Category: EVA Report

Crew 290 EVA Report 13-01-2024

EVA # 07

Author: Madelyn Hoying

Purpose of EVA: MADMEN data collection at the edge of Candor Chasma, which has geomorphological features that indicate the possibility of microbial life but is expected to be too difficult of terrain to bring REMI.

Start time: Intended 1230, actual 1335

End time: 1630

Narrative: The discovery of a pH meter that we can bring in the field led to the crew bumping our EVA back by an hour. This gave time to adjust the protocol and prepare the new sample setup. Chopper (Rebecca), Funk, Roots (Anna), and PODO set off on their EVA to Chandor Chasma with Melon (Madelyn) on CAPCOM. Two promising sample sites were collected, which the crew will continue analyzing in the coming days. While in the field, the battery connection broke on the temperature probe; if possible, our wonderful Crew Engineer will find a way to fix this!

Destination: Chandor Chasma

Coordinates (use UTM WGS 84): N4252141.8, E521204.1

Participants: Rebecca McCallin (XO), Benjamin Kazimer (GreenHab Officer), Anna Tretiakova (Crew Engineer), Nicole Chan (Crew Journalist)

Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: Drive north on Cow Dung Rd until reaching Galileo Road 1104, then drive east past Compass Rock, which was as far east as possible with rover batteries. The surrounding area was then explored on foot.

Mode of travel: Driving and walking

Vehicles to be used (If applicable): Curiosity and Opportunity

Crew 290 EVA Report 10-01-2024

EVA # 04

Author: Madelyn Hoying

Purpose of EVA: Confirm all systems on REMI robot are nominal after shipping and reconstruction, and to begin collecting initial data from at least 2 different terrain types.

Start time: 1400

End time: 1600

Narrative: This was a repeat of the original plan for EVA 03 to confirm all systems on REMI robot are nominal and begin sampling for MADMEN. REMI sampled six different sites within 180 meters of the Hab. The focus of the sites was mostly on sandy and gravelly terrain near small streamways. All systems were nominal during the EVA, and the crew had little to no difficulty running commands and controlling the robot with suits on. A new setup procedure in the RAM airlock also helped alleviate some struggles from EVA 03. For MADMEN, the use of the salinity meter in the field was confirmed without obstruction by the suits or gloves. Regolith and rock samples were collected and easily identified as samples of interest by the field scientists and CAPCOM, with temperature and additional data collected at each sample depth. Overall, this was a resounding success!

Destination: within 200m of MDRS

Coordinates (use UTM WGS 84): N518169, E4250939

Participants: Anja Sheppard (Crew Scientist), Ben Kazimer (GreenHab), and Nicole Chan (Crew Journalist)

Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: Exit the RAM airlock with REMI and walk to sites of interest within a 200m radius

Mode of travel: Walking

Vehicles to be used (If applicable): None

Crew 290 EVA Report 11-01-2024

EVA # 05

Author: Madelyn Hoying

Purpose of EVA: Engineering EVA to fix the rearview mirror on Spirit, build up a regolith ramp outside the RAM airlock to remove the drop off for robotic operations, and smectite collection (no more than 2lbs) for an attempt at making ISRU-derived clay items. Would like to test methods of loading/unloading REMI into the bed of the rover, and securing it with bungee cords.

Start time: 0900

End time: 1030

Narrative: All engineering tasks were successfully completed. The Hab’s front airlock door had blown partially open in the wind even after pre-emptively securing it with rope on Sol 3, so the EVA crew exited the RAM airlock and secured the front door. They then proceeded to secure all rover rear-view mirrors, noting that they were particularly loose and that Perseverance has a cracked mirror. Soil collection for RAM ramp began at the site specified by Mission Support but ran into too rocky of an area. Mission Support approved a proposed sandy site to collect from and the ramp was completed. Smectite was collected for ISRU clay, with all collection areas filled in afterwards. Additionally, methods for loading, unloading, and securing REMI in the bed of the rover were successfully demonstrated with two crewmembers and some ratchet straps. Pictures and additional details can be provided, with the crew noting no concerns about the ability to do this in the field.

