Author: jburk

Posted on

Commander Report – February 1st

Crew 220 (MAU) Commander’s Report 1Feb2020

Author: Shawna Pandya, Commander

Title: Sol long…and thanks for all the fish!

Sol 13. Out of simulation, back on “Earth.” Practically, this meant that we awoke with the monumental twin tasks of MAU and MDRS teardown and checkout, particuarly mindful of the ever-present mud threatening to slow us down at MAU Station. With the right crew however…anything is possible.

Fortunately for us, fate smiled upon us on MAU teardown day as we were met with warmth and sunshine, allowing for respite from the never-ending barrage of mud that had dogged us and MAU station throughout the mission, and allowing us to dry our gear in the sun prior to stowage.

As one coordinated unit, we completed teardown by early afternoon, and retired to MDRS to complete checkout, write reports and make some final memories. We also greeted our successors, Crew 221, and were delighted to see that they are just as diverse as we in terms of disciplines and nationalities. We spent time briefing them on our lessons learned, and seeing how keen they are, know that the station is in good hands.

A crewmate yesterday quipped that to go to outerspace, you must prepare your innerspace, that has been particularly true here on Mars. We were able to achieve as much as we have this mission because we stepped up, each and every one of us, every single Sol. We constantly looked for ways to make our mission and ourselves better. We looked for things to do and gaps to fill in. We never said “that’s not my job” and put our mission first. I can honestly say that the bonds forged here are but seeds sown for future missions and adventure – on Mars and elsewhere.

Mars – you asked us to give whatever it takes, and this Crew has, with everything we have. To my crew – thank you for teaching me and growing with me. It was the honor of a lifetime to have led you all.

Final transmission,

Commander Pandya
Callsign: Nightowl
MAU Station, Crew 220
Over and out

Posted on

GreenHab Report – February 1st

GreenHab Officers: Marufa Bhuiyan and Morgan Kainu

Environmental control: Heating. GreenHab door shade cloth (40%) (30%) on.

Average temperatures: 16.2 °C

8:22

Floor Unit: 16 °C

10:14

Floor Unit: 10 °C

12:46

Floor Unit: 15 °C

3:04

Floor Unit: 26 °C

18:38

Floor Unit: 14 °C

Hours of supplemental light: 19:30 to 00:00

Daily water usage for crops: 15.8 gallons

Daily water usage for research and/or other purposes: NA

Water in Blue Tank 92.14 gallons

Time(s) of watering for crops: 1

09:50 = 8.4 gallons

18:45 = 7.4 gallons

Harvest: 55 g mystery spinach, 1 g chives, 2 g cilantro, 5 g rosemary, 5 g basil, 10 g oregano, 10 g marjoram

Support/supplies needed: NA

Other Notes:

Strawberry plant is starting to die (top far right corner shelf)

Water in blue tank running low and needs to be refilled

Posted on

Sol Summary – February 1st

Crew 220 (MDRS) Sol Summary 01Feb2020

Sol: 13

Summary Title: HabComm this is MDRS – Over

Author’s name: Connie Delisle, PhD

Mission Status: Nominal

Sol Activity Summary: The MDRS-MAU crews woke up at 08:00 and began for their Mars departure. The signature red sky gave reluctantly gave way to a light blue as the sun began to glow. The morning ritual of sky-gazing and sipping coffee will remain a cherished memory of Mars. The Crew was treated to a pancake breakfast by Crew Engineer Wise. Following the meal, Commander Hanacek delegated Crew members to station clean up – MDRS lower deck, upper deck, airlocks and stair, the RAM, and the Science Dome. We were fortunate that MAU Crew Engineer Roberts cleaned Spirit and Curiosity rovers – scrubbing off the red mud by hand. We really appreciated that he took this on knowing he had to depart for Earth later that day. The MAU Crew was joined by a few of the MDRS Crew members for the better part of the afternoon to take down the MAU Station which is a series of portable structures – airlock, living quarters, crew activity / meal, and cooking area. Due to cycles of Mars soil freezing and thawing, the station required a great deal of regular maintenance and engineering support. We are grateful we are resourceful! Marufa Bhuiyan, MSc. and International Astrology Researcher joined me in cleaning the upper deck. The arrival of a beautiful new gas stove was a highlight for me as I was preparing to make pizza with the herbs form the Green Hab for a late lunch. As part of a multi-tasking habit from Earth, I let lunch preparation sit and accompanied the MDRS Assistant Director on the check-out walk through. I am pleased to report that the Station is ship shape. The rest of the afternoon was focused on packing up the MAU station into the UHaul, writing reports and completing science research studies.

