Category: Journalist Report

Crew 220 (MDRS) Journalist Report 31Jan2020

Author: Connie Delisle, Crew Journalist

Title: The Art and Science of Life on Mars

We arose today knowing it was the last opportunity to experience an MEVA and to complete science and research projects here on Mars. Despite heightened awareness of the need to focus on the Mission while keeping in mind the impeding work to return to Earth, attention waned in preparation of the MEVA and made the start more challenging than expected.

Today’s lessons reinforced that life’s snags can also be the best of teachers. As MEVA team leader I faced unfamiliar decisions, taking longer than anticipated to figure out how to deal with a communications issue. As this was rectified, the crew was able to recover its stride going into the Search and Rescue/Medical Evacuation exercise confidently. I felt that the team shifted into a smoother operational rhythm for the remainder of the MEVA. Successfully finding, treating and evacuating the fallen astronaut seemed to build confidence and familiarity – perhaps we were being guided by the XO Svensøy’s words of last evening – to challenge ourselves and not to try to be perfect – embrace failing. We added more complexity into the exercise scenario by aborting the compression cycle to bring a patient to MAU Station, rerouting to MDRS and in doing so, having a crew member play the role of an injured SAR personnel. Although focused and appreciating the seriousness of treating injuries on Mars, many crew members reported feeling excited and stimulated in being able to creatively adapt as they had learned in their professions on Earth.

Following lunch MAU and MDRS enjoyed lunch together as well as shared personal reflections. It was heart-warming to hear the level of appreciation from each and to know that free will exists to make connections with crew mates going forward.

So the saying goes – All good things come to end [Ref: Geoffrey Chaucer, 1300s]. This came to mind last night and it seemed destined for use in closing this last journalist report. Chaucer’s words serve as much as reminder that the time at MDRS is ending. However, it has also created a beginning – to embrace and accept that everything going forward is temporary. That as Commander Hanacek offered at lunch, the power is within each us to design our own destiny. In my words, it means to sort through one’s own “garbadges”, truly claim what is real, true and authentic; retire and return negative programming to sources where it may have come; to speak for oneself and let others own their own ‘stuff’.

With that, leaving Mars then isn’t an end. It marks a continuation to explore on Earth, the circularity and impermanence of life itself.

Until we rendezvous again,

Connie Delisle, PhD, MDRS Journalist Crew 220

Crew 220 MDRS Journalist Report 29JAN2020
Author: Morgan Kainu, Crew Journalist
Sol 10
Title: Destination Exploration

Body: Today marked the first day of the MAU Ambassador Program implementation. A crew member from MDRS was hosted at the MAU hab the previous night to learn from the MAU crew about internal operations as well as to stay the day and to participate with the MAU crew in an explorative extravehicular activity (EVA). This was the first EVA to leave directly from the MAU hab.
It was a mildly warm day, yet stunning red Martian day. It was perfect for exploring and admiring the landscape. The MAU crew and MDRS ambassador crew member together expressed their sentiments about the extreme beauty experienced on the EVA, reflecting in their mind’s eye. They also took this opportunity to share their photos from the day with the rest of the MDRS crew back at their hab.

Both crews had a special treat on the menu for dinner – one crew member cooked a special batch of Borscht for everyone. It was an incredible dish and a great opportunity to share our favorite dishes while on Mars. Following dinner, everyone came together for some down time before tucking in for the night at our respective habs.

Morgan Kainu, BA; MAU Journalist Crew 001

Crew 220 MDRS Journalist Report 28Jan2020

Author: Morgan Kainu, Crew Journalist

Sol 9

Title: We Will We Will Rock You

Body:

Today marked a very exciting day for the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) crew and Mars Academy USA (MAU) crew – our very first Geological Extra Vehicular Activity (GEVA). Both crews briefed over breakfast together at the MDRS station before setting out via rover towards the two designated geological soil sampling sites at 010:30.

The two crews were able to collect an ample amount of interesting terrain/soil samples from two sites along the Martian landscape ("Kissing Camel Ridge" and "North Ridge") for further analysis back at the science dome. Upon their return, the crew debriefed the rest of the crew members at MDRS about their extravehicular activity before everyone joined together in the Science Dome for soil sampling and stratification analysis followed by viewing our samples under the Foldscope portable microscope.

To conclude a long day and and unwind, the crews joined together for dinner and a well deserved movie: The Martian.

Morgan Kainu, BA; MDRS Journalist Crew 220

Subject: Crew 001 (MAU) Journalist 21Jan2020

Crew 001 MAU Journalist Report 21Jan2020

Author: Morgan Kainu, Crew Journalist

Sol 2

Title: Snow and Dancing on Mars

At 0700 we rose for the morning to a slow flurry of Martian snow that had just started falling. We sat together enjoying the scenery while eating a breakfast of oatmeal and coffee. Starting at 0900 the Martian snow decided to pick up its pace, so we worked together to make sure that everything was secured and well prepared for the Martian elements.

