January 28, 2020 – Mars Desert Research Station

January 28, 2020January 29, 2020

Science Report – January 28th

Morgan Kainu
Crew Journalist/Scientist/Geologist
MDRS Station, Crew 220

Crew 220 MDRS Science Report 28JAN2020
Sol 9
Author: Morgan Kainu, Crew Journalist/Scientist/Geologist
Today the MDRS and MAU crew conducted its first Geological Extra Vehicular Activity (GEVA) at “Kissing Camel Ridge” and “North Ridge”. Prior to the EVA, Science Officer Morgan Kainu provided an orientation to geological science, soil sampling and stratification analysis. In addition, several EVA objectives were set including to:
1. Conduct a safe EVA;
2. Formulate and test a hypothesis relating to geologic soil sampling;
3. Become familiar with procedures of geological soil sampling;
4. Become familiar with procedures of stratification analysis (that helps to know how old the area is (dating));
5. Be able to identify the chemical compensation of the soil (led by Aquila); and
6. Practice using the microscope (led by Raven and Owl).

The purpose of this Extra Vehicular Activity (EVA) was to become familiar with procedures of geological soil sampling, become familiar with procedures of stratification analysis (for understanding how to date the area), be able to identify the chemical compensation of the soil samples and practice using the Foldscope portable microscopes for sample observations.
The crew also formulated a hypothesis prior to leaving on the EVA. They discussed the most probable planet geological history, discussing whether or not it was formerly an ocean or not. The Null Hypothesis (Ho) was that “The planet’s geological history was shaped by oceanic influences, generating marine fossils and organic material”.
Only one of the objectives were not met (chemical composition) as we were short of time.

Upon concluding the soil sample and stratification analysis we had sufficient information to reject the Null and accepted the Alternative hypothesis (H1); that the planet’s geological history was not oceanic – rather, but it was formed at least in part by alluvial sediment deposits.

January 28, 2020January 29, 2020

Operations Report – January 28th

Matt Wise
XO/Engineer
MDRS Crew 220

Operations Report

Crew 220 Operations Report 28JAN2020

Sol: 9

Name of person filing report: Matt Wise

Non-nominal systems: Primary Generator, Water Heater, Hab lower deck fluorescent lights

Generator: Primary is inoperable. Rental was run-the following information is for the rental.

Hours run: 12hrs
From what time last night: 21:00

To what time this morning: 08:00

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

Solar- SOC% (Before the generator is run at night): 81%

Diesel Reading – 1/3

Station Propane Reading- 81

Ethanol Free Gasoline- N/A

Water (loft tank) (gal) – 6

Water Meter (units)- 0148436,0

Water (static tank) (gal) – 161

Static to loft Pump used – Yes 40gal

Water in GreenHab (gal): 136.64

Water in Science Dome (gal): 0

Toilet Tank Emptied – No

Deimos rover used: Still in the workshop

Hours:

Beginning Charge:

End Charge:

Currently Charging:

Sojourner rover used: No

Hours:

Beginning Charge:

End Charge:

Currently Charging:

Spirit Rover used – Yes

Starting Hours: 128

Beginning Charge: 100%

Ending Hours: 128.3

Ending Charge: 62%

Opportunity Rover used: Still in workshop

Hours:

Beginning Charge:

Ending Charge:

Currently Charging:

Curiosity Rover used: Yes

Starting Hours: 134

Beginning Charge: 100%

Ending Hours: 134.3

Ending Charge: 63%

Notes on rovers: Opportunity and Deimos off-site for maintenance. There were no EVAs today, so the rovers were not used.

ATVs Used: (Honda, 300, 350.1, 350.2, 350.3): No

Reason for use:

Oil Added? No

# hours the ATV’s were used today: 0

Notes on ATVs: None.

Habcar used and why, where? No

CrewCar used and why, where? No

General Notes and Comments: None.

Summary of the internet: Nominal

Summary of Suit and Radios: 3 radios malfunctioning
Suits Nominal

Summary of Hab: Main fluorescent lights in Hab lower deck malfunctioning. Center light bar now dim and flickering all times, light bar near back airlock not functioning, and light bar near stairs has no bulbs. Engineer attempted to remove/replace bulbs with no effect. We’re not aware of any replacement bulbs in Hab or RAM and will be requesting bulbs in the next resupply from Outpost.

Summary of Science Dome operations: Nominal

Summary of Ram operations: Nominal

Summary of any observatory issues: Nominal

Summary of Health and Safety issues: MDRS crew all healthy

Questions, concerns, and requests to Mission Support: We’d like to request 4x fluorescent bulbs in the next resupply. Thanks!

