jburk

January 29, 2020January 30, 2020

Commander Report – January 29th

Crew 220 (MAU) Commander’s Report 29Jan2020

Author: Shawna Pandya, Commander

Title: Some Sol-Searching…

We had an extremely productive day at MAU today. We hosted our first-ever MDRS Ambassador, MDRS Science Officer Kainu, overnight at MAU as our first-ever guest, and had a delightful exchange of ideas and competencies. All in all, I would call this first exchange a success, and am keen to continue to host ambassadors during the rest of the mission to continue the exchange of skills, competencies, and cultural aspects of the two stations.

On the operations and upkeep side, the MDRS and MAU Crew Engineers whipped up some Mars-gic and reinforced our power grid with our online and back-up power systems. The MAU Engineer reinforced the structural integrity of the station, while the MDRS Engineer worked on establishing a wireless station-to-station data link, and will continue to do so over the next ensuing Sols. The MAU Crew as a whole came together to reinforce the station flooring, reorganize the station, and scrub it down. It was hard work, but incredibly rewarding to see our station shine from our labours!

The day ended with a MAU exploratory EVA to Cowboy Corner, a special little part of Mars that affords views of dazzling expanses of marbled reds, whites and greys that rise to meet the eye to show off their grandeur in full force. Not many humans are privy to such a grand yet secret spectacle, and we are indeed privileged to count ourselves amongst them.

The Sols, they wind down now, and we will make the most of every last Martian minute.

Until my next communication,

Commander Pandya
Callsign: Nightowl
MAU Station

January 29, 2020January 30, 2020

Operations Report – January 29th

Crew 220 (MAU) Operations Report 29JAN2020

SOL 10

Name of person filing report: Lee Roberts, Crew Engineer

Non-nominal systems: N/A

Generator: Operating nominally.

Hours run: Not run overnight

From what time last night: N/A

To what time this morning: N/A

List of any additional daytime hours when the generator was run: 2 hours

Solar- SOC% (Before the generator is run at night): N/A

Diesel Reading – N/A

Station Propane Reading- 100% + Backup (1.8 cylinders)

Ethanol Free Gasoline- N/A

Water (loft tank) (gal) – N/A

Water Meter (units)- N/A

Water (static tank) (gal) – N/A

Static to loft Pump used – N/A

Water in GreenHab (gal): N/A

Water in Science Dome (gal): N/A

Toilet Tank Emptied – no

Deimos rover used: N/A

Hours:

Beginning Charge:

End Charge:

Currently Charging:

Sojourner rover used: Assigned to Director

Hours:

Beginning Charge:

End Charge:

Currently Charging:

Spirit Rover used – Used for exploration EVA

Starting Hours: 128.3

Beginning Charge: 100%

Ending Hours: 128.6

Ending Charge: 63%

Opportunity Rover used: Still in workshop

Hours:

Beginning Charge:

Ending Charge:

Currently Charging: Yes

Curiosity Rover used: Used for exploration EVA

Starting Hours: 134.3

Beginning Charge: 100%

Ending Hours: 134.6

Ending Charge: 62%

Notes on Rovers: Opportunity and Deimos off-site for maintenance.

ATV’s Used: (Honda, 300, 350.1, 350.2, 350.3): No

Reason for use:

Oil Added? No

# hours the ATV’s were used today:

Notes on ATVs:

Habcar used and why, where? Used to town to get water.

CrewCar used and why, where? Not used.

General Notes and Comments:

Summary of the internet: N/A

Summary of Suit and Radios: Nominal

Summary of Hab: The crew spent several hours this morning cleaning the Station and trying to mitigate mud intrusion on the floors. Tarps were placed on the floor in two of the rooms to reinforce the floor surfaces.

During external inspection of the Station it was found that several supporting poles for the Station walls were dislodged during the recent windstorm, compromising the structural integrity. These poles were reaffixed, and the walls appear to be structurally sound.

In addition to replenishing the propane supply, we also installed a charger to maintain our backup battery at a steady charge, and we are instituting a power management plan to reduce propane consumption on the generator.

Summary of Science Dome operations: Temperatures are hovering around 5°C during the day.