Following the securing of the hab, we sat back down to enjoy some story telling and hab activities. We all enjoyed the opportunity to continue to learn from and about one another and planning for hab improvements for the next Sol.

In the evening, we met up with the MDRS crew at their hab for a Mars Circle activity between the two habs, for having our biometrics checked and enjoying a delicious shepherds pie dinner that one of the MDRS crew members whipped up for us from the freeze dried food. And, to top the night off, we had an joyful night of music and dancing between the two crews where we learned how to waltz, two-step, and a dance from India.

See photos (separately sent)

Morgan Kainu, BA; MAU Journalist Crew 001

Crew 220 MDRS Journalist Report 20Jan2020

Author: Connie Delisle, Crew Journalist

Sol 2

Title: Off to the (Mars) Races!

The morning arrived early. The night preceding ended with a flurry of activity in preparing reports, sorting through mission logistics and delineating crew roles. The challenges of ICE Environments are becoming evident, and the crew is already rising to the occasion.

During the morning brief, the MAU and MDRS teams conducted a joint briefing on the proposed joint mission EVAs and mission ops/logistics.

The excitement of this first mission captivated all and many heart-felt shares were offered in wrapping up the meeting. The MAU crew reported making further progress towards station operational efficiency, elated at the challenges and projects ahead.

The morning’s EVA began just before 10:00 am. The MDRS team leader and 2 crew members suited up and walked to the MAU station to join their counterparts. Together, they commenced to shuttle members to the rendezvous point (Marble Ritual). This was followed by a walk around the area prior to returning to their respective stations. This same procedure was repeated for the afternoon EVA which began at 13:30 with the crew members who had stayed behind in the morning. The key difference between EVAs was that the morning’s mission was truncated due to the later start time. Both missions were completed within the set time limit and met mission objectives. Crews are now familiar with the process of donning, doffing, use of the rovers and communications. Follow on EVAs are expected to reinforce familiarity and improve communications consistency.

See photos (separately sent)

Connie Delisle, PhD, MDRS Journalist Crew 220

Crew 219 Journalist Report, 17 JAN 2020

Author: Nathan Hadland, Crew 219 Executive Officer

Sol 12

And That’s All Folks

We ended sim today at 1700 hours. We emerged from the Hab and collectively breathed in the fresh air and watched the sunset. The crew took in the beauty of the Utah desert without spacesuits for the first time in two weeks. I looked around at the crew and am content with the relationships I have strengthened and the work we have accomplished during our mission. Some of our research will be incorporated into senior theses, PhD dissertations, conference abstracts, and white papers. I believe that the impact of our work will extend far beyond this mission and will assist future MDRS crews as well as human space exploration as a whole. As the president of the Astrobiological Research and Education Society (ARES) at the Florida
Institute of Technology, my job is to ensure that the MDRS crews we organize reflect the overall values and vision of our organization. MDRS Crew 219 has accomplished that goal.

We woke up this morning to a hail storm and intense wind. For breakfast, Dave broke out his last can of bacon and prepared us a delicious breakfast to kick off the day of furious scrubbing and typing. Today was largely spent thoroughly cleaning the Hab and finishing up our mission summary. Dave (CO) and I started with a document of over 6,000 words and truncated it down to below the 2,000-word limit. That was an intense process! For lunch, Hannah made us cornbread and a compilation of the foods we had left. For dessert, we feasted on the leftover chocolate chip oatmeal cookies.

After ending sim, we went outside and began the tedious and brutal process of cleaning the mud-covered rovers in the cold using sponges and scrapers. After comms window tonight, we will enjoy the world’s best chai tea prepared by our geologist, Abdul as well as apple spice cake prepared by Hannah. We are also going to watch the MDRS essential film: The Martian. Overall, I had a phenomenal time at the Mars Desert Research Station, and I am excited for future ARES crews to return.

CREW 219 JOURNALIST REPORT 16JAN2020

AUTHOR: Keith Crisman

SOL 11

ALL THE FEELS FROM MARS: ALPHA AND OMEGA AND ALPHA AGAIN

The beginning of the end… and rebirth. Last night, with little

the ceremony, roles among the crew shifted. As Crew 219’s mission begins

nearing its termination point they will begin to prepare the Hab for

the arrival of their replacement crew and transport back to Earth.

Further, training for ARES’ next season MDRS crew’s CO (C. Montanez,

current GHO) and XO (K. Crisman, current HSO) begins with a transfer

of titles from the current CO (D. Masaitis) and XO (N. Hadland). Our

new (acting) CO and XO are taking the reins with planning and

execution of duties and responsibilities of the roles they will

proudly inhabit next season. As such, in a combination of the end and

a new beginning; today marked the last day our crew held EVAs, the

very last of which was commanded by our (acting) CO and XO.

