Sol Activity Summary: Today the crew was surprised by the snow. With the solar panels covered by a blanket of a few inches/centimeters, we had to pay even more attention than usual to our power consumption. Before real-life deployment during a dedicated EVA, the crew trained to build a first device dedicated to atmospheric measurements in the RAM. However, the temperature became too cold for long activities to be conducted in there (2°C/36°F). We limited navigation between the different modules as much as possible, as snow started to also cover the floor in the different tunnels. As a result, most of the crew had to adapt their activities and gathered in the Hab to work from there, which made the atmosphere a bit more noisy than usual.
However, we remain productive and managed to calibrate the first sensors that will monitor the environmental conditions within the station. They are now connected to the local network. In the GreenHab, the activities were successfully conducted, and we now have a fully operational aquaponics system, containing 28 plants and 8 fishes. As for the astronomy project, even though the robotic observatory has been fixed yesterday, no observations were performed during the night (both at the MDRS and at the other observatory in New Mexico).
Look Ahead Plan:
The weather conditions have already impacted the schedule of the different activities and it is to be expected that this impact will extend to the next few days. If the land remains covered with snow, it may not be possible to proceed with the deployment of at least one of the two devices dedicated to atmospheric studies (LOAC). Depending on the width of snow at the targeted observation site on Thursday, the whole EVA may have to be postponed for safety reasons.
Some temperature sensors have been installed in the Science Dome and on the Lower Deck of the Hab. They are connected to the local network and will record data every few minutes during the whole night so that tomorrow we wan check if there were any problems, in particular regarding network.
Anomalies in work: Nothing to report.
Weather: Snowy, low -5°C/23°F, high 2°C/35°F.
Crew Physical Status: Optimal.
EVA: None.
Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, Operations Report, Journalist Report, HSO Report, GreenHab Report, Astronomy Report.
Support Requested:
Requesting the possibility to add the following email address to the Mission Support mailing list (we apologize for not already including in the previous request):
Habitat Structure Specialist: Bill “Titan” O’Hara (USA)
Crew Engineer: Alexis “Kepler” Lojek (USA)
Crew Astronomer: Salina “Nova” Pena (USA)
Heliophysics: Noah “Phoenix” Loy (USA)
Crew Journalist: Tony “Iron Man” DiBernardo (USA)
Green Hab Officer: Tyler “Houston” Hines (USA)
Health and Safety Officer: Nicholas “XMan” Pender (USA)
Introduction
MDRS Crew 274 is composed of eight members from a pioneering academic analog research group (ARG) from the American Public University System (APUS) under the designation ARG-1M. The APUS Analog Research Group (AARG) leads space study undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students in multidisciplinary scientific research investigations in analogous space environments. This crew aims to examine extra-vehicular (EVA) activity logistics, EVA contingency methodologies, mindfulness and focused breathing, cosmic seed studies, solar and variable star observations, and terrestrial spaceflight habitat efficiency.
Evaluating Contingency EVAs and Rescue Techniques for Planetary Surface Missions
Sarah E. Guthrie (“Ceres”), Commander
This study was aimed to understand and test an astronaut’s capability (mobility) to perform contingency extravehicular activities (EVA) of incapacitated astronauts during surface activities. The National Aeronautical and Space Administration’s Artemis program currently is evaluating the requirements for proper suit interface and methods for dealing with a surface contingency. This project looked to determine best practices for safe field extraction methods utilizing a medical sled and engineered assistive contingency rescue vest. It was developed through personal experiences gained by combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan while serving in the United States Air Force. Its goal was to test various techniques and methodologies through analog tours to understand rescue pitfalls which may develop successful EVA contingency rescue protocols for safer surface activities. While attending the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS), Crew 274 exercised this study in the Gateway of Candor, simulating a fallen and incapacitated astronaut that could not be rescued by a rover. The astronaut, known as “KURT”, was used as a research tool for the crew to mimic this part of the study. While in the ravine, the crew carried out various rescue methods in combination with the assistance of the vest and medical sled for single and two-member rescues. The vest was engineered with multiple handles and hoist points to provide rescuers with options for different carrying positions, while being mindful of the limitations of wearing a pressurized space suit with a personal life support system. Once KURT was safely extracted from the fall point, crew members deployed the medical sled to return KURT to the safety of the rover. The rigorous test challenged the crew members and put into perspective the difficulty of performing such an act, even in full gravity. Analogs provide a setting to test these methods and devices under safer conditions. Understanding the unique challenges of human spaceflight activities and their inherit risks, allows analog researchers the opportunity to develop risk mitigation techniques which can save the lives of future astronauts.
