Author: jburk

Posted on

Sol Summary – January 15th

Crew 219 Sol Summary Report 15-01-2020

Sol: 10

Summary Title: What day is it, camel?

Author’s name: Dave Masaitis

Mission Status: Nominal

Sol Activity Summary: The crew filtered out casually for coffee and a
light breakfast, before EVA #15 moved downstairs to suit up. The team
moved out towards North Ridge, documenting their route up to Hab
Ridge, so that future teams can use the same route. They found a
multitude of viable samples and returned to the Hab in time to have a
quick lunch and help EVA #16 get out on time. While EVA #16 moved out
for sampling, those at the campus processed samples and started
drafting language for their respective sections of the end of mission
summary. H. Blackburn prepared cheddar biscuits and hot chocolate for
the crew to enjoy as EVA #16 returned, and crew members got to work
preparing their evening reports. H. Blackburn prepared stir-fry in the
wok for dinner, and after the Comms window, the crew looks forward to
turning command over to C. Montanez and K. Crisman for a Thursday of
on-the-job command experience so they will have a taste of what is to
come next year. D. Masaitis will spend the day assuming the role of
Health and Safety Officer, and N. Hadland will take over as GreenHab
Officer. Their Command-exchange will end after tomorrow’s Comms
window, but will better prepare them to understand the roles they will
be returning to fulfill next year.

Look Ahead Plan: Two sample return EVA’s, materials consolidation,
revisions of mission summary

Anomalies in work: None

Weather: Chilly and sunny all day

Crew Physical Status: Nominal

EVA:

EVA #15 – Sample Collection on Hab Ridge (0517700/4251600)

EVA #16 – Sample Collection around North Pinto Hills (0521000/4248800)

Reports to be filed:

Sol Summary

EVA Report #15 & 16

EVA Request #17 & 18

Operations Report

GreenHab Report

Research Report

Journalist’s Report

Photos (Including Photo of the Day)

Support Requested:

None

Posted on

Journalist Report – January 15th


Crew 219 Journalist Report

Author: Nathan Hadland, Crew 219 Executive Officer

Sol 10

It’s Wednesday My Crews

The ship is sailing on smooth seas, as they say. The EVAs today went
smoothly, all of our projects progressed forward, and we had a few
good laughs along the way. Our crew is beginning the process of
tightening up our science, consolidating samples, and writing up final
reports. We have collected a great deal of interesting data, explored
fascinating regions and landscapes, and have had a lot of fun in the
process. I am proud with what our crew has accomplished so far and am
excited to see what our post-mission analysis brings.

We had two EVAs today, both of which accomplished a great deal. The
first EVA mounted Hab Ridge along Sagan Street to collect lichen and
gryphaea fossils. Unfortunately for me, our mission timeframe landed
in the middle of graduate school application season. While my fellow
crewmembers were on EVA, I was laboring away at those application
essays. Oh well. The price I pay for trying to do too many things at
once.

We had a tight timeline today, so as soon as the first EVA arrived
back at the Hab and post-EVA biometrics data was collected, we began
preparations for our second EVA of the day. I led the expedition to
the North Pinto Hills to collect additional geologic samples as well
as lichen. The sun was especially potent today, in both its brightness
and heat. As soon as we began trudging through the snow and mud, we
started to feel our solar companion’s effects. We climbed a short way
and Abdul (GEO) identified a few sites for sample collection.
Afterwards, the team collectively realized the immense beauty of the
surrounding landscape and took the opportunity to capture a few
photographs.

The EVA team then headed further northeast to search for samples of
astrobiological interest. I’ve got to applaud Alejandro (ENG) and his
impeccable eye for finding lichen hidden amongst the rocks. After
climbing another hill looking for sampling sites, we decided to head
back to the rovers. Along the way, we stumbled across some incredible
geologic features and amazing views of the surrounding landscape. I
took the opportunity to teach some of my crewmembers orienteering and
navigation skills.

Upon arrival back at the Hab, we were greeted with hot chocolate and
warm homemade biscuits prepared by Hannah (LSO). Oh man, they were
heavenly. Tonight, we will be feasting on stir fry and chai tea.
Tomorrow, Dave (CO) and I will be training Cynthia (GHO) and Keith
(HSO) on commanding officer duties for when they return to MDRS next
season. Overall, I am extremely pleased and proud of our crew’s
science and am very happy with the group of talented individuals I
have chosen to surround myself with.
Posted on

Research Report – January 15th

Crew 219 Science Report 15-JAN-20
Crew Science Officer: Hannah Blackburn

1. Biometrics and Neurobehavioral Research

We continued taking sleep logs and post-EVA biometrics and surveys.

2. UAV

Nothing to report.

3. Dust Mitigation for Optical Mirrors

Lens tissue cleaning method tested.

4. Astrophotography of Celestial Bodies

Made color images of little dumbbell nebula.

5. Remediation of Mars Regolith

Nothing to report.