Look Ahead Plan: This evening activities includes finishing reports, briefing the incoming crew and going to town for shared meal. The entire MDRS-MAU 220 Crew will depart will tomorrow at 04:00 to the Grand Junction Airport and other points on Earth.

Anomalies in work: None

Weather: Tonight, the temperature is predicted to be 0 degrees Celsius, falling to -8 overnight and rising to a daytime high of 2 degrees Celsius tomorrow. No perception predicted.

Crew Physical Status: All the Crew is in good health. Some are excited to return to Earth. For myself, I will never fully return there. It’s too important to let the space created to lapse into the blue.

EVA: None planned.

Reports to be filed:

Commander Report

Sol Summary
Photo Report
Operations Report
GreenHab Report

Support Requested: None. Thank you infinitely!

Posted on

Commander Report – February 1st

Crew 220 Commander Report 1FEB2020

Author: John Hanacek, Commander

Title: Last Day, Retiring the Station-to-Station Mission

We awoke today out of simulation and quickly set to work cleaning up the MDRS station. Several of my crew also kindly helped disassemble t he MAU station. As I was the MAU Commander for Sol 1-7, I feel a special connection to this first habitat module, I could not help but reflect on how unique this station-to-station experience has been. I was blessed to start my time as a commander at the MAU station and experienced Mars from the unique perspective of operating at the same time as improving the habitat. I had a humbling experience at MAU; an intense growing experience. Susan Jewell (MAU Crew Lead) and I set up the station in preparation for receiving the crew as well as led the first crew who lived in it. When I became commander at MDRS for the second week rotation, I found myself so grateful for the large station’s size, consistent electrical power, full comprehensive systems and warm beds. I had been directly reminded by my MAU experience that the most important things for mission success are the basics such as shelter, water, food, and ability to look within and be really honest at all times.

As this mission ends, I am reflecting on what changed and what did not. Having two commanders was a challenge, as both had separate sovereignty of their station. Yet we needed to work together on joint missions, and to support one another’s stations. Mars is not a forgiving place for the unprepared – and so it should not be. Life requires being fully present, self monitoring and ensuring full accountability for the self and mutual support for the crew. It requires constant vigilance and good communication skills to survive, as well as deep connections and collaboration among all members of the crew to thrive. During this mission we demonstrated that two very different stations can operate together on Mars and more than just survive – we can thrive. When some MAU crew members became fatigued by the rugged conditions of the MAU station it was my role to ensure I supported them and together found a way to bolster morale. On EVAs each station’s habcomm’s operators handled overall radio coverage and enabled the mission to have a wider capability for situational awareness. The two stations were separate, yet operated in areas that required collaboration such as EVAs which enabled us to consistently move forward. I will forever remember this experience and the unique privilege and honor to co-command a two station mission.

Commander Hanacek

MDRS Station

Posted on

EVA Report – January 31st

Crew 220 (MAU) EVA Report 31JAN2020

EVA 12

Author: Johannes Svensoy, MD

Purpose of EVA: Joint Station-to-Station Medical EVA training

Start time: 09:00

End time: 12:00

Narrative: This is the second medical EVA where we integrated search and rescue (S&R) in austere environments, P-MARCH-P protocol, METHANE protocol, second survey assessment, and SAMPLE. This scenario integrated several simulated injured astronauts.

The EVA started with the MDRS crew members coming over to the MAU Station with the medical mannequin, EVA bag, First Aid kit, and Golden Bubble pressurized medevac device. The medical mannequin was placed at the first medical site just South of MAU Station at GPS 12s518124, 4250680. The EVA lead from MDRS was then informed about the simulated missing astronaut and possible injury. The team started S&R and localized the astronaut. EVA lead took the command post role, while the two medical personnel, one from each station, assessed the injured astronaut. A simulated major Incident was declared with METHANE to both MDRS and MAU Station, then the Injured astronaut was transported in the Golden Bubble pressurized medevac device to the nearest station, MAU Station. Per the simulation, the EVA team was informed that the facilities were not suitable for assessing the patient, the decompression sequence was aborted, and the patient was evacuated quickly to MDRS via rover.