Crew 274, EVA #11 simulating an extraction of KURT from the Gateway of Candor at the Mars Desert Research Station. February 2023. Photo: Anthony DiBernardo, AARG
Case Study of the MDRS Design as a Planetary Surface Habitat
William “Titan” O’Hara, Habitat Specialist
This case study contributes to a body of data that will be used to support future lunar habitat development at Blue Origin as well as part of a doctoral thesis on requirements for habitation on other extreme planetary surface environments. From the point of view of a crew member living within MDRS, this study evaluated a detailed review of the Musk Solar Observatory, Science Dome, Green Habitat, Repair Assembly Module (RAM), Habitat module (crew quarters) and connecting tunnels. In each case sketches were drawn with a detailed questionnaire built to systematically review each habitable space. The data collected captures characteristics such as layout, use-of-space, activity volume allocations, traffic flow, outfitting and stowage volumes. This review discovered the MDRS is a robust habitat with a formidable amount of volume and capability for research and crew comfort. The Science Dome provides an impressive amount of flexible workspace capable of accommodating several crew members working simultaneously. The Green Habitat is a large greenhouse adequate volume for plants and space to tend to them. The RAM is a well laid-out and well-outfitted workshop with ample amount of workspace. The Habitat module provides a comfortable living space for eight crewmembers with an exciting amount of flex space in the lower level. The layout of these spaces, and the tunnels connecting them, provides ease of traffic flow through the busy sols.
Habitat Structural Specialist Bill “Titan” O’Hara measures a workspace in the Science Dome. February 2023. Photo: Anthony DiBernardo, AARG
Stress Measurement and Potential Stress Mitigation Technique in Analog Astronaut Environments
Crew Engineer Alexis “Kepler” Lojek rests on a mat in the Habitat Module during a focused breathing session. February 2023. Photo: Anthony DiBernardo, AARG
Generating Multi-bandpass Light Curve (LC) Data on HADS Variable Star V0799 AUR
Salina “Nova” Peña, Crew Astronomer
This research aimed to examine the fluctuating brightness of a High Amplitude Delta Scuti (HADS) Variable Star in the constellation Auriga, comparing the light curve with standard Scuti stars. During the mission, examination of the HADS Variable Star V0799 AUR was performed utilizing the MDRS-14 Robotic Telescope throughout 14 sols. Each night, the MDRS-14 telescope was attempted for use for three hours to observe HADS Variable Star V0799 AUR. The observations comprised of 30-second optical exposures using the BVRcIc filter set. One filter was used each iteration of observation night for a total of 2 nights (12 hours) of data per filter. Observations began each night, starting around 7:00 PM; the star was 30֯ – 40֯ above the horizon during observation. The Moon was in the waxing phase during the observations, with a separation of approximately 25֯-15֯ during the observing period. The darks and flats were provided (corresponding to each filter used) from the MDRS image library and was supported for imaging. This was then used to calibrate the images and gather data altogether. Conclusions from this project were challenging to obtain due to bad weather and the MDRS-14 telescope had technical issues. Because of these issues, MDRS provided access to an alternate MLC RCOS16 telescope to collect more images. However, the telescope experienced extreme weather conditions that impeded the collection of photos. From the four sols gathered (two sols on and off the mission), those images were calibrated, and there was a slight fluctuation in the variability of the HADS Variable Star V0799 AUR (See chart below). The continuation of this research will be done outside the facility to obtain sufficient data.
