Category: Journalist Report

Crew 261 Journalist Report 07-05-2023

Author: Kris Davidson, Crew Journalist

In this fast-paced world, we often find ourselves part of a tribe ceaselessly seeking motion. We race against the invisible foe of time, relentlessly pursuing productivity, success, and ambition. However, deep within our bodies, our very marrow whispers a secret truth: to truly thrive, we must surrender to the transformative power of rest.

At the midpoint of their mission, the Sol 7 Transatlantic Mars Crew consciously chose to pause. With no EVAs on the agenda, the team dedicated this Sol to rest and reflection, allowing for an evaluation of the mission’s progress thus far and attending to personal chores, such as laundry, which had been neglected.

Sol 7 was also designated as the evaluation day for Medical Officer Audrey Derobertmasure’s PASKAL experiment, an endeavor designed to explore the viability of microsampling capillary blood and urine during a Mars analog mission. This biological sampling technique, based on dried matrices like dried blood spots (DBS) and dried urine spots (DUS), seeks to address some of the medical challenges astronauts face during extended space expeditions. By providing an easy and quick monitoring method, the experiment aims to address the increasing susceptibility to acute and chronic cardiovascular deconditioning experienced by astronauts as flight durations exceed six months.

The experiment required the crew to abstain from caffeine for 24 hours, a task best suited for a more tranquil day. Greenhab Officer Cécile Renaud harvested mint and thyme to be infused in a refreshing tea for this caffeine-free period. The crew sipped the tea as they collaborated to complete an array of reports.

The Transatlantic Mars Crew 261 has also built in a sharing time at 1700 on most sols, during which a crew member will informally present MDRS work or other related projects. Despite being scheduled, these presentations offer an expansive openness, fostering deeper understanding and connections among crew members. Commander Burk recently shared the Mars VR project with the crew. On Sol 7, Crew Journalist Kris Davidson presented her personal artwork, which explores storytelling across time.

The crew’s deliberate pause for rest and reflection serves as a reminder of the importance of balance in our lives. By making space for introspection and personal growth alongside their work, the crew demonstrates the value of nurturing both mind and body in the pursuit of success. This lesson transcends the Martian habitat, resonating with all those striving to thrive in our fast-paced world. In embracing periods of rest, we can more fully engage with the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Crew 261 Journalist Report 06-05-2023

Author: Kris Davidson, Crew Journalist

Moving to a distant land begins a lifelong process of translation. Immigrants must translate everything, including language, food, clothes, and even stories rooted in their homeland, across a shifting chasm between cultures. Similarly, for the first colonists on Mars, making a home will be an arduous process spread across generations. Not only will they live in a place with no existing culture, but they will also live in an environment completely inhospitable to human life, with no breathable air or running water. Everything necessary for their survival would have to be brought from Earth, and any malfunction or mishap could mean the difference between life and death. Yet, despite their longing for fresh mountain air on Earth or a swim in the ocean, they will have a tenderness and affection for their adopted home on Mars.

As the first generation of colonists has children, the idea of home would take on even greater significance. For these children, Mars would be the only home they had ever known, a world vastly different from Earth, with its unique challenges and opportunities. In just a couple generations, the cultures between Earth and Mars will be distinct.

Sol 6 marks the midway point of the mission for Transatlantic Mars Crew 261, defined by a feeling of being of two places. On one hand, there was a strong pull from Earth. Before dawn, the crew journalist Kris Davidson projected videos of water and forest against the wall in the science dome, contrasting with the rising sun over the barren Martian landscape outside. Martian homes may be designed to feature calming elements that reference Earth. Later, Commander James Burk participated in an analogue astronaut conference via Zoom being held on Earth at Biosphere 2. The crew had a journalist visit to report back to Earth about the crew’s work on Mars. Finally, the entire crew came together to record a video for Executive Officer Aline Decadi’s mother, who was celebrating her birthday on Earth. Julien Villa-Massone (Crew Engineer) strummed a guitar, and the crew felt happy and connected as they sang.

