Day: December 18, 2023

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EVA Report – December 3rd

EVA # 7

Author: Davaa-Ochir “Davaa” Dashbaatar

Purpose of EVA: Reconnaissance; Soil sampling; Drone testing;

Start time: 11:25 AM

End time: 13:17 AM

Narrative: The extravehicular activity (EVA) #7 commenced at 11:25 AM with the crew led by Muggi. Co-operators included Dono and Sunny, who were equipped with MARS-V Suits and earlier versions of life support helmets. Muggi did not don a special suit or life support helmet, given his task of operating a drone during the EVA.

Upon departure, it was noted that the rovers Spirit and Opportunity had not been connected for charging post-EVA #6 due to an oversight. This error was communicated by CAPCOM Davaa to Mission Support, who acknowledged the mistake and offered an apology to the Alpha team. Consequently, the rover Perseverance was dispatched to the crew’s location near the HAB, resulting in a 20-minute extension of EVA #7. Additionally, the crew was informed that a further 30-minute extension was available if needed.

The EVA team reached White Rock Canyon, their destination, at 12:07 PM. The rovers’ status at this time indicated that Perseverance had 58% battery life and 278.7 life hours, whereas Curiosity had 66% battery life and 259.6 life hours.

At 12:52 PM, the crew departed for Zubrin’s Head, arriving at 12:56 PM. It was noted there was limited activity to be conducted at Zubrin Hill by 13:03 PM, prompting a decision to return to the HAB after completing photographic documentation and drone reconnaissance.

The final leg of the journey saw the crew head back to the HAB, with a brief stop at Kissing Camel before parking the rovers at 1:17 PM. At this juncture, Perseverance’s battery life was at 37%, with life hours at 279, and Curiosity’s battery life was at 44% with life hours at 259.9.

EVA #7 was successfully concluded with a duration of one hour and fifty-two minutes, marking the end of SOL #7’s field operations.

Destination: White Rock Canyon

Coordinates (use UTM WGS 84): 520300;4247500

Participants:

· CAPCOM: Davaa, (Geologist)

· EVA #7 Leader: Muggi (Engineer)

· Co-operators: Dono (Commander) and Sunny (Journalist)

Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: Hab -> Robert’s Rock Garden -> Cow Dung Rd 0110 -> Zubrin’s Head -> White Rock Canyon -> Cattle Guard

Mode of travel: Driving—Perseverance and Curiosity.

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EVA Report – December 2nd

EVA Crew Lead: HSO Duluu
Team Members: Geologist Davaa, Psychologist Tungaa
CapCom: Engineer Muggi
Objective: Our mission was to reach and explore Overlook, take soil samples for geological and microbiological work, utilizing drone technology for remote reconnaissance and surveying areas inaccessible by foot or rover.

Weather Conditions: The weather was favorable, with cloudy skies and temperatures ranging from -4 to 7 degrees Celsius, conducive to outdoor exploration activities.

Activities and Observations:

The EVA began at 11:00 a.m., with our team navigating the terrain in the Spirit and Opportunity rovers.
We haven’t successfully reached the Overlook, but arrived at Brahe HWY which presented a landscape strikingly similar to the Gale crater.
Due to the drone’s restricted remote control range of 2 km, we were unable to track it to Brahe. Nonetheless, we commenced recording from Cowboy Corner.
During the extravehicular activity (EVA), the EVA team aimed to evaluate the rover’s battery capacity by reaching a targeted level of 48 percent. Following this, we temporarily left the rover to explore more extensively and gathered soil samples.
Upon returning to base at 12:30 p.m., we noted the Spirit still had 32% battery left, and Opportunity had 31% of capacity.
Challenges and Solutions:

Battery Concerns: Yesterday there was more snow in the highlands, so our path was quite muddy. Our drivers geologist Davaa and psychologist Tungaa were proficient at handling this situation.
Communication Disruption: Today, we did not experience any specific contact loss. However, there was a connection interruption on the far side of the hill, situated beyond Cowboy Corner, in summary.
Conclusion and Next Steps: The outcome of EVA was geological samples for experiments for building blocks. We were inspired by such a beautiful scene of Mother Nature which helps us understand how lucky we are to have her on Earth and even on Mars. Our engineer made such amazing videos and pictures by drone. Now our geologist and engineer have experience using drones.

