Crew 214 Science Report 5 November 2019
SOL: 9
Crew 214 – Expedition Boomerang Crew
Submitted by Science Officer Andrew Wheeler
Science Operations: The sixth scientific EVA for the mission saw us travel to White Moon (517750E 4254520N) at the junction of Brahe Highway and Cow Dung Road in search of hydrated minerals. Immediately on arrival, gypsum crystals (CaSO4.2H2O) were observed protruding from the regolith and we were able to collect two soil samples and 9 rock samples. From these we intend to demonstrate the liberation of water through heating from both the crystals and the soil.
On our return to the the hab, we called into the Tank Wash #2 site and collected an additional 3 samples for the micrometeorite search. This is 43% of the planned samples. Unfortunately, someone has visited the grid, trampled through a number of plots and compromised the integrity of the experiment.
Green Hab: Access through the tunnel between the main hab and the green hab has again been opened for atmospheric equalization. The plants were watered by the Outpost crew.
Science Dome: Samples returned from the morning’s EVA are awaiting processing before undergoing experimental procedures within the science dome.
Closed Loop Food Waste Study: The day’s waste for Sol 9 is: 25 grams; consisting of 127 calories, 1g fat, <1g saturated fat, 69mg sodium, 70g carbohydrates, <1g fibre, 2g sugar, 5g protein.
EVA: Preparations for finalizing the micrometeorite sampling experiment were undertaken.
EVA Suit Maintenance: Nominal
Additional Activities: Photographs were taken of the compromised micrometeorite sampling grid.