Category: EVA Report

Crew 281 EVA Report 26-05-2023

EVA # 13

Authors: Ritupriya Patil (Executive Officer, EVA Lead), Ana Pires (Crew Scientist)

Purpose of EVA:

Drone flight to record and do aerial imagery for new exploration areas

Acquire vertical images and videos for previously done geotechnical survey of Marble Ritual (Not completed)

Start time: 0738 hrs

End time: 1123 hrs

Narrative:

Today was the longest EVA a crew of two. At 0738 hrs the crew left the airlock for rover checks, then continued to set up for a drone payload test. The objective was to deliver a lightweight medical kit to a simulated injured astronaut, this was to establish a proof of concept for flying drone in an emergency scenario in extreme climate (essentially a high desert); and MDRS was the perfect place. 9 tests were performed, 3 out of those were with zero payload to set up a baseline for the experiment. Ana (Crew Scientist) enacted as the injured analogue astronaut, KC (Crew Engineer) was the HabCom and recorded the flight data; Ritu (XO, EVA Lead) was the drone pilot and experimental flight test lead. There were 2 payloads 25 g and 40 g that were retrieved by Ana, stationed 60 m away from the pilot during the 6 tests. The crew was successful in procuring the payload and flying the drone back safely with the harness intact. Special care was taken, and wind checks were performed prior to each flight. Post flight battery usage after each flight varied based on the combination of the payload weight and winds (between 3-5 knots). On an average the battery usage was from 8% – 15% on the payload flights (higher usage for heavier payload).

The data from this experiment will be used in calculating and scaling the analysis for a bigger drone system that would be capable of carrying heavier load and be flight capable in high winds, and lower air density. This analysis will further feed into design concepts to aid to drone (or a similar system) delivery on Mars.

Next stop for the crew was Marble Ritual, to acquire vertical images and videos for previously done geotechnical survey at the site. Some great shots of the MDRS campus tucked in the red “Martian” terrain were captured from Marble Ritual.

Final objective for today’s EVA was to explore the Special Region. The crew drove north on Cow Dung Road passing the now known landmarks of Pooh’s Corner, Galileo Road, Cowboy Corner, intersection to Brahe Hwy 1572, and then left on Gateway to Lith to reach the destination, formerly known as Burpee Quarry. The crew witnessed sediment depositions from a large river that must have run through the quarry area and created a bend. Ritu got aerial imagery of the location and Ana collected 7 rock samples (226g) and soil samples (299g). The crew accomplished all the EVA goals and with a bittersweet emotion drove back to the hab after their final EVA for the mission. It was an honour to be able to participate in exploration of this “Martian” landscape. It was a humbling experience and the crew would do it again in a heartbeat!

Overview of EVA

Drone payload test to simulate medical emergency delivery

Drive on Cow Dung Road to the North, until Marble Ritual, park and walk right hand side to Marble Ritual scanline boulders

Drive on Cow Dung road further North, take left on Gateway to Lith. Drive 200 m, park on the side of the road and walk no more than 500 m radius

Issues Experienced During EVA

Intermittent comms issues.

Outcomes

Crew completed Rover checks

Acquired vertical images and videos for previously done geotechnical survey of Marble Ritual

Explored Special region, collected rock and soil samples and drone footage

Collected 7 rocks, (226g) and soil samples (299g)

Destination:

MDRS Hab and surrounding 500 m radius

Marble Ritual, walking no more than a radius of 500m;

Special Region

Coordinates :

(use UTM WSG 84): 518100 E, 4250900 N

(use UTM WSG 84): 518687 E, 4250789 N

(use UTM WSG 84): 518424E, 4256117N

EVA Participants 2: Ritupriya Patil (XO, EVA Lead), Ana Pires (Crew Scientist)

Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map:

Walk around the Hab

Drive on Cow Dung Road to the North, until Marble Ritual, park and walk right hand side to Marble Ritual scanline boulders

Drive on Cow Dung road further North, take left on Gateway to Lith. Drive 200 m, park on the side of the road and walk no more than 500 m radius

