Month: November 2024

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Supplemental Operations Report – November 16th

Date: 11/16/2024
Name of person filing report: Sergii Iakymov
Reason for Report: Routine
Non-Nominal Systems: Power system, Robotic observatory

Power system:
Solar: inverter slave 1 and 2 are installed and nominal; the battery bank does not hold charge when sun is down and low on the horizon. Main generator: nominal.
Main generator:
1) Oil, oil filter and air filter changed. Generator hours – 68638.
2) Current hours – 6912.8.

Propane Readings:
Station Tank: 67%
Director Tank: 54%
Intern Tank: 71%
Generator Tank: 43%

Water:
Hab Static Tank – 300 gallons
GreenHab – 130 gallons
Outpost tank –400 gallons

Rovers:
Sojourner rover used: Yes. Around MDRS.
Hours: 206.6
Beginning Charge: 100 %
Ending Charge: 100 %
Currently Charging: Yes
Notes on Rovers: Perseverance, Opportunity – 12v aux receptacles not operational. Tire rotation completed: Curiosity, Perseverance, Spirit, Opportunity. Tire air up completed: all rovers. Sits patched: all rovers, Spirit needs one seat to be replaced. Batteries refill: all rovers.

Cars:
Hab Car used and why, where: To Hanksville for supplies.
Crew Car used and why, where: No.
General notes and comments: Hab car needs to be serviced.

Summary of Internet: All nominal.
EVA suits and radios: Suits: All nominal.
Comms: Some headsets need to be tested and replaced if needed.
Campus wide inspection, if action taken, what and why: Final tarp was put on the tunnels. Ground leveled in the tunnels at the GreenHab and SciDome.
Summary of Hab Operations: All upper bank CQ inspected for rats holes.
Summary of GreenHab Operations: All gaps at the ground level patched to prevent rats coming in.
Summary of SciDome Operations: All nominal.
Summary of Observatories Operations: Robotic observatory needs a computer restart.
Summary of RAM Operations: Roof needs an additional coat of paint around its window.
Summary of Outpost Operations: All nominal.
Summary of Health and Safety Issues: All nominal.

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Supplemental Operations Report – November 9th

Date: 11/9/2024
Name of person filing report: Sergii Iakymov
Reason for Report: Routine
Non-Nominal Systems: Power system, Robotic observatory

Power system: Solar: inverter slave 1 and 2 are picked up and scheduled to be installed next week; station operates on the main inverter and is limited to 5kw during day time; the battery bank does not hold charge when sun is down and low on the horizon. Main generator: nominal.
Main generator:
1) Oil, oil filter changed 11/06/2024. Generator hours – 6751.3.
2) Current hours – 6799.8.

Propane Readings:
Refilled on 11/04/2024
Station Tank: 71%
Director Tank: 64%
Intern Tank: 76%
Generator Tank: 70%

Water:
Hab Static Tank – 300 gallons
GreenHab – 13 gallons
Outpost tank – 250 gallons

Rovers:
Sojourner rover used: No.
Hours: 206.4
Beginning Charge: 100 %
Ending Charge: 100 %
Currently Charging: Yes
Notes on Rovers: All nominal

Cars:
Hab Car used and why, where: To Hanksville for supplies.
Crew Car used and why, where: From St. George back to the station.
General notes and comments: Hab car needs to be serviced.

Summary of Internet: All nominal.

EVA suits and radios:
Suits: All nominal.
Comms: Some headsets need to be tested and replaced if needed.

Campus wide inspection, if action taken, what and why: Malfunctioned security camera replaced and another one installed on the Science Dome.

Summary of Hab Operations: Main heater air filter replaced. Toilet level sensor replaced. Toilet overflow sound alarm installed. Toilet vent replaced.

Summary of GreenHab Operations: Microgreens, tomatoes, cucumbers, radish, carrots are sprouting. All nominal.

Summary of SciDome Operations: All nominal. Dual split is being turned on every night for heating.

Summary of Observatories Operations: Robotic observatory needs a computer restart.

Summary of RAM Operations: Roof needs an additional coat of paint around its window.

Summary of Outpost Operations: Director trailer storage compartment cleaned and inspected for rat holes.

