Category: Sol Summary

Sol: 1
Summary Title: Sol One: Lots of Fun
Author’s name: Adriana Brown
Mission Status: Nominal
Sol Activity Summary:
Sol one began with a 7:30 am wake-up to prepare for training. Amazingly, Santa made it all the way to our Martian home and the crew woke up to small gifts under a miniature Christmas tree. While Eshaana (GEO) and Nathan (ENG) whipped up a breakfast of scrambled dehydrated eggs and potatoes, the rest of the crew completed some light stretching to help our muscles after long days spent in transit. Shortly after, we met Sergii and completed our MDRS training, including taking the rovers for a spin to Marble Ritual and a brief Nutella and graham cracker break. We took some team photos in front of the Hab and then sent our first EVA crew off to Marble Ritual at 2:00 pm, signifying the beginning of our sim. While Gabe (HSO), Aditya (SCI), Sara (XO), and Eshaana were having their first taste of the Martian terrain, Adriana (CO), Nathan, and Riya (GHO) set to work making lunch for the hungry EVA crew: pasta salad with a plethora of GreenHab-sourced veggies and dehydrated mozzarella cheese. After lunch, the crew members dispersed to begin setting up their various research projects and complete chores around the Hab. Aditya worked on his robot, E.L.F. (Electronic LeapFrog), while Nathan worked on sensors that will monitor different states of the MDRS campus, building on his research project that was started during Crew 288’s rotation. On the upper deck, Eshaana planned out future EVAs, Gabe vacuumed, and Sara and Adriana tackled Mt. Dirty Dishes, with Sara developing an extra-water efficient method. Meanwhile, Riya tended to plants in the GreenHab and repotted a few of the residents (radishes and broccoli). As the crew prepares for their Christmas evening, Adriana is baking her apple pie (made from purely Martian ingredients!) and Sara is putting the finishing touches on her delicious-smelling risotto. On this Christmas night, the Hab is cozy and full of excitement for the coming sols. We will all go to bed tonight with visions of sugar plums and cool rocks dancing in our heads.
Look Ahead Plan: Complete training EVA #2 tomorrow and later use the drone to scout areas for Aditya’s robotics testing (potential EVA #3)
Anomalies in work: None
Weather: A beautifully clear day, very sunny
Crew Physical Status: Well-rested and excited
EVA: EVA #1 to Marble Ridge completed
Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, Commander’s/Journalist’s Report and photos, Greenhab Report, Operations Report, EVA Report, EVA request, Mission Plan, reformatted crew bios
Support Requested: None

Sol: 11
Summary Title: Finale Official Day on Mars
Author’s name: Jilian Welshoff
Mission Status: Nominal
Sol Activity Summary:
Crew 288 started the day off at 7:30AM for a breakfast of banana peanut butter pancakes made by Ryan (GHO). They had an earlier time for EVA so not much time for reading today post breakfast. The crew got ready to prep and Hunter (GEO), Jilian (HSO), Cesare (CMD), and Ryan (GHO) set out for the final EVA, #11 to Somerville Overlook. The EVA crew had a bumpy ride out to the walking destination and collected some final geology samples. The view and antelopes were worth the walk and the crew enjoyed the beautiful day for a finale to the mission.
The crew at the HAB had a day of relaxing and “CAPCOMing”. Riley wrote about geology and served as an awesome CAPCOM. Jesus was prepping for leaving and spent the day in the Science Dome finishing up and packing all his samples and equipment. Lipi had a day of listening and learning, Jesus explained photolithography and Riley and her had lovely conversations about geology and life.
After returning from EVA, the crew enjoyed leftovers of peanut butter pancakes and tacos. Ryan (GHO) collected parsley from the Greenhab to assist with dinners menu. Lipi had an adventure baking brownies, with the challenge being no eggs. She conquered the brownies kinda creating what we call “Choc Slop”. Delicious! Hunter and Riley spent time in the Science Dome analyzing data and Ryan watered plants in the Greenhab.
The crews plan for tonight is to eat a wonderful dinner cooked by Hunter and enjoy our last full day of simulation, as tomorrow includes cleaning and prepping to return home from Mars.
Look Ahead Plan: Looking forward to returning to Earth
Anomalies in work: Crew car waiting to be fixed
Weather: Cold and cloudy in the morning, sunny and beautiful in the afternoon.
Crew Physical Status: Sore but morale is high!
EVA: EVA #11 to Somerville Overlook
Reports to be filed: EVA Report, Journalist Report, Greenhab Report, Operations Report, Sol Summary, Astronomy Report, Photos
Support Requested: None

