Day: November 8, 2024

MDRS Crew 301
Alex Grab, 10.23.24

Today’s operations focused on two successful EVAs south of the Mars Desert Research Station. The crew explored two key sites: an area near Barrainca Butte and Kissing Camel Ridge West. At Barrainca Butte, samples of basalt, breccia, and several exciting biosignatures (including ancient marine fossils) were collected. At Kissing Camel Ridge West, we discovered petrified wood fragments scattered throughout an ancient riverbed, adding to our growing geological catalog.

Back at the habitat, the crew analyzed our finds and mapped them across the Noachian, Hesperian, and Amazonian periods, weaving them into the larger story of Martian geological history. In the lab, we also continued our selenite weathering experiment. The baked selenite samples displayed calcification and became chalky, while the water-treated crystals smoothed from erosion, each reflecting the impacts of environmental forces over time.

We discussed our findings with Dr. Shannon Rupert to further connect our data to the Martian timeline. Dinner brought the crew together for a comforting meal of cheesy potato and chicken bake with freshly baked bread. Spirits remain high as we prepare for another day of exploration. Mars feels more like home each day, though tomorrow will mark our return to “Earth.”

Journalist Report
MDRS Crew 301 (Spaceward Bound)
Rachel Johnson, 10.22.24

Today was crew 301’s second day in the MDRS and we woke up in simulation on Mars! The day began with a morning lesson focused on the geology timeline of Mars lead by Dr. Shannon Rupert via zoom in preparation for our first EVA. We were also informed of our mission objectives for the afternoon EVA which was to collect various rock samples for experimentation purposes.

In preparation for the EVA we applied our training from day one on proper spacesuit utilization, ensured all of our comms were in working order and exited the hab in two groups. At 1pm, we loaded into three different rovers: Spirit, Curiosity, and Perseverance , to travel 4-5 km north to our first rock collection site, the intersection of Brahe highway, in search of at least three samples of selenite each. After about 20 minutes, we loaded back into the rovers and headed 2.5 km south to our second location, the mounds near the balancing rock south of dry creek wash, with the objective of collecting at least three samples each of sandstone and sandstone blueberries. After about 30 minutes we departed the mounds location headed south and returned to the hab.

After removing, cleaning and storing our gear we analyzed our rock samples and selected three selenite samples each for use in an experiment. We cleaned the samples and designated one as the control, one to be added to a moving water solution and one to be baked at 250 degrees Fahrenheit. During the set-up, Analog Educator Astronaut Michael Ho, demonstrated the UV reactive properties of selenite which we found to be extremely interesting. We will analyze the results and provide outcomes of the selenite experiment on day four.

After concluding the experiment set-up we enjoyed a delicious dinner of tacos with freshly made tortillas courtesy of our Analog Educator Astronaut Commander Jen Carver-Hunter! We ended our evening with some relaxing in the common room with the knowledge that tomorrow is another big day exploring Mars!