Mode of travel: Rover

Crew 281 EVA Report 25-05-2023
EVA # 12
Authors: Ritupriya Patil (Executive Officer), Ana Pires (Crew Scientist)
Purpose of EVA:
Drone flight to record and do aerial imagery for new exploration areas
Acquire vertical images and videos for previously done geotechnical survey of Marble Ritual (Not completed)

Start time: 0753 hrs
End time: 1112 hrs
Narrative:
This was another long EVA with a crew of three. At 0748 hrs the crew entered the airlock exiting at 0753 hrs. They first checked all the rovers and collected the hours and SoC information, and it was verified that all were securely plugged in. They then unplugged Opportunity and Curiosity and headed out for the first destination at 0758 for the intersection of Cow Dung and Watney Road. The area seemed like a former riverbed; the crew saw lots of sedimentary rocks possibly washed by the flowing water in the past. They also witnessed calcite compressions on the sides of the pathway. The crew walked no more than 600 m and explored. Ana (Crew Scientist) collected 7 rocks (1167 g) and 1 Tube pf soil (72 g). Ritu (XO, EVA Lead) deployed the drone to capture aerial.
For the next stop, the crew wrapped up and drove on Cow Dung Road until they arrived at 1101 Road intersection. From there, they went on foot for about 1 Km and reached Barrainca’s Butte. On the way, they saw Hematite and Ana collected 6 rock samples (789 g) and 1 tube of soil (60g). Ritu was ready for the drone flight and got some great shots of the crew against Barrainca’s Butte with the drone along with other footage of the area.
The crew then left for MDRS and dropped Marble Ritual due to overheating. Today’s EVA was a great reminder of how space and extreme environments can be challenging. A total of almost 2 Km hiking with the suit and backpacks as life-support system was not an easy task in the high sun. Combined with driving the rover without a support for the backpacks to rest on gave the crew some muscle aches. Which is why ergonomics in spacesuit design proves to be an essential aspect of space exploration. Comfortable spacesuits will aid in longer exploration times and achieving research goals.
Also, to add to the challenges of hiking, XO’s waist buckle kept popping open and the backpack would slide down, pulling the weight of the life support system and the helmet on the shoulders. Rest of EVA crew tried to change length of the belt and resetting it but seemed like the buckle has seen some wear and tear over past missions and that wasn’t a permanent fix.
Despite all the pain and exhaustion the expedition was fruitful and left the crew with happiness for exploring one more geological miracle!
Overview of EVA
Drove to the intersection of Cow Dung and Watney Road and then walk no more than a radius of 1 Km to explore the area
Drove further on Cow Dung and 1101 Road intersection and walked 1 Km to north explore Barrainca’s Butte

Issues Experienced During EVA
Intermittent comms issues.
XO, backpack buckle came undone a couple of times while hiking back from Barrainca’s Butte. It could have been due to inadvertent pressure on the belt buckle, and it popped open. Also seems like the buckle has seen a bit of wear and tear.

Outcomes
Crew completed Rover checks
Explored intersection of Cow Dung and Watney Road area, collected soil and rock samples, and drone footage
Explored Barrainca’s Butte region, rock and soil samples and drone footage
Collected 18 rocks, 1.956 Kg; 2 tubes of soil, 132 g

Destination:
Intersection of Cow Dung (Zubrin’s Head) and Watney Road. Then walk 1 Km North East
Intersection of Cow Dung and 1101. Explore Barrainca’s Butte region, and then walk 1 Km to North/ North West
Marble Ritual, walking no more than a radius of 500m; (Depending on Wind conditions)

Coordinates :
(use UTM WSG 84): 519833E, 4248257N
(use UTM WSG 84): 519984E, 4247645N
(use UTM WSG 84): 518687 E, 4250789 N
EVA Participants 3: Ritupriya Patil (XO, EVA Lead), Ana Pires (Crew Scientist), KC Shasteen (Crew Engineer)
Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map:
Drive on Cow Dung Road to the South until the Watney road intersection, park on the side park on the side of intersection
Drive on Cow Dung road further south the intersection of 1101, park on the side of intersection
Mode of travel: Rover