6. Chemical and Mineralogical Composition of the MDRS Site

Samples were dried in the oven using glass beakers. Additional samples
collected during EVA 16.

7. Protocols for the Discovery of Life on Mars

Samples collected during EVAs 15 and 16.

Glassware check out:

10 glass beakers (sizes between 200 and 500 ml) were used to dry
regolith samples.

A reminder to all crewmembers: There’s a $300 fine for using any
glassware material without MDRS Mission support permission.

Posted on

Operations Report – January 15th

  


Operations Report

Crew 219 Operations Report 14-JAN-2020

Sol: 10

Name of person filing report: Alejandro Perez

Non-nominal systems: N/A

Generator: Run

Hours run: 14

From what time last night: 16:00

To what time this morning: 06:00

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

Solar- SOC% (Before the generator is run at night): 76%

10:00 = 100%; 11:30 = 98%; 12:30 = 95%; 14:00 = 90%; 16:10 = 83%; 18:00 = 78%

Diesel Reading - 60%

Station Propane Reading- 35%

Ethanol Free Gasoline- N/A

Water (loft tank) (gal) – 50

Water Meter (units)- 0147714,1

Water (static tank) (gal) – 328

Static to loft Pump used –Yes

Water in Green Hab (gal): 161.21

Water in Science Dome (gal): 0

Toilet Tank Emptied –No

Diemos rover used: Still in the Work shop

Hours:

Beginning Charge:

End Charge:

Currently Charging:

Sojourner rover used: Assigned to Director

Hours:

Beginning Charge:

End Charge:

Currently Charging:

Spirit Rover used- Yes

Starting Hours: 125.6

Beginning Charge: 100%

Ending Hours: 126.1

Ending Charge: 51%

Opportunity Rover used: Still in workshop

Hours:

Beginning Charge:

Ending Charge:

Currently Charging:

Curiosity Rover used: Yes

Starting Hours: 131.6

Beginning Charge: 100%

Ending Hours: 132.0

Ending Charge: 51%

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 by Outpost for the Post Office and to
acquire an oil pump for the generator.

CrewCar used and why, where? In the shop.

General Notes and Comments:

Summary of the internet: Nominal

Summary of Suit and Radios: All suits have been tested for battery
performance. All suit batteries output higher voltage than the
replacement batteries. Suits 1 and 6 have slightly lower air flow on
the right fan, however, this did not cause any major problems during
EVA.

Summary of Hab: Nominal

Summary of Science Dome operations: Temperature averaging 7°C during
the day and 0°C at night.

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: 

	


	







		

		
Posted on 
EVA Report – January 14th
	


	
	

		


Crew 219 EVA Report 14-01-2020

EVA #14

Author: Dave Masaitis

Purpose of EVA: Geologic sample collection

Start time: 1259 hrs

End time: 1429 hrs

Narrative: EVA #14 departed the Hab on Spirit and Curiosity at 1259

hours and drove south on Cow Dung Road. The EVA team continued a

southward push for about 300 meters beyond Robert’s Rock Garden,

before parking the rovers and dismounting to proceed west on foot.

While the the team finished collecting equipment for sampling, D.

Masaitis summited a nearby hillside to gain a better visual

understanding of the local area. The EVA team then circumvented the

hill on its southern side and emerged into a open, flat plain. The

team discussed their view of the area and selected sampling sites. D.

Masaitis paced out the distance between the first five sampling sites,

and then K. Crisman and C. Montanez began collections while R. Raphael

photographed the collection sites. With the first five samples

collected, the team then investigated to more areas of interest

nearby, collecting another four additional samples. With sampling

complete, the team returned to the rovers and returned to the Hab,

arriving by 1429.

Destination: S. of Robert’s Rock Garden

Coordinates: 0518500/4248300

Participants: D. Masaitis (CO), K. Crisman (HSO), C. Montanez (GHO),

R. Raphael (ASTRO)

Roads and routes per MDRS Map: South on Cow Dung Rd. past Robert’s

Rock Garden, then west on foot.

	


	





		

		
Posted on 
Astronomy Report – January 14th
	


	
	

		
Astronomy Report


Name: Robinson Raphael


Crew: 219


Date: Jan 14th, 2020


MDRS ROBOTIC OBSERVATORY: (MDRS-14)


MDRS-14 took observations of:


NGC 2623:


(5 exposures of 40 seconds in R)


(5 exposures of 75 seconds in V)


(5 exposures of 150 seconds in B)


(5 exposures of 150 seconds in Generic B)


(5 exposures of 75 seconds in Generic V)


(4 exposures of 40 seconds in Generic R)


Resubmitted observations for NGC 2623 with longer exposure times.

Current exposures recorded do not display the celestial body and

images are of very low quality overall.


Images submitted with report: None (Observations for other celestial

objects are still pending. Submitted a color image of the Crab Nebula

yesterday as Photo of the Day)


Problems encountered: MDRS-14 telescope only recorded 4/5 exposures

for Generic R filter (possibly due to weather causing the camera to

abort).