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Operations Report – December 7th

SOL: 11

Name of person filing report: Munkh-Erdene "Muggi" Altankhuyag

Non-nominal systems: No non-operational system

Notes on non-nominal systems: n/a

ROVERS

Spirit rover used: not used

Hours: (before EVA)

Beginning charge: (Before EVA)

Ending charge:

(On return from EVA, before recharging)

Currently charging:

Opportunity rover used: not used

Hours:

Beginning charge: %

Ending charge: %

Currently charging:

Curiosity rover used:

Hours:

Beginning charge: %

Ending charge: %

Currently charging:

Perseverance rover used: not used

Hours:

Beginning charge: %

Ending charge: %

Currently charging: plugged

General notes on rovers: no EVA was planned today.

Summary of Hab operations: Systems in the hab are operational.

WATER USE: 49.5 gallons

Water (static tank): 326

Static tank pipe heater (on or off): on

Static tank heater (On or off) on

Toilet tank emptied: yes

Summary of internet: Internet in the hab was disabled until 6:00 pm.

Summary of suits and radios: all radios are operational, and suits are operational and plugged in.

Summary of GreenHab operations: Systems are operational.

WATER USE: 2.113 gallons

Heater: On

Supplemental light: will be operated from 10pm to 2 am

Harvest:

Summary of ScienceDome operations: The Dome systems are operational, EVA’s Cap Comm used the dome.

Dual split: Heat or AC, Off

Summary of RAM operations: Systems in RAM are operational.

Summary of any observatory issues: nothing to report

Summary of health and safety issues: nothing to report

Questions, concerns and requests to Mission Support: nothing to report

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Operations Report – December 6th

SOL: 10

Name of person filing report: Munkh-Erdene (Muggi) Altankhuyag

Non-nominal systems: No non-operational system

Notes on non-nominal systems: n/a

ROVERS

Spirit rover used: The rover is used for EVA to next to Cowboy corner

Hours: 237.3 (before EVA)

Beginning charge: 100% (Before EVA)

Ending charge: 27%

(On return from EVA, before recharging)

Currently charging: unplugged

Opportunity rover used: not used

Hours:

Beginning charge: %

Ending charge: %

Currently charging: plugged

Curiosity rover used: The rover is used for EVA to next to Cowboy corner

Hours: 260

Beginning charge: 100%

Ending charge: 26%

Currently charging: unplugged

Perseverance rover used: not used

Hours:

Beginning charge: %

Ending charge: %

Currently charging: plugged

General notes on rovers: rovers were taken to cowboy corner for EVA.

Summary of Hab operations: Systems in the hab are operational.

WATER USE: 53.125 gallons

Water (static tank): 375.50 gallons (was filled by 220 gallons yesterday, water level was around 459 gallons after fill)

Static tank pipe heater (on or off): on

Static tank heater (On or off) on

Toilet tank emptied: yes

Summary of internet: Internet in the hab was disabled until 6:00 pm.

Summary of suits and radios: all radios are operational, and suits are operational and plugged in.

Summary of GreenHab operations: Systems are operational.

WATER USE: 1.321 gallons

Heater: On

Supplemental light: will be operated from 10pm to 2 am

Harvest:

Summary of ScienceDome operations: The Dome systems are operational, EVA’s Cap Comm used the dome.

Dual split: Heat or AC, Off

Summary of RAM operations: Systems in RAM are operational.