HADS Variable Star data collected by Crew Astronomer Salina Pena. February 2023. Image: AstroImageJ
Observing Heliophysics Phenomena
Noah “Phoenix” Loy, Heliophysics
Throughout Crew 274’s mission, Astronomers Loy and Pena observed a broad scope of detailed heliophysics phenomena. This data will be collaborated with the United States Air Force 557th Space Weather Wing and United States Space Force’s Space Domain Awareness Delta to support further space weather awareness. This research will also support Space Forces Combat Development Team risk mitigation plans for orbital assets. Bulk data sets were collected on solar dark spots, solar chromosphere convection cells, granules, solar prominences, and magnetic spheres visualized by solar vortexes A total of two large prominences were observed wrapping around solar magnetic fields, just before coronal mass ejections were registered by NOAA blasting away. 24 large solar prominences and 44 solar dark spots were observed in total. These observations are beneficial in the analysis of solar cycle 25, implications of space weather on orbital assets, space operation plans needed to safeguard these assets, and the benefits heliophysics expertise on-site at Martian Habitats. In addition to these observations, 520,000 images were captured in total, with 90,000 images of solar spots and prominences were stacked, measured, and analyzed thus far.
Sol 10: We are observing 13 solar prominences, the largest one in the middle the size of Neptune, taken hours before this solar flare erupted and was sent flying through stellar space. February 2023. Photo: Noah Loy, AARG
Sol 3 – you are observing 35 sun spots, a solar prominence, solar granules, and convection cells. February 2023. Photo: Noah Loy, AARG
Media Collection and Public Outreach
Anthony “Iron Man” DiBernardo Crew Journalist
Crew Journalist DiBernardo’s goal for ARG-1M was to increase public outreach through media collection and edited productions published each day. These publications include daily video logs published to our Youtube channel in real time as well as experiment spotlight videos and a full-length documentary which will be edited and published after the mission ends. Additionally, all the footage collected during the mission will be utilized and repurposed to create educational content teaching the general public about analog astronauts and habitats, APUS, MDRS, and human spaceflight in general. Footage collected from all aspects of the mission including the supply cache experiment, observing and maintaining the solar observatory and GreenHab, rescuing K.U.R.T. from the field, analyzing HADS variable star images, measuring and reviewing the functionality of the Habitat, conducting the daily, group focused breathing exercises, and individual interviews with each crew member as well as hours of EVA footage of the astronauts hiking in the local terrain. Additionally, the simulation was paused on Sol 8 to conduct 11 live broadcast events with family, friends, elementary and middle school classrooms, SpaceX employees, a Civil Air Patrol, and a public broadcast. We welcomed over 300 participants over all 11 broadcasts and answered over 60 questions, having the entire crew on camera for over seven hours throughout the day.
The crew enjoys a laugh during the public outreach event discussing their experience at the Mars Desert Research Station. February 2023. Photo: Anthony DiBernardo
Germination Study of Long-Duration Space-Exposed Seeds in Simulated Martian Regolith
Tyler “Houston” Hines, GreenHab Officer
This research focused on studying the initial germination effects of long-duration space-exposed tomato seeds flown aboard the Earth-orbiting Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) from 1984-1990 in a combined Martian regolith simulant to provide further understanding of the durability of high-nutrient seeds after extended exposure to the space environment. A secondary study related to nutrient-rich microgreen germination in similar Martian simulant regolith was also conducted with the intention to provide a broader scope of useful data on the applications of growing microgreens on future crewed Martian missions. Following initial setup of both experiments on Sol 1, general maintenance and observational data of each seed set, including the growth tent environmental information and related information was recorded multiple times per sol, in addition to consistent nutrient-rich watering to further support the germination process. Beginning on Sol 3, the first evidence of germination was noted in the cress and broccoli microgreen set, with only the cress continuing to flourish considerably until harvest on Sol 9. Overall, while the highest rate of successful germination was shown in the cress microgreen set, the remaining broccoli, beets, and arugula showed evidence of notable yet lesser rates of germination, thereby providing a broader scope of understanding in microgreen germination in simulated Martian regolith and related studies. With regard to the primary LDEF seed sets, three pre-selected packets were officially opened and planted separately from the microgreens ranging from four to five seeds per cell to maximize growth opportunities. Similar to the secondary experiment, each LDEF seed set was given constant watering of nutrient-rich solutions, maintained and documented. In a major breakthrough, official evidence of germination was noted on Sol 9, marking a significant advancement in the understanding of the durability and sustainable germination capabilities of crops and plants in future Martian gardens. Additionally, only this particular seed continued to flourish throughout the remainder of mission operations. As an added surprise, it was discovered upon the conclusion of the mission that several other seeds also germinated, with some germinating significantly more than the first on Sol 6. though the culminative obtained data of all seed sets progress provided an adequate foundation of understanding for future studies.
