Sol Summary – May 6th
Crew 261 Sol Summary Report 06-05-2023
Sol: 6
Summary Title: Long-range EVA
Author’s name: Aline Decadi, XO
Mission Status: nominal
Sol Activity Summary: Today took place 2 EVAs:
– EVA-9 with the following crew members: Audrey Derobertmasure (EVA Leader), Erin Kennedy (Crew Roboticist), Kris
Davidson (Journalist) (Not In Sim – Not Wearing Suit)
– EVA-10 with the following crew members: James Burk (Commander) (EVA Leader), Cecile Renaud (GreenHab Officer)
EVA-9 conducted 1) testing of Atmosphinder prototype mechanised wind sails and improved towing method at a walking distance from the Hab; then 2) drove the rover Spirit for Testing the Atmosphinder prototype descending hill with steeper grade.
The crew drove the rover Spirit instead of the rover that was planned in the EVA Request The reason for this is they have been confused by the first EVA request that was mentioning Spirit – while the second approved EVA request has changed to Perseverance and Curiosity (one additional rover was considered in case the journalist would have joined). It turned out that the journalist has walked and not joined the rover drive.
EVA-9 conducted Atmosphinder testing in the half-sized configuration (~1 m diameter) with sails (17" x 28.5") extending from the two hoops. The testing was divided into two sections: sail testing near the Hab and steeper grade hill testing near Phobos Peak.
Sail testing took place in front of the Hab. The sail testing observed the performance of the trim motors with the gusts of wind. In all 3 positions and on both sides, the motors performed to specification. The force of the wind on the sail frame ranged from 2N to 9 N, as measured with force spring gauges. The wind on the sails was able to tilt the electronics payload bay to 30 degrees. This test built on learnings from EVA-6.
Steeper grade hill testing took place in the vicinity of Phobos Peak, within close proximity to the road for transporting the robot. The location was scouted on foot. The candidate hill was approximately 2 meters tall, at an estimated 30 degrees grade, and clear of boulders. The robot was towed to the top of the hill while walking while keeping in mind astronaut safety.
The robot was given an initial push to roll down the hill. This was conducted to observe the dynamics of the robot structure given the terrain. With an enthusiastic ‘Bon Voyage’, the robot rolled down the hill with gusto! As the robot approached level land, known weak pieces broke under the loads, similar to EVA-2. All pieces were collected. An initial damage analysis shows that it was not as destructive as it had appeared to be in the field. The repaired pieces from EVA-4 held up well.
EVA-9 built on the lessons learned previously as well as the pertinent safety training received yesterday. The EVA-9 resulted in new information being learned that would only be possible in this unique environment. Many thanks to the entire crew — both on the EVA, at HabCom, and behind the scenes!
EVA-10 conducted the Drone Rescue to recover Acarus that was lost during the yesterday’s EVA. They drive to Cow Dung Road, then North to Galileo Road, then East/SouthEast to Compass Rock, then the location of the downed Icarus drone.
The crew drove the rovers Opportunity and Curiosity (instead of Spirit after concertation with Mission Support – Spirit has been used for the EVA-9 during this morning and its SOC went down to around 70% so it as changed for Curiosity). After retrieving the drone successfully, they went Northeast on Galileo Road and drive as far as rovers’ allow, up to Sommerville Overlook. They took a few minutes to find their road back to Galileo Road towards Sommerville as it is mostly covered by sand and sometimes difficult to see over the dunes). They Walk on foot to explore area up to Sommerville Overlook. Then went back to the Hab. They arrived at the Hab 30 minutes late because they have not been able to anticipate the time to make the round trip. Nevertheless, the 2 AA were wearing the 2 InReach devices and their location was updated on the Hab screen every 10 minutes, confirming to HabCOM that everything was operating nominally on the field.
The second EVA ended at 6:00pm. The crew ended the afternoon with the debriefing of EVA-10, the request activated on Skynet for observing Polaris from MLC-RCOS16 observatory (New Mexico), followed by the dinner and the reports of the day.
Look Ahead Plan: No Sim on Sunday.