Summary of RAM operations: Nominal

Summary of any observatory issues: Nominal

Summary of health and safety issues: Nominal

Questions, concerns, and requests to Mission Support: None

January 29, 2020January 30, 2020

Journalist Report – January 29th

Crew 220 MDRS Journalist Report 29JAN2020
Author: Morgan Kainu, Crew Journalist
Sol 10
Title: Destination Exploration

Body: Today marked the first day of the MAU Ambassador Program implementation. A crew member from MDRS was hosted at the MAU hab the previous night to learn from the MAU crew about internal operations as well as to stay the day and to participate with the MAU crew in an explorative extravehicular activity (EVA). This was the first EVA to leave directly from the MAU hab.
It was a mildly warm day, yet stunning red Martian day. It was perfect for exploring and admiring the landscape. The MAU crew and MDRS ambassador crew member together expressed their sentiments about the extreme beauty experienced on the EVA, reflecting in their mind’s eye. They also took this opportunity to share their photos from the day with the rest of the MDRS crew back at their hab.

Both crews had a special treat on the menu for dinner – one crew member cooked a special batch of Borscht for everyone. It was an incredible dish and a great opportunity to share our favorite dishes while on Mars. Following dinner, everyone came together for some down time before tucking in for the night at our respective habs.

Morgan Kainu, BA; MAU Journalist Crew 001

January 29, 2020January 30, 2020

Sol Summary – January 29th

Crew 220 (MDRS) Sol Summary 29Jan2020

Sol: 10

Summary Title: Sweet Homeostasis

Author’s name: Connie Delisle

Mission Status: Nominal

Sol Activity Summary: The Crew rose at 08:00 to a cloudy sky with very light snow. Into mid-morning Mother Nature decided to bless us with high cloud and sun. MDRS again served as a relay point to MAU to communicate with the MAU Director. However, XO Wise has made good progress today in setting up a test WIFI connection which is part of the objectives set during this mission. The remaining Crew at MDRS, myself and astronomy researcher Marufa Akhter Bhuiyan thoroughly cleaned and organized the lower deck – floor, walls, airlocks, bathroom, cabinets. A safe, orderly homebase not only helps avoid accidents – it creates a sense of ownership and in becoming a home we could be forever living here on Mars if we didn’t have to return to Earth.

The MDRS Crew stayed close to home today to work in the GreenHab, planting radishes and romain lettuce. MDRS also served as HabComm to support the MAU Crew who participated in a 3-hour EVA focused on exploration and scouting. From a Raven’s eye view, the Team Leader remarked that “he felt part of the landscape of Mars”. The rolling red hills and blue sky was a remarkable backdrop to explore the soil, rocks and outcroppings.

Look Ahead Plan: Sol 11 includes an AM and PM EVA. These experiences aim to reinforce the medical training already received and introduce Search and Rescue (SAR). On Mars, medical emergencies may occur in the Hab or on EVA. The MAU-MDRS Crew testing and training is fundamental to establish a baseline understanding of the medical challenges in using “Earth” patient assessment protocols, conventional SAR equipment and applying operational protocols for recovery. All this hard work is for the purpose of innovating medical equipment, training and processes to improve the safety of security of astronauts on Mars.

Yesterday was a milestone in submitting reports before the CapComm window closure yesterday and to receive such positive comments on the photos. The Crew has done a great job on progressively becoming more organized, creating time and space to spend time on reports, science and to reflect on life on MARS. As this is my last night as Commander at MDRS, I am happy to transfer to Commander Hanacek, a station that I feel is well taken care of and appreciated.

Anomalies in work: None

Weather: Approximately -6C at night, max 3C during the day tomorrow; probability of precipitation is less than 20%.

Crew Physical Status: All the Crew is good health, bolstered after a good night’s sleep.

EVA: One morning and one in the afternoon.

Reports to be filed:

Journalist Report

Sol Summary

Photo Report
Operations Report
GreenHab Report

Support Requested: Revised request for two not four fluorescent bulbs for the lower deck. The engineer found two bulbs on the lower deck and has installed them.

January 28, 2020January 29, 2020

Science Report – January 28th

Morgan Kainu
Crew Journalist/Scientist/Geologist
MDRS Station, Crew 220

Crew 220 MDRS Science Report 28JAN2020
Sol 9
Author: Morgan Kainu, Crew Journalist/Scientist/Geologist
Today the MDRS and MAU crew conducted its first Geological Extra Vehicular Activity (GEVA) at “Kissing Camel Ridge” and “North Ridge”. Prior to the EVA, Science Officer Morgan Kainu provided an orientation to geological science, soil sampling and stratification analysis. In addition, several EVA objectives were set including to:
1. Conduct a safe EVA;
2. Formulate and test a hypothesis relating to geologic soil sampling;
3. Become familiar with procedures of geological soil sampling;
4. Become familiar with procedures of stratification analysis (that helps to know how old the area is (dating));
5. Be able to identify the chemical compensation of the soil (led by Aquila); and
6. Practice using the microscope (led by Raven and Owl).