Arriving at MDRS there was a simulated rover accident with another victim. The first patient was decompressed in the airlock together with two other astronauts. The lower deck of MDRS was turned into a surgical bay for surgical interventions with the leg injury. The crew members inside then performed a secondary survey and SAMPLE history. The second simulated victim was assessed by the two medical officers, and then transported to the airlock for decompression.

The EVA ended at this point when all the astronauts and simulated injured astronauts were inside the Hab. The post-exercise debrief highlighted communication challenges, which are anticipated in larger incidents. Learning points also included how to divide the team during decompression of patients, and following the current state of the patient before and after decompression.

The crew performed admirably and demonstrated practical skills application of S&R skills, P-MARCH-P, METHANE, evacuation techniques, and secondary survey including a SAMPLE history. Except some initial communication challenges, everything went as planned. The crew returned in good health.

Destination: MDRS and MAU Station proximity

Coordinates: 4250050,518500

Participants: HabComm: Shawna. EVA Crew: Matt, and Lee.

Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: Cow Dung Road 0110 between the MDRS and MAU Station.

Mode of travel: Mainly walking, but rovers used for transporting equipment and extraction of simulated injured astronaut.

Support Requested: No support requested during EVA.

Posted on

EVA Report – January 31st

Crew 220 EVA Report 31JAN2020

EVA 12

Author: Johannes Svensoy, MD

Purpose of EVA: Joint Station-to-Station Medical EVA training

Start time: 09:00

End time: 12:00

Narrative: This is the second medical EVA where we integrated search and rescue (S&R) in austere environments, P-MARCH-P protocol, METHANE protocol, second survey assessment, and SAMPLE. This scenario integrated several simulated injured astronauts.

The EVA started with the MDRS crew members coming over to the MAU Station with the medical mannequin, EVA bag, First Aid kit, and Golden Bubble pressurized medevac device. The medical mannequin was placed at the first medical site just South of MAU Station at GPS 12s518124, 4250680. The EVA lead from MDRS was then informed about the simulated missing astronaut and possible injury. The team started S&R and localized the astronaut. EVA lead took the command post role, while the two medical personnel, one from each station, assessed the injured astronaut. A simulated major Incident was declared with METHANE to both MDRS and MAU Station, then the Injured astronaut was transported in the Golden Bubble pressurized medevac device to the nearest station, MAU Station. Per the simulation, the EVA team was informed that the facilities were not suitable for assessing the patient, the decompression sequence was aborted, and the patient was evacuated quickly to MDRS via rover.

Arriving at MDRS there was a simulated rover accident with another victim. The first patient was decompressed in the airlock together with two other astronauts. The lower deck of MDRS was turned into a surgical bay for surgical interventions with the leg injury. The crew members inside then performed a secondary survey and SAMPLE history. The second simulated victim was assessed by the two medical officers, and then transported to the airlock for decompression.

The EVA ended at this point when all the astronauts and simulated injured astronauts were inside the Hab. The post-exercise debrief highlighted communication challenges, which are anticipated in larger incidents. Learning points also included how to divide the team during decompression of patients, and following the current state of the patient before and after decompression.

The crew performed admirably and demonstrated practical skills application of S&R skills, P-MARCH-P, METHANE, evacuation techniques, and secondary survey including a SAMPLE history. Except some initial communication challenges, everything went as planned. The crew returned in good health.

Destination: MDRS and MAU Station proximity

Coordinates: 4250050,518500

Participants: HabComm: Morgan. EVA Crew: John, Connie, Marufa, and Johannes.

Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: Cow Dung Road 0110 between the MDRS and MAU Station.

Mode of travel: Mainly walking, but rovers used for transporting equipment and extraction of simulated injured astronaut.

Support Requested: No support requested during EVA.

Posted on

Sol Summary – January 31st

Crew 220 (MDRS) Sol Summary 31Jan2020

Sol: 12

Summary Title: End (almost) of the Mars Journey: Station-to-Station Medical EVA

Author’s name: Marufa A. Bhuiyan, International Astronomy Researcher and Connie Delisle, PhD

Mission Status: Nominal

Sol Activity Summary: The MDRS-MAU crews woke up at 07:00 on this beautiful red planet – Mars. Captivated by its timelessness, we confirmed this was indeed a real “time” through using our precious radios located at both stations. About time and space – we understand that time passes at different rate for different people and we need space for ourselves. No wonder we needed a reality check – it was a breathtaking view outside on Mars. Let us not forget to have a quick glance (about sky, land and weather) as we did here on Mars, watching through Mars unfolding though the unique round-shaped kitchen windows in the Hab. No humans (or animals) were running around outside; I could not spot anyone! The crew had some brief but intensive conversations in the short span of our quick regular breakfast together. Today’s topics included: culture, science, world politics, religion, human behavior to name a few. Since we had a pre-scheduled join MAU-MDRS Medical EVA (MEVA) at 09:00 we finished our breakfast really quick and postponed our precious conversations for the next round.

