Day: February 13, 2025

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Astronomy Report – February 11th

[category 

astronomy-report]

Crew 310 Astronomy Report 11-02-2025

Name: Helena Arias Casals

Crew: 310

Date: 11-02-2025

MDRS ROBOTIC OBSERVATORY

Robotic Telescope Used: RCOS-16

Objects to be Imaged this Evening: Any from the list (depending on the visibility, we expect a clear sky tonight)

Christmas Tree Cluster

Rosette Nebula

Thor’s Helmet

Albino Butterfly Nebula

Monkey Head Nebula

Wizard Nebula

Letter Y Cluster

Skull and Crossbones Nebula

Blinking Planetary Nebula

Cat’s Eye Nebula

Cigar Galaxy (M82)

Images submitted with this report: none (could not observe, it was cloudy)

Problems Encountered: none

MUSK OBSERVATORY

Solar Features Observed: could not observe, it was cloudy and windy

Images submitted with this report: Sun_02102025_11h36m09, SunPhotosphere_02102025_11h36m09, SunZoom_100225_11h34m14, SunZoom_11022025_12h22m49, SunZoomPhotos_11022025_12h22m49x

Problems Encountered: none

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Sol Summary – February 11th

Crew 310 Sol Summary Report 11-02-2025

Sol: 9

Summary Title:

Author’s name: Ariadna Farres, Commander

Mission Status: Nominal

Sol Activity Summary:

The day started as usual, with the morning exercise routine between 7:00am and 8:00am, and breakfast after that. The first EVA team left the base around 9:30 am, and drove towards Barrainca Butte to collect geological samples. The EVA was led by Marina Martinez (Geologist) who analyzed samples using a Vanta XRay fluorescence analyzer provided by Evident (Olympus). Jennifer Garcia (Journalist) and Estel Blay (Health and Safety Officer) were there to document her finding.

Today was a cloudy day and Ariadna Farres (Commander and Astronomer) could not observe the Sun, so she spent the morning processing some of the images that were taken during the past days. Helena Arias (Engineer) designed tools to collect geological samples using her 3-D printer. Monica Roca i Aparici (Mission Specialist) and Marta Ferrer (Filmmaker) were filming scenes for the documentary.

The second EVA started around 3:00 pm, after a long lunch break, with Ariadna Farrés, Monica Roca i Aparici and Helena Arias. One of the goals was to fly the drone around the MDRS base and North Ridge, but the high winds made this task impossible. However they did manage to take some geological samples and test the handling system of the experimental EVA support system.

The rest of the crew stayed inside and worked on their respective scientific projects.

Look Ahead Plan: The crew is looking forward to tomorrow’s EVA and to continue working on their research projects that are starting to show good progress.

Weather: Sunny, Temperature 16 F / 49 F

Crew Physical Status: Nominal

EVA: Crew 310 conducted two EVAs. The morning EVA the crew explored Barrainca Butte to collect geological samples. The afternoon EVA the crew installed a plate on the corner reflector, flew the drone around the MDRS base and then went behind North Ridge to test the experimental EVA support system.

Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, EVA request #18 #19, EVA Report #16 #17, Operations Report, Astronomy Report, GreenHab Report, Journalist Report, Pictures of the Day.

Support Requested: none

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EVA Report – February 11th

Crew 310 EVA 17 Report 11Feb2025

EVA # 16
Author: Estel Blay
Purpose of EVA: collect geologic samples using a VANTA Max portable X-ray fluorescence gun.
Start time: 9:37
End time: 12:30
Narrative: The crew geologist successfully collected geologic samples using the VANTA Max portable X-ray fluorescence gun. This innovative tool allowed her to conduct in-situ analyses, enabling us to apply geoconservation techniques on Mars by discerning which samples held high scientific value and which may not have been necessary for collection. Additionally, Jennifer García, the crew Journalist, and Estel Blay, the Crew Scientist and Health Safety Officer, documented the findings and experiences throughout the EVA with photographs and drone flights.
Destination: Barrainca Butte
Coordinates (use UTM WSG 84): 4247500 N, 519000 W
EVA Participants: Marina Martínez (Geologist and Greenhab Officer), Jennifer García, Crew Journalist, and Estel Blay, Crew Scientist and Health Safety officer
Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: following the main road, Cow Dung Road 0110 North, we will arrive at the intersection with 1101 and park the rovers. From there, we will walk to Barrainca Butte.
Mode of travel: (walking or driving)? Driving until the destination. Walk while there, approximately in a 500 meters radius.
Vehicles you will be using (If applicable): Spirit (Marina Martínez and Estel Blay), Curiosity (Jennifer García).