Crew 281 EVA Report 24-05-2023
EVA # 11
Authors: Megan Kane (Commander), Ritupriya Patil (Executive Officer), Ana Pires (Crew Scientist)
Purpose of EVA:
Drone payload test and drill
Test attaching a payload harness to the drone
Fly with payload to 100 m (short distance test)
Collect footage
Antenna check to the Northwest of the hab’s rear airlock for Ham Radio set up

Start time: 0905 hrs
End time: 0948 hrs
Narrative:
The EVA crew went out and checked the Rovers before heading to the radio antenna. After assessing the antenna and making sure it was working properly the crew moved on to near the science dome. From within the observatory Ritu commenced the drone payload tests. Six flights were planned. Only 2 were completed due to the wind conditions and slight damage to the propellers of the drone during landing in the windy conditions.
After the drone tests were completed, the EVA crew did a short external inspection of the hab documenting any visible issues. Once this was completed they reentered the Hab.

Overview of EVA
Inspect Antenna setup
Conduct drone tests
Visual inspection of Hab

Issues Experienced During EVA
The winds were too strong to complete the planned drone tests.
Drone was slightly damaged on the return flight. Propellers are slightly dented.

Outcomes
Crew completed Rover check
Crew completed Antenna Inspection
Crew began drone tests, and accomplished one objectives of delivering payload weighing 40 gms
Testing was aborted after the first payload test due to drone damage and winds. We will adjust our procedure to inquire against additional resources for wind conditions. We would recommend installation of wind-sock for continuous wind information.
Crew conducted a visual inspection of the exterior of the Hab

Destination: MDRS Hab and surrounding 500 m radius

Coordinates : Coordinates (use UTM WSG 84): 518100 E, 4250900 N
EVA Participants 2: Rachel Jones (HSO), Ana Pires (Crew Scientist)
Note: Drone pilot, Ritupriya Patil (XO) launched the drone from Musk Observatory and conducted the tests.
Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: Walk around the Hab
Mode of travel: Walk

Crew 281 EVA Report 23-05-2023
EVA # 10
Authors: Ritupriya Patil (Executive Officer), Ana Pires (Crew Scientist)
Purpose of EVA:
Drone flight to record and do aerial imagery for new exploration areas
Acquire vertical images and videos for previously done geotechnical survey of Pooh’s Corner

Start time: 0750 hrs
End time: 1038 hrs
Narrative:
This was first long EVA with a crew of two. At 0745 hrs the crew entered the airlock exiting at 0750 hrs. They first checked all the rovers and collected the hours and SoC information, and it was verified that all were securely plugged in. They then unplugged Opportunity and headed out for the first destination at 0758 for the intersection of Cow Dung and Hwy 1572. The area was interesting due to the geological features that made a unique mix as if they were partly from moon and mars. The crew witnessed shades and combinations of red and white at various locations around. On arrival to the site, Ana (Crew Scientist) collected 9 rocks (270 g) and soil (55 g). It was drizzling initially but the clouds dispersed by the time the crew arrived and Ritu (XO, EVA Lead) was able to deploy the drone at 0845, capture aerial imagery and videos, and land at 0855 with a 58% battery.
For the next stop, the crew wrapped up and drove on Hwy 1572 until they arrived at the ‘Y’ fork at the Overlook region. Weather was perfect, bright and sunny. Ritu was able to record good footage of the site, with the drone deployed at 0912 and landed at 0924 with 15% battery remaining. Meanwhile, Ana collected 9 rock samples for total of 206 g.
The crew then left for Pooh’s Corner on their way back and acquired vertical and oblique drone images and videos for previously done geotechnical survey for control point 2. This will aid to georeferencing the region under study. The drone batteries were swapped, drone was deployed at 1016 (at 97% battery), the winds had picked up by this time , but the drone was successfully landed at 1025 with 57% battery. The crew left for MDRS right after and arrived at 1037.
During the EVA, the crew observed that Opportunity rover experienced faster drop in the initial 15-20% of battery SoC. By the time they got to the Overlook (almost 7 Km), the charge had dropped to 67%. However, after that the rover’s performance was good and, on the journey back, the SoC was 57%.
Water checks were done approximately every half an hour.
Overview of EVA
Drove to the intersection of Cow Dung and Hwy 1572 and then walk no more than a radius of 100m to explore the area
Drove further on Hwy 1572 to explore the Overlook region, while walking no more than a radius of 500m
On the way back stopped at Pooh’s Corner, walking no more than a radius of 500m;

Issues Experienced During EVA
Comms issues throughout. This was expected per Mission Support’s advice.
Weather was initially an issue with drizzle and winds
XO, suite buckle came undone a couple of times while retrieving the drone from travel packaging. It could have been due to inadvertent pressure on the belt buckle and it popped open.

