Crew 306 EVA Report 25-12-2024
EVA # 04
Author: Elizabeth Howard
Purpose of EVA: The primary purpose of this EVA was to take Li-DAR scan data using the drone. Because the Li-DAR/Drone system was troubleshot following EVA #03, the crew used this EVA to check that the issues were repaired.
Start time: 14:11 PM
End time: 15:20 PM
Narrative: After heading to a less rocky area around the Habitat, the EVA crew set up the helipad and Drone, then began testing for connection. Using the external keyboard, they were able to trigger the data collection process, solving the issue observed during EVA 03. Crew Journalist Rodrigo Schmitt piloted the Drone. Initially, a southward wind was blowing on the Drone during flight but not to the point that it interfered with the system’s flight capabilities. However, the Drone made an automated landing due to the on-board sensors detecting electromagnetic interference (EMI). Upon this happening, the EVA crew also discovered that the custom 3D printed Li-DAR scanner brace had a fracture in it. In order to continue flight testing, the crew used duct tape and electrical tape to secure the brace and then recalibrated the Drone. During the next flight, the southward winds were too strong, and the Drone was landed again. Because the conditions were not conducive to good controller signal, the crew finished the EVA for the day by inspecting areas of the Habitat that had been fixed up by Crew Engineer Keegan Chavez yesterday.
Destination: MDRS Habitat
Coordinates (use UTM WGS 84): 518250E, 4250900N
Participants: Rodrigo Schmitt, Ryan Villarreal, Keegan Chavez
Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: After exiting the Habitat, the EVA crew walked to a distance within 500 ft in the eastward direction to a location with smoother terrain for testing.
Mode of travel: Walking