Sol: 12
Summary Title: Cleaning Day, Last Day
Author’s name: Jilian Welshoff
Mission Status: Complete
Sol Activity Summary:
Crew 288 started the final day off at 7:30AM for a breakfast of spam fried rice AGAIN made by Hunter (GEO). It was a delicious meal and great final breakfast for our crew. The day was a slow but efficient one, with cleaning and rental car pickup. But first, we got to take our first walks out of simulation outside the HAB and enjoy some fresh air. It was a nice conclusion to simulation and we were greeted by Sergii, our director.
After that nice moment, it was back to work. Jesus and Hunter set off to Grand Junction to pickup our new spaceship (a Honda van), while the rest of the crew got to cleaning. Riley (XO) and Jilian (HSO) tackled the food inventory and cleaning the upper deck while jamming out to music, Ryan (GHO) took care of the Greenhab plants and all the cleaning tasks. Lipi (JOU) and Cesare (CMD) took on the Science Dome, mopping and cleaning and checking tasks off the list. They had some time to pack and eat lunch of assortments of leftovers before getting back to cleaning. They finished their mopping and checks for the day then were able to take their final showers!
At last Jesus and Hunter returned with the “Astrovan” and wolfed down some snacks before the crews big final dinner at the Burger Shak. They happily ate their burgers and shakes then headed home to finish cleaning and writing their final reports to conclude their mission.
Look Ahead Plan: Looking forward to returning to Earth
Anomalies in work: Crew car not fixed
Weather: Cloudy overcast day with some rain at night
Crew Physical Status: Awesome
EVA: “EVA” to Grand Junction
Reports to be filed: Journalist Report, Greenhab Report, Operations Report, Sol Summary, Astronomy Report, Photos, Mission Summary Report, Research Report
Support Requested: None

Sol: 10
Summary Title: A Day of Firsts
Author’s name: Jilian Welshoff
Mission Status: Nominal
Sol Activity Summary:
Crew 288 started the day off at 7:30AM for a breakfast of the previously enjoyed spam and fried rice, made by Hunter (GEO). They spent the rest of the morning with some reading and slop related jokes and then prepped for EVA #9. Riley (XO), Hunter (GEO), Lipi (JOU), and Jesus (ENG) headed out to Hab Ridge to collect more GPR and geology spectrum samples with the help of Purdue AAE. Jesus and Riley used a drone to take overhead videos and photos of the GPR and of nearby areas while Lipi (JOU) and Hunter (GEO) grabbed more geology and spectroscopy data. They were able to deliver the first sample of sandstone to the HAB crew via drone!
The crew at the HAB had a day of baking, movie watching, and drone assistance. Cesare (CMD) and Ryan (GHO) made a yummy loaf of whole wheat bread used for lunch post EVA. Jilian (HSO) and Ryan (GHO) also setup a DVD of Harry Potter to watch and listened attentively to the radio for updates and check-ins. The HAB crew was involved in the initial and final take off and landings of the drone and were able to also send their own “sample”, of leftover coffee cake to the EVA crew via drone that was enjoyed by out of sim robo-Riley (XO)! Ryan (GHO) tended to the Greenhab harvesting basil for a quick pasta lunch made by Cesare (CMD).
After returning from EVA, the crew enjoyed leftovers of tacos from last night and made some peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on top of the freshly baked bread. Ryan (GHO) collected some dill to aid Riley’s (XO) lunch and had some leftovers the crew can use for the next couple days. To take a rest from EVA, some of the crew completed crosswords and read, while others finished Harry Potter. Jesus (ENG) had a different plan in mind. He spent some time in the Science Dome completing photolithography and created some of the first photo-patterns produced on Mars!
Lipi (JOU) is hard at work now making us a delicious rajma dinner of kidney beans and veggies, while the rest of the crew completes their reports. Later the crew might enjoy some board games, or Cesare’s (CMD) VR set, or more likely some crosswords and reading.