These EVAs were a slower pace, returning superfluous samples, giving the

crew time to slow down and reflect on the environment, landscape, and

the natural beauty of our Martian desert home. For some, they are ready

to go home, full of stories and experiences ready to share with their

family, friends, and peers. For others such as myself, despite the

short two-weeks stay, and badly missing my wife, daughter, and home

(not to mention a good steak, hot shower, and soft bed), I can’t help

but look out over the sheer beauty of this landscape. It may have

been a short stay, but this crew has become family, this desert has

become home, and although I am ready to leave, part of me will forever

stay here.

To my crew mates and those that follow our stories; Per Scientiam ad Martis, Semper Exploro! To Mars through Science, Always Exploring!

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.

Crew 219 14-Jan-2020 Journalist Report

Abdul Elnajdi, Crew 219 Geologist

Sol 9

I cannot believe that today is the ninth day since our arrival on
Mars! I got up at 7:30 am and hoped that the sun was shining like
yesterday and the day before. I consider myself a person who loves
getting up early, but I cannot start my day without a cup of coffee.
Thank God that the commander of our mission, David, brought coffee
with him. It is strong and has a delicious taste.

Today's schedule will be quite easy, our XO, Nathan, planned one EVA.
As I do my geological duty, I am very happy to go outside and collect
samples of the red planet. Although there is snow, I only see red
soil! That's what my imagination has been showing me since we arrived
on Mars. I am trying to collect samples from different sites around
the Martian base for my proposal. I am working to draw a map with GIS
that shows the mineral and chemical composition of the Martian soil
using XRF and XRD analysis of the samples.

Despite the unexpected difficulties that sometimes face us, seeing my
friends working professionally on their various tasks makes me feel
very happy. This happiness sweeps my body with a great energy that
drives me to work every day to make this mission a success.

I learn a lot from David as he reminds us of our mission today and how
important it is to complete everything before six o'clock so that we
have time to write our daily reports. I smile when I see our engineer
Alejandro jumping like a ninja warrior to record water and power
numbers so the day goes well for everyone. I feel safe listening to
our HSO Keith's medical advice and his reminders to drink water. I
love to listen to Robby and Cynthia as they tell me about the progress
they make every day in the GreenHab and in the observatory, or seeing
Nathan planning for the next EVA. As I collect samples, I think about
the food that Hannah will make! We are lucky that Hannah is with us!
The food she makes makes you forget your tiredness all day. She made
fish tacos for lunch today! Good food, good company, and a sunny day!
What else you need on Mars?!

Our crew had a wonderfully sunny EVA today; they collected new samples
and brought them back to the Science Dome, putting them in the oven to
dry. I will work later to sieve them and put them in special bags
until they are ready for analysis when we return to Earth. The rest of
the crew spent time cleaning around the Hab. I found out that my
friends love to drink my chai! So I made some for them because that
makes them happy and we always have something fun to talk about with a
nice cup of tea. The HAB is just like USS Enterprise from Star Trek:
no matter what the spaceship went through, everything will be just
fine by the end of the day because the crew did so well. It was
another beautiful sol and we already know our tasks tomorrow. We are
all ready to get a good night’s sleep and wake up to another
spectacular sunny Sol. Salam 

Crew 219 JOURNALIST REPORT 13JAN2020

AUTHOR: Cynthia Montanez

SOL 8

AVANTGARDE

As darkness began to fade this morning, a distant sound awakens Crew
219. Confused as to what the sound was, the HSO (Keith Crisman) found
the nearest radio and asked “Say again?” With a reply from Outpost
stating the low SOC percentage, Crew 219 finds themselves in safety
mode. While in safety mode, each crew member unplugged all their
devices and appliances within the station to conserve the remaining
energy.

At 10:00 A.M., LSO (Hannah Blackburn) and I decided to make the best
out of this situation by having a Martian Spa Day. After an hour of
detangling my curly hair, the LSO and I set up a mini station by the
airlock for their spa. The spa consisted of a detangling brush, Head
and Shoulder shampoo and conditioner, towel, and a dish bin filled
with warm water. It was an experience we both enjoyed. Not to mention,
the results that came from our Martian Spa was beautiful clean hair.

By about 11 am, Crew 219 was able to turn on their lights. With
everyone celebrating, I decided to head to the GreenHab for my first
temperature reading of the day and a quick watering. While watering,
the CO (Dave Masaitis) entered and assisted by transplanting some aloe
vera succulents and cucumbers. We spent time in the GreenHab
conversing about planting methods, future plans, etc. It was a brief
discussion, but it was one that brought us closer together.

As the rest of the day played out, while part of the crew was out on
EVA, the rest of crew 219 found ways to keep themselves busy by either
cooking, reading a good book, working in the lab, or conversing with
one another.

Overall, today was a good day on white Mars.