Crew 281 EVA Report 16-05-2023
EVA # 3
Authors: Megan Kane (Commander), Ritupriya Patil (Executive Officer), Ana Pires (Crew Scientist)
Purpose of EVA:
Scouting the area for antenna erection using the DJI Mavic mini drone –
Explored the area around the Hab including where the Ham Radio was last set up North West of Hab rear airlock
Made pictures and videos for the region around the hab.
Scout for and collect debris around the hab
Walk to the MDRS sign and a sound hab area looking for a location to carry out the first tests with the rock sampling device (Pegasus Scoop)
Start time: 8:30 AM
End time: 9:56 AM
Narrative:
Crew of 3 started pre-EVA prep at 7 am. After a quick pre briefing on objectives of the EVA KC Shahteen (Crew Engineer) did radio and suit checks. The crew donned the suits and was ready for 15 mins of pre-breathing at 8:15 am. The crew left the hab at 0835 to begin the EVA. They went around the hab area and picked up about 38 grams of debris. This tested the manoeuvrability and flexibility in the suits which varied for taller crew members (who found it comfortable) and shorter crew members (who had to stagger while kneeling or bending to pick something off the floor, since the weight of the back pack needed to be balanced).
After achieving objective 1 of debris collection, the crew located the area for Ham Radio set up to the North West region of the Hab’s rear airlock. A coaxial cable will be run from the rear airlock to the location. While Rachel Jones (HSO) did visual observation for the cardinal directions for antenna setup, Ritupriya Patil (XO, EVA Lead) set up her drone for aerial surveillance of the region. Ritupriya flew the drone, which soared up to 60 m high and did a 360° sweep for radio interference and imagery. Through the other maneuvering flights, the crew got some great shots with a birds eye view of the hab, analog astronauts and the surrounding region.
Finally for objective three, Ana Pires (Crew Scientist) identified a couple good areas for testing the rock sampling device for the first time in the field. Ana then led the team south east of the hab and found a good site for collecting soil samples. These will later be sent to the lab for geo physical tests.
Overall the crew had a successful EVA with new learnings and the crew reentered the hab at 09:56 am.
Overview of EVA
Collected debris around the hab will weigh and place in airlock for disposal
Visual observation on the area to locate potential sites to test the rock sampling device (Pegasus Scoop)
Loose rocks were collected and soil from the area
Scouted location for Radio antenna
Issues Experienced During EVA
The XO experienced some discomfort with the suit. This was adjusted with the assistance of the other two on EVA.
There was an issue with the XO’s comms during drone deployment due to the microphone being out of position. As the drone had already been deployed it was decided for safety reasons that the mic issue would be resolved after the drone was safely landed. The other two crew members were able to visually confirm that the XO was fine, also the XO was able to hear Mission Support.
Outcomes
Scouted location for radio installation
Collected 6 rock samples of 977 grams and 1 soil sample of 37 grams
Collected 38 grams of debris
Flew drone in Aerial survey of the Hab, took some good imagery of the region
At least 2 or 3 places were identified as good areas for testing the rock sampling device for the first time in the field
Destination: MDRS Hab and surrounding 500 m radius
Coordinates (use UTM WSG 84): 0518100 E, 4250900 N
EVA Participants 3: Ritupriya Patil (XO) (EVA Leader), Rachel Jones (HSO), Ana Pires (Crew Scientist) (EVA Comm)
Hab Comm: Megan Kane (Commander)
Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: Walk around the Hab
Mode of travel: Walk
Vehicles you will be using (If applicable): Not applicable