Even as Earth is always in the heart, life on Mars has become easier for Transatlantic Mars Crew 261. Audrey Derobertmasure (Medical Officer) and Erin Kennedy (Crew Robotics Engineer) had a successful longer EVA 9 for further testing of the Atmosphinder. Later, Commander Burk and Cécile Renaud (Greenhab Officer) also had success on EVA 10, with the recovery of Icarus, the drone lost on Sol 5. The crew has become closer, as colleagues and as friends, making work both easier and safer.

The phrase "home is where the heart is" takes on a new meaning for Mars colonists. For these early pioneers, home is not so much a physical place, but rather a feeling of belonging and connection to their community and mission. Living on Mars requires a tremendous amount of resilience, determination, and cooperation. The colonists are living in a hostile environment, cut off from Earth by millions of miles of empty space. In such extreme conditions, the bonds between the colonists become even more important. They must rely on each other for emotional support, as well as for their survival. They share meals, work together to maintain their equipment and habitat, and find ways to create a sense of community and belonging in a place that is completely alien to human life. Ultimately, despite the challenges they face, the colonists on Mars have created a new home, one that will continue to evolve and shape their lives for generations to come.

Crew 261 Journalist Report 05-05-2023

Author: Kris Davidson, Crew Journalist

Stories have been an integral part of human culture since the beginning of time, and their life cycles often span centuries or even millennia. Over time, the facts of a story may become distorted or embellished as it is retold, leading to the creation of fictional narratives that have little basis in reality. And yet, these fictional narratives often carry an essential truth or message that resonates with people and endures across generations. Similarly, myths are often layered on top of true accounts to further some essential truth. Myths can be seen as a way of interpreting and understanding historical events or natural phenomena that are difficult to explain using rational or scientific means. By layering myths on top of these events, people can create a narrative that provides meaning and context, even if the details of the story are not entirely accurate.

This intersection of mythology and science can be seen in the naming of constellations and space shuttles after ancient myths. For example, the Apollo missions, which aimed to land humans on the moon, were named after the Greek god of music, poetry, prophecy, and the sun, Apollo. This name reflects the idea of reaching for the heavens, which has been a longstanding aspiration of human beings throughout history.

On Sol 5, Commander James Burk and Executive Officer Aline Decadi departed on EVA 7 in the morning, with a quest to fulfill several goals: mounting a drone test flight over an unexplored area to possibly be imaged for VR Mars in the future, continued testing of meshtastic devices, and capturing wind data for crew robotics officer, Erin Kennedy’ ongoing Atmosphinder work. During the course of the EVA, the drone was lost due to high winds and altitude. Upon return to the hab, Commander Burk named the wayward drone Icarus.

In Greek mythology, Icarus was the son of Daedalus, a skilled craftsman who created a set of wings made of feathers and wax for himself and his son to escape from the island of Crete. Daedalus warned Icarus not to fly too close to the sun, as the wax would melt, nor too close to the sea, as the feathers would become waterlogged. However, as Icarus soared through the skies, he became entranced by the sensation of flight and ignored his father’s warning. He flew too close to the sun, causing the wax in his wings to melt, and he plummeted into the sea. Back at the hab, crew engineer Jullian Villa-Massone and Commander Burk were able to locate Icarus using the drone’s built-in software. Transatlantic Mars Crew 261 is considering an EVA to retrieve the drone. Icarus may fly again, but through his new appointed name, he carries the ancient warning held in the myth.

The theme of safety and precaution flavored the rest of Sol 5. In the afternoon, Executive Officer Aline Decadi led a spacesuit safety session in the hab, with crew members acting out various emergency scenarios. The crew felt rewarded for these efforts when greenhab officer, Cecile Renaud, harvested fresh tomatoes and cucumber for the evening dinner.

Stories and myths have been a crucial part of human culture for centuries, serving as a means of interpreting and understanding the world around us. They may become distorted or embellished over time, but they often carry insights and lessons that endure across generations. The naming of the lost drone Icarus by Commander Burk on Sol 5 carries the ancient warning held in the myth and serves as a reminder of the importance of safety and precaution in space exploration. The crew’s spacesuit safety session and successful harvest of fresh produce highlight the importance of these efforts in ensuring the wellbeing of the crew on their mission to Mars.