Building on lessons from yesterday’s MEVA, MDRS crew members felt mentally organized and capable of implementing what they learned in Mars which to humans is an austere environment. MDRS MEVA crews drove the rovers (e.g. Curiosity and Spirit) from MDRS Habitat to Mars Academy USA (MAU) Station which took only a few minutes. We were confident about starting our journey to MAU station because we had a professional doctor (Dr. Johannes Svensoy, MD), an efficient videographer who is also the Commander for MDRS (John Hanacek) and two talented crew members (Connie Delisle, PhD and Marufa Bhuiyan, MSc.) from different parts of the planet Earth. As soon as we reached MAU station, we were cordially greeted and well received by two sophisticated MAU crews (Matt Wise and Lee Roberts, MSc.) from the MAU station. Commander Hanacek did a great job in setting up the plot for injury site (simulated injured astronaut) in a proper location (GPS Coordinate: 12518124, 4250680) while we were waiting for other two crew members (Wise and Roberts) to return from MDRS to fetch radios we determined we needed. The combined team (both MDRS and MAU crews) proceeded to execute a Search and Rescue (SAR) and quickly located the injury site. They two attending medical professionals (Wise and Svensoy) executed the initial medical assessment (P-MARCH-P) protocol. Since all injuries on Mars are deemed as major, we called for METHANE and injured astronaut (simulated/dummy) was transported in the “Golden Bubble” – a pressurized medivac device prototype invented by Crew member Wise. As soon as both rovers arrived at the MDRS station, we had another simulated incident near at the corner of the GreenHab – simulating the rover running over crew astronaut Marufa Bhuiyan’s (who tries to be a human) right foot. Immediately two Crew astronauts helped the injured astronaut, the medical professionals also took great care to assess the condition.

The MEVA ended successfully today; by that I mean we will learn from our errors and take to heart the things we did efficiently. An exciting achievement was in getting the drone in the air and taking Arial shots of the MEVA.

Just after the lunch, the GreenHab Officer went to our amazing green-looking spaceship we call “GreenHab” to put some labels, setting up recycle bins, and cleaning/sweeping the Hab for the next crews. We request MDRS to replace these labels with permanent labels or, re-label these newly planted seeds (e.g. Ginger brought by our crew member Matt Wise, Romania Lettuce, Radish Sparkle, Bell Pepper (California Wonder) and re-arranged a mystery seed; no one knows what plant it is, probably a surprise for the next MDRS crews. In addition, we added a new red handled paint brush (to clean dust), seed bank (not labelled yet), hand sanitizer, napkins, and labelled two recycle bins/tubs (organic and inorganic/non burn) for the future crews.

Look Ahead Plan: Sol 13. Today marks the close of the MEVAs. Commander Hanacek issued orders to focus on report writing, preparing the end of mission report for the MDRS leadership, completing inventories and cleaning.

Anomalies in work: None

Weather: Tonight, -6 degrees Celsius and a high of 4 degrees Celsius tomorrow. No perception predicted.

Crew Physical Status: All the Crew is good health, despite a very short night.

EVA: None planned.

Reports to be filed:

Journalist Report

Sol Summary

Photo Report
Operations Report
GreenHab Report

Support Requested: Final garbage pick-up on Feb 2 (our departure date). There is only two rolls of toilet paper left – the incoming crew will require some additional toilet paper no doubt.

Posted on

Journalist Report – January 31st

Crew 220 (MDRS) Journalist Report 31Jan2020

Author: Connie Delisle, Crew Journalist

Title: The Art and Science of Life on Mars

We arose today knowing it was the last opportunity to experience an MEVA and to complete science and research projects here on Mars. Despite heightened awareness of the need to focus on the Mission while keeping in mind the impeding work to return to Earth, attention waned in preparation of the MEVA and made the start more challenging than expected.