Outcomes
Crew completed Rover checks
Explored intersection of Cow Dung and Hwy 1572 area, collected soil and rock samples, and drone footage
Explored the Overlook region9 rock samples for total of 206 g and drone footage
Collected drone footage of survey area at Pooh’s Corner collected
Collected 18 rocks, 479 g; 1 tube of soil, 55 g

Destination: MDRS Hab and surrounding 500 m radius

Coordinates :
(use UTM WSG 84): 517533E, 4254823N
(use UTM WSG 84): 516055E, 4254568N
(use UTM WSG 84): 519025 E, 4251183 N
EVA Participants 2: Ritupriya Patil (XO, EVA Lead), Ana Pires (Crew Scientist)
Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map:
Drive on Cow Dung Road take left on Hwy 1572, park on the side of intersection
Drive on Hwy 1572 until the ‘Y’ fork at the Overlook region
Drive on Cow Dung Road and walk left hand side to Pooh’s Corner, scanline boulders
Mode of travel: Rover

Crew 281 EVA Report 22-05-2023
EVA # 9
Authors: Megan Kane (Commander), Ritupriya Patil (Executive Officer), Ana Pires (Crew Scientist)
Purpose of EVA:
Conduct Geotechnical Survey of the area and geomechanical assessment
Schmidt Hammer and Equotip measurements along scanlines
Geological and geotechnical assessment of the scanline using the created datasheet by the Crew Scientist
Acquire images and collect loose rock/soil samples
Drone flight to record all of the above operations and do aerial imagery
Start time: 0834 hrs
End time: 0939 hrs
Narrative:
At 0801 the three members of the EVA entered the airlock exiting at 0807. They first checked all the rovers and collected their information. Hours and State of Charge were recorded for each vehicle and it was verified that all were securely plugged in. They then unplugged Spirit and Perseverance in preparation for heading out to Pooh’s Corner (Site). They left at 0814.
EVA Crew arrived at Site 0823. After parking the rovers the crew did a visual survey of the area to locate a good location for the scanline. At 0806 the crew conducted a water break. They chose the location and laid the scanline. Measurements commenced at approximately 0834. There were 5 stations total. See the completion times below:
Station 1 complete at 0838.
Station 2 complete at 0851
Station 3 complete at 0858
Station 4 complete at 0906
Station 5 complete at 0910
Water checks were taken approximately every half an hour. Samples were collected near the scanline after station 5 was complete. When station 3 began at 0840 drone setup was started. Drone was launched at 0840. The wind was very high and the drone was unable to complete the planned shots. The drone landed at 0900.
At 0919 the crew headed back to the rovers. At 0922 they started back to MDRS in rovers arriving at 0930. The crew re-entered the airlock at 0934 and the hab at 0939.
The crew did not stop over at Marble Ritual for drone footage due to high winds.
Overview of EVA
Drove to Pooh’s Corner
Completed a scanline
Took drone footage for georeferencing

Issues Experienced During EVA
Comms issues throughout. We expect this is due to the high inference on the bands from the current space weather.
Winds too high to get all desired imagery.

Outcomes
Crew completed Rover checks
Crew drove to Pooh’s Corner Ridge
Crew Completed Geological survey
Drone footage of survey area at Pooh’s Corner collected
Collected 6 rocks, 936 g; 1 tube of soil, 49 g

Coordinates (use UTM WSG 84): 519025 E, 4251183 N
EVA Participants 3: Ritupriya Patil (XO, EVA Lead, KC Shasteen (Crew Engineer), Ana Pires (Crew Scientist)
Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: Drive on Cow Dung Road and walk east until Pooh’s Corner.
Mode of travel: Rover