Anomalies in work: None.
Weather: Chill in the morning. Very windy day.
Crew Physical Status: Nominal.
EVA: EVA-9 close to the Hab, EVA-10 to Sommerville Overlook.
Reports to be filed: HSO Report, EVA Report, Operations Report, Journalist Report, Pictures
of the day, GreenHab Report.
Support Requested: None.
Operations Report – May 6th
Crew 261 Operations Report 06-05-2023
SOL: 6
Name of person filing report: Julien Villa-Massone
Non-nominal systems:
· Remote observatory
· 1 Helmet, 1 headset
Notes on non-nominal systems: N/A
ROVERS
Spirit rover used: Yes
Hours: (before EVA) 220.5
Beginning charge: (Before EVA) 100
Ending charge: (On return from EVA, before recharging) 77
Currently charging: Yes
Opportunity rover used: Yes
Hours: 123.0
Beginning charge: 100
Ending charge: 61
Currently charging: Yes
Curiosity rover used: Yes
Hours: 233.7
Beginning charge: 100
Ending charge: 57
Currently charging: Yes
Perseverance rover used: No
Hours: 263.1
Beginning charge: 100
Ending charge: N/A
Currently charging: Yes
General notes on rovers: Nominal operation
Summary of Hab operations: Nominal day
WATER USE: rate of 28 gallons / sol today. Trend since mission start means we will run out of water 1.2 days prior to mission end. This means, if we continue with this trend, the tank will be at 85 gallons when the mission ends.
Water (static tank): 289 gallons remaining
Static tank pipe heater (on or off): off
Static tank heater (On or off): off
Toilet tank emptied: yes
Summary of internet: Nominal
Summary of suits and radios:
Headset #3 (previously erroneously reported as #4 and #1 – sorry for this repeated error on the headset number. This time it’s 100% sure headset #3 is affected by a connection failure). Testing was done today, using several headsets and radios, mixing headsets and radios. It was discovered that the double jack connector is faulty. When the double jack connector is connected without applying any pressure to the connector, the microphone works. However, when an upward pressure is applied to the connector, the microphone does not work. This headset has been set aside and labeled as such.
Failed helmet has been set aside and labeled as such.
Summary of GreenHab operations: Nominal.
WATER USE: 13 gals total
Heater: Off
Supplemental light: Off
Harvest: None
Summary of ScienceDome operations: Nominal.
Dual split: Off
POWER report: Nominal operation.
Summary of RAM operations: Crew Robotics Engineer made use of the RAM to further work on the Astrophinder robot.
Summary of Tunnels maintenance: about 30 zip-ties added to secure the tunnel covers.
Summary of any observatory issues: Nothing to report
Summary of health and safety issues: Nominal.
Questions, concerns and requests to Mission Support: Thank you for your support today.
Journalist Report – May 6th
Crew 261 Journalist Report 06-05-2023
Author: Kris Davidson, Crew Journalist
Moving to a distant land begins a lifelong process of translation. Immigrants must translate everything, including language, food, clothes, and even stories rooted in their homeland, across a shifting chasm between cultures. Similarly, for the first colonists on Mars, making a home will be an arduous process spread across generations. Not only will they live in a place with no existing culture, but they will also live in an environment completely inhospitable to human life, with no breathable air or running water. Everything necessary for their survival would have to be brought from Earth, and any malfunction or mishap could mean the difference between life and death. Yet, despite their longing for fresh mountain air on Earth or a swim in the ocean, they will have a tenderness and affection for their adopted home on Mars.
As the first generation of colonists has children, the idea of home would take on even greater significance. For these children, Mars would be the only home they had ever known, a world vastly different from Earth, with its unique challenges and opportunities. In just a couple generations, the cultures between Earth and Mars will be distinct.