Today’s lessons reinforced that life’s snags can also be the best of teachers. As MEVA team leader I faced unfamiliar decisions, taking longer than anticipated to figure out how to deal with a communications issue. As this was rectified, the crew was able to recover its stride going into the Search and Rescue/Medical Evacuation exercise confidently. I felt that the team shifted into a smoother operational rhythm for the remainder of the MEVA. Successfully finding, treating and evacuating the fallen astronaut seemed to build confidence and familiarity – perhaps we were being guided by the XO Svensøy’s words of last evening – to challenge ourselves and not to try to be perfect – embrace failing. We added more complexity into the exercise scenario by aborting the compression cycle to bring a patient to MAU Station, rerouting to MDRS and in doing so, having a crew member play the role of an injured SAR personnel. Although focused and appreciating the seriousness of treating injuries on Mars, many crew members reported feeling excited and stimulated in being able to creatively adapt as they had learned in their professions on Earth.

Following lunch MAU and MDRS enjoyed lunch together as well as shared personal reflections. It was heart-warming to hear the level of appreciation from each and to know that free will exists to make connections with crew mates going forward.

So the saying goes – All good things come to end [Ref: Geoffrey Chaucer, 1300s]. This came to mind last night and it seemed destined for use in closing this last journalist report. Chaucer’s words serve as much as reminder that the time at MDRS is ending. However, it has also created a beginning – to embrace and accept that everything going forward is temporary. That as Commander Hanacek offered at lunch, the power is within each us to design our own destiny. In my words, it means to sort through one’s own “garbadges”, truly claim what is real, true and authentic; retire and return negative programming to sources where it may have come; to speak for oneself and let others own their own ‘stuff’.

With that, leaving Mars then isn’t an end. It marks a continuation to explore on Earth, the circularity and impermanence of life itself.

Until we rendezvous again,

Connie Delisle, PhD, MDRS Journalist Crew 220

Posted on

EVA Report – January 31st

Crew 220 EVA Report 31JAN2020

EVA 12

Author: Johannes Svensoy, MD

Purpose of EVA: Joint Station-to-Station Medical EVA training

Start time: 09:00

End time: 12:00

Narrative: This is the second medical EVA where we integrated search and rescue (S&R) in austere environments, P-MARCH-P protocol, METHANE protocol, second survey assessment, and SAMPLE. This scenario integrated several simulated injured astronauts.

The EVA started with the MDRS crew members coming over to the MAU Station with the medical mannequin, EVA bag, First Aid kit, and Golden Bubble pressurized medevac device. The medical mannequin was placed at the first medical site just South of MAU Station at GPS 12s518124, 4250680. The EVA lead from MDRS was then informed about the simulated missing astronaut and possible injury. The team started S&R and localized the astronaut. EVA lead took the command post role, while the two medical personnel, one from each station, assessed the injured astronaut. A major Incident was declared with METHANE to both MDRS and MAU Station, then the Injured astronaut was transported in the Golden Bubble pressurized medevac device to the nearest station, MAU Station. Per the simulation, the EVA team was informed that the facilities were not suitable for assessing the patient, the decompression sequence was aborted, and the patient was evacuated quickly to MDRS via rover.

Arriving at MDRS there was a simulated rover accident with another victim. The first patient was decompressed in the airlock together with two other astronauts. The lower deck of MDRS was turned into a surgical bay for surgical interventions with the leg injury. The crew members inside then performed a secondary survey and SAMPLE history. The second simulated victim was assessed by the two medical officers, and then transported to the airlock for decompression.

The EVA ended at this point when all the astronauts and simulated injured astronauts were inside the Hab. The post-exercise debrief highlighted communication challenges, which are anticipated in larger incidents. Learning points also included how to divide the team during decompression of patients, and following the current state of the patient before and after decompression.

The crew performed admirably and demonstrated practical skills application of S&R skills, P-MARCH-P, METHANE, evacuation techniques, and secondary survey including a SAMPLE history. Except some initial communication challenges, everything went as planned. The crew returned in good health.

Destination: MDRS and MAU Station proximity

Coordinates: 4250050,518500

Participants: HabComm: Morgan. EVA Crew: John, Connie, Marufa, and Johannes.

Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: Cow Dung Road 0110 between the MDRS and MAU Station.

Mode of travel: Mainly walking, but rovers used for transporting equipment and extraction of simulated injured astronaut.

Support Requested: No support requested during EVA.

Copyright © The Mars Society. All rights reserved. | Main Site