Month: December 2023

Sol #10
Title: Continued Exploration and Culinary Innovation
Crew name: Alpha
Crew number: #287

As Sol 10 dawned at the Mars Desert Research Station, we were welcomed with another day of sunshine and warmth. The crew’s day began with a nutritious breakfast and routine exercise, infusing a positive energy amongst us. This set the stage for a day filled with diverse and impactful research and sustainability projects.

HSO Duluu and Geologist Davaa focused on geological tasks tailored for the MARS-V Program’s “Science taker”, “Challenge taker”, and “Experience taker” categories, contributing valuable insights to our collective understanding.

A key highlight of our daily life at the station has been the innovative culinary endeavors led by Engineer Muggi and HSO Duluu, especially with the use of red cabbage from our Greenhub. This nutritious and vibrant vegetable has brought not only a dash of color and variety to our meals but also underscored the importance of sustainable agriculture in space environments.

The crew engaged in an online meeting with the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs team, discussing the MARS-V Analog Beta Helmet development. The meeting was progressive and effective, adding momentum to our technological advancements.

As we approach the end of our mission, the crew remains deeply committed to achieving our established goals. The anticipation of concluding our journey brings a mix of excitement and reflective thoughts on the invaluable experiences and learnings we’ve gathered here.

Sol #9
Title: Observing Solar Storms and Advancing Mars Research
Crew name: Alpha
Crew number: #287

Sol # 9 commenced with our cherished morning routine of exercise and a healthy breakfast, setting a positive tone for the day. The weather was exceptionally pleasant, sunny, and warm, adding to the overall good spirits of the crew.

A highlight of the day was Captain Dono’s work at the Musk Observatory. He shared with us an extraordinary view of a solar storm, showcasing the Sun’s beauty and charisma in a new light. This experience was not only awe-inspiring but also educational, offering us a glimpse into the dynamic nature of our closest star.

Today’s meals, masterfully prepared by Tungaa and Dono, were also highlights. Lunch featured an impressive Beef Bulgogi complemented by red cabbage microgreens, demonstrating our commitment to combining nutrition and taste. Adding to the culinary delight, I, Sunny, prepared a frozen yogurt dessert, offering a refreshing end to the meal.

HSO Duluu’s dedication in the Green Hub continues to yield results. Today, she focused on planting bean and sunflower microgreens, contributing to our sustainable living practices and ensuring a steady supply of fresh produce.

Davaa’s efforts in testing bricks made from grey and red clay soil samples are critical in our exploration of using Martian-like materials for building purposes. Muggi delved into the development of the MARS-V project’s program, focusing on defining the engineering tasks in the “Science taker,” “Challenge taker,” and “Experience taker” programs. His work is essential in shaping the roles of engineers in future Mars analog missions. Tunga continued her important work on the Mars food experiment, investigating the psychological and nutritional aspects of space cuisine, vital for long-duration missions.

Sol #8
Title: Research Progress and Exciting Astronomical Achievements
Crew name: Alpha
Crew number: 287

As we reach the midpoint of our mission, Sol 8 at the Mars Desert Research Station started with the team collaboratively working on our research report. The synergy and dedication were palpable, showcasing the remarkable teamwork we’ve cultivated. Keeping up with our healthy routines, we engaged in our regular morning exercise, an essential start to our day.

A significant highlight was Captain Dono receiving the green light to access the Musk Observatory. His accomplishment in capturing the first solar image has infused the crew with a sense of achievement and excitement. This breakthrough marks a vital step in our astronomical studies.

The midday meal, crafted by Davaa and me, brought the crew together over a delicious lunch, complemented by HSO Duluu’s freshly harvested salad microgreens. These moments of shared meals play a crucial role in maintaining morale and unity among the crew.

The day’s exploration included a special EVA focused on photo shooting and drone testing. With Ben from Mission Support as our capable Capcom, we are grateful for his guidance and support. Our journey led us to Lith Canyon and Whitehouse, offering us stunning views and an ideal location for our tests.