Sol 6 marks the midway point of the mission for Transatlantic Mars Crew 261, defined by a feeling of being of two places. On one hand, there was a strong pull from Earth. Before dawn, the crew journalist Kris Davidson projected videos of water and forest against the wall in the science dome, contrasting with the rising sun over the barren Martian landscape outside. Martian homes may be designed to feature calming elements that reference Earth. Later, Commander James Burk participated in an analogue astronaut conference via Zoom being held on Earth at Biosphere 2. The crew had a journalist visit to report back to Earth about the crew’s work on Mars. Finally, the entire crew came together to record a video for Executive Officer Aline Decadi’s mother, who was celebrating her birthday on Earth. Julien Villa-Massone (Crew Engineer) strummed a guitar, and the crew felt happy and connected as they sang.
Even as Earth is always in the heart, life on Mars has become easier for Transatlantic Mars Crew 261. Audrey Derobertmasure (Medical Officer) and Erin Kennedy (Crew Robotics Engineer) had a successful longer EVA 9 for further testing of the Atmosphinder. Later, Commander Burk and Cécile Renaud (Greenhab Officer) also had success on EVA 10, with the recovery of Icarus, the drone lost on Sol 5. The crew has become closer, as colleagues and as friends, making work both easier and safer.
The phrase "home is where the heart is" takes on a new meaning for Mars colonists. For these early pioneers, home is not so much a physical place, but rather a feeling of belonging and connection to their community and mission. Living on Mars requires a tremendous amount of resilience, determination, and cooperation. The colonists are living in a hostile environment, cut off from Earth by millions of miles of empty space. In such extreme conditions, the bonds between the colonists become even more important. They must rely on each other for emotional support, as well as for their survival. They share meals, work together to maintain their equipment and habitat, and find ways to create a sense of community and belonging in a place that is completely alien to human life. Ultimately, despite the challenges they face, the colonists on Mars have created a new home, one that will continue to evolve and shape their lives for generations to come.
GreenHab Report – May 6th
Crew 261 GreenHab Report 06-05-2023
GreenHab Officer: Cécile Renaud
Environmental control: Door open from 6:45 to 19:00
Average temperatures: 47.8°F at 07:00, 83,1°F at 13:20, 70,9°F at 19:00
Hours of supplemental light: N/A
Daily water usage for crops: 6 gal at 07:00 + 6 gal at 19:00
Daily water usage for research and/or other purposes: 1 gal (including watering solution for biostimulant exp)
Water in Blue Tank 99 gallons
Time(s) of watering for crops: 07:00 and 19:00
Changes to crops: N/A
Narrative: 1 cucumber and some tomatoes has to be harvested, carrots will be harvested next week.
Harvest: (include which crop and mass in grams) : None
Support/supplies needed: None
EVA Report – May 6th
Crew 261 EVA Report 06-05-2023
EVA # 9
Author: Erin Kennedy (Crew Roboticist), (with inputs from HSO Audrey Derobertmasure)
Purpose of EVA:
1) Testing of Atmosphinder prototype mechanised wind sails and improved towing method
2) Testing of Atmosphinder prototype descending hill with steeper grade
Start time: 11:27 am
End time: 1:50 PM
Narrative:
Overview of EVA
Prior to EVA-9, the EVA crew members were given a briefing on the objective of today’s Atmosphinder experiments and the procedure.
EVA-9 conducted Atmosphinder testing in the half-sized configuration (~1 m diameter) with sails (17″ x 28.5″) extending from the two hoops. The electronics were updated to include one sail trimming servo motor on each sail, and lights to indicate the trim position. The testing was divided into two sections: sail testing near the Hab and steeper grade hill testing near Phobos Peak. The robot and supporting parts were extracted from the RAM.
Sail testing took place in front of the Hab. The sail testing observed the performance of the trim motors with the gusts of wind. In all 3 positions and on both sides, the motors performed to specification. The force of the wind on the sail frame ranged from 2N to 9 N, as measured with force spring gauges. The reported wind speed was Wind – SSW 14 mph, Wind gusts – 33 mph. The wind on the sails was able to tilt the electronics payload bay to 30 degrees. This test built on learnings from EVA-6. The sail frame experienced rotation about the axis perpendicular to the bearing plate that the electronics payload bay mounts onto. This prevented further meaningful testing and experimentation from taking place. Limitations for the interaction with the electronics while in astronaut suits was noted.
