Crew 261 Sol Summary Report 05-05-2023
Sol: 5
Summary Title: First long-range EVA
Author’s name: Aline Decadi, XO
Mission Status: nominal
Sol Activity Summary: Today took place 2 EVAs:
– EVA-7 with the following crew members: James Burk (Commander)
(EVA Leader), Aline Decadi (XO).
– EVA-8 with the following crew members: Julien Villa-Massone (EVA Leader), Kris Davidson (Crew
Journalist), Audrey Derobertmasure (HSO).
EVA-7 conducted EVA with the following purposes:
Test of drones at Compass Rock.
Build experience for longer-range EVAs.
HabCom training of crewmembers to support longer-range EVAs.
We drove with Curiosity rover to Compass Rock with intermediate points: drive to Cow Dung Road, then North to Galileo Road, then East/SouthEast to Compass Rock. Walk on foot to explore the area.
We took time to find the right turn on Galileo Road. The MDRS Map seemed not reliable enough: the GPS was pointing the right turn at 4252200 while the map was indicating 4252000. As a lesson learnt from this experiment, we concluded that the map shall not be used as a reliable tool while navigating in exploration areas, but rather as an indicator. The good solution is to focus on a detailed preparation upfront (using satellite imaging to visualize the shape of the road) combined to the use of navigation devices on the field.
Another outcome from this EVA was that the SOC of the Curiosity rover decreased in a non-predictive way: in ten minutes, it decreased very quickly from 100% to 85%, then it stays at 66% for a very long time. As a lesson-learnt, it could be useful to test the rover under 60% in the vicinity of the MDRS station (for safety purpose) to predict the SOC. This could help to learn/ predict if the SOC goes very fast from 60% to 40% or even 20% or if it stays stable for a certain time around 50%-60%; and what are the parameters that can influence the SOC while in a long-range EVA. As the battery consumption may be different for each rover, we would recommend performing this test on the 4 rovers and provide the results to the mission support.
The Atmosphinder electronics payload was included on EVA-7. The air quality monitor was added, which reports PM 2.5, PM 10, and NH3 every 10 seconds. This sensor data, along with the pressure, humidity, temperature, wind (anemometer), GPS, and battery, was logged at 1 Hz to the microcontroller’s micro sd card. The data will be analysed at a later date. Progress on Atmosphinder including adapting and installing both sail assemblies, affixing an improved towing method, and coding the mechanised sail trim motors.
EVA-8 conducted exploration of Area for Geologic Purposes. The crew walked to MDRS sign, then head due Southeast. The crew found various traces of ancient civilisations on the field. The purpose was also to train for communication between the crew and HabCom.
During the debriefing session post-EVA, we have collected several additional lessons-learnt that are detailed in the EVA Report.
The crew spent the afternoon to their experiments: further tests on the drones and Meshtastic devices, to prepare for the next observatory session, to progress on Atmosphinder, to perform cardiovascular measurements post EVAs. I also proposed a training session for emergency on the field with the purpose to expose what kind of hazards may happen on the field, how to detect and make decisions on the most appropriate “way for action”. Then we trained on how to remove the helmet/ backpack in different degraded situations as quickest as possible.
Look Ahead Plan: We will be in Sim tomorrow according to mission request approval.
Anomalies in work: None.
Weather: Chill in the morning. Very windy day.
Crew Physical Status: Nominal.
EVA: One EVA to Compass Rock, One EVA walking in the vicinity of the Hab.
Reports to be filed: HSO Report, EVA Request, EVA Report, Operations Report, Journalist Report, Pictures of the day.
Support Requested: None.