SOL 14: A Drop of Freshness on the Planet of Sand
06:08 PM: Sunday was very regenerating for Crew 311. After a later wake-up than other days of the week, the crew tackled an intense physical training session prepared by Célyan. After completing numerous exercises, the crew moved on to a thorough cleaning of the station’s various modules. Starting the day in a clean environment is very pleasant, but doing so while feeling clean is even better. And yes, mid-mission weekend means a big hair wash! Erin, Somaya and I washed our hair for the first time in two weeks, a pleasant moment on this planet where water is so rare.
At lunch, Meddi introduced us to microgreens for the first time! They have a very pronounced flavor and are sure to brighten up our meals! After enjoying the delicious tortillas that Erin and I prepared for lunch, everyone turned the Upper Deck of the HAB into a cinema room. We watched the second installment of “Dune,” continuing from last Sunday when we watched the first one. The film fits perfectly with the mission’s atmosphere, as both Arrakis and Mars are dry, sandy planets—one in the universe of Dune, the other in ours.
Now it’s time for “the 311” to resume the evening routine, which involves answering questionnaires, making recordings, and performing cognitive tests. To maintain optimal efficiency, it is important to take breaks that allow us to break away from our scientific and rigorous routines. Tonight, everyone is refreshed and ready to start a new week of experiments in top form. Robin, Quentin, and Meddi are already planning their EVA for tomorrow morning.