	


	





		

		
Posted on 
Research Report – January 14th
	


	
	

		


Crew 219 Research Report 14-JAN-20

Crew Science Officer: Hannah Blackburn


1. Biometrics and Neurobehavioral Research


We continued taking sleep logs and post-EVA biometrics and surveys.


2. UAV


The UAV was damaged during transport to MDRS. It has not been a

priority until now for our engineer due to other maintenance tasks.

After some fault isolation, we determined that motors 3 and 4 are not

working because they aren’t receiving power from the flight control

board.


3. Dust Mitigation for Optical Mirrors


Cotton swab and cotton ball technique tested on mirrors.


4. Astrophotography of Celestial Bodies


See Astronomy Report.


5. Remediation of Mars Regolith


Nothing to report.


6. Chemical and Mineralogical Composition of the MDRS Site


Samples were dried in the oven using glass beakers. Additional samples

collected during EVA 14.


7. Protocols for the Discovery of Life on Mars


Lichen samples photographed under microscope. Additional samples

collected during EVA 14.


Glassware check out:


10 glass beakers (sizes between 200 and 500 ml) were used to dry

regolith samples.


A reminder to all crewmembers: There’s a $300 fine for using any

glassware material without MDRS Mission support permission.

	


	





		

		
Posted on 
Sol Summary – January 14th
	


	
	

		

Crew 219 Sol Summary Report 14-01-2020

Sol: 9

Summary Title: Taco Tuesday!

Author's name: Dave Masaitis

Mission Status: Nominal

Sol Activity Summary: There is no Tuesday better than Taco Tuesday.
The morning started with coffee and a light breakfast as the crew got
up and started performing their normal routines around the Hab. The
sun shone brightly and everyone’s mood was light and jovial, as crew
members busied themselves and joked amongst one another. H. Blackburn
prepared tuna tacos for lunch, to the great enjoyment of everyone
present, and then the EVA support team went downstairs to prepare
suits for EVA #14’s 1300 departure. Checklists were followed, and EVA
#14 exited the airlock a minute early. They returned an hour and a
half later with a bag full of samples, and the much of the crew spent
the afternoon in the science dome investigating and cataloging the new
scientific material, while K. Crisman collected his biometric data
from the EVA’s participants. The crew then sat down and wrote their
evening’s reports while H. Blackburn effortlessly whipped up a
delicious chicken pot pie...of which there were no leftovers. After
Comms window, the team will meet one more time to discuss tomorrow’s
plan before bedding down for another full day on Mars. The sun shines
on us again, and the planet is finally starting to peek some red
terrain out from under sheets of snow!

Look Ahead Plan: Two EVAs, sample analysis and preparation for
shipment, rough drafts of the end of mission summary and maintenance
as necessary

Anomalies in work: None

Weather: cold and sunny all day

Crew Physical Status: Nominal

EVA:

EVA #14 – Geologic Sample Collection south of Robert’s Rock Garden
(0518500/4248300)

Reports to be filed:

Sol Summary

EVA Report #14

EVA Request #15 & #16

Operations Report

GreenHab Report

Research Report

Astronomy Report

Journalist's Report

Photos (Including Photo of the Day)

Support Requested: None


	


	





		

		
Posted on 
GreenHab Report – January 14th
	


	
	

		

Crew 219 GreenHab Report 14-JAN-20

Crew GreenHab Officer: Cynthia Montanez

Environmental control: Heating.

Shade cloth (40% and 30%) on.

Average temperature: 24.3 °C

11:12 A.M.

Floor Unit: 15 °C

Mid-height unit: 31 °C

4:00 P.M.

Floor Unit: 16 °C

Mid-height unit: 24 °C

5:55 P.M.

Floor Unit: 12 °C

Mid-height unit: 18 °C

Hours of supplemental light: Light system 7:00PM-12:00AM.

Daily water usage for crops: 5 Gal.

Daily water usage for research and/or other purposes: N/A

Water in Blue Tank – 161.21 Gal.

Time(s) of watering for crops:

13 Jan 2020 – 10:30 P.M.

14 Jan 2020 – 11:12 P.M.

14 Jan 2020 – 5:55 P.M.

SEASONAL PLANTING HISTORY:

Change to crops: N/A

OTHER NOTES:

1st sprouts: N/A

Harvest: At 11:12 A.M., 4 grams of cilantro, 23 grams of lettuce, 8
grams of swiss chard, and 8 grams of purple carrots were harvested. At
4:25 P.M., 12 grams of sage, 4 grams of marjoram, and 0.25 grams of
thyme were harvested.

Other: The two cucumber plants that were transplanted yesterday were
given fertilizer in an attempt to revitalize the wilted leaves. Also,
after searching for the missing electronic thermometer, I learned that
Outpost had taken it for their own means. So, to be able to read the
mid-height temperature of the GreenHab, I removed the thermometer that
is outside of the GreenHab, and I placed it inside as the temporary
thermometer until the electronic one is available.


	


	



	
		

	

	





		


		

			

				

	

						
				

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