Summary of Health and Safety Issues: All nominal.

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Astronomy Report – October 22nd

[category 

astronomy-report]

MUSK OBSERVATORY
Solar Features Observed: Sunspots, Prominence

Images submitted with this report: Sun_241022_sunspots&prominence

Problems Encountered: None

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EVA Report – October 22nd

Crew 301 EVA Report 10-22-2024

EVA # 1

Author: Jen Carver-Hunter

Purpose of EVA: Geologic sample collection

Start time: 13:00

End time: 15:00

Narrative: Rachel, Alex, Steve, Jason, Mike, and Jen were prepped and ready for the EVA on time. EVA team loaded up in rovers to drive to the first EVA destination, at the intersection of Cow Dung Road and Brahe Hwy. They continued a short distance on foot, circling the area to look for selenite specimens. After collecting specimens to add to their collection and to use for the selenite experiment/investigation they plan to conduct in the science dome, EVA team loaded back up into the Hab car to drive to their second collection site, at the mounds by the balancing rock south of dry wash. They walked toward the west of Cow Dung Road, where they collected two more samples for their specimen collection. After collecting samples, the crew returned to the Hab car and drove back to the Hab.

Destination: Intersection with Brahe Hwy followed by mounds near the balancing rock south of dry creek wash

Coordinates (use UTM WGS 84): 518000, 4254750 and 518000, 4254000

Participants: Rachel Johnson, Michael Ho, Steve Kirsche, Alex Grab, Jason Trump, and Jen Carver-Hunter

Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: Crew took rovers from the Hab to Cow Dung Rd, turned north onto Cow Dung Rd, and followed it to the intersection with Brahe Hwy. From there, they turned south on Cow Dung Rd to the second collection site south of dry creek wash. From the second site, they returned to the Hab on Cow Dung Rd.

Mode of travel: Spirit, Curiosity, and Perseverance Rovers

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Journalist Report – October 21st

By Steve Kirsche

Today was crew 301’s first day in the MDRS and the day before we arrive on Mars. Our day began with a morning of training on all aspects of the station to prepare for when we arrive on Mars tomorrow. We learned about safety, how to use the EVA suits and communication equipment, and using the rover vehicles.

After lunch, our resident astronomer, Jason, helped us use the hydrogen alpha telescope so we could observe the Sun. Seeing sunspots and a prominence was one of the highlights of the day.

Later in the day, we took a field trip to the Hanksville-Burpee Dinosaur Quarry, an amazing bonebed of fossils located on BLM land a couple miles north of the MDRS. While there, we looked at pieces of fossilized dinosaur bone, petrified wood, and many different types of rocks.

After dinner, we concluded our day with a virtual visit from Dr. Rupert. She gave us some of the history behind the Spaceward Bound Utah program that we are taking part in. As our Earth-bound expert, she also answered some of the questions that had arisen throughout our day.

We are now settling down for a good night’s sleep so we will be well rested for tomorrow’s adventures on Mars!

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Bios, Photos – October 20th

Crew 301 October 20-25

Crew Members:

Jen Carver-Hunter, Commander

Alex Grab

Michael Ho

Rachel Johnson

Steve Kirsche

Jason Trump

Jen Carver-Hunter

Jen Carver-Hunter is a 5th grade teacher at a Title 1 School in Salt Lake City, Utah. Carver-Hunter is the crew commander for the Spaceward Bound Utah program at the Mars Desert Research Station. She is also an alumni member of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s Teacher Innovator Institute and a current member of Space Center Houston’s SEEC Crew.