Summary of any observatory issues: nothing to report

Summary of health and safety issues: nothing to report

Questions, concerns and requests to Mission Support: nothing to report

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Operations Report – December 5th

SOL: 09

Name of person filing report: Munkh-Erdene "Muggi" Altankhuyag

Non-nominal systems: No non-operational system

Notes on non-nominal systems: n/a

ROVERS

Spirit rover used: not used

Hours: (before EVA)

Beginning charge: (Before EVA)

Ending charge:

(On return from EVA, before recharging)

Currently charging: plugged

Opportunity rover used: not used

Hours:

Beginning charge: %

Ending charge: %

Currently charging: plugged

Curiosity rover used: not used

Hours:

Beginning charge: %

Ending charge: %

Currently charging: plugged

Perseverance rover used: not used

Hours:

Beginning charge: %

Ending charge: %

Currently charging: plugged

General notes on rovers: no rover is used today and plugged in

Summary of Hab operations: Systems in the hab are operational.

WATER USE: 31.3 gallons

Water (static tank): 351.76 gallons

Static tank pipe heater (on or off): on

Static tank heater (On or off) on

Toilet tank emptied: yes

Summary of internet: Internet in the hab was disabled until 6:00 pm.

Summary of suits and radios: all radios are operational, and suits are operational and plugged in.

Summary of GreenHab operations: Systems are operational.

WATER USE: 3.5 gallons

Heater: On

Supplemental light: will be operated from 10pm to 2 am

Harvest: 187 gram

Summary of ScienceDome operations: The Dome systems are operational, EVA’s Cap Comm used the dome.

Dual split: Heat or AC, Off

Summary of RAM operations: Systems in RAM are operational.

Summary of any observatory issues: nothing to report

Summary of health and safety issues: nothing to report

Questions, concerns and requests to Mission Support: nothing to report

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Operations Report – December 4th

SOL: 08

Name of person filing report: Munkh-Erdene "Muggi" Altankhuyag

Non-nominal systems: No non-operational system

Notes on non-nominal systems: n/a

ROVERS

Spirit rover used: not used

Hours: (before EVA)

Beginning charge: (Before EVA)

Ending charge:

(On return from EVA, before recharging)

Currently charging: unplugged

Opportunity rover used: not used

Hours:

Beginning charge: %

Ending charge: %

Currently charging:

Curiosity rover used: not used

Hours:

Beginning charge: %

Ending charge: %

Currently charging:

Perseverance rover used: not used

Hours:

Beginning charge: %

Ending charge: %

Currently charging:

General notes on rovers: no rover is used today. We use crew car the EVA and destination: he area between Lith Canyon and Whitehouse

Summary of Hab operations: Systems in the hab are operational.

WATER USE: 65.3 gallons

Water (static tank): 240 gallons

Static tank pipe heater (on or off): on

Static tank heater (On or off) on

Toilet tank emptied: yes

Summary of internet: Internet in the hab was disabled until 6:00 pm.

Summary of suits and radios: all radios are operational, and suits are operational and plugged in.

Summary of GreenHab operations: Systems are operational.

WATER USE: 1.3 gallons

Heater: On

Supplemental light: will be operated from 10pm to 2 am

Harvest: 151 gram

Summary of ScienceDome operations: The Dome systems are operational, EVA’s Cap Comm used the dome.

Dual split: Heat or AC, Off

Summary of RAM operations: Systems in RAM are operational.

Summary of any observatory issues: nothing to report

Summary of health and safety issues: nothing to report

Questions, concerns and requests to Mission Support: nothing to report

Posted on

Operations Report – December 3rd

SOL: 07

Name of person filing report: Munkh-Erdene "Muggi" Altankhuyag

Non-nominal systems: No non-operational system

Notes on non-nominal systems: n/a

ROVERS

Spirit rover used: not used

Hours: (before EVA)

Beginning charge: (Before EVA)

Ending charge:

(On return from EVA, before recharging)

Currently charging: unplugged

Opportunity rover used: not used

Hours:

Beginning charge: %

Ending charge: %

Currently charging:

Curiosity rover used: The rover is used for EVA-07 and went to Zubrin’s head.

Hours: 293.6

Beginning charge: 100%

Ending charge: 44%

Currently charging: unplugged

Perseverance rover used: The rover is used for EVA-07 and went to Zubrin’s head.

Hours: 278.5

Beginning charge: 100%

Ending charge: 33%

Currently charging: unplugged

General notes on rovers: no issue was observed on the two rovers.