The purpose of this Extra Vehicular Activity (EVA) was to become familiar with procedures of geological soil sampling, become familiar with procedures of stratification analysis (for understanding how to date the area), be able to identify the chemical compensation of the soil samples and practice using the Foldscope portable microscopes for sample observations.
The crew also formulated a hypothesis prior to leaving on the EVA. They discussed the most probable planet geological history, discussing whether or not it was formerly an ocean or not. The Null Hypothesis (Ho) was that “The planet’s geological history was shaped by oceanic influences, generating marine fossils and organic material”.
Only one of the objectives were not met (chemical composition) as we were short of time.

Upon concluding the soil sample and stratification analysis we had sufficient information to reject the Null and accepted the Alternative hypothesis (H1); that the planet’s geological history was not oceanic – rather, but it was formed at least in part by alluvial sediment deposits.

January 28, 2020January 29, 2020

Operations Report – January 28th

Matt Wise
XO/Engineer
MDRS Crew 220

Operations Report

Crew 220 Operations Report 28JAN2020

Sol: 9

Name of person filing report: Matt Wise

Non-nominal systems: Primary Generator, Water Heater, Hab lower deck fluorescent lights

Generator: Primary is inoperable. Rental was run-the following information is for the rental.

Hours run: 12hrs
From what time last night: 21:00

To what time this morning: 08:00

List of any additional daytime hours when the generator was run: N/A

Solar- SOC% (Before the generator is run at night): 81%

Diesel Reading – 1/3

Station Propane Reading- 81

Ethanol Free Gasoline- N/A

Water (loft tank) (gal) – 6

Water Meter (units)- 0148436,0

Water (static tank) (gal) – 161

Static to loft Pump used – Yes 40gal

Water in GreenHab (gal): 136.64

Water in Science Dome (gal): 0

Toilet Tank Emptied – No

Deimos rover used: Still in the workshop

Hours:

Beginning Charge:

End Charge:

Currently Charging:

Sojourner rover used: No

Hours:

Beginning Charge:

End Charge:

Currently Charging:

Spirit Rover used – Yes

Starting Hours: 128

Beginning Charge: 100%

Ending Hours: 128.3

Ending Charge: 62%

Opportunity Rover used: Still in workshop

Hours:

Beginning Charge:

Ending Charge:

Currently Charging:

Curiosity Rover used: Yes

Starting Hours: 134

Beginning Charge: 100%

Ending Hours: 134.3

Ending Charge: 63%

Notes on rovers: Opportunity and Deimos off-site for maintenance. There were no EVAs today, so the rovers were not used.

ATVs Used: (Honda, 300, 350.1, 350.2, 350.3): No

Reason for use:

Oil Added? No

# hours the ATV’s were used today: 0

Notes on ATVs: None.

Habcar used and why, where? No

CrewCar used and why, where? No

General Notes and Comments: None.

Summary of the internet: Nominal

Summary of Suit and Radios: 3 radios malfunctioning
Suits Nominal

Summary of Hab: Main fluorescent lights in Hab lower deck malfunctioning. Center light bar now dim and flickering all times, light bar near back airlock not functioning, and light bar near stairs has no bulbs. Engineer attempted to remove/replace bulbs with no effect. We’re not aware of any replacement bulbs in Hab or RAM and will be requesting bulbs in the next resupply from Outpost.

Summary of Science Dome operations: Nominal

Summary of Ram operations: Nominal

Summary of any observatory issues: Nominal

Summary of Health and Safety issues: MDRS crew all healthy

Questions, concerns, and requests to Mission Support: We’d like to request 4x fluorescent bulbs in the next resupply. Thanks!

January 28, 2020January 29, 2020

Crew Photos – January 28th

January 28, 2020January 29, 2020

Sol Summary – January 28th

Shawna
Commander,
MAU Crew 220

MAU Crew 220 Sol 9 Summary 28Jan2020

Summary Title: Sol 9 and Feeling Fine
Author’s name: Shawna Pandya, Commander
Mission Status: Rockminal
Sol Activity Summary: Today was geological science day! The morning started with a brief by the MDRS Science Officer on soil sampling techniques, followed by a geological EVA over 2 sites (Kissing Camel and North Ridge) and sample return. In the afternoon, the crew analyzed their samples using standard geological evaluation techniques and also under a microscope.
Look Ahead Plan: Tomorrow will be an operational and maintenance day around the MAU Station as the Engineer returns and the crew undertakes general upkeep activities. Tonight also marks the commencement of the MAU Ambassador Program, with the arrival of a visiting MDRS Officer.
Weather: Approximately -4C at night, max 5C during day until Saturday, minimal chance of precipitation (20%).
Crew Physical Status: MAUminal
EVA: Geological EVA conducted over two sites (Kissing Camel & North Ridge), 5 soil samples returned.
Reports to be filed:
Sol Summary (sent)
Commander’s Report
EVA Report
Operations Report
Photo Report
EVA Request: Pending.
Support Requested: None at this time.