Crew 261 Journalist Report 04-05-2023

Author: Kris Davidson, Crew Journalist

Deep time is a concept championed by geologists and astronomers, who interpret long-ago events recorded within our Earth’s geological features and far-away planets and stars. This concept allows us to understand the vast and nearly incomprehensible expanse of time that has unfolded since the formation of our universe, as well as the intricate processes that have sculpted the planets in our solar system. By exploring deep time, we gain a humbling appreciation for the enormity of cosmic history and an understanding of how complex, interconnected processes over eons have shaped the Earth and other planets, like Mars, that we aspire to visit soon.

In light of deep time, the brevity of a single human lifetime becomes profoundly apparent. Our fleeting existence, typically spanning less than a century, pales in comparison to the billions of years that have unfolded since the universe’s inception. On Sol 4, during EVA 5, crew members were collecting data for meshtastic devices, walking and admiring Martian geological features when they were suddenly reminded of the ephemeral nature of human life. A mechanical malfunction in a crew member’s spacesuit caused a sudden, brief illness, and in an instant, everything changed. Back at the hab the crew discussed checklists, procedures, and training for better responses in future emergency situations.

Despite the relative brevity of our lives, we still manage to make important contributions to the human race that will endure across a deeper time span. The cumulative nature of human progress, particularly in science and discovery, is a testament to the resilience and tenacity of our species. Each generation builds upon the knowledge and achievements of those who came before, as they seek to unravel the mysteries of the universe, always pushing against the shifting boundaries of our understanding. During EVA 6, crew roboticist Erin Kennedy’s work testing a robotic elements and wind sails of the Atmosphinder rover yielded notable progress. Her work contributes to a larger understanding of how a wind-powered rover intended to provide valuable information about Mars might be best engineered. Meanwhile, in the science dome, Cecile Renaud (greenhab officer and crew biologist) planted tomato seeds in a variety of soil samples to be stimulated later with spirulina, moving us closer to understanding how the first people on Mars might effectively grow food in the planet’s hostile environment.

The collaborative, generational effort in science across time has enabled humanity to make remarkable strides. As we continue to explore the cosmos, we carry with us the collective wisdom of our ancestors. Transatlantic Mars Crew 261 aspires to contribute meaningfully to the ongoing story of human discovery and progress, and on Sol 4 especially, we remain ever mindful of the vast expanse of deep time that surrounds us.

Crew 261 Journalist Report 03-05-2023

Author: Kris Davidson, Crew Journalist

A strong wind arose during the afternoon of Sol 3, battering the hab for several hours. The fierce gusts elicited contrasting emotions; a sense of comfort as the crew found solace in their secure shelter, while concern lingered with each shake and rattle. The inhospitable conditions outside served as a stark reminder that critical structures can be damaged or compromised under the formidable Martian elements.

Winds have long defined Mars and remain an important area of study. Earlier in the day, prior to the intensification of the wind, the crew united to support Erin Kennedy, the Crew Robotics Engineer, as she embarked on her first on-site test of Atmosphinder. This innovative wind-powered rover is being designed to probe the geomorphic processes in the south polar region of Mars, an area known for its seasonal eruptions that contribute significantly to the planet’s atmospheric system. During EVA 4, Executive Officer Aline Decadi took the lead, offering valuable support as Kennedy worked with the robot, while Crew Commander James Burk supervised the team’s endeavors from the hab. Kennedy tested the robot using a half-sized design (~1 m diameter) in front of the hab. The objectives of the test focused on structural aspects of the robot and de-risking operational elements.

Cécile Renaud (Greenhab Officer + Crew Biologist) has been working steadily on two biology experiments, both with the overarching goal of understanding how future Martian settlers might successfully grow edible plants. The primary purpose of EVA 3, led by Crew Commander James Burk, was for Renaud to collect a variety of soil samples to use in a biostimulation project, in which spirulina (a stimulant) will be placed on tomato plants. Renaud and Julien Villa-Massone (Crew Engineer) have also successfully completed the setup of the photobioreactor device, intended to study the growth of spirulina in a Martian environment.

