Crew 261 EVA Report 08-05-2023
EVA # 11
Author: James Burk (Commander)
Purpose of EVA: Flight Testing of Adapa 360 Drone including general observations of design and performance.
Start time: 10:06 AM
End time: 10:55 PM
Narrative:
Overview of EVA
We flew the ADAPA 360 drone just outside of the Hab for the first time. We observed that it needs to have the stabilization engaged to be able to fly in general. The stabilization should be disengaged when launching, however.
After the first test, we walked farther towards the sign and flew it again for a longer range to capture better scenic video.
Issues Experienced During EVA 7
None
Outcomes
[Procedural] Announce times of over the radio so that EVALink team can match up with telemetry later.
Destination: Immediate vicinity of main Hab.
Coordinates (use UTM WGS 84): 518400 E, 4250900 N
Participants:
James Burk (Commander) (EVA Lead), Julien Villa-Massone (Crew Engineer), Kris Davidson (Journalist) (Not In Sim – Not Wearing Suit)
Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: Walk outside of Hab to a suitable flat piece of ground for drone launch & landing.
Mode of travel: Walking
Vehicles you will be using (If applicable): N/A
Crew 261 EVA Report 05-06-2023
EVA # 12
Author: Erin Kennedy (Crew Roboticist), with inputs from Audrey Derobertmasure (HSO)
Purpose of EVA:
1) Find, investigate, and collect Gypsum crystals on the Glistening Seas region from selenite, the transparent form of gypsum. This relates to Atmosphinder experiment as it could be an analogous feature to CO2 gas jet expulsions in the Mars South Polar region
2) Atmosphinder electronics environmental sensor data logging
Start time: 1:05 PM
End time: 4:50 PM
Narrative:
Overview of EVA
EVA-12 ventured North of the Hab to the vicinity of the Valles Marineris region, located East of Cow Dung Road, and South of Brahe Highway. The objective was to find, investigate, and collect Gypsum crystals on the Glistening Seas region from selenite, the transparent form of gypsum. This relates to the Atmosphinder experiment as it could be an analogous feature to CO2 gas jet expulsions in the Mars South Polar region.
A briefing prior to the EVA ensured all EVA crew understood the plan. Atmosphinder in half-sized configuration (~1 m diameter) without the metal payload bay was included on the rover. The journey to the destination was done in parts to regularly check the status of the EVA crew. The rovers handled the terrain well, periodically needing 4 wheel drive on some of the inclines. The destination was reached without issue.
After walking on foot ~20 m off of the road, it became evident why this location is nicknamed “Glistening Seas”. Gazing across the horizon, sparkles could be seen from the sunlight reflecting on the crystals. Gypsum crystals protruded from the red-tinged dirt below. The EVA crew investigated a cluster of these and collected samples. The dirt surrounding the crystals was fine and a mixture of red and white coloured. The EVA crew investigated this area thoroughly, finding rocks of interest and additional crystals. The journey led to observing a cliff wall facing the crew. The crew was elated with the plethora of crystals and fascinating geological features!
A trek back to the rovers was made and Atmosphinder was extracted from the rover for a test. The wind gusts were powerful in this region as it was a clear plain. Two crew members stood downwind of Atmosphinder to be ready to intervene for a controlled stop. Atmosphinder was given an initial push, and it traveled ~70 m as propelled by the wind. Additional testing occurred, with the same results. The testing concluded after another hill test, with the halves of the hoops being severed. The result was compelling to observe a structure moving on its own, venturing to explore the vastness of Mars! The area was thoroughly checked for remaining pieces. The pieces were brought back to the rover.
The journey back commenced an hour before the close of the EVA window. Crew health checks were completed by the EVA lead, everyone was feeling great and in great spirits. We received coordinates to a point of interest of a crew member’s lost drone. We conducted a search for the lost drone, akin to a ‘geocaching’ activity. The search concluded without retrieving the drone, though admittedly, admiring the incredible geology at that point of interest. The journey back to the Hab commenced. The return to the Hab was completed. The Atmosphinder robot pieces, as well as the electronics which were data logging environmental sensor data for the EVA, was returned to the RAM.
The EVA-12 resulted in awe-inspiring observations, and making connections of those observations to Mars. New information was learned about Atmosphinder robot that would only be possible in this unique environment. The collected crystal samples will be further investigated through a microscope, shared, and whimsically gazed upon. Many thanks to the entire crew — both on the EVA, at HabCom, and behind the scenes!
Issues Experienced During EVA-12
1. [Technical] Radio range – Lack of comms due to no repeater
2. [Procedural] Julien flew his drone in high winds to follow the departing rovers and was forced to land it near Marble Ritual.
Outcomes
1) Collected samples of Gypsum crystals
2) Acquired visual imagery of analogous features to the south pole of Mars
3) Longest wind-propelled Atmosphinder roll
4) Atmosphinder electronics running environmental sensor data logging
5) Experiential confidence boost for some of the EVA crew members
Destination:
4254710 N, 518040 E
Coordinates (use UTM WGS 84): See above
EVA Participants: 4: Aline Decadi (XO) (EVA Leader), Audrey Derobertmasure (HSO), Erin Kennedy (Crew Roboticist), Kris Davidson (Journalist) (Not In Sim – Not Wearing Suit)
Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map:
Drive from Hab, Turn left, Go North on Cow Dung Road
Make a slight Left to continue North on Cow Dung Road towards Galileo Road intersection
Continue North on Cow Dung Road towards Brahe Highway intersection
If you have past Brahe Highway, you have gone too far
Park rover near (4254710 N, 517810 E)
Walk to destination (~0.3 km)
You have arrived at your destination!
Scout for crystals (~1.0 km, 0.75 hours)
Walk back to parked rover (~1.5 km)
Drive North to the intersection of Brahe Highway and Cow Dung Road
Make a 3 point U-turn at this intersection
Drive South on Cow Dung Road
Make a slight Right to continue South on Cow Dung Road past Galileo Road
Continue South West on Cow Dung Road
Turn Right onto Hab driveway
You have arrived at your destination!
Mode of travel: Rover and Walking
Vehicles you will be using (If applicable): Rover (Curiosity and Opportunity)