[category
astronomy-report]
MUSK OBSERVATORY
Solar Features Observed: Sunspots, Prominence
Images submitted with this report: Sun_241022_sunspots&prominence
Problems Encountered: None
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
Crew Photos – October 21st
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Crew Photos – October 24th
Journalist Report – October 24th
Journalist Report
MDRS Crew 301
Michael Ho, 10.24.24
Day 4: We woke up and find ourselves back on MDRS Utah, Earth!
That awesome Martian landscape through the visor of the helmet while that constant swishing of oxygen blowing past our ears will now hang proudly suspended in time within all our memories.
Nevertheless the crew is now back on Earth, and we still have much to learn and samples to collect.
0742 hrs: Sunrise. Eager to catch the only Sun we share with Mars as seen from Earth. Right on time, it appeared, bathing the landscape below with its beautiful golden glow.
0900 hrs: Zoom with Mission Specialist Dr. Shannon Rupert (who is still on Mars). We had a very brief history of NASA’s search for water and life on Mars through the various rovers such as Pathfinder and Sojourner. We had a quick lesson with samples of petrified wood, Gryphaea, coprolite, man-made mud pottery, dinosaur bone marrow. The importance of using desert varnish as a model to detect life on Mars made a lot of sense, knowing that these rocks may potentially contain microbial mats of cyanobacteria and fungi (as on Earth), and desert varnish had been detected by Spirit on Mars.
1000 hrs: Off we went, looking for desert varnish at…
1100 hrs: We arrived at Gryphaea Hill at North Ridge and were mind blown by the sight of the exoskeletons of gryphaea dotting every single inch of the entire area. An upheaval of the landform here must have then left all marine life here high and dry – leaving only a mass grave of these lifeforms from some 155 million years ago.
1300 hrs: Burger Shak! Nothing fills the spirit more than a great Hanksburger Combo at Burger Shak after a stint on Mars.
1400 hrs: Rockin Riddle Rock Shop – this shop totally rocks! We went in and felt like Harry Potter when he first entered Diagon Alley – there were just so many rocks to check out! Cathy the owner is such a gem with many interesting stories to tell!
1515 hrs: Some of the crew members also tried out Riley’s two new designs of helmets for EVA.
Riley wearing the helmet she designed as part of SWB Utah.
Alex from Crew 301 wearing the helmet Riley designed.
1600 hrs: We went off to Barrainca Butte to hunt for galaxy rocks and to stake out the area near Robert’s Garden for the lichen that fluoresces under UV. We found the patch, and will go out again tonight with UV flashlights to have a look at it.
1730 hrs: Back to Hab!
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