Transatlantic Mars 261 is comprised of safety-focused individuals, with a focus EVAs, among the most dangerous activity for an astronaut. Villa-Massone (Crew Engineer) installed a temporary monitor in the hab featuring a live EVA map feed, allowing HabComm to track the analogue astronauts in real time. Decadi (Executive Officer) polled the crew about the EVA spacesuits, compiling a list of areas of potential safety-focused improvement. Audrey Derobertmasure (HSO) has further improved the safety of EVAs by implementing a quick numerical (1 through 5) self-assessment of well-being, Each analog astronaut is queried at various points of an EVA by HabComm, a simple but valuable metric for recent hot Sols.

At 1700, the crew gathered in the lower hab for an enlightening demonstration of Mars VR by Commander Burk, who was joined in a virtual MDRS setting by project development partner Jeff Rayner of MXT Reality, based in Seattle, Washington. While still in the midst of a windstorm, the crew explored the virtual hab and surrounding landscape.

As the crew members of the Transatlantic Mars 261 mission press forward, they continue to confront the challenges and marvels that the Martian landscape has to offer. From the winds of Sol 3 to the intricacies of rover testing and the pursuit of sustainable plant growth, each day brings a wealth of learning experiences and opportunities for growth. With a focus on safety and a commitment to teamwork, the crew remains dedicated to advancing our understanding of Mars and its potential for future human habitation.

Crew 261 Journalist Report 01-05-2023

Author: Kris Davidson, Crew Journalist

For early settlers on Mars, there will be a surreal juxtaposition permeating every moment: the staggering responsibility and honor of being among the first humans on Mars, and the unyielding banality of critical daily chores. The extensive list of tasks that fill each Sol is a humbling reminder that even in this far-flung world, life will remain tethered to the mundane.

For Transatlantic Mars 261, these contrasting realities have begun to take hold. Before the EVA on Sol 2, Julien Villa-Massone (Crew Engineer) prepared and checked all the spacesuits — a repetitive task that on Mars could have life or death consequences. EVA 2 was led by James Burk (Commander) with Audrey Derobertmasure (HSO), Erin Kennedy (Crew Robotics Engineer), and Kris Davidson (Crew Journalist) to Marble Ritual for completion of crew training. Safe in the well-maintained spacesuits, the analog astronauts completed the training practice while enjoying an EVA filled with novelty and gentle wonder.

Back at the hab, the crew went about their projects, experiments, and chores. In the morning, and following the EVA, Derobertmasure (HSO) captured biometrics for the cardiovascular aging study. Cécile Renaud (Greenhab Officer) continued work on the biological preparation of spirulina for the photobioreactor experiment, alongside Julien Villa-Massone (Crew Engineer) who attended to the mechanical and programming elements of the device. In the afternoon, Villa-Massone (Crew Engineer) added the EVA Map, a satellite tracking function to the crew website (https://www.transatlanticmarscrew261.com), for the dual purposes of increasing crew safety while also creating real-time location markers for points of interest. Kennedy (Crew Robotics Engineer) continued programming and assembly of the Atmosphinder wind rover for upcoming EVA testing. Aline Decadi (Executive Officer) worked in the solar observatory to image the sun for education and outreach purposes. Burk (Crew Commander) continued work with the file server and technical set up for the Mars VR mapping work to be completed on an upcoming EVA.

Dinner featured fresh cucumbers, harvested from the greenhab by Renaud (Greenhab Officer). This precious fruit served as an important reminder, relevant to both Earth and Mars: even in the most inhospitable environments, life finds a way to persevere, and the simplest of pleasures can hold profound significance.

Crew 261 Journalist Report 01-05-2023

Author: Kris Davidson, Crew Journalist

In the tapestry of human existence, two shimmering threads interweave, binding the fabric of our collective destiny: Toolmaking and storytelling, the twin engines that drive the progress of our species. We find ourselves at an extraordinary moment when the loom of technology whirls with unprecedented velocity, spinning forth marvels in multiple realms – artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, and rockets powerful enough to propel us (and all that we need to thrive) to Mars.