The day concluded with a productive online meeting with MARS-V Embedded Systems Engineer Battulga “Toshka”. Our discussions centered around the Mars analog suit’s helmet design, a critical element for safety and efficiency in our Martian environment. These collaborative sessions are key to enhancing our operational capabilities and suit functionality.

Sol 8 stands as a testament to the progress and excitement of our mission. From astronomical achievements to technological advancements and vital team collaborations, every aspect of today’s activities contributes to the overarching success of our Mars simulation. As we continue our journey, the spirit of discovery and innovation remains stronger than ever.

Sol #7
Title: Synergy in Science and SustenanceJournalist’s name: Sunny
Crew name: Alpha
Crew number: 287

On Sol 7, our day commenced with a leisurely start at 9 AM, breaking our fast with oatmeal, a shared exercise session, and a group meditation, collectively gearing up for the day’s tasks. Post-breakfast, the crew geared up for EVA #7, departing for White Rock Canyon to conduct reconnaissance, soil sampling, and drone footage.

Mealtimes were a highlight with Duluu preparing a varied lunch and Muggi serving up a spicy penne soup for dinner. These moments of communal dining underscored the unity and morale of our team, reinforcing the importance of shared experiences in maintaining crew spirit.

Scientific work pressed on with Davaa initiating his mud sample tests and Duluu tending to the Greenhab’s thriving plants. Despite a small hiccup in Tungaa’s microbiological research due to missing petri dishes, the crew’s productivity remained unhampered.

Muggi’s increasing drone piloting proficiency has greatly contributed to our surveying capabilities, while I continued to engage the public with our mission’s progress and day-to-day life. The crew’s anticipation for accessing the Musk Observatory remains, with hopes to integrate astronomical observations into our research soon.

As the Sol concludes, we reflect on a day marked by successful teamwork and scientific endeavor. Tomorrow’s plans include an out-of-sim excursion to further our exploration and documentation of this unique environment. The spirit of collaboration and discovery remains strong within Crew 287 as we look forward to the advancements and insights each new Sol brings.

Sol #6
Title: A Day of Nutritious Balance and Advanced Exploration
Journalist’s name: Sunny
Crew name: Alpha
Crew number: 287

On Sol #6, the importance of nutrition and wellness was at the forefront of our morning routine. The day began with a log meeting with MARS-V Remote Control team lead Tulgaa, who showed great interest in our health and dietary habits. The provision of freeze-dried foods from Mongolia, courtesy of the MARS-V nutrition team, ensures that we maintain a healthy diet, a source of happiness and energy in this Mars simulation environment.

Post meeting, our morning continued with a delicious breakfast, followed by exercise and mindful meditation, setting a positive tone for the day.

The day’s main event was EVA #6, led by HSO Duluu. Team members Geologist Davaa, Psychologist Tunga, and Engineer Muggi, serving as CapCom, embarked on a mission to the Overlook. Their objectives were multifaceted: to collect soil samples and employ drone technology for remote reconnaissance and surveying. Favorable weather conditions further boosted the crew’s efficiency and morale. With each EVA, our team grows more adept and experienced in Martian exploration.

Back at the base, HSO Duluu engaged in vital work at the Green Hab, planting cucumbers using a new Hydroponic wick system. The sight of micro-greens, sprouted just three days ago, brought her immense joy and is a testament to our advancing agricultural capabilities on this simulated Martian landscape.

A highlight of Sol #6 was our team bonding game, a psychological exercise designed to enhance group dynamics. The game’s outcome was not only impressive but also highly recommended for fostering team cohesion and understanding.

As we conclude Sol #6, it’s evident that the balance of physical well-being, mental health, and team collaboration is pivotal to our success here. Each activity, be it a meal, meditation, EVA, or team game, plays a crucial role in our overall mission. These daily practices are shaping us into a more resilient and cohesive unit, ready to tackle the challenges of Mars exploration.