Crew 281 EVA Report 21-05-2023
EVA # 8
Authors: Megan Kane (Commander), Ritupriya Patil (Executive Officer), Ana Pires (Crew Scientist)
Purpose of EVA:
Second test for Pegasus Scoop (rock sampling device)
Acquire images
Test and operations
Drone payload test and drill
Test attaching a payload harness to the drone
Fly with payload to 100 m (short distance test)
This will be first minimum weight payload to establish a proof of concept
Possibly reposition antenna to the North West of the hab’s rear airlock for Ham Radio set up
Collect footage
Start time: 0834 hrs
End time: 1020 hrs
Narrative:
At 0834 the three members of the EVA entered the airlock exiting at 0839. They first went to the Pegaus Scoop test site. They arrived at site at approximately 0843 and set up the scoop. It operated well. Video footage was taken by GoPro and drone. The drone launched at 0845 and landed at 0852. The scoop battery was disconnected at this time as well.
Rachel and Ritu walked back to the hab and prepared for the drone payload test. HabComm recorded data. There were 9 tests
Test 1 – no payload – 0902 -0906
Test 2 – no payload – 0911 -0914
Test 3 – no payload – 0917-0919
Test 4 – no payload -0929 – 0931
Test 4 – 40g payload – 0940 -0948
Test 6 – 40g payload – 0954 – 0956
Test 7 – 50g payload – Abort
Test 8 – 50g payload – Abort
Test 9 – 50g payload – Walk test – 1000 – 1002
After completing the tests, Ana retrieved the scoop and placed it under Spirit Rover to retrieve later. At 1006 the Crew took a water break then proceeded to check the antenna. At 1009 it was confirmed that the antenna was in good condition.
At 1010 they returned to the Hab. Then checked all the rovers and collected their information. Hours and State of Charge were recorded for each vehicle and it was verified that all were securely plugged in.
The crew re-entered the airlock at 1015 and the Hab at 1020.
Overview of EVA
Tested Pegasus Scoop
Conducted Drone payload test
Checked Antenna

Issues Experienced During EVA
The simulated injured astronaut was not in a straight path of the drone’s line of sight. The trial flight without payload had to be redone to set a baseline. We wanted to get minimum variations and repeatability in the tests in terms of distance/speed tracking.
An improved landing pad would be useful for the payload preparation and landing– perhaps a larger towel or a second towel, because the downwash from the propellers would fly the small towel out of location and cause it to bunch up, further exposing the landing area and kicking all dust up.
When we went for a higher weight of 50 grams payload the harness did not work out, further work will be done to resolve that.

Outcomes
Crew completed Rover checks
Crew tested Pegasus Scoop
Crew completed drone payload test
Acquired footage of both tests
Crew checked Radio Antenna
Destination: MDRS Hab and surrounding 500 m radius
Coordinates (use UTM WSG 84): 518100 E, 4250900 N
EVA Participants 3: Ritupriya Patil (XO, EVA Lead), Rachel Jones (HSO), Ana Pires (Crew Scientist)
Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: Walk around the Hab
Mode of travel: Walk