Storytelling has long served as an essential catalyst in the alchemy of scientific discovery. It is the vessel that carries within it the fragile essence of our humanity, infusing the sterile precision of data with the warm pulse of our imperfect hearts. Every simulation carried out at the Mars Desert Research Station is a story, an important draft in the larger unfolding story of humans to Mars. One day, a human being will be the first to set foot on Mars. That person — perhaps a teenager today — will also be standing on the shoulders of countless scientists, engineers, and analogue astronauts who have made and rectified all manner of mistakes to ensure their success.

Every analogue astronaut carries some version of this story with them to Utah. On the eve of the beginning of Transatlantic Mars Crew 261’s sim, Commander James Burk gently warned of the many discomforts to be endured in the coming two weeks. He reminded the crew that the experiments and projects will almost certainly take longer than expected, and that perfection should not be the goal (the subtext being that challenges and setbacks are precisely what we need to work through as a unified team). The Transatlantic Mars Crew 261’s arrival to the red planet was a liminal affair, a dreamed landing that occurred between a final dusk on Earth and the first Sol on Mars as the crew slept.

After the first breakfast on Mars, Executive Officer Aline Decadi led Audrey Derobertmasure (HSO), Julien Villa-Massone (Engineer), Cecile Renaud (Greenhab Officer), and Kris Davidson (Crew Journalist) on the first EVA to Marble Ritual for EVA training and testing communication systems. The EVA returned late, and Crew Commander James Burk called a debrief for the entire crew to review. It was determined that the novelty of being in spacesuits on EVA decreased anticipated efficiency. Throughout, Decadi prioritized safety for the crew. At the debrief, the crew also discussed hab etiquette for quiet hours, meal prep and clean up, as well as ways to ease stressful workloads for each other. The illusion of perfection was duly (and necessarily) shattered, but under the leadership of Burk and Decadi, the crew was empowered to voice concerns and strengthened as a unit.

The crew also expressed a desire to streamline communications with Mission Support and made the decision to invite Sergii Iakymov to join for dinner and conversation at 1800. A decision was also made to cancel the second EVA for the day.

The rest of the day was busy, with crew members beginning the setup of various experiments and projects. Derobertmasure (HSO) worked on collecting biometrics to assess cardiovascular aging from all crew members. Burk unpacked and qualified the file server that will be used for a multitude of technological applications in the coming days. Villa-Massone (Engineer) assessed facilities as required and worked with Renaud (Greenhab Officer) to set up the photobioreactor in the science dome. Erin Kennedy (Crew Roboticist) worked steadily on assembling and programming robotic elements of Atmosphinder, a wind-powered rover to be tested on upcoming EVAs. Decadi (Executive Officer) assessed observatories ahead of her planned celestial imaging for education and outreach purposes.

As Sol 1 for Crew 261 comes to a close, we are tired but more connected as a crew. And, we are all grateful and proud to be a part of the larger humans-to-Mars story.

Crew 280 Journalist Report 28-04-2023

Author: Núria Jar, Crew Journalist

As the final countdown began, mixed feelings filled the crew on their last hours on Mars. Hypatia I is returning to Earth after spending 12 SOLs on Mars. Despite the fact that a Martian day lasts 39 minutes longer than an Earth day, time seemed to have flown by at the Mars Research Desert Station (MDRS).

At around 4PM, the crew saw the first human in days. Sergii Iakymov, assistant director at the MDRS, had been supporting the crew as Mission Control throughout their Martian journey.

On the one hand, the crew members are excited to return to their families and loved ones, to feel the Earth’s gravity, and to enjoy a hot shower. On the other hand, they feel a sense of nostalgia as they say goodbye to the Red Planet that has been their home. It is bittersweet to leave behind the place where they have conducted experiments, made discoveries, and shared unforgettable experiences.

After their mission on Mars, the Hypatia I crew members prepared the station for the arrival of the next crew, who were scheduled to arrive the following day. They cleaned up the station for the incoming ones to continue. They also conducted a thorough check of all systems and equipment to ensure everything was in good working order for the next team.