Germination of the LDEF seeds (top left corner). February 2023. Photo: Anthony DiBernardo
Supply Cache Use for Extension of Human Exploration on Mars
Nicholas “Xman” Pender, Health and Safety Officer
The goal of this study was to demonstrate the use of a supply caches to extend human exploration on the Moon and Mars. The short-term goal was to identify solutions that will make supply cache use feasible and relevant to analog EVA research while the long-term goal is to gain a better understanding of constraints in the Lunar and Martian EVA environment and how supply cache concepts can improve the safety of these missions. The research concept was developed over the technical expertise and concepts adapted by the experiences gained by the principal investigator’s service in United States Air Force as a logistics technician. Research at MDRS was carried out over five phases. The first phase identified a baseline distance and pace of travel while in MDRS spacesuits. It also tested the ability to consume water and gel packs in spacesuit gear. The second phase proved the ability to deploy a supply cache in the field. The third phase was used to ensure the supply cache was reliable for future EVAs. The fourth phase comprised of a 3-hour hike to demonstrate the use of a supply cache in an emergency scenario. This was a demonstration of a sustainment exercise, proving the concept that supply caches can be resupplied in an analog environment. The fifth phase demonstrated the ability to redeploy caches to new locations. In the case of this mission, the cache was redeployed back to the MDRS habitat. The following temperature readings proved the cache was effective at maintaining warm temperatures throughout the frigid evenings. Future research will look to scale up this proven concept.
Image is in situ recorded temperature data both inside and outside of cache. February 2023. Image courtesy: Nicholas Pender, AARG
Picture of HSO Pender on EVA #7, finally deploying his cache after two years. February 2023. Photo: Anthony DiBernardo
Conclusion
Crew 274 closes this mission as the first analog mission to attend the Mars Desert Research Station on behalf of American Public University and American Military University and quite possibly, the first for an online institution. A sincere gratitude to the many supporters which have made this mission possible for the last two years. We want to personally thank the American Public University Grant Office, the Center for Space Studies, APUS Analog Research Group and faculty Advisor, Dr. Kristen Miller, Flight Director Terry Trevino, and the unwavering love and support from our families, friends, colleagues, and mentors. Finally, we thank the Mars Society and the Mission Support Team at the Mars Desert Research Station for the opportunity to conduct our many research projects which we hope will lead humanity to Mars and beyond.
Sol Activity Summary: The crew entered the simulation with high spirits at 9:00. Most of the Sol was dedicated to EVA training, with three crew members taking part in the morning EVA and the remaining four crew members taking part in the afternoon EVA. All of them managed to safely perform basic operations while wearing their spacesuit, which includes kneeling down, drawing, taking pictures, and driving the rovers. Inventories of most of the material and consumables available have been performed. The GreenHab activities have started with the first harvest and the safe transfer of the fishes to their tank, while the installation of the aquaponics system is ongoing.
Look Ahead Plan: A safe place has been identified to install the meteorology instruments at 150-200 meters from the Hab and close to Marble Ritual. After training inside the Hab, two EVAs are planned for Sol 4 and 5 to install these instruments on the identified location. In the GreenHab, the installation of the aquaponics system is ongoing and should be completed in the next few days.
Anomalies in work: Nothing to report.
Weather: Slightly Cloudy, high -5°C/23°F, low 4°C/39°F.
Crew Physical Status: Optimal.