January 28, 2020January 29, 2020

Crew Photos – January 28th

January 28, 2020January 29, 2020

Sol Summary – January 28th

Shawna
Commander,
MAU Crew 220

MAU Crew 220 Sol 9 Summary 28Jan2020

Summary Title: Sol 9 and Feeling Fine
Author’s name: Shawna Pandya, Commander
Mission Status: Rockminal
Sol Activity Summary: Today was geological science day! The morning started with a brief by the MDRS Science Officer on soil sampling techniques, followed by a geological EVA over 2 sites (Kissing Camel and North Ridge) and sample return. In the afternoon, the crew analyzed their samples using standard geological evaluation techniques and also under a microscope.
Look Ahead Plan: Tomorrow will be an operational and maintenance day around the MAU Station as the Engineer returns and the crew undertakes general upkeep activities. Tonight also marks the commencement of the MAU Ambassador Program, with the arrival of a visiting MDRS Officer.
Weather: Approximately -4C at night, max 5C during day until Saturday, minimal chance of precipitation (20%).
Crew Physical Status: MAUminal
EVA: Geological EVA conducted over two sites (Kissing Camel & North Ridge), 5 soil samples returned.
Reports to be filed:
Sol Summary (sent)
Commander’s Report
EVA Report
Operations Report
Photo Report
EVA Request: Pending.
Support Requested: None at this time.

January 28, 2020January 29, 2020

EVA Report – January 28th

Crew 220 EVA Report 28JAN2020

EVA 9

Author: Johannes Svensoy, MD

Purpose of EVA: Geological EVA

Start time: 10:30

End time: 13:30

Narrative: The morning was spent on preparing for the Geological EVA. We began with a lecture on geological soil sampling and analysis at the MDRS station by MDRS Science Officer Morgan Kainu, BA. Afterwards, the crew members from both MAU Station and MDRS Station set out on a joint geological EVA.

Crew members used the rovers Spirit and Curiosity south on the Cow Dung Road 0110 to the first planned geological site by the Kissing Camel Ridge W. Crew member Morgan Kainu led the search for good sample-sites in these areas. After walking along the ridge two samples were collected from different sites along the same area. Both samples collected just North of the Kissing Camel Ridge W along Cow Dung Road 0110.

The Geological EVA then returned to the rovers and drove North on Cow Dung Road to North Ridge. The crew members walked West, where samples were taken from something that resembled an ancient Martian stream. Excited to have found traces of water, the crew members went further to investigate, and a total of three samples were collected from the area around the lower parts of the Eastern part of North Ridge.

The Geological EVA was a success, meeting its objective of safety first. On return to the Hab, the crew members were very eager to analyze the soil samples in the Science Dome with the guidance of Science Officer, Morgan Kainu, BA.

Destination: MDRS Station and proximity.

Coordinates (use UTM NAD27 CONUS): 4249500, 518000 (Kissing Camel Ridge W) and 4251500, 518500 (North Ridge).

Participants: HabComm: Connie and Marufa (MDRS). EVA Crew: Shawna, Morgan, Matt, and Johannes.

Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: Cow Dung Road 0110

Mode of travel: Rovers Spirit and Curiosity and by foot.

Support Requested: No support requested during EVA.

January 28, 2020January 29, 2020

Operations Report – January 28th

Crew 220 (MAU) Operations Report 28JAN2020

SOL 9

Name of person filing report: Johannes Svensoy, MD

Non-nominal systems: N/A

Generator: Not Run

Hours run: 0

From what time last night: N/A

To what time this morning: N/A

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

Solar- SOC% (Before the generator is run at night): N/A

Diesel Reading – N/A

Station Propane Reading- 2%

Ethanol Free Gasoline- N/A

Water (loft tank) (gal) – N/A

Water Meter (units)- N/A

Water (static tank) (gal) – N/A

Static to loft Pump used – N/A

Water in GreenHab (gal): N/A

Water in Science Dome (gal): N/A

Toilet Tank Emptied – no

Deimos rover used: N/A

Hours:

Beginning Charge:

End Charge:

Currently Charging:

Sojourner rover used: Assigned to Director

Hours:

Beginning Charge:

End Charge:

Currently Charging:

Spirit Rover used – Used for Geological EVA

Starting Hours:

Beginning Charge:

Ending Hours:

Ending Charge:

Opportunity Rover used: Still in workshop

Hours:

Beginning Charge:

Ending Charge:

Currently Charging:

Curiosity Rover used: Used for Geological EVA

Starting Hours:

Beginning Charge:

Ending Hours:

Ending Charge:

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:

Oil Added? No

# hours the ATV’s were used today:

Notes on ATVs:

Habcar used and why, where? Not used.

CrewCar used and why, where? Not used.

General Notes and Comments:

Summary of the internet: N/A

Summary of Suit and Radios: Nominal

Summary of Hab: The floors are becoming dirty and wet due to mud and run-off. We will be reinforcing the floor tomorrow as the MAU Engineer returns from simulated quarantine, and also performing work related to upkeep, operations and maintenance.

Structural integrity nominal with reinforcing the structure in face of strong winds yesterday.

Summary of Science Dome operations: Temperatures are hovering around 5°C during the day.

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: None

January 28, 2020January 29, 2020

EVA Report – January 28th

Crew 220 (MAU) EVA Report 28JAN2020

EVA 9

Author: Johannes Svensoy, MD

Purpose of EVA: Geological EVA

Start time: 1030

End time: 1330

Narrative: The morning was spent on preparing for the Geological EVA by getting lectures on geological soil sampling and analysis at the MDRS station by MDRS Science Officer and expert Morgan Kainu. Afterwards the crew members from both MAU Station and MDRS Station went on a joint geological EVA.