Look Ahead Plan: Complete final day on Mars, finish going on EVAs to aid in research, produce more photolithography, harvest and tend to the Greenhab plants, create new recipes for MDRS book
Anomalies in work: None
Weather: Very cloudy day, got colder in the late afternoon, ominous clouds
Crew Physical Status: Some sore muscles but good attitudes
EVA: EVA #9 to Hab Ridge completed
Reports to be filed: Eva Request, EVA Report, Journalist Report, Greenhab Report, Operations Report, Sol Summary, Astronomy Report, Photos
Support Requested: None

Sol: 8
Summary Title: Rocks and Buns and Showers Oh My!
Author’s name: Jilian Welshoff
Mission Status: Nominal
Sol Activity Summary:
Crew 288 started the day off at 7:30AM for a breakfast of oatmeal with raisins made by Ryan (GHO). There was an EVA today, so it was important for the crew to fuel up. They spent the morning reading some, and Jesus (ENG) put up a room sensor and then prepped for EVA #8. After they prepped, Hunter (GEO), Ryan (GHO), Jesus (ENG), and Jilian (HSO) headed out to Candor Chasma to collect geology samples. They walked through the beautiful geological structures and collected a few varieties of samples, mainly the solidified gypsum found in the layers of the rock. They were done a bit early, so they explored a bit and looked at great views and more rocks.
The crew at the HAB had a day of baking and showers ahead for them. In preparation for dinner, Riley (XO) and Cesare (CMD) made and proofed some buns! They also got the first showers of the day as well as Lipi (JOU). They made a large sum of ramen for lunch and waited for the rest of the crew to arrive back from EVA while remaining attentive CAPCOMs.
After returning from EVA, the crew enjoyed their ramen and their showers. Jesus (ENG) was hard at work in the RAM while the rest of the crew was enjoying music, reading, and napping. Ryan (GHO) harvested a variety of greens for dinner and Riley (XO) and Cesare (CMD) finished preparing the buns for black bean burgers for dinner!
Look Ahead Plan: Continue going on EVAs to aid in research
Anomalies in work: None
Weather: Beautiful day outside, cloudy
Crew Physical Status: A little tired from EVAs, but morale is high!
EVA: EVA #8 to Candor Chasma completed
Reports to be filed: Eva Request, EVA Report, Journalist Report, Greenhab Report, Operations Report, Sol Summary, Astronomy Report, Photos
Support Requested: None

Sol: 9
Summary Title: A Slop Kind of Day
Author’s name: Jilian Welshoff
Mission Status: Nominal
Sol Activity Summary:
Crew 288 started the day off at 7:30AM for a breakfast of crepes made by Cesare (CMD). They enjoyed putting on their own toppings and creating different variations. They spent the rest of the morning with some reading, then prepped for EVA #8. After they prepped, Riley (XO), Hunter (GEO), Lipi (JOU), and Ryan (GHO) headed out to area North of Brahe Highway to collect GPR and geology spectrum samples. They had a fun time creating grids and collecting data and picking up trash along the way to clean up!
The crew at the HAB had a day of baking and reading. Cesare (CMD) made a savory garlic and herb bread which was a delicious snack for the crew coming back from EVA. Jilian (HSO) also was baking and made some coffee cake! Jesus (ENG) was hard at work in the Science Dome for most of the day annealing silicon at 250 degrees with moisture in an oven to grow oxide for his research.
After returning from EVA, the crew enjoyed the baking efforts of Cesare and Jilian. Then they had a nice surprise from their commander. He brought “slop” a tokened term by Crew 288, also known as tubed space food! It was super fun to try out food products, such as French fries, chicken nuggets, and borsch that astronauts would eat but in tube form! Ryan (GHO) collected some cilantro for dinner and Riley (XO) and Hunter (GEO) made tacos for the crew’s Taco Tuesday.

Look Ahead Plan: Continue going on EVAs to aid in research
Anomalies in work: None
Weather: Beautiful day outside, sunny
Crew Physical Status: A little tired from EVAs physically but morale is high!
EVA: EVA #8 to “Sea of Shells” completed
Reports to be filed: Eva Request, EVA Report, Journalist Report, Greenhab Report, Operations Report, Sol Summary, Photos
Support Requested: None

