Crew 263 EVA 20 Report 09-03-2022
EVA # 20
Author: Cerise Cuny
Purpose of EVA: Replacing the batteries for the atmospheric experiments, a second analysis of sulfate deposits using a handheld LIBS (Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy) analyser.
Start time: 08:09 am
End time: 12:19 pm
Narrative: We first checked the rovers’ batteries and usage duration, then drove with Opportunity (86.3h and 100%) and Curiosity (170.3h and 100%) to the atmospheric experiment site. Changing the batteries took only 5 minutes this time, everything went well. At 8:25 we left for Candor Chasma.
As planned, we stopped at the intersection of Galileo Road and Streambed connector at 8:40 (Opportunity 86% and Curiosity 88%). From there, the canyon was reached by foot. We found our path very easily thanks to the very precise instructions and pictures of yesterday’s EVA team.
Inside the canyon, we made several stops to proceed on pictures and LIBS analysis. We took a sampling of what we thought was a nodule for further analysis at the station. The drone was quite useful to evaluate which arms of the canyon were accessible by foot. We were able to reach outcrops that wouldn’t be reachable by a Martian rover.
We also tried to use it to spot interesting outcrops but at some point, the Summerville formation was everywhere around us, so it was easy to find relevant outcrops with our own eyes.
At 11:11, we u-turned and reached the rovers at 11:50, with several breaks to catch our breath. Elena’s suit went out of battery at 11:15 during our return, she struggled a bit with fog in the helmet. We entered the AirLock at 12:19 for depressurisation.
Opportunity: Usage Duration – 86.7 Battery Charge – 81%
Curiosity: Usage Duration – 170.7 Battery Charge – 81%
Destination: Zone G -final expected point of interest is located at coordinate 4251533.157 N 521043.495 E.
Participants: Cerise Cuny (EVA leader), Nicolas Wattelle, Mathéo Fouchet, Elena Lopez-Contreras Gonzalez
Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: Entrance Road, Cow Dung Road, Galileo Road 1104.
Mode of travel: Rover for battery change and then until the entrance of Candor Chasma, By Foot in Candor Chasma.
Vehicles you will be using (If applicable): Curiosity, Opportunity