Destination: within 100m of MDRS

Coordinates (use UTM WGS 84): N518169, E4250939

Participants: Anja Sheppard (Crew Scientist), Anna Tretiakova (Crew Engineer)

Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: Exit the RAM airlock and walk to sites of interest within a 100m radius

Mode of travel: Walking

Vehicles to be used (If applicable): None

Crew 290 EVA Report 12-01-2024

EVA # 06

Author: Madelyn Hoying

Purpose of EVA:

Start time: 1230

End time: 1630

Narrative: After a late start to finish piecing together the necessary science equipment, the EVA crew ventured out for the furthest expedition yet with an ambitious goal to reach Lith Canyon. Unfortunately, the rover batteries reached their limit at about halfway, necessitating a turn-around point near Tharsis Montes. Two diverse sample sites were investigated, with one in a valley between two Morrison Formation hills and another in a dried riverbed heading east into the Tharsis Montes region. Field tests gave clear indications of microbial life at the riverbed site, so the crew is excited to begin lab testing and compare those results to the smectite regions! We successfully used our new method of loading and transporting REMI in the rovers which reduces time spent prepping the robot at our field sites. REMI collected data at 10 different sites, focusing mostly on very aerated red soil and hard sandy riverbeds. REMI burned through both of her batteries during the 4-hour EVA.

Destination: Intended for the southern edge of Lith Canyon; the rover batteries reached 55% (the cutoff) when we were approximately halfway there, so we reached approximately the Tharsis Montes region.

Coordinates (use UTM WGS 84): N517653, E4256169

Participants: Madelyn Hoying (Commander), Anja Sheppard (Crew Scientist), Anna Tretiakova (Crew Engineer)

Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: Drive north on Cow Dung Rd until reaching 55% battery on rovers, here at the dried riverbed of Tharsis Montes. Park rovers and walk east in the riverbed.

Mode of travel: Driving and walking

Vehicles to be used (If applicable): Spirit and Opportunity

Crew 290 EVA Report 08-01-2024

EVA # 01

Author: Madelyn Hoying

Purpose of EVA: training EVA with half of crew

Start time: 14:15

End time: 15:35

Narrative: Training EVA to familiarize crew members with rover operation and navigation. At around 13:30, the crew officially entered sim and began prepping for EVA 01. Madelyn, Anna, and Anja completed suit and comms checks ahead of schedule. On entering the airlock for depressurization, some comms issues caused a delay leading to re-pressurization and suit adjustments. The EVA then proceeded successfully, with the crew noting important changes that need to be made for future EVA success in scientific expeditions (including glove selection and headset placement).

Destination: Marble Ritual

Coordinates (use UTM WGS 84): N518700, E4250800

Participants: Madelyn Hoying (Commander), Anja Sheppard (Crew Scientist), Anna Tretiakova (Crew Engineer)

Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: Drive on Cow Dung Road and walk east until Marble Ritual

Mode of travel: Driving and walking

Vehicles to be used (If applicable): Opportunity, Spirit

Crew 290 EVA Report 09-01-2024

EVA # 02

Author: Madelyn Hoying

Purpose of EVA: training EVA with second half of crew

Start time: 08:58

End time: 10:26

Narrative: Second training EVA to familiarize crew members with rover operation and navigation. At around 0815, the crew began prepping for EVA 02. Becka, Ben, and Nicole completed suit and comms checks right on schedule, with Becka trying on the one-piece suit and noting no airflow. All EVA members selected the two-piece suit option, with Anna (Crew Engineer) investigating the suit malfunction of the one-piece during EVA. The EVA then proceeded successfully, with the crew noting important changes that need to be made for future EVA success in scientific expeditions (including glove selection and headset placement). Of note, Becka’s headset fell completely off but stayed inside the helmet, with comms unaffected; CAPCOM (Madelyn) instructed the crew to proceed with EVA while monitoring for potential loss of comms, which would be an abort scenario. Crew found sites of interest for future science EVAs and loved the rocks. EVA successfully concluded on schedule at 1026.

Destination: Marble Ritual

Coordinates (use UTM WGS 84): N518700, E4250800

Participants: Rebecca McCallin (XO), Ben Kazimer (GreenHab), Nicole Chan (Crew Journalist)

Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: Drive on Cow Dung Road and walk east until Marble Ritual

Mode of travel: Driving and walking

Vehicles to be used (If applicable): Opportunity, Spirit

Crew 290 EVA Report 09-01-2024

EVA # 03

Author: Madelyn Hoying

Purpose of EVA: Confirm all systems on REMI robot are nominal after shipping and reconstruction, and to begin collecting initial data from at least 2 different terrain types.

