be who you cannot see.”

As the Commander of Hypatia I, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the MDRS Mission Support Team –and especially to Shannon Rupert and Sergii Iakymov– for their help and support during our stay on Mars. Thank you!

Look ahead plan: The team will go back to Grand Junction tomorrow after breakfast.

Anomalies in work: None.

Weather: Sunny. Low 39F/High 70F.

Crew physical status: Nominal.

EVA: None

Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, Operations Report, GreenHab Report, Journalist Report, Pictures of the Day, End-of-Mission Research Summary, Mission Summary

Support Requested: None.

Crew 280 Sol Summary Report 27-04-2023

Sol: 11

Summary title: The Final Countdown: Earth is in sight

Author’s name: Mariona Badenas-Agustí, Commander.

Mission status: Nominal

Sol activity summary:

Yesterday, at the stroke of midnight, the Hypatia I crew sang “Happy Birthday” to Mariona Badenas-Agusti (Commander and Astronomer). Mariona was not expecting this surprise, so she was moved by the thoughtfulness of her fellow crew members. Today, the birthday festivities will continue at night, when the crew will cook one of Mariona’s favorite dishes from Earth: pasta with pesto, and a homemade apple crumble for dessert –a much-awaited feast on Mars.

During the day, the crew has been busy with various activities. Two EVAs took place at Robert’s Rock Garden, where different teams participated in a Martian navigation exercise, designed by Ariadna Farrés (Scientist and HSO) in collaboration with Cesca Cufí (Engineer). Back in the habitat, everyone started to pack up their experiments and equipment in preparation for their imminent return to Earth.

As the mission is coming to an end, Hypatia I look back on the past two weeks with immense pride and satisfaction. The opportunity to conduct Martian-related research in a simulation environment has been a unique experience that has taught the crew invaluable lessons, particularly about teamwork, problem-solving, and perseverance.

Upon their return to Earth, the crew will embark on their next mission: to share the results of their scientific research with the general public, and to promote STEAM vocations among the next generation. Their ultimate goal is to pass the torch to a second Hypatia crew –one that can carry on their legacy and work, both on Mars and beyond.

Look ahead plan: We will enjoy a Martian morning before flying back to the Earth after lunch. There will be no EVA tomorrow.

Anomalies in work: None.

Weather: Sunny. Low 38F/High 66F.

Crew physical status: Nominal.

EVA: There were two EVAs to Roberts Rock Garden (see EVA Report).

Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, EVA request, EVA Report, Operations Report, GreenHab Report, Journalist Report, Pictures of the Day.

Support Requested: None.

Crew 280 Sol Summary Report 26-04-2023

Sol: 10

Summary title: Harvesting Martian results

Author’s name: Mariona Badenas-Agustí, Commander and Astronomer

Mission status: Nominal

Sol activity summary:

The Hypatia I crew started their day with enthusiasm, eager to embark on their longest EVA yet. After gathering around the table for breakfast, Carla Conejo (Executive Officer & Biologist), Núria Jar (Journalist), Laia Ribas (GreenHab Officer), and Mariona Badenas-Agusti (Crew Commander & Astronomer) prepared themselves for their EVA. Today, they drove towards Brahe Highway 1572, stopping just before reaching the Martian moons. In their final destination, they flew a small drone and collected sand samples for Carla’s and Laia’s project, respectively.

The full crew gathered at lunchtime, when Cesca Cufí (Engineer) and Neus Sabaté (Mission Specialist) prepared a refreshing rice salad with beans, dehydrated chicken (or mushrooms for vegetarians), and fresh chives from the GreenHab. After lunch, the crew resumed their work on their experiments in the Science Dome, RAM, and the Hab. As always, it has been a productive day on Mars.

With only two more SOLs left before their return to Earth, the Hypatia I crew can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia about their time on Mars and how quickly their mission is going by. Nevertheless, they remain highly motivated to complete their projects and share their findings with those who have followed their journey, both back home and beyond.

Look ahead plan: Tomorrow will be characterized by two EVAs dedicated to a navigation competition between the crew members (See EVA Request).

Anomalies in work: None.

Weather: Sunny. Low 38F/High 66F.

Crew physical status: Nominal.

EVA: There was an EVA to Cow Dung Road 0110 (see EVA Report).

Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, EVA request, EVA Report, Operations Report, GreenHab Report, Journalist Report, Pictures of the Day.

Support Requested: None.