Day: December 23, 2019

Posted on

Operations Report – December 23rd

  


Crew 218 Operations Report 23-Dec-19

SOL: 01

Name of person filing report: Luz Maria Agudelo Urrego

Non-nominal systems: NA

Generator: run

Hours run: 13

From what time last night: 1900

To what time this morning: 0800

List any additional daytime hours when the generator was run: N/A

Solar— SOC % (Before generator is run at night: 69 %

Diesel Reading – 87.5%

Station Propane Reading – 80%

Ethanol Free Gasoline: N/A

Water (loft tank) (gal): 26

Water Meter (units): 0146950.2

Water (static tank) (gal): 510

Static to Loft Pump used – Yes

Water in Green Hab (gal): 129

Water in Science Dome (gal): 0

Toilet tank emptied: Yes

Deimos rover used: Still in workshop

Hours:

Beginning charge:

Ending charge:

Currently charging:

Sojourner rover used: Assigned to director

Hours:

Beginning charge:

Ending charge:

Currently charging:

Spirit rover used: Nominal

Hours: 119.2

Beginning charge: (Before EVA): 100%

Ending charge: (On return from EVA, before recharging): 96%

Currently charging: Yes

Opportunity rover used: Still in workshop

Hours:

Beginning charge:

Ending charge:

Currently charging:

Curiosity rover used: Nominal

Hours: 124.4

Beginning charge: 100%

Ending charge: (On return from EVA, before charging): 97%

Currently charging: Yes

Notes on rovers: Opportunity and Deimos off-site for maintenance.

ATV’s Used: (Honda, 300, 350.1, 350.2, 350.3): No

Reason for use: N/A

Oil Added? No

# Hours the ATVs were used today: 0

Notes on ATVs: N/A

HabCar used and why, where? Used by Outpost crew for mailing and water

CrewCar used and why, where? No

General notes and comments: After refilling loft tank yesterday, the level went down again. Inspection showed that the hose went deep into the tank, thus causing the water to syphon back to the static tank. The problem has been fixed by pulling the hose to the top of the tank and keeping it in place with duct tape. The tank works properly

Summary of internet: Nominal

Summary of suits and radios: Nominal

Summary of Hab operations: Nominal

Summary of GreenHab operations: routine watering, Martian on greenHab has been capture and released on wild habitat

Summary of Science Dome operations: Nominal

Summary of RAM operations: Nominal

Summary of any observatory issues: Nominal

Summary of health and safety issues: Nominal

Questions, concerns and requests to Mission Support: NA


Luz Ma


ENG


Crew 218

	


	





		

		
Posted on 
Operations Report – December 23rd
	


	
	

		
  








 Crew 218 Operations Report 23-Dec-19


SOL: 01

Name of person filing report: Luz Maria Agudelo Urrego

Non-nominal systems: NA

Generator: run

Hours run: 13

From what time last night: 1900

To what time this morning: 0800

List any additional daytime hours when the generator was run: N/A

Solar— SOC % (Before generator is run at night: 69 %

Diesel Reading – 87.5%

Station Propane Reading – 80%

Ethanol Free Gasoline: N/A

Water (loft tank) (gal): 26

Water Meter (units): 0146950.2

Water (static tank) (gal): 530

Static to Loft Pump used – Yes

Water in Green Hab (gal): 129

Water in Science Dome (gal): 0

Toilet tank emptied: Yes

Deimos rover used: Still in workshop

Hours:

Beginning charge:

Ending charge:

Currently charging:

Sojourner rover used: Assigned to director

Hours:

Beginning charge:

Ending charge:

Currently charging:

Spirit rover used: Nominal

Hours: 119.2

Beginning charge: (Before EVA): 100%

Ending charge: (On return from EVA, before recharging): 96%

Currently charging: Yes

Opportunity rover used: Still in workshop

Hours:

Beginning charge:

Ending charge:

Currently charging:

Curiosity rover used: Nominal

Hours: 124.4

Beginning charge: 100%

Ending charge: (On return from EVA, before charging): 97%

Currently charging: Yes

Notes on rovers: Opportunity and Deimos off-site for maintenance.

ATV’s Used: (Honda, 300, 350.1, 350.2, 350.3): No

Reason for use: N/A

Oil Added? No

# Hours the ATVs were used today: 0

Notes on ATVs: Operated for maintenance

HabCar used and why, where? Used by Outpost crew for mailing and water

CrewCar used and why, where? No

General notes and comments: After refilling loft tank yesterday, the level went down again. Inspection showed that the hose went deep into the tank, thus causing the water to syphon back to the static tank. The problem has been fixed by pulling the hose to the top of the tank and keeping it in place with duct tape. The tank works properly

Summary of internet: Nominal

Summary of suits and radios: Nominal

Summary of Hab operations: Nominal

Summary of GreenHab operations: routine watering, Martian on greenHab has been capture and released on wild habitat

Summary of Science Dome operations: Nominal

Summary of RAM operations: Nominal

Summary of any observatory issues: Nominal

Summary of health and safety issues: Nominal

Questions, concerns and requests to Mission Support: NA


Luz Ma

ENG

Crew 218



	


	





		

		
Posted on 
GreenHab Report – December 23rd
	


	
	

		
  






 Crew 218 GreenHab Report 23-DEC-19


Crew GreenHab Officer: Dr. Jonathan R. Buzan


Environmental control: Heating.