Crew 281 EVA Report 20-05-2023
EVA # 6
Authors: Megan Kane (Commander), Ritupriya Patil (Executive Officer), Ana Pires (Crew Scientist)
Purpose of EVA:
Conduct Geotechnical Survey of the area and geomechanical assessment
Schmidt Hammer and Equotip measurements along scanlines
Geological and geotechnical assessment of the scanline using the created datasheet by the Crew Scientist
Acquire images and collect loose rock/soil samples
Drone flight to record all of the above operations and do aerial imagery
Start time: 0734 hrs
End time: 1004 hrs
Narrative:
At 0734 the three members of the EVA entered the airlock exiting at 0739. They first checked all the rovers and collected their information. Hours and State of Charge were recorded for each vehicle and it was verified that all were securely plugged in. They then unplugged Opportunity and Curiosity in preparation for heading out to Kissin Camel Ridge (Site). They left at 0745.
EVA Crew arrived at Site 0755. After parking the rovers the crew did a visual survey of the area to locate a good location for the scanline. At 0806 the crew conducted a water break. At 0809 they completed laying the scanline. Measurements commenced at approximately 0811. There were 5 stations total. See the completion times below:
Station 1 complete at 0820.
Station 2 complete at 0832
Station 3 complete at 0848
Station 4 complete at 0858
Station 5 complete at -0908
Water checks were taken between each station. Samples were collected near station 4 at 0858. When station 5 began at 0859 drone setup was started. Drone was launched at 0909 after station 5 was completed. Aerial images from the drone will be used for georeferencing the area around the scanline and be used for further overview and assessment of the geological setting. The drone landed at 0929.
At 0938 the crew headed back to the rovers. At 0943 they started back to MDRS in rovers arriving at 0955. The crew re-entered the airlock at 0959 and the hab at 1004.
Overview of EVA
Drove to Kissing Camel Ridge
Completed a scanline
Took drone footage for georeferencing
Issues Experienced During EVA
Schmidt hammer kept rebooting during vertical measurements. Method of measuring changed.
Equotip required reboot mid EVA.
Outcomes
Crew completed Rover checks
Crew drove to Kissing Camel Ridge
Crew Completed Geological survey
Drone footage of survey area collected
Collected 12 rocks, 1.599 kg; 2 tubes of soil, 154 g
Destination: Kissing Camel Ridge
Coordinates (use UTM WSG 84): 518265 E, 4249570 N
EVA Participants 3: Ritupriya Patil (XO) (EVA Leader), KC Shashteen (Crew Engineer), Ana Pires (Crew Scientist)
Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: Drive towards Cow Dung Road, take it south to Kissing Camel Ridge
Mode of travel: Drive the rover for 1.5 Km and then walk to the radius of 500m from the rover

EVA # 7
Authors: Megan Kane (Commander), Ritupriya Patil (Executive Officer), Rachel Jones (HSO)
Purpose of EVA:
Erect antenna to the North West of the hab’s rear airlock for Ham Radio set up
Collect footage
Note: Assistance may be needed to take a part of the antenna down in case of high winds.

Start time: 1205 hrs
End time: 1248 hrs
Narrative:
The crew exited the Hab, walked around to the approximate location for the antenna, then the coaxial cable was retrieved from where it had been passed through the tunnel wall. The cable length dictated where the station could be installed. It took 3 attempts to find a location where the ground spike could be deployed successfully. Once deployed the ground wire and mini were attached. This was followed by the antenna and lastly by the coaxial cable. Grounding pole could not be deployed and the wire was affixed to a rock. The hazard cones were placed and the crew returned to the hab.
Overview of EVA
Run Coaxial cable to location from hab
Erect Antenna
Set up groundwire
Deploy required safety cones

Issues Experienced During EVA
Ground was hard, the spike for the antenna was difficult to deploy. Grounding pole was unable to be deployed. Ground wire affixed to the rock wall instead.

Outcomes
Crew erected the HAM Radio Station

Destination: MDRS Hab and surrounding 500 m radius
Coordinates (use UTM WSG 84): 0518100 E, 4250900 N
EVA Participants 2: Rachel Jones (HSO), Megan Kane (Commander)
Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: Walk around the Hab
Mode of travel: Walk

Crew 281 EVA Report 19-05-2023

EVA # 6

Authors: Megan Kane (Commander), Ritupriya Patil (Executive Officer), Ana Pires (Crew Scientist)

Purpose of EVA:
Erect antenna to the North West of the hab’s rear airlock for Ham Radio set up (not achieved)
Test rock sampling device (Pegasus scoop) and collect samples.
External inspection of the hab, since there were some loose cables/bungee cords banging the hab walls during yesterday’s storms.
Video record the operations

Start time: 0838 hrs

End time: 0954 hrs

Narrative:
Shortly before the EVA it was determined we needed additional time to prepare and test the Ham Radio setup. It was decided that Rachel would focus on this and not go on EVA therefore the first purpose listed was not achieved.

At 0838 the two members of the EVA left. The first objective was to inspect all rovers and collect their information. Hours and State of Charge were recorded for each vehicle and it was verified that all were securely plugged in.