Crew members used the rovers Spirit and Curiosity south on the Cow Dung Road 0110 to the first planned geological site by the Kissing Camel Ridge W. Crew member Morgan Kainu led the search for good sample-sites in the area. After walking along the ridge two samples were collected from different sites along the same area. Both samples collected just North of the Kissing Camel Ridge W along Cow Dung Road 0110.

The Geological EVA then ventured back to the rovers and drove North on Cow Dung Road to North Ridge. The crew members walked West, where samples were taken from something that resembled an ancient Martian stream. Excited to have found traces of water, the crew members went further to investigate, and a total of three samples were collected from the area around the lower parts of the Eastern part of North Ridge.

The Geological EVA was a success and when coming back to the Hab the crew members were very eager to further analyze the soil samples with the guidance by MDRS Science Officer Morgan Kainu.

Destination: MDRS Station and proximity.

Coordinates (use UTM NAD27 CONUS): 4249500, 518000 (Kissing Camel Ridge W) and 4251500, 518500 (North Ridge).

Participants: HabComm: Connie (MDRS). EVA Crew: Shawna, Morgan Kainu, Matt, and Johannes.

Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: Cow Dung Road 0110

Mode of travel: Rovers Spirit and Curiosity and by foot.

Support Requested: No support requested during EVA.

January 28, 2020January 29, 2020

Greenhab Report – January 28th

GreenHab Officers: Marufa Bhuiyan and Morgan Kainu

Environmental control: Heating. GreenHab door shade cloth (40%) (30%) on. GreenHab doors opened from 10:55 and closed at 11:30.

Average temperatures: 21.33°C

08:33

Floor Unit: 20°C

010:55

Floor Unit: 26°C

17:49

Floor Unit: 18°C

Hours of supplemental light: 19:30 to 00:00

Daily water usage for crops: 13.7 gallons

Daily water usage for research and/or other purposes: NA

Water in Blue Tank 136.64 gallons

Time(s) of watering for crops: 2

08:33

17:50

Changes to crops: NA

Narrative: Today was a hot day – but the plants persevere and are loving it. We’re also enjoying delicious salads.

Harvest:

11:27

2g oregano, 2g chives, 5g pineapple mint, 46g carrots, 7g basil

18:00

6g white onion, 38g icicle radish, 14g chard spinach, 6g cilantro, 4g basil

Support/supplies needed: NA

January 28, 2020January 29, 2020

Commander Report – January 28th

Shawna
Commander
MAU Crew 220

Title: I Saw the Science, and It Opened Up My Eyes

Author: Shawna Pandya, Commander

Today, in a word, ROCKED…and I am not just saying that because it was our geological EVA and sampling day. MAU and MDRS stations sent out a joint science team consisting of myself, XO Svensoy, MDRS Engineer Wise and MDRS Science Officer/Journalise Kainu. The day was a productive one, with our team managing to collect 5 samples across two site, including Kissing Camel Ridge and North Ridge – no small feat consider the North-South spread of these two sites. We were lucky, as the Sol was sunny and beautiful, and the beauty of the Martian diaspora with its red marbled landscapes stretched out to greet us. Words do not do it justice. One does not just describe Mars…one must experience it.

On a lighter note, XO Svensoy delighted and amazed us all by juggling while on EVA (is this the first time this was done on Mars?). Of course, one cannot be too impressed, everything is easier in 1/3rd gravity!

Tonight marks two additional happy occasions.First of all, MAU Engineer Waipiti returns from quarantine. Next, we begin our MAU Ambassadors program, wherein we host a visiting MDRS officer overnight to learn more about Station’s programming, culture and operations. We begin by hosting MDRS Science Officer Kainu, and cannot wait to welcome her to our humble little station. Tomorrow will be day of station operations and maintenance, followed by some afternoon EVAs.

Looking forward,

Commander Pandya
Callsign: Nightowl
MAU Station

January 28, 2020January 29, 2020

Journalist Report – January 28th

Crew 220 MDRS Journalist Report 28Jan2020

Author: Morgan Kainu, Crew Journalist

Sol 9

Title: We Will We Will Rock You

Body:

Today marked a very exciting day for the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) crew and Mars Academy USA (MAU) crew – our very first Geological Extra Vehicular Activity (GEVA). Both crews briefed over breakfast together at the MDRS station before setting out via rover towards the two designated geological soil sampling sites at 010:30.

The two crews were able to collect an ample amount of interesting terrain/soil samples from two sites along the Martian landscape ("Kissing Camel Ridge" and "North Ridge") for further analysis back at the science dome. Upon their return, the crew debriefed the rest of the crew members at MDRS about their extravehicular activity before everyone joined together in the Science Dome for soil sampling and stratification analysis followed by viewing our samples under the Foldscope portable microscope.

To conclude a long day and and unwind, the crews joined together for dinner and a well deserved movie: The Martian.

Morgan Kainu, BA; MDRS Journalist Crew 220