Author: jburk

Shawna
Commander
MAU Crew 220

Title: I Saw the Science, and It Opened Up My Eyes

Author: Shawna Pandya, Commander

Today, in a word, ROCKED…and I am not just saying that because it was our geological EVA and sampling day. MAU and MDRS stations sent out a joint science team consisting of myself, XO Svensoy, MDRS Engineer Wise and MDRS Science Officer/Journalise Kainu. The day was a productive one, with our team managing to collect 5 samples across two site, including Kissing Camel Ridge and North Ridge – no small feat consider the North-South spread of these two sites. We were lucky, as the Sol was sunny and beautiful, and the beauty of the Martian diaspora with its red marbled landscapes stretched out to greet us. Words do not do it justice. One does not just describe Mars…one must experience it.

On a lighter note, XO Svensoy delighted and amazed us all by juggling while on EVA (is this the first time this was done on Mars?). Of course, one cannot be too impressed, everything is easier in 1/3rd gravity!

Tonight marks two additional happy occasions.First of all, MAU Engineer Waipiti returns from quarantine. Next, we begin our MAU Ambassadors program, wherein we host a visiting MDRS officer overnight to learn more about Station’s programming, culture and operations. We begin by hosting MDRS Science Officer Kainu, and cannot wait to welcome her to our humble little station. Tomorrow will be day of station operations and maintenance, followed by some afternoon EVAs.

Looking forward,

Commander Pandya
Callsign: Nightowl
MAU Station

Crew 220 Commander Report 27Jan2020

Author: Connie Delisle, Commander

Title: Out of this World Medical Training

Sol 8 marked a shift from knowing about medical assessment tools to using them. What better way to close the “knowing -doing” gap than by learning from a team of two international medical doctors. Johannes Svensøy from Norway and Shawna Pandya from Canada first explained and then lead the Crew through simulated medical emergencies during today’s morning and afternoon EVA’s. Crews practised P-MARCH-P for primary trauma survey followed by more advanced techniques called the “Secondary Survey” and “SAMPLE”. Crew’s really applied themselves to put learning into action, as well as continuing to improve radio and communication skills.

XO Wise keep extremely busy – from handling daily operations, cleaning floors on top of participating in the morning medical training EVAs. History was made as the Crew tested XO Wise’s invention – “the Golden Bubble” – for the very first time under extreme conditions on Mars. XO Wise remarked that, “I was super excited to see it used in the field”. This sentiment was shared by the Crew and we look forward to hearing about the prototype’s advancement.

Between EVAs, afternoon science, evening science the schedule continues to offer challenges and opportunities for personal and professional growth. I’ve put together a series of electronic folders and to facilitate sharing of the Mission information, the Crew has open access to the folders / files through a USB key. This has enabled Commander Shawna and to collaborate efficiently and effectively. I am learning a great deal from her along with XO Svensøy, XO Wise and the Crew.

I am grateful for this opportunity to learn, share and expand my appreciation for my colleagues expertise, contributions and insights.

Commander Delisle

MDRS Station

Title: SurMAUnting Obstacles...

Author: Shawna Pandya, Commander

Once again, I am impressed with the mental aptitude and fortitude of my crew (as well as counterparts at MDRS station). To recap, we are at a skeleton crew over the next few sols as several of our crew remain in quarantine. Despite this, both crews have pulled together to work extremely hard at maintaining station operations, while furthering mission operations at the same time.

In the morning, we started with with a recap of the medical triage and assessment skills learned to date (METHANE, P-MARCH-P), and then expanded this skillbase to include a SAMPLE history and the secondary trauma survey. Next, we put these skills into practice into the field as we drilled a trauma scenario in front of the MDRS Hab over the course of two medical EVAs. These EVAs also saw the first field deployment of the Golden Bubble pressurized medevac device, and early demonstrations are both promising and gratifying.

Life on Mars, of course, is not without its challenges. The winds picked up considerably today, and we conducted two Engineering EVAs over the course of the day to fortify and secure MAU station from the elements. I need to commend XO Svensoy in particular for his diligence and perseverance in securing the crew quarters from the elements. His presence is a true asset to the station, and we are better off for having him.

To whatever adventures may come next...

Commander Pandya
Callsign: Nightowl
MAU Station