Shade cloth (40% and 30%) on.


Average temperature: 21.9°C, 19%


11:40AM


Floor Unit: 16°C


Electronic: 20.7°C


humidity 20%


1:20PM


Floor Unit: 19°C


Electronic: 23.2°C


humidity 18%


4:30PM


Floor Unit: 17°C


Electronic: 23.9°C


humidity 18%


7:20PM


Floor Unit: 15°C


Electronic: 19.6°C


humidity 20%


Max: 26.0°C, 21%


Min: 17.8°C, 17%


Hours of supplemental light: Light system 7:30PM-12:30AM


Daily water usage for crops: 6.4 Gal.


Daily water usage for research and/or other purposes: N/A


Water in Blue Tank – ~129 Gal.


Time(s) of watering for crops: 7:20 PM


SEASONAL PLANTING HISTORY:


Change to crops: None.


OTHER NOTES:


1st sprouts: N/A


—Martian rodent was captured in trap. Has eaten two pieces of dried sweet potato—Yum!


—Gnats infested strawberry plants. Seen small red ‘arachnid’.


—Leaving door closed at 11:40AM.


—Found a Soil Moisture/Ph Sensor in GreenHab.


—Found an additional Temp/Humidity sensor.


—Reset Martian Rodent Trap with 3 pieces of dried sweet potato in anticipation…


Harvest:


Rosemary 0.5g (for bread); Oregano 0.5g, Basil 3g, Thyme 1g (for tomato sauce) Yum!


Support/supplies requested: Request parsley seeds for future missions.

	


	





		

		
Posted on 
EVA Report – December 23rd
	


	
	

		
  


EVA #1


Author: Shefali Rana


Start time: 11.20 AM


End time: 12.16 AM


Narrative: Team conducted a training EVA for Marble Ritual. Crew members collected and loaded rock samples at the collection baskets on Cow Dung Road. CMD and JOU went up the ridge and explored the vantage point. Post survey, CMD, HSO, and JOU came down the trail and dislodged some rocks for analysis. The trip back was led by Spirit followed by Curiosity.


Destination: Marble Ritual


Coordinates (use UTM NAD27 CONUS): 12S 518700 4250800


Participants: Cesare (CMD), Shefali (HSO), Ben (JOU)


Road(s) and routes as per MDRS Map: Cow Dung Road


Mode of travel: Spirit and Curiosity


EVA #2


Author: Shefali Rana


Start time: 12.36 PM


End time: 1.20 PM


Narrative: Team conducted an egress/ ingress training EVA for Marble Ritual. Crew members collected and loaded rock samples at the collection baskets on Cow Dung Road. ENG and GEO went on the trail by the ridge and led the way back to Hab with Spirit leading the way.


Destination: Marble Ritual


Coordinates (use UTM NAD27 CONUS): 12S 518700 4250800


Participants: LuzMa (ENG), Pat (GEO)


Road(s) and routes as per MDRS Map: Cow Dung Road


Mode of travel: Spirit and Curiosity




 Shefali Rana


HSO


Crew 218

	


	





		

		
Posted on 
Commander Report – December 23rd
	


	
	

		
  








 In sim, finally!! This morning, after a few crew photos, we entered simulation. This does not mean that we are “playing pretend” or just enjoying a nice hab in the desert. This means that we are now performing research that we know will enhance and support human exploration of Mars. This means that we are testing and challenging ourselves into keeping isolation, following operational procedures, living in close quarters, and thinking like a Martian. As of today, we are all analog astronaut.


The crew was extremely excited today at performing our first EVAs, including all the difficulties of climbing in the rovers and driving around with all the limitations of the space suits. The feeling is amazing, though. I cannot believe I am here again and I feel so comfortable donning my air pack and helmet once again. Marble Ritual makes us follow a tradition, and I am glad to be part of it and to see my crewmates following it too. Walking over this red, white, brown clay soil inflames the imagination and many times I found myself stopping, looking at the desert landscape and imagining to be on some red remote planet.


Simulation is not only EVA, though, and after coming back and preparing mushroom risotto for the crew, I went around the building checking operations and facilities, before deciding to use my spare time with a short nap, while the rest of the crew was enjoying a well-deserved break after tough days of training.


The news tonight is that we will have precipitation that will make our EVAs impractical, but it also means that we will have a white Christmas, which makes me feel closer to our friends and families on Earth.