After this the EVA conducted a visual inspection of the hab to ensure there were no safety concerns after yesterday’s storm. Once that objective was complete, the EVA members went to the chosen test site for the Pegasus scoop test. While assembling the scoop for the test, the battery connection was damaged and the test was aborted. Ana (Crew Scientist) repaired it in the hab, post EVA. After documenting the attempted test and conducting a quick drone survey of the area the crew packed up the drone into its case. The drone was carried back to the hab and stored in Spirit’s cargo bay to be retrieved prior to return.

After a short water break they went to collect samples from the area surrounding the hab as described in purpose 2 of the EVA. They also took photographs of the area.

At 0928 the drone was deployed to take visual imagery of the habitat and surrounding area for geolocation mapping. Drone deployed to 80 m initially ascending to 97 m at 0933. The drone landed at 0939 with 42% battery remaining.

After a second watercheck the EVA crew made their way back to Spirit to collect the Pegasus Scoop. Enroute they discovered and retrieved some man made debris and retrieved it for disposal in the hab. They returned to the Hab entering the airlock at 0949.

Overview of EVA

Conduct Hab inspection
Test Pegasus Scoop
Collect samples
Document activities in photographs and video

Issues Experienced During EVA

While assembling the Pegasus Scoop for testing, the pin for the battery broke. The system was repair later in the day.
Discovered debris near hab

Outcomes

Crew completed Rover checks
Crew completed visual inspection of the habitat, with some pictures and videos
Crew Scientist conducted a test for deploying the Pegasus Scoop, a rock sampling device.
Conducted 2 drone flights to collect video footage of the Hab.
Collected 7 rock samples weighing 1068 g

Destination: MDRS Hab and surrounding 500 m radius
Coordinates (use UTM WSG 84): 0518100 E, 4250900 N
EVA Participants 2: Ritupriya Patil (Executive Officer), Ana Pires (Crew Scientist)
Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: Walk around the Hab
Mode of travel: Walk

Crew 281 EVA Report 17-05-2023

EVA # 4

Authors: Ritupriya Patil (Executive Officer), Ana Pires (Crew Scientist)

Purpose of EVA:
Conduct Geotechnical Survey of the area and geomechanical assessment
Schmidt Hammer and Equotip measurements along scanlines
Geological and geotechnical assessment of the scanline using the created datasheet by the Crew Scientist
Acquire images and collect loose rock/soil
Take pictures at Marble Ritual, on the way back, if time and energy allow

Start time: 0735 hrs

End time: 0944 hrs

Narrative:
Crew of started pre-EVA prep at 7 am. KC Shashteen (Crew Engineer) did radio and suit checks. The crew donned the suits and were ready for 15 mins of pre-breathing at 0715 hrs. The crew left the hab at 0735 hrs to begin the EVA on Opportunity rover, which was driven to Pooh’s corner. The crew arrived at Pooh’s corner at 0748 hrs and found a location for rock and soil sample collection about 125 m north of where the rover was parked. They began hardness sampling with a scanline of 200 m, and set up fibreglass tape, Schimdt hammer and equotip equipment. The crew took water breaks to keep themselves hydrated throughout the EVA. After a 5 station long scanline they completed the measurements and returned to the vehicle at 0913 hrs. On their way back to the hab, the crew stopped at Marble Ritual for some pictures of the geological features.
Overall, the crew had a successful EVA with new learnings and they re-entered the hab at 0944 hrs after 5 mins of pressurisation time in the air lock.

Overview of EVA

Collect rock and soil samples for hardness analysis
Visual observation on the area at Marble Ritual

Issues Experienced During EVA

The crew had only one pen to record the scanline measurements. This became problematic when the ball point was badly damaged since it may have hit a rock and it temporarily stopped working. They were able to make it work but we should have a contingency plan.
The equipment came unscrewed and due to the gloves, the crew lost the sensation that the equipment fell off. They were able to locate the part and put it back together to continue with measurements.
Tourists showed up at the EVA location again but there was no interaction from them.