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Alex Grab

Alex Grab is an education program manager at the Space Foundation, where she designs innovative STEM and entrepreneurship programs that inspire the next generation of explorers. With over a decade of experience in teaching and curriculum development, she’s passionate about hands-on learning. When not shaping future leaders, Alex enjoys hiking, snowboarding, and studying fungi as an amateur mycologist.
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Michael Ho

Michael is a Science educator from Singapore. He teaches General Science to grades 7-8 students and Physics to grades 9-10 students. He was with Team A.R.E.S. (MDRS 216) back in Nov 2019. He is really happy to be back at the MDRS and looks forward to the Spaceward Bound programme.
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Rachel Johnson

Rachel Johnson is an educator with over 18 years of experience, specializing in Spanish language, technology, and space science. Currently working as an outreach specialist for a mental health nonprofit in Colorado, she is particularly interested in the psychological effects of isolation. A lifelong sci-fi enthusiast and geology aficionado, Rachel is excited to gain hands-on experience in studying mental health in the context of space exploration while examining and collecting geological samples from Utah’s Mars-like terrain.
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Steve Kirsche

Steve is an avid space enthusiast and former middle school science teacher from St. Johns, FL. He now works as a secondary science program specialist for St. Johns County School District.
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Jason Trump

Jason Trump leads the education team at Clark Planetarium in Salt Lake City. His responsibilities include overseeing a statewide field trip, outreach, and teacher professional development program. Jason is a Utah native who enjoys spending time outdoors and volunteering as a NASA Solar System Ambassador. He is excited to be returning for another experience at MDRS.

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Supplemental Operations Report – October 19th

Date: 10/19/2024
Name of person filing report: Sergii Iakymov
Reason for Report: Routine
Non-Nominal Systems: Power system, main generator, HAB toilet level indicator.

Power system: Solar: inverter slave 1 and 2 still in the shop, awaiting parts; station operates on the main inverter and is limited to 5kw during day time; the battery bank does not hold charge when sun is down and low on the horizon. Main generator: oil drain valve leaked on 10/16/2024 and oil pressure switch did not perform as expected; oil drain valve temporarily replaced with a plug; new drain valve and oil pressure switch received and installation is scheduled during next maintenance cycle.
Main generator:
1) Oil and oil filter changed on 10/09/2024. Generator hours – 6320.1.
2) Oil, oil filter and air filter changed on 10/16/2024. Generator hours – 6425.7.

Propane Readings: Refilled on 10/17/2024
Station Tank: 83%
Director Tank: 83%
Intern Tank: 88%
Generator Tank: 76%

Water: Hab Static Tank – 520 gallons
GreenHab – 170 gallons
Outpost tank – 250 gallons
Hab Toilet Tank emptied: Yes

Rovers: Sojourner rover used: Yes. From Hanksville to the station and around MDRS for work party
Hours: 203.5
Beginning Charge: 100 %
Ending Charge: 37 %
Currently Charging: Yes
Notes on Rovers: All rovers services during summer break – batteries and battery cables replaced; brakes serviced; ASM-caliper, PB(MECH) Rivet L replaced; Oil changed;
Perseverance – 291.4 hours.
Curiosity – 285.9 hours.
Spirit – 253.9 hours.
Opportunity – 194.1 hours.

Cars: Hab Car used and why, where: To Hanksville for supplies and trash dump.
Crew Car used and why, where: To St. George for repairs.
General notes and comments: Hab Car – Battery changed on 10/05/2024, service pending. Crew Car – currently in a shop for transmission repair and service.

Summary of Internet: All nominal.
EVA suits and radios: Suits: All suits are serviced and ready for the season. Helmets are upgraded with a sun shield and backpacks with battery meters.
Comms: Radio repeater inspected and all nominal. All EVA radios are ready for the season."
Campus wide inspection, if action taken, what and why: Campus cleaned and ready for the season. Septic tank emptied on 10/17/2024.
Summary of Hab Operations: All systems are ready for the season. Shower and two crew quarters are renovated. Water meter installed in the HAB. Toilet level indicator and vent replacement is pending.
Summary of GreenHab Operations: Not set up for the season yet. Beginning of operations is pending.
Summary of SciDome Operations: Cleaned and organized for the season.
Summary of Observatories Operations: Ready for the season. Robotic observatory needs a computer restart.
Summary of RAM Operations: Cleaned and restocked for the season.
Summary of Outpost Operations: Cleaned and ready for the season. Septic tank emptied on 10/17/2024.
Summary of Health and Safety Issues: All nominal.

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Supplemental Operations Report – November 2nd

Date: 11/2/2024
Name of person filing report: Sergii Iakymov
Reason for Report: Routine
Non-Nominal Systems: Power system, HAB toilet level indicator, Robotic observatory, One security camera.