Summary of Hab operations: Systems in the hab are operational.

WATER USE: 40.66 gallons

Water (static tank): 195.2 gallons

Static tank pipe heater (on or off): on

Static tank heater (On or off) on

Toilet tank emptied: yes

Summary of internet: Internet in the hab was disabled until 6:00 pm.

Summary of suits and radios: all radios are operational, and suits are operational and plugged in.

Summary of GreenHab operations: Systems are operational.

WATER USE: 1.1 gallons

Heater: On

Supplemental light: will be operated from 10pm to 2 am

Harvest: 63 gram

Summary of ScienceDome operations: The Dome systems are operational, EVA’s Cap Comm used the dome.

Dual split: Heat or AC, Off

Summary of RAM operations: Systems in RAM are operational.

Summary of any observatory issues: nothing to report

Summary of health and safety issues: nothing to report

Questions, concerns and requests to Mission Support: nothing to report

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Crew 287 Mid-mission Research Report – 03Dec2023

[title Mid–mission Research Report – December 3rd]
[category science-report]

MDRS Rotation #287: Alpha Crew

· Commander: Enkhtuvshin “Dono” Doyodkhuu

· HSO & Green Hab Officer: Dulsaikhan “Duluu” Zorig

· Engineer: Munkh-Erdene “Muggi” Altankhuyag

· Geologist: Davaa-Ochir “Davaa” Dashbaatar

· Psychologist & Microbiologist: Tungalag “Tungaa” Baterdene

· Journalist: Munkhnaran “Sunny” Davaatseren

Date: November 27th, 2023 – December 3rd, 2023. Sol 1 up to Sol 7.

Mission Goals:

· Development of MARS-V Training Program

· Experimentation with Mars Analog Food

· Testing MARS-V Analog Suit

· Improving Mars Analog Station Structure

· Learning from MDRS Operational Structure

1. Training Program Development:

Crew members have engaged in various EVAs, showing adaptability and proficiency in Mars-simulated conditions. EVA reports indicate successful completion of set objectives, with a focus on geological and microbiological explorations.

Team dynamics and psychological resilience have been tested through diverse tasks, reflecting the ‘Challenge Takers’, ‘Science Takers’, and ‘Experience Takers’ aspects of the program.

2. Mars Analog Food:

A mix of station-provided and freeze-dried Mongolian food has been used, with crew members creatively preparing meals. Feedback on packaging, cooking instructions, and quality will contribute to improving the food system for future missions.

3. Analog Suit Testing:

Crew members have tested the MARS-V analog suits, noting ergonomic aspects and suggesting improvements, particularly in helmet design and life support systems.

4. Mars Analog Station Structure:

Daily operations have highlighted the importance of power and water management. The crew’s adaptation to station life provides valuable insights into the living conditions and necessary resources for an effective Mars station.

5. Learning from MDRS:

Crew has been closely monitoring and learning from MDRS protocols and mission support systems, which will be instrumental in developing the MARS-V station.

Challenges:

· Rover battery management—addressed promptly.

· The need for more efficient water usage and conservation strategies.

Physical and Mental Health:

Crew members report good physical health and high morale. Regular exercise, meditation, and team bonding activities have been beneficial.

Weather:

Generally sunny with some cloud cover, aiding in EVA operations.

Next Steps:

· Continued exploration and documentation using the drone.

· Focus on geological and microbiological sample collection.

· Testing of aeroponic equipment in the Greenhab.

· Further development of MARS-V training program elements and station design.

Conclusion:

As Crew Rotation #287 approaches the midpoint of its mission, the team has shown remarkable adaptability, teamwork, and scientific rigor. The experiences and data gathered so far are not only contributing to the immediate mission goals but also laying a solid foundation for the future development of the MARS-V analog station in the Gobi, enhancing training programs, and refining Mars analog food and suit systems. The crew remains enthusiastic and committed to maximizing the outcomes of the remaining mission days.

P.S. Attached are the EVA map tracking we have done the past week, and two edited drone videos for entertainment.


Post excursion.mp4
Drone Footage.mp4

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