Before leaving the MDRS, the crew members took a moment to reflect on their mission and the memories they made during their time on Mars. Two golden laurel branches, as if they were astronaut wings, adorn their shoulders after completing the mission.

It’s an emotional moment for the crew as they are as excited to return home but also sad to leave the Red Planet and end their mission. This experience was a turning point for all of them that they will cherish as they look up to the skies.

Crew 280 Journalist Report 27-04-2023

Author: Núria Jar, Crew Journalist

Journalist report – SOL 11
Hypatia I – Crew 280
Núria Jar, Crew Journalist

Today is a special day on Mars. The Crew Commander of Hypatia I, Mariona Badenas-Agustí, is celebrating her birthday. Curiously, she is the youngest member of the crew, although she is leading a female-led mission to the Mars Research Desert Station (MDRS). She is an inspiration for the next generation of space explorers, especially for young girls who are interested in pursuing STEM-related careers.

Hypatia I is preparing a special dinner for tonight. Pasta with pesto is a tasty pleasure from Earth that will satisfy all the crew members. They will also bake a homemade cake to celebrate that Mariona has completed another orbit around the Sun, but from Mars.

The crew members are enjoying the last hours at the base, as well as the last extravehicular activity (EVA), the last dinner, the last sprouts from the GreenHab, the last dehydrated food from the provisions, the last shower… They will miss their lives on Mars. It’s not easy to leave behind an experience that has been so life-changing and memorable.

Actually, they are wrapping up all their experiments to prepare for their return home, where they will share all their findings and results with the general public. In addition to their research, they have also gained personal learnings that they will take with them.

By the way, Hypatia I is making the most of their last few hours at the MDRS by engaging in some leisure activities. The Crew Scientist, Ariadna Farrés Basiana, in collaboration with the Crew Engineer, Cesca Cufí i Prat, designed a Martian navigation exercise that proved to be quite challenging and left the crew exhausted.

The Crew Commander, Mariona Badenas-Agustí, and the Crew Journalist, Núria Jar, drove to Roberts Rock Garden with the Perseverance rover. What made this moment even more special was that Badenas-Agustí and Jar first met at an interview at the Catalan public radio station, Catalunya Ràdio, to talk about Mars when the rover landed on the Martian surface.

Crew 280 Journalist Report 26-04-2023

Author: Núria Jar, Crew Journalist

The crew members of Hypatia I were relieved to enjoy a warmer day on Mars as the temperature climbed above 20 degrees Celsius, following some chilly days at the beginning of their mission.

On average, the temperature on Mars is -63ºC, but the difference between Martian day and night goes from 35ºC during the day and drops significantly at night to -80ºC. The extreme temperature variation can make exploration and survival on Mars challenging. However, Hypatia I crew is surviving efficiently.

The Crew Scientist of Hypatia I, Ariadna Farrés Basiana, demonstrated her resourcefulness by making a homemade sextant using only a few objects to determine the latitude at the Mars Research Desert Station (MDRS). She took a rule, a piece of cord, one rock and a homemade protractor. The crew is looking forward to testing it out during the night to see how accurate the homemade sextant is in determining their location, in relation to the Polar Star.

Mars has an inclination that is very similar to Earth’s. So, the method used by the Crew Scientist to determine the latitude at the MDRS using a homemade sextant should work on Mars just as it does on Earth.

The extravehicular activity (EVA) of the day took place along Cow Dung Road 0110, just before reaching the Martian moons around Outlook. The long distance between this destination and the MDRS made radio communications between the crew and the base challenging. To address this issue, the Crew Commander, Mariona Badenas-Agustí, pointed the radio antenna towards the south to improve communication with the base. Fortunately, it worked and the EVA was a nice experience in the MDRS surroundings.

During the EVA, the GreenHab Officer, Laia Ribas, took the opportunity to collect sand samples from various locations. She is using microBIOMETER, a device that allows her to test the soil microbes on site, to study the possibility of life on Mars. The GreenHab Officer is leading this experiment in collaboration with the school of their kids, so the next generation is getting involved in scientific exploration and discovery. She finally discovered the presence of life on the Red Planet.