Power system: Solar: inverter slave 1 and 2 are repaired and on track to be picked up; station operates on the main inverter and is limited to 5kw during day time; the battery bank does not hold charge when sun is down and low on the horizon. Main generator: nominal.
Main generator:
1) Oil, oil filter and air filter changed on 10/30/2024. Generator hours – 6641.6.
2) Current hours – 6687.4.

Propane Readings:
Station Tank: 78%
Director Tank: 72%
Intern Tank: 84%
Generator Tank: 33%

Water:
Hab Static Tank – 250 gallons
GreenHab – 140 gallons
Outpost tank – 270 gallons

Rovers: Sojourner rover used: Yes. Around MDRS.
Hours: 206.4
Beginning Charge: 100 %
Ending Charge: 94 %
Currently Charging: Yes
Notes on Rovers: All nominal

Cars: Hab Car used and why, where: To Hanksville for supplies.
Crew Car used and why, where: To St. George for repairs.
General notes and comments: Crew car repaired and awaiting to be delivered to MDRS.

Summary of Internet: All nominal.
EVA suits and radios: Suits: All nominal.
Comms: Some headsets need to be tested and replaced if needed."
Campus wide inspection, if action taken, what and why: One campus camera malfunctioned and need to be replaced. Additional "No Drone" signs installed on Cow Dung Road. Do Not Enter. Wrong Way" installed on the campus and outpost driveway.
Summary of Hab Operations: Smart water monitor installed and integrated. Smart gas alarm installed and integrated on the lower deck. Smart light switch installed on the upper deck main lights. Second monitor set up for the HAB iMac. Bleeding control kit placed at the first aid station.
Summary of GreenHab Operations: Microgreens, tomatoes, cucumbers, radish, carrots are planted. All nominal.
Summary of SciDome Operations: All nominal.
Summary of Observatories Operations: Robotic observatory needs a computer restart.
Summary of RAM Operations: Roof painted with elastomeric paint.
Summary of Outpost Operations: Director tailer under kitchen is inspected for rat holes.
Summary of Health and Safety Issues: All nominal.

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Supplemental Operations Report – October 26th

Date: 10/26/2024
Name of person filing report: Sergii Iakymov
Reason for Report: Routine
Non-Nominal Systems: Power system, HAB toilet level indicator, Robotic observatory.

Power system:
Solar: inverter slave 1 and 2 still in the shop, parts are being replaced; station operates on the main inverter and is limited to 5kw during day time; the battery bank does not hold charge when sun is down and low on the horizon. Main generator: new oil drain valve installed, new oil pressure switch installed.
Main generator:
1) Oil and oil filter changed on 10/23/2024. Generator hours – 6534.8.
2) Current hours – 6579.0."

Propane Readings:
Station Tank: 82%
Director Tank: 77%
Intern Tank: 86%
Generator Tank: 55%

Water:
Hab Static Tank – 250 gallons
GreenHab – 170 gallons
Outpost tank – 400 gallons

Rovers:
Sojourner rover used: Yes. Around MDRS.
Hours: 203.6
Beginning Charge: 100 %
Ending Charge: 97 %
Currently Charging: Yes
Notes on Rovers: All nominal

Cars: Hab Car used and why, where: To Hanksville for supplies and trash dump.
Crew Car used and why, where: To St. George for repairs.
General notes and comments: Crew car repaired and awaiting to be delivered to MDRS.

Summary of Internet: All nominal.

EVA suits and radios: Suits: All nominal.
Comms: Some headsets need to be tested and replaced if needed.

Campus wide inspection, if action taken, what and why: All nominal.
Summary of Hab Operations: GFCI receptacles at the main water tank replaced. Water tank heater turned on.
Summary of GreenHab Operations: Not set up for the season yet. Beginning of operations is pending.
Summary of SciDome Operations: All nominal.
Summary of Observatories Operations: Robotic observatory needs a computer restart.
Summary of RAM Operations: All nominal.
Summary of Outpost Operations: Water tank heater turned on.
Summary of Health and Safety Issues: All nominal.

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