Start time: 1426

End time: 1600

Narrative: The EVA crew had some last-minute technical difficulties arise with REMI that delayed entry into the airlock. Unfortunately, technical difficulties continued into the EVA and made data collection infeasible. This error was resolved shortly after the EVA concluded, and REMI should be operational for a repeat EVA trial tomorrow. After trying to correct the error in the field for approximately the first hour, the crew decided to walk around the site and determine collection areas for future tests and subsequently concluded the EVA.

Destination: within 200m of MDRS

Coordinates (use UTM WGS 84): N518169, E4250939

Participants: Anja Sheppard (Crew Scientist), Madelyn Hoying (Commander)

Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: Exit the RAM airlock with REMI and walk to sites of interest within a 200m radius

Mode of travel: Walking

Vehicles to be used (If applicable): None

EVA Report #11
Author: Eshaana Aurora
EVA Date: 3rd January 2024
Start time: 1109
End time: 1322
Purpose of EVA:
Investigating the Extent of Gryphaea Fossils in White Rock Canyon
Evaluate the presence or absence of the gryphaea fossils which will provide information about the extent of the Western Interior Seaway Shelf Deposit
Narrative:
The Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA) commenced at 1109, led by Adriana (Crew Commander) with Gabe (Health and Safety Officer), Riya (Greenhab Officer) and Eshaana (Crew Geologist) as participants. The crew started with Opportunity and Curiosity at full charges – Opportunity at 100% and 153.4 hours, Curiosity at 100% and 262.7 hours. The crew embarked on their Martian exploration by driving their rovers southward along Cow Dung Road and parking near the entrance of Watney Road intersection after which the crew proceeded on foot.
Upon reaching White Rock Canyon the crew commander scouted around in search of oyster fossils while the other took in the interesting shrub filled landscape. Gabe was the first one to spot the rather extensive oyster swarm about 0.8 km away from the rovers. Adriana remarked that while these samples may have been displaced from further north, as we mainly found them in the topsoil layer of the region, they were impeccably preserved which would allow for more accurate results post processing. The crew then moved further into the Canyon, taking in the beautiful rock facies and arches created by the forces of nature. They also came across some interesting red shrubs and circular, hive textured hollows within the riverbed faces that had been eroded over time.
After a brief break on a satisfyingly textured red powdery mound, the crew headed back collecting even more oyster samples on the way back. In total the crew collected 54 gorgeous oyster samples and headed back to the rovers around 1301, with the utmost satisfaction in their hearts.
This EVA involved meticulous navigation, organization and time tracking to ensure the gryphaea fossil exploration objectives were efficiently and successfully completed during the limited excursion time. The crew reached the Hab with Opportunity at 36% and 153.9 hrs and Curiosity at 25% and 263.2 hrs. Overall, the EVA was executed with a resounding success with exploration, research and safety properly balanced and prioritized and the crew finally entered the airlock completing the EVA at 1322.
Destination: White Rock Canyon
Coordinates (use UTM WGS 84): N 530300, E 4247700
Participants: Adriana Brown (Commander), Eshaana Aurora (Crew Geologist), Riya Raj (Greenhab Officer), Gabriel Skowronek (Health and Safety Officer)
Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: Drive south on Cow Dung Road 0110 and park a quarter of a mile ahead of the intersection of Cow Dung Road 0110 and Watney Road. Then, walk on foot to White Rock Canyon.
Mode of travel: Driving and Walking (Curiosity and Opportunity)