EVA: None.
Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, Operations Report, Journalist Report, EVA report, HSO Pre-Mission Checklist, HSO Report, GreenHab Report, Astronomy Report.
Name of person filing report: Quentin ROYER
Non-nominal systems:
• Toilets
• Upper Deck outside weather station
• Spacesuit n°6
Notes on non-nominal systems:
• Weather station: the screen is on, but does not display any value and says “configure wifi for more detailed forecast”, and there is a red cross on the WiFi logo at the bottom left of the screen. How can we fix this?
• Spacesuit n°6: the collar is linked to the backpack with the help of only one fixation, instead of two on the other suits. Therefore this suit was not used today. There is a spare collar in the shelf in the EVA preparation room, do we have the permission to repair the spacesuit with it?
General notes on rovers: Spirit and Opportunity were used during the morning EVA. Perseverance and Curiosity were used during the afternoon EVA.
Summary of Hab operations: The crew finished settling in the Hab, conducted the two training EVAs and started to set up the first experiments. An inventory of food, hygiene and medication items was performed All operations were nominal.
• WATER USE: 26.24 gallons
• Water: 458.41 gallons
• Static tank pipe heater: On
• Static tank heater: On
• Toilet tank emptied: No
Summary of internet: No internet was used during the day before the opening of COMMS. We are using Hughes Net (Outpost 2g and Outpost 5g), and Starlink (MDRScampus-Guest).
Summary of suits and radios: Spacesuit n°6 is reported as non-nominal. The other suits are nominal. Radios were charged after the EA and are now all charged off-charger as the green-light was blinking. All radios were nominal.
Summary of GreenHab operations: The Crew botanist set up the aquarium for the aquaponics experiment. He then harvested tomato and basil.
• WATER USE: 21.78 gallons
• Heater: On
• Supplemental light: From 10 pm to 2 am
• Harvest: 223 g of tomato – 3 g of basil
Summary of Science Dome operations: An inventory was performed by the Crew Scientist.
• Dual split: Heat / From 10 pm to 7 am
Summary of RAM operations: An inventory was performed by the Crew Engineer.
Summary of any observatory issues: The Robotic Observatory was repaired and has been reported as operational by Mission Support. Operations are planned but the Crew astronomer for the next days, we will keep Mission support updated with regard to this.
Summary of health and safety issues: Small cut on the finger of a crew member.
Questions, concerns and requests to Mission Support:
• Is it possible to reduce / cut the fan that supplies air in the Commander / Executive Officer’s rooms?
• Could you remind us of the internet networks we are allowed to use, and their availability time slots?
• How can we monitor our internet consumption on Hughes Net and Starlink?
• What is the limit of internet consumption each day / during the mission?
• Where is the charger for the power drill that is located in the RAM?
Daily water usage for research and/or other purposes: 12.91 gallons
Water in blue tank: 178.22 gallons
Time(s) of watering for crops: 10:24 and 17:09
Changes to crops: N/A
Narrative: Maintained and watered crops and plants as my daily operations. No dry leaf in sight. The tank for the aquaponics experiment was filled, fishes are now safe and sound in it. Plants for this experiment have been watered waiting for the system to function well before putting them in water. This system will be ready to use in the following days. Harvest on the late afternoon, a lot of tomatoes as they were ready to be harvested and some basil leaves for the diner.
Purpose of EVA: Training in real-life EVA conditions: getting used to the spacesuits and driving the rovers.
Start time: 10:01
End time: 11:01
Narrative: This EVA was the first one for all three crew members. They used the rovers Spirit and Opportunity to reach Marble Ritual, where they arrived at t+15min. Once onsite, they performed a few tests with radio and tried to do the basic movements that they will have to do in their spacesuits (e.g., kneeling down and standing up) during future EVAs. They then explored the surrounding area walking within 500 meters of the rovers. They found a good location to set up the LOAC and Mega-Ares instruments close to Marble Ritual. The two EVAs dedicated to this set up are planned for 16Feb2023 and 17Feb2023. The corresponding EVA requests will be done one day in advance of each EVA, should the weather allow it. The EVA #1 crew was back to the MDRS at 10:53 and entered the Hab at 11:01, as per EVA request.