Outcomes

The crew had some confusion on first stop for the EVA, there should have been a pre-brief in the morning that did not happen.
The system works well but we need to understand how to integrate the geotechnical equipment with the spacesuit and gloves for better handling in future space activities.
Collected hardness sampling measurements for 5 station long scanlines.
Collected 18 rocks of 1120 grams and 1 soil sample of 95 grams at Pooh’s corner

Destination: a) Pooh’s Corner and walking no more than a radius of 500m; b) On the way back, stop in Marble Ritual and walk no more than 300m.
Coordinates a) (use UTM WSG 84): 0519025 E, 4251183 N
Coordinates b) (use UTM WSG 84): 0518687 E, 4250789 N
EVA Participants 2: KC (Crew Engineer), Ana Pires (Crew Scientist and EVA Leader)
Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: Drive on Cow Dung Road and walk east until Pooh’s Corner. On the way back, a quick stop in Marble Ritual to take extra photos.
Mode of travel: Opportunity

Crew 281 EVA Report 16-05-2023

EVA # 3

Authors: Megan Kane (Commander), Ritupriya Patil (Executive Officer), Ana Pires (Crew Scientist)

Purpose of EVA:
Scouting the area for antenna erection using the DJI Mavic mini drone –
Explored the area around the Hab including where the Ham Radio was last set up North West of Hab rear airlock
Made pictures and videos for the region around the hab.
Scout for and collect debris around the hab
Walk to the MDRS sign and a sound hab area looking for a location to carry out the first tests with the rock sampling device (Pegasus Scoop)

Start time: 8:30 AM

End time: 9:56 AM

Narrative:
Crew of 3 started pre-EVA prep at 7 am. After a quick pre briefing on objectives of the EVA KC Shahteen (Crew Engineer) did radio and suit checks. The crew donned the suits and was ready for 15 mins of pre-breathing at 8:15 am. The crew left the hab at 0835 to begin the EVA. They went around the hab area and picked up about 38 grams of debris. This tested the manoeuvrability and flexibility in the suits which varied for taller crew members (who found it comfortable) and shorter crew members (who had to stagger while kneeling or bending to pick something off the floor, since the weight of the back pack needed to be balanced).

After achieving objective 1 of debris collection, the crew located the area for Ham Radio set up to the North West region of the Hab’s rear airlock. A coaxial cable will be run from the rear airlock to the location. While Rachel Jones (HSO) did visual observation for the cardinal directions for antenna setup, Ritupriya Patil (XO, EVA Lead) set up her drone for aerial surveillance of the region. Ritupriya flew the drone, which soared up to 60 m high and did a 360° sweep for radio interference and imagery. Through the other maneuvering flights, the crew got some great shots with a birds eye view of the hab, analog astronauts and the surrounding region.

Finally for objective three, Ana Pires (Crew Scientist) identified a couple good areas for testing the rock sampling device for the first time in the field. Ana then led the team south east of the hab and found a good site for collecting soil samples. These will later be sent to the lab for geo physical tests.

Overall the crew had a successful EVA with new learnings and the crew reentered the hab at 09:56 am.

Overview of EVA

Collected debris around the hab will weigh and place in airlock for disposal
Visual observation on the area to locate potential sites to test the rock sampling device (Pegasus Scoop)
Loose rocks were collected and soil from the area
Scouted location for Radio antenna

Issues Experienced During EVA

The XO experienced some discomfort with the suit. This was adjusted with the assistance of the other two on EVA.
There was an issue with the XO’s comms during drone deployment due to the microphone being out of position. As the drone had already been deployed it was decided for safety reasons that the mic issue would be resolved after the drone was safely landed. The other two crew members were able to visually confirm that the XO was fine, also the XO was able to hear Mission Support.

Outcomes

Scouted location for radio installation
Collected 6 rock samples of 977 grams and 1 soil sample of 37 grams
Collected 38 grams of debris
Flew drone in Aerial survey of the Hab, took some good imagery of the region
At least 2 or 3 places were identified as good areas for testing the rock sampling device for the first time in the field

Destination: MDRS Hab and surrounding 500 m radius
Coordinates (use UTM WSG 84): 0518100 E, 4250900 N
EVA Participants 3: Ritupriya Patil (XO) (EVA Leader), Rachel Jones (HSO), Ana Pires (Crew Scientist) (EVA Comm)
Hab Comm: Megan Kane (Commander)
Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: Walk around the Hab
Mode of travel: Walk
Vehicles you will be using (If applicable): Not applicable