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Operations Report – February 11th

Crew 310 Operations Report 11-02-2025
SOL: 9
Name of person filing report: Helena Arias
Non-nominal systems:
Robotic Observatory
Hab secondary structure
Notes on non-nominal systems: Maintenance of the observatory planned for June. There are air leaks in the upper deck of the Hab. Some scratches were covered with duct tape and bubble wrap. Opportunity’s tire is already filled with air and under observation.
ROVERS
Spirit rover used: yes
Hours: 265.8
Beginning charge: 100 %
Ending charge: –
Currently charging: yes
Opportunity rover used: no
Hours: –
Beginning charge: –
Ending charge: –
Currently charging: yes
Curiosity rover used: yes
Hours: 295.3
Beginning charge: 100 %
Ending charge: 55 %
Currently charging: yes
Perseverance rover used: yes
Hours: 304.7
Beginning charge: 100 %
Ending charge: 79 %
Currently charging: yes
General notes on rovers: last check made on SOL 9 (8:00 PM).
Summary of Hab operations: Sport, meals, EVA preparation, computer-based research and 3d printing activities have been made as usual.
Water Use (please use both methods to estimate water usage)
Time of measurements (collect data for the same time window): 7:00 pm
1) Per formula (see notes): 25.04 gal.
2) Smart Home Dashboard (see notes): 30.32 gal.
Water (static tank, remaining gallons): 267.36 gal.
Static tank pipe heater (on or off): On
Static tank heater (on or off): On
Toilet tank emptied (no or yes): No
Summary of internet: used from 7:00 am to 8:00 am and from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm for personal communication and reports.
Summary of suits and radios:
Suits: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8
Radios: nominal
All radio and spacesuit batteries checked before EVA: Yes. All nominal.
Summary of GreenHab operations: plants were watered twice (morning and evening) and some plants were harvested.
WATER USE: 8 gallons
Heater (On or Off): On
Supplemental light (hours of operation): 5h
Harvest (name, weight in grams):
332 g turnip
Summary of Science Dome operations: Marina Martínez and Jennifer García have been working on her experiments.
Dual split: O
Summary of RAM operations:
Summary of any observatory issues:
Robotic observatory: Not working. Maintenance planned for June.
Summary of health and safety issues: none
Questions, concerns and requests to Mission Support: none

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Journalist Report – February 11th

Crew 310 Journalist Report 11Feb2025
Author: Jennifer García Carrizo, Crew Journalist

The Hypatia II crew started the day with an EVA at Barrainca Butte, where the geologist Marina Martinez had the opportunity to collect geologic samples using her VANTA Max portable X-ray fluorescence gun. With this instrument, she aims to apply geoconservacy on Mars by doing in situ analyses to discern between high scientific value samples from samples that would not be collected. The Scientist and Health Safety officer, Estel Blay, and the journalist, Jennifer García Carrizo, accompanied her to document her work in the field. They returned safely to the base after a walk in the spectacular Martian landscape.
To honor the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the crew made public their scientific and artistic project, which they have been working through several EVAs. A 40×40 meter cross was created in the martian landscape, to be captured by satellites in low Earth orbit.
Pythagoras and the method used by the ancient Egyptians to measure agricultural fields when the Nile River flooded, helped the crew to mark the region to deploy the macro-piece of art. The deployment was physically very demanding due to a tight timeline, as a consequence of adverse weather conditions during the first week on Mars. Moreover, the astronaut equipment, which weighs approximately 15 kilos, including gloves and other elements that hinder mobility, did not facilitate the task. The crew has undoubtedly done a great job. This action was part of an awareness online campaign #WomenLeaveTheirMark, which seeks to highlight the research of women scientists in the progress of science and knowledge.

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GreenHab Report – February 11th

Crew 310 GreenHab Report 11-02-2025
GreenHab Officer: Dr. Marina Martínez
Environmental control (fan & heater): Heater 24h
Average temperatures (last 24h): 82.4 ºF
Maximum temperature (last 24h): 94.8 ºF
Minimum temperature (last 24h): 70 ºF
Hours of supplemental light: 5 hours (from 5pm to 10pm)
Daily water usage for crops: 8 gallons total
Daily water usage for research and/or other purposes: 200 ml
Water in Blue Tank (200 gallon capacity): 113 gallons
Time(s) of watering for crops: 8:30 am, 6:45 pm
Changes to crops: N/A
Narrative: General watering of plants and crops was done today. The day was cold, cloudy, and windy. The door remained closed all day and the supplementary light was automatically on from 5 to 10 pm. The plants have been watered twice, once in the morning and once in the evening. Fennel is growing quite high. A big turnip was harvested for dinner. We have some sprouts of white beans and tomatoes planted in independent cups in the greenhab for an outreach experiment.
Harvest: (include which crop and mass in grams):
· 332 g turnip
Support/supplies needed: none

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Astronomy Report – February 10th

[category 

astronomy-report]

Crew 310 Astronomy Report 10-02-2025
Name: Ariadna Farrés
Crew: 310
Date: 10-02-2025
MDRS ROBOTIC OBSERVATORY
Robotic Telescope Used: RCOS-16
Objects to be Imaged this Evening: Blinking Planetary Nebula, Cat’s Eye Nebula
Images submitted with this report: none
Problems Encountered: none
MUSK OBSERVATORY
Solar Features Observed: total number of sunspots 7, with no big groups.