Destination: Marble Ritual
Coordinates (use UTM WGS 84): N4251000 E518500
Participants: EVA leader: Quentin Royer (Executive Officer/ Crew Engineer), Marie Delaroche (Crew Journalist), Alexandre Vinas (Crew Astronomer).
Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: Drive Cow Dung Road 0110 to Marble Ritual (N4251000 E518500).
Mode of travel: Even if the destination was within 1 km of MDRS, the purpose of this EVA was to train using the rovers, so the crew drove there. Then they walked around this location within no more than 500 meters.
Purpose of EVA: Training in real-life EVA conditions: getting used to the spacesuits and driving the rovers.
Start time: 14:30
End time: 15:30
Narrative: This EVA was the first one for the four crewmembers. The rovers Curiosity and Perseverance were used by the crew members after a 5-minute depressurization process. The EVA crew arrived at Marble Ritual 12 minutes later. The four crewmembers started to walk for the first time on a distant Martian soil with their spacesuits.
As they walked away from the rovers, the Crew temporarily lost visual contact with the MDRS station. The EVA leader and HabCom tried to communicate and were still able to do so.
The EVA #2 Crew trained walking, manipulating radios (plugging, unplugging) in order to make sure they will be able to do it in case of an emergency in the future. They also tried to draw the landscape in front of them on a notebook with their gloves.
At t+40 minutes, the Crew headed back to the rovers, and reached them 10 minutes later. The EVA #2 Crew arrived at the station at 15:23, entered the airlock and entered the Hab at 15:30, as per EVA request.
Destination: Marble Ritual
Coordinates (use UTM WGS 84): N4251000 E518500
Participants: EVA leader: Jérémy Rabineau (Crew Commander) / Alice Chapiron (Crew Scientist) / Adrien Tison (Crew Botanist) / Corentin Senaux (Health and Safety Officer)
Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: Drive Cow Dung Road 0110 to Marble Ritual (N4251000 E518500)
Mode of travel: Even if the destination was within 1 km of MDRS, the purpose of this EVA was to train using the rovers, so the crew drove there. Then they walked around this location within no more than 500 meters.
“The rocket stood in the cold winter morning, making summer with every breath of its mighty exhausts.”
Chapter 1 of The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury
I think it is safe to say that this morning, many of us found ourselves waking up before our alarm, set at 6:30 am. Although the night was rather short, we were up and running by 6:45 to begin our routine: our daily sleep diary and surveys, weighing session and physiological measurements (body temperature, heart rate, etc.). Corentin, our Health and Safety officer, then led the first workout session of the mission as we watched the sunrise from the corner of our eyes and through the thick, narrow Hab windows.
After taking our last crew pictures in front of the habitat, we gathered inside the Hab near the airlock, and Adrien officially began the simulation by closing the airlock door without a spacesuit for the last time. The excitement was palpable: we were now on Mars, on a month-long mission, tasked with over a dozen experiments by scientists waiting for us back on Earth.
Coincidentally, the beginning of the mission was marked by our first EVA, designed for us to experience life outside the Hab and get used to the spacesuits and life support system. Quentin, the crew engineer, Alexandre, the crew astronomer, and I stepped outside into the hostile Martian environment for the first time and drove out to Marble Ritual. After a short exploration on site, Alexandre and Quentin looked to find a suitable place to install the atmosphere monitoring instruments, LOAC and Mega Ares.
While we were out on our EVA, Adrien and Alice led inventories of their workspaces, the GreenHab and Science Dome. It was then their turn, along with Corentin and our commander Jérémy, to go out on their training EVA, during which they practiced writing and drawing while wearing their spacesuits.
The rest of the afternoon was very studious due to the two EVAs, everyone worked hard to prepare their daily reports, and had a few laughs while communicating with the GreenHab. Meanwhile, Adrien harvested tomatoes to feed the crew, a perspective which lifted our already high spirits. This first Sol bodes well for the next 26!
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