The sails were uninstalled and returned back to the RAM. The robot (incl. electronics) was loaded into the Spirit rover in the same method as EVA-2, and securely fastened to the rover frame using the blue and grey tow rope from Curiosity (the tow rope was returned to Curiosity upon return). During the journey to the next location, the rover was stopped briefly to conduct a payload check after some bumpy portions, in order to ensure the robot was still secured in the rover. The journey continued while following a map to the point of interest destination.
Steeper grade hill testing took place in the vicinity of Phobos Peak, within close proximity to the road for transporting the robot. The rover was parked to the side of the road. The location was scouted on foot to determine the best hill. The candidate hill was approximately 2 meters tall, at an estimated 30 degrees grade. The robot was towed to the top of the hill while walking while keeping in mind astronaut safety.
The robot was given an initial push to roll down the hill. This was conducted to observe the dynamics of the robot structure given the terrain. With an enthusiastic ‘Bon Voyage’, the robot rolled down the hill with gusto! As the robot approached level land, similar to EVA-2, known weak pieces broke under the loads. The robot tipped over onto its side before coming to rest. Collecting the pieces was conducted in two trips. On the 2nd trip, the electronics payload was brought to retrace the steps to the launch point and resting point of the robot. This data will be used to determine the elevation and distance travelled. All pieces were collected.
The return to the Hab was completed with the Spirit rover. The robot was returned to the RAM. An initial damage analysis shows that it was not as destructive as it had appeared to be in the field. The repaired pieces from EVA-4 held up well.
EVA-9 built on the lessons learned previously as well as the pertinent safety training received yesterday. The EVA-9 resulted in new information being learned that would only be possible in this unique environment. Many thanks to the entire crew — both on the EVA, at HabCom, and behind the scenes!
Both EVA crewmembers carried a Meshtastic device to gather data for that project. Audrey managed the Garmin devices and sent points of interest as planned.
Issues Experienced During EVA-9
[Procedural] There was a wrong turn taken upon return, but quickly noticed (within 20 seconds), rerouted, and communicated back to Hab
[Technical] There was a longer than anticipated delay in the Garmin InReeach transmitting the Point of Interest
[Procedural] Some crew members struggle to press the PTT button reliably and timely
[Procedural] HabCom told crew to take Spirit when the final request had Curiosity and Perseverance (per Mission Support’s advice). This was compounded the later EVA which had Spirit in the request but that rover had already been used on this EVA so could not be taken.
Outcomes
When removing helmet to take a drink of water for safety, kneeling down is easiest.
In-situ scouting is needed for regions of interest to supplement the map and satellite view. MarsVR could greatly assist with this.
New information acquired for Atmosphinder robot experiment
New information acquired with electronics running environmental sensor data logging
Destination:
In front of Hab (518100 E, 4250900 N)
Hill within Phobos Peak Vicinity (518200 E, 4249991 N)
Coordinates (use UTM WGS 84): See above
EVA Participants: 3: Audrey Derobertmasure (EVA Leader), Erin Kennedy (Crew Roboticist), Kris Davidson (Journalist) (Not In Sim – Not Wearing Suit)
Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map:
Drive from Hab, Turn right, Go South on Cow Dung Road
Park rover near: 518100 E, 4250050 N
Walk around to scout locations (~250 m)
Walk to chosen hill (~80 m)
Walk back to parked rover (~80 m)
Drive to Hab – Go North on Cow Dung Road, Turn Left
Mode of travel: Rover and Walking
Vehicles you will be using (If applicable): Rover (Spirit)
Crew 261 EVA Report 06–05–2023
EVA # 10
Author: James Burk, Commander
Purpose of EVA: Drone Rescue + Reconnaissance of area leading up to Sommerville Overlook.
Start time: 3:00 PM
End time: 6:00 PM
Narrative:
Overview of EVA
The goal of this EVA was to retrieve the wayward Icarus drone and, afterward, to head up to a scenic place to fly it. Commander Burk had visited Candor Chasma on the last EVA of Crew 197 in 2018 and was eager to return and to see it from different angles. Successfully reaching Sommerville Overlook with one or both rovers would also demonstrate our crew’s ability to successfully reach comparable objectives.
