Crew 305 EVA Report 13-12-2024
EVA # 05
Author: Ian Pamerleau
Purpose of EVA: Ephemeral stream measurements in Eos Chasma
Start time: 10:05 hr
End time: 13:35 hr
Narrative: Ian led the EVA with Rashi and Monish. Spirit and Opportunity began the day with 257.2 and 197.0 hrs, respectively and 100% battery each. We took Cow Dung Road north until we arrived at a pull off near a tributary that flows into the main Eos channel. At first, we were unsure of our location as the GPS coordinates were not where I expected the entrance to the canyon to be, but we were able to contact the Hab, and Hunter was able to explain that we were at a smaller tributary south of the main channel thanks to our GPS trackers. Because of the support from the Hab, we were able to proceed.
The lithology of Eos Chasma allowed for the streams to create knickpoints (waterfalls) throughout the region. We were able to find a safe slope into the tributary at first, but quickly hit another knickpoint. We doubled back and found a way safely around the dead waterfall and continued along the tributary, getting some measurements along the way. There were some interesting cross bedding units that were exposed along this path; joints had split the rock and allowed another sandstone to lithify within the cracks. We also saw evidence of groundwater sapping along the tributary. Eventually, the stream met up with the main channel. We took some measurements at the junction and continued down the main Eos Chasma. However, we ran into another knickpoint. For this one, we didn’t have time to safely get down and back up, so we turned around and headed to the rovers. There was a slight comms issue with Rashi’s radio, but once she switched from channel 2 to 1, she came through clearly. We took some GoPro footage of our return trip to the Hab on the rovers for later social media use, and at the end of the day, Spirit had 257.9 hrs with 66% battery, and Opportunity had 197.3 hr with 68% battery.
Destination: Eos Chasma
Coordinates (use UTM WGS 84): 518750E, 4252750N (rover stop) and 518691E, 4252792N on foot.
Participants: Ian Pamerleau, Monish Lokhande, Rashi Jain
Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: MDRS driveway, Cow Dung Road north to a pull off near the stream.
Mode of travel: Rover & walking