Cesare


Commander, MDRS 218

	


	







		

		
Posted on 
EVA Report – December 23rd
	


	
	

		
  






 EVA #1


Author: Shefali Rana


Start time: 11.20 AM


End time: 12.16 AM


Narrative: Team conducted a training EVA for Marble Ritual. Crew members collected and loaded rock samples at the collection baskets on Cow Dung Road. CMD and JOU went up the ridge and explored the vantage point. Post survey, CMD, HSO, and JOU came down the trail and dislodged some rocks for analysis. The trip back was led by Spirit followed by Curiosity.


Destination: Marble Ritual


Coordinates (use UTM NAD27 CONUS): 12S 518700 4250800


Participants: Crew CMD, HSO, JOU


Road(s) and routes as per MDRS Map: Cow Dung Road


Mode of travel: Spirit and Curiosity


EVA #2


Author: Shefali Rana


Start time: 12.36 PM


End time: 1.20 PM


Narrative: Team conducted an egress/ ingress training EVA for Marble Ritual. Crew members collected and loaded rock samples at the collection baskets on Cow Dung Road. ENG and GEO went on the trail by the ridge and led the way back to Hab with Spirit leading the way.


Destination: Marble Ritual


Coordinates (use UTM NAD27 CONUS): 12S 518700 4250800


Participants: Crew ENG, GEO


Road(s) and routes as per MDRS Map: Cow Dung Road


Mode of travel: Spirit and Curiosity


Shefali Rana


HSO


Crew 218

	


	





		

		
Posted on 
Journalist Report – December 23rd
	


	
	

		
  


Journalist Report

Ben Durkee, Crew 218 Journalist


Sol 01


Martians like dehydrated sweet potato!


We awoke this morning to find our trap had worked spectacularly and we had captured the


strawberry bandit. I expected to find something resembling the R.O.U.S.’s (Rodents of


Unusual Size) from the Princess Bride, but the creature was more closely reminiscent of


an Earth field mouse. We attempted to communicate, but the language barrier was too


high to surmount. Alas, maybe we will have more luck in the future with a better


understanding of these creatures (or more sweet potatoes).


Our EVA’s (Extra-Vehicular Activities) today were a hybrid of training and tradition.


We split into a team of three for the first expedition (myself, Cesare and Shefali) and


then Pat and LuzMa paired up for the second. Our task: take the rovers about half a mile


out to Marble Ritual for each crew member to place a pebble in the customary pebble


baskets, as 200 crews have done before us.


5 minutes feels like an eternity in the airlock. Given our lack of internet


connectivity, we can’t really discuss current events. And rock-paper-scissors only


gets you so far. Once we had fully depressurized, we emerged from the Hab and retrieved


our rovers. Shefali and Cesare led the way in Curiosity, and I brought up the rear with


Spirit.


After completing the ceremonial goal of our EVA, we began exploring the surrounding


terrain to build familiarity with the EVA suits. We climbed 60 feet up a nearby hill,


and the view upon cresting it was breathtaking. I only mean that figuratively, thank


goodness. The suits may be a bulky, back-breaking burden, but they do a great job of


maintaining our life support (so I have no place to complain).


I led the charge back to the Hab, after which began the 5 minutes of fun. Once we had


re-pressurized and shed our airtight skin, Pat and LuzMa suited up and set off to follow


in our footsteps. I monitored their journey from the Hab via radio, and we all found


consolation in listening to them struggle with the same things we struggled with.


The dynamic duo returned and we all remained confined to the Hab for the remainder of


the day. After separating to do our individual tasks, some daylight still endured. While


most of the crew relaxed and napped, Pat and I set up Super Smash Brothers for some


future team bonding. Nothing provides more catharsis than digitally beating the stuffing


out of each other.


There seems to be an inclement Martian front on the way that will prohibit us from EVA,


so we are very glad we got to stretch our legs today. We may be exclusively breathing


Hab air for the next few days…

	


	





		

		
Posted on 
Sol Summary – December 23rd
	


	
	

		
  




Sol: 01

Summary Title: Waking up on Mars

Author's name: Pat Pesa

Mission Status: Crew is Excited!

Sol Activity Summary: Crew started off the day by taking some pictures before full simulation begins. Once "shutting the hatch" and starting full sim, we went on two EVAs to give the crew a chance to train procedures.

Look ahead plan: Tomorrow we will start weather and structural research projects with an EVA by the CMD, GEO, and ENG. *Note: weather might impact EVA schedule.*

Anomalies in work: None

Weather: Mostly Cloudy, around 30 degrees

Crew physical status: healthy

EVA: Two EVAs both to Marbleridge Wall. The 1st included CMD,HSO,JOU. The 2nd included GEO,ENG.

Reports to be filed: sol summary, commander report, operations report, greenhab report, journalist report, EVA report

Support Requested: none

Pat

Geologist, MDRS 218 

	


	



		

	

	





		


		

			

				

	

						
				

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