EVA Report #10
Author: Aditya Arjun Anibha
EVA Date: 2nd January 2024
Start time: 1110
End time: 1340
Purpose of EVA:
Robot (ELF) Testing and Drone (FLiDAR)
Capturing drone LiDAR images (FLiDAR) of Candor Chasma
Testing initial robot maneuverability with a contingency plan of scouting potential terrain locations for further robot testing on another date
Narrative:
The Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA) commenced at 1110, led by Aditya (Crew Scientist) with Sara (Executive Officer/ Crew Journalist), Nathan (Crew Engineer), Gabriel (Health and Safety Officer). They started with Opportunity and Spirit at full charges – Opportunity at 100% and 152.8 hours, Spirit at 100% and 240.2 hours. The crew embarked on their Martian exploration by driving their rovers northward along Cow Dung Road before turning onto Galileo Road and stopping near the entrance of Candor Chasma around 1131. At arrival, Spirit was at 65% charge and Opportunity at 61% charge.
The crew then started by walking about 0.5 km into the Chasm to scout for a suitable testing location for the robot. After finding two suitable hills, Aditya set up the robot and with the assistance of Nathan controlled it to traverse 40 feet 3 inches and 102 feet 9 inches over mixed rocky and sandy terrain with highly uneven and unstable characteristics with the maximum slope angle between 30 and 45 degrees. Sara and Gabriel supported via videographic and measurement documentation. Next, Aditya initiated the FLiDAR (Drone-based LiDAR) scanning of the chasm for about 20 minutes while the rest of the crew would co-pilot and start exploring the chasm further. After FLiDAR scans were complete, the crew explored within a kilometer into the chasm and discovered frozen lakes, majestic vistas and diverse cavernous terrain with a range of rocky surfaces, mineral deposits and varied consistencies.
The crew then returned to their rovers and drove back to the Habitat, returning with Opportunity at 38% charge and 153.4 hours, and Spirit at 37% charge and 240.7 hours. The reentry process for the HAB commenced at 1340, concluding the Martian exploration.
This EVA involved meticulous planning, organization and time tracking to ensure the robotic exploration objectives were efficiently and successfully completed during the limited excursion time. It contributed many valuable insights into robot operation for exploration of varied flat, sloped, uneven and rocky terrains using variable wheel radii to overcome different degrees of rock size distributions. Overall, the EVA was executed with a resounding success with exploration, research and safety properly balanced and prioritized.
Destination: Candor Chasma
Coordinates (use UTM WGS 84): N 520300, E 4251500
Participants: Aditya Arjun Anibha (Crew Scientist), Nathan Bitner (Crew Engineer), Sara Paule (Crew Journalist), Gabriel Skowronek (Health and Safety Officer)
Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: Drive north on Cow Dung Road 0110 and turn east onto Galileo Road 1104, and finally south on the same road until it intersects with the Gateway to Candor footpath. Then, head further east on foot.
Mode of travel: Driving and Walking

EVA Report #09
Author: Eshaana Aurora
EVA Date: 1st January 2024
Start time: 1205
End time: 1419
Purpose of EVA:
LiDAR imaging of Kissing Camel Ridge
Taking LiDAR images of Kissing Camel Ridge using an elevated monopod.
Narrative:
The first, entirely female, Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA) commenced at 1205, led by Riya (Greenhab Officer) with Sara (Executive Officer/ Crew Journalist), Adriana (Crew Commander), Eshaana (Crew Geologist). The crew embarked on their Martian exploration by making an initial stop in front of the Hab to take an in depth LiDAR scan utilizing the elevated monopod and the Polycam IOS app. The EVA crew took turns and walked around with the elevated monopod taking scans around the RAM, the Hab, Greenhab, Science Dome, Observatory and the Solar Panels. The single scan, which turned out to be quite vivid post processing, took about 40 minutes.
Subsequently, the crew set out for the second stop, Kissing Camel Ridge utilizing the Curiosity and Spirit rovers, navigating from Cow Dung Road to the south until reaching Kissing Camel Ridge. Curiosity and Spirit initiated the mission with full charges – Curiosity at 100% and 262.5 hours, Spirit at 100% and 240.0 hours.
After parking the rovers on the side of the road, at Kissing Camel Ridge Road, the team started scanning yet again but this time instead of a singular LiDAR scan the crew also captured two 360 degree photo scans as well, of the beautiful landscape. The crew also found frozen Martian lakes! The top of the lake surfaces had an interesting chocolate bar texture further escalating the crew’s hunger pangs. With a quick few scans and after collecting a few beautiful rocks around the ridge, especially some colorful petrified wood the team traveled back to the rovers around 1407. The team returned to the Habitat with Curiosity at 56% charge and 262.7 hours, and Spirit at 57% charge and 240.2 hours. The reentry process for the HAB commenced at 1419, concluding the Martian exploration.
This EVA involved meticulous planning, organization and time tracking to ensure the LiDAR scans were efficiently and successfully completed during the limited excursion time. Overall, the EVA was executed with a resounding success with exploration, research and safety properly balanced and prioritized.
Destination: Kissing Camel Ridge
Coordinates (use UTM WGS 84): N 518300, E 4249500
Participants: Adriana Brown (Commander), Eshaana Aurora (Crew Geologist), Riya Raj (Greenhab Officer), Sara Paule (Crew Journalist)
Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: First stop will occur outside the Hab itself after which the crew will take rovers and drive south on Cow Dung Road 0110 until Kissing Camel Ridge
Mode of travel: Driving and Walking (Spirit and Curiosity)