Commander Burk and GreenHab Officer Renaud took out Opportunity and Curiosity (respectively) and successfully reached the same location that Commander Burk and XO Decadi had parked the previous day, just southeast of Compass Rock. They then proceeded on foot due South, following Watney road for 0.7 km until they reached the location of the Icarus drone. GreenHab Officer Renaud sighted it first, and thus had the honor of retrieving it. It was in excellent condition, as expected. The EVA team then hiked 0.7km back to the rovers.
Afterwards, the 2-rover caravan searched a bit for the exact stretch of Galileo Road that winds east-northwest from that point, and had some difficulty. They first backtracked north, then eventually located the road by surveying the area on foot for a few minutes. They then proceeded along Galileo Road for around 1/2 a kilometer when Commander Burk’s rover got slightly stuck in the sandy path of that stretch of Galileo Road. After exiting the rover and touring the area (with the expectation that they would be turning around at that point due to a hazardous road, GreenHab Officer Renaud suggested using 4-wheel drive along with digging out the front and back driver’s side wheels. Once those two things were done, the rover was almost instantly unstuck and the team continued their trek along Galileo Road, and reached the Sommerville Overlook.
After taking some photos, sending some Garmin waypoints, and also sending a Whatsapp message to the rest of the crew, the team then returned back to base, only stopping a few times for Comm checks and to take photo/video of the scenery.
The EVA went very smoothly overall, with excellent communication between the two EVA crewmembers. They also created a hand signal system to communicate when to switch between 4-wheel and 2-wheel drive during the traverse, which was extremely effective.
The EVA team returned late (see Issue below) but otherwise was safe and in full communication with each other throughout the EVA. HabCom did not always have radio communication, especially when the EVA team was far away on Galileo Road towards Sommerville, but always knew the location of the EVA team within a 5-10 minute delay and so were never concerned about their safety.
Back at the Hab, Mission Support contacted HabCom after the planned EVA window had past and expressed concern that HabCom was not in active radio communication at that point. Once Commander Burk had returned the Hab, he radioed Mission Support and explained that they had underestimated the overall time window for a successful traverse to Sommerville. There wasn’t much that could be done about the radio communication, but again, HabCom had been receiving regular and frequent updates via the Garmin waypoints and other non-radio communications received (Whatsapp).
Issues
[Procedural] EVA window was mis-estimated. It should have been a 2.5 or 3 hour EVA just to be sure, since it contained a lot of travelling including the hike down the Icarus drone.
[Technical] Channel 1 on the radios was very unreliable overall, so the EVA Team mostly stuck to channel 2 when speaking to each other. They still frequently switched to channel 1 and gave verbal reports which were never heard by HabCom until they were almost back at the Hab, and in one case when the Hab was in visual sight (albiet far away) during the return traverse on Galileo Road.
Outcomes
Hand signals for switching between 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive are very useful and effective in a 2-rover convoy when roads require it.
We need to write down the beginning and end of EVA times because we keep having to forensically analyze them after the fact instead of just logging it with the other EVA data (rover hours/SOC, etc.)
Having 2 rovers for long EVAs is a good idea for Safety.
We need more repeaters across the map!
Destination: First to Downed Icarus Drone, then onto the road leading to Sommerville Overlook, depending on Rovers’ range.
Coordinates (use UTM WSG 84):
Downed Icarus Drone: 519900 E, 4251800 N
Sommerville Overlook: 522000 E, 4253000 N
EVA Participants: 2: James Burk (Commander) (EVA Leader), Cecile Renaud (GreenHab Officer)
Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: Drive to Cow Dung Road, then North to Galileo Road, then East/SouthEast to Compass Rock, then the location of the downed Icarus drone. After retrieving the drone, go Northeast on Galileo Road and drive as far as rovers’ allow, up to Sommerville Overlook. Walk on foot to explore area.
Mode of travel: Rovers (Curiosity and Opportunity).
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