January 28, 2020January 29, 2020

EVA Report – January 28th

Crew 220 EVA Report 28JAN2020

EVA 9

Author: Johannes Svensoy, MD

Purpose of EVA: Geological EVA

Start time: 10:30

End time: 13:30

Narrative: The morning was spent on preparing for the Geological EVA. We began with a lecture on geological soil sampling and analysis at the MDRS station by MDRS Science Officer Morgan Kainu, BA. Afterwards, the crew members from both MAU Station and MDRS Station set out on a joint geological EVA.

Crew members used the rovers Spirit and Curiosity south on the Cow Dung Road 0110 to the first planned geological site by the Kissing Camel Ridge W. Crew member Morgan Kainu led the search for good sample-sites in these areas. After walking along the ridge two samples were collected from different sites along the same area. Both samples collected just North of the Kissing Camel Ridge W along Cow Dung Road 0110.

The Geological EVA then returned to the rovers and drove North on Cow Dung Road to North Ridge. The crew members walked West, where samples were taken from something that resembled an ancient Martian stream. Excited to have found traces of water, the crew members went further to investigate, and a total of three samples were collected from the area around the lower parts of the Eastern part of North Ridge.

The Geological EVA was a success, meeting its objective of safety first. On return to the Hab, the crew members were very eager to analyze the soil samples in the Science Dome with the guidance of Science Officer, Morgan Kainu, BA.

Destination: MDRS Station and proximity.

Coordinates (use UTM NAD27 CONUS): 4249500, 518000 (Kissing Camel Ridge W) and 4251500, 518500 (North Ridge).

Participants: HabComm: Connie and Marufa (MDRS). EVA Crew: Shawna, Morgan, Matt, and Johannes.

Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: Cow Dung Road 0110

Mode of travel: Rovers Spirit and Curiosity and by foot.

Support Requested: No support requested during EVA.

January 28, 2020January 29, 2020

Operations Report – January 28th

Crew 220 (MAU) Operations Report 28JAN2020

SOL 9

Name of person filing report: Johannes Svensoy, MD

Non-nominal systems: N/A

Generator: Not Run

Hours run: 0

From what time last night: N/A

To what time this morning: N/A

List of any additional daytime hours when the generator was run: N/A

Solar- SOC% (Before the generator is run at night): N/A

Diesel Reading – N/A

Station Propane Reading- 2%

Ethanol Free Gasoline- N/A

Water (loft tank) (gal) – N/A

Water Meter (units)- N/A

Water (static tank) (gal) – N/A

Static to loft Pump used – N/A

Water in GreenHab (gal): N/A

Water in Science Dome (gal): N/A

Toilet Tank Emptied – no

Deimos rover used: N/A

Hours:

Beginning Charge:

End Charge:

Currently Charging:

Sojourner rover used: Assigned to Director

Hours:

Beginning Charge:

End Charge:

Currently Charging:

Spirit Rover used – Used for Geological EVA

Starting Hours:

Beginning Charge:

Ending Hours:

Ending Charge:

Opportunity Rover used: Still in workshop

Hours:

Beginning Charge:

Ending Charge:

Currently Charging:

Curiosity Rover used: Used for Geological EVA

Starting Hours:

Beginning Charge:

Ending Hours:

Ending Charge:

Notes on Rovers: Opportunity and Deimos off-site for maintenance.

ATV’s Used: (Honda, 300, 350.1, 350.2, 350.3): No

Reason for use:

Oil Added? No

# hours the ATV’s were used today:

Notes on ATVs:

Habcar used and why, where? Not used.

CrewCar used and why, where? Not used.

General Notes and Comments:

Summary of the internet: N/A

Summary of Suit and Radios: Nominal

Summary of Hab: The floors are becoming dirty and wet due to mud and run-off. We will be reinforcing the floor tomorrow as the MAU Engineer returns from simulated quarantine, and also performing work related to upkeep, operations and maintenance.

Structural integrity nominal with reinforcing the structure in face of strong winds yesterday.

Summary of Science Dome operations: Temperatures are hovering around 5°C during the day.

Summary of RAM operations: Nominal

Summary of any observatory issues: Nominal

Summary of health and safety issues: Nominal

Questions, concerns, and requests to Mission Support: None