Images submitted with this report: Sun_08022025.png SunZoom_08022025.png (from 02/08/2025 observation)

Problems Encountered: none (but would like guidance on how to get more detail on the photos.

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Sol Summary – February 10th

Crew 310 Sol Summary Report 10-02-2025

Sol: 8

Summary Title: Corner Reflector to Space, do you copy!

Author’s name: Ariadna Farres, Commander

Mission Status: Nominal

Sol Activity Summary: The crew members woke up early to start their daily exercise routine. After last night’s birthday celebration, the crew was feeling a little tired, but after breakfast and a morning coffee the energy was up.

Today was a relaxing day, where most of the crew had time to work on their respective projects.

Monica Roca i Aparici (Mission Specialist), Helena Arias (Engineer), and Marta Ferrer (Filmmaker) went on the first EVA, with the goal of finishing the installation of the corner reflector. They mounted the final bars and moved the antenna to its final configuration. They were excited to finalize the project. Ariadna Farres (Commander), Anna Bach (Resident Artist), Estel Blay (Health and Safety Officer), Marina Martinez (Geologist), Jennifer Garcia (Journalist) stayed inside the base. Ariadna, Anna and Estel had the opportunity of observing the Sun at the Musk Observatory. Marina analyzed geological samples in the science dome and Jennifer did some recording inside the main Hab.

In the afternoon, Ariadna Farres, Anna Bach and Estel Blay went out on an EVA to Cowboy’s Corner and Marble Ritual. During this EVA they collected geological samples, enjoyed the Martian views and tested the handling system of the experimental EVA support system. Around 4:30pm they were back in the station and helped Monica Roca i Aparici and Helena Arias to clean the RAM. After the installation of the corner reflector, the large box inside the RAM was moved to one of the corridors to free some space. Marina, Jennifer and Marta stayed all afternoon inside the base working on their projects.

At 6:30 pm the crew started talking about the EVA plans for the next day and working on their daily reports. They are now looking forward to another dinner on Mars.

Look Ahead Plan: The crew is looking forward to tomorrow’s EVA and to continue working on their research projects that are starting to show good progress.

Weather: Sunny, Temperature 21 F / 52 F

Crew Physical Status: Nominal

EVA: Crew 310 conducted two EVAs. The morning EVA was around the base to finish the installation of the corner reflector. The afternoon EVA was to collect geological samples and test the experimental EVA support system for future lunar and martian missions.

Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, EVA request #16 #17, EVA Report #14 #15, Operations Report, Astronomy Report, GreenHab Report, Journalist Report, Pictures of the Day.

Support Requested: none

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Operations Report – February 10th

Crew 310 Operations Report 10-02-2025
SOL: 8
Name of person filing report: Helena Arias
Non-nominal systems:
Robotic Observatory
Hab secondary structure
Notes on non-nominal systems: Maintenance of the observatory planned for June. There are air leaks in the upper deck of the Hab. Some scratches were covered with duct tape and bubble wrap. Opportunity’s tire is already filled with air and under observation.

ROVERS
Spirit rover used: yes
Hours: 265.4
Beginning charge: 100 %
Ending charge: 85 %
Currently charging: yes

Opportunity rover used: no
Hours –
Beginning charge: –
Ending charge: –
Currently charging: yes

Curiosity rover used: no
Hours: –
Beginning charge: –
Ending charge: –
Currently charging: yes

Perseverance rover used: no
Hours: 304.2
Beginning charge: 100 %
Ending charge: 73 %
Currently charging: yes

General notes on rovers: last check made on SOL 8 (8:00 PM).
Summary of Hab operations: Sport, meals, EVA preparation, computer-based research and 3d printing activities have been made as usual.
Water Use (please use both methods to estimate water usage)
Time of measurements (collect data for the same time window): 7:00 pm
1) Per formula (see notes): 24.506 gal.
2) Smart Home Dashboard (see notes): 30.32 gal.
Water (static tank, remaining gallons): 321.275 296.769 gal.
Static tank pipe heater (on or off): On
Static tank heater (on or off): On
Toilet tank emptied (no or yes): Yes
Summary of internet: used from 7:00 am to 8:00 am and from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm for personal communication and reports.
Summary of suits and radios:
Suits: 1, 3, 5, 6, 9
Radios: nominal
All radio and spacesuit batteries checked before EVA: Yes. All nominal.
Summary of GreenHab operations: plants were watered twice (morning and evening) and some plants were harvested.
WATER USE: 11 gallons
Heater (On or Off): On
Supplemental light (hours of operation): 5h
Harvest (name, weight in grams):
35 g Chinese radish
41 g radish
Summary of Science Dome operations: Marina Martínez and Jennifer García has been working on her experiments.
Dual split: Off
Summary of RAM operations: the reflector box has been removed from the RAM.
Summary of any observatory issues:
Robotic observatory: Not working. Maintenance planned for June.
Summary of health and safety issues: none
Questions, concerns and requests to Mission Support: none

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