Sol: 6
Summary Title: Sledding on Mars
Author’s name: Jilian Welshoff
Mission Status: Nominal
Sol Activity Summary:
Crew 288 started the day off at 7:30AM for a breakfast of eggs and potatoes with leftover pizza toppings made by Jesus (ENG) and Lipi (JOU). The crew then prepped for another long of EVA, including 4 crew members, Cesare (CMD), Hunter (GEO), Riley (XO), and Lipi (JOU) who were going on EVA #6 to Compass Rock to collect GPR data and geology samples. They made a 100ft x 100ft grid perfectly and got a lot of clear data from the sled that indicated soil moisture in the top 10cm according to initial analysis. They were able to see the Hab from a far distance and enjoyed a joyride on the rovers home.
The crew that stayed behind had a day of maintenance, resewing patches onto flight suits, and repairing holes found in gloves. Jesus (ENG) made it his day’s mission to fix Baby Yoda who is now inflated and watching over the crew. Ryan (GHO) tended to his plants and moved around a couple of tomato plants. Additionally, he and Jilian (HSO) prepared lunch for the crew and did not follow a recipe, but it turned out great!
After returning from EVA, the crew got to enjoy the efforts of Ryan and Jilian. The crew took some time to analyze the data collected and catch up on some reading. Ryan went to the Greenhab again to water the plants. They enjoyed dinner of rice and stir-fried veggies and chicken made by Jesus (ENG) while completing reports and the Mid-mission Research Report.
To finish off the night they watched Galaxy Quest and enjoyed some tea and popcorn to prep for a nice Sunday rest day.
Look Ahead Plan: Create plans for upcoming EVAs and research headway.
Anomalies in work: None
Weather: Beautiful day outside, sunny
Crew Physical Status: Morale is high, and everyone physically is well just sore from EVAs
EVA: Successfully performed EVA #6 to Compass Rock
Reports to be filed: Eva Report, Journalist Report, Greenhab Report, Operations Report, Sol Summary, Astronomy Report, Photos, Mid-mission Research Report
Support Requested: None

Sol: 7
Summary Title: Rest and Relaxation!
Author’s name: Jilian Welshoff
Mission Status: Nominal
Sol Activity Summary:
Crew 288 started the day off at 8:00AM for a breakfast of banana muffins made by Riley (XO) and Jilian (HSO). Today was a no EVA day so they spent the morning reading, finishing grading, and drinking coffee. During that time Cesare (COM) was working hard in the kitchen to made lunch, baked ziti. Also, Ryan visited the Greenhab to tend to the plants and harvest basil to top the ziti! The crew thoroughly enjoyed lunch and had seconds and thirds! They all retired to their respective rooms and beanbags for a nap post food coma.
After napping, Cesare (COM), Jesus (ENG), and Riley (XO) went to train/learn about drones. They took videos and images and practicing for a proper drone EVA by flying; additionally, they practiced flying and operating the controls of the drone. Apparently the drone was hovering nearby the Hab, but unfortunately the rest of the crew was too busy napping and relaxing to notice!
After returning from drone practice, some of the crew enjoyed coffee and played a couple rounds of bananagrams. Before dinner, Ryan (GHO) prepared sugar cookie dough and “frosting” as an activity of cooking cutting and decorating for the crew! We had leftovers for dinner and had a final evening of stargazing to finish off the night.
Look Ahead Plan: EVA #7
Anomalies in work: None
Weather: Beautiful day outside, sunny
Crew Physical Status: Everyone feeling rested and ready for a week of EVAs!
EVA: None
Reports to be filed: Eva Request, Journalist Report, Greenhab Report, Operations Report, Sol Summary, Astronomy Report, Photos
Support Requested: None

Sol: 5
Summary Title: A Long Walk to Geo Samples
Author’s name: Jilian Welshoff
Mission Status: Nominal
Sol Activity Summary:
Crew 288 started the day off at 7:45AM for a breakfast of spam fried rice made by Hunter (GEO). We shared some music recommendations and jammed out while doing dishes. The crew then prepped for another long EVA, including 4 crew members, Cesare (CMD), Hunter (GEO), Jesus (ENG), and Jilian (HSO) who were going on EVA #5 to Skyline Rim to collect more geology samples. They walked to Hab Ridge first to spot the HAB from a bird’s eye view and then continued to their destination. The walk their took about an hour and they collected about three bags of samples, picking up shell fossils and gypsum along the way.
The crew that stayed behind had a day of work and cooking experimenting, with research papers, security backgrounds, and Lipi who tried out some new recipes and made a Hab-friendly paratha recipe, which should definitely be added to the MDRS recipe book.
After returning from EVA, the crew got to enjoy leftovers and Lipi’s creation from the rest of the crew and snacks and tea. Ryan went to the Greenhab to harvest more greens for a salad and garnish for dinner. The EVA crew had some time to relax and read, grade work, and download photos. Later we enjoyed a pizza dinner made by commander Cesare and had some pizza crust with Nutella, peanut butter, and assorted dried fruits for dessert!
Look Ahead Plan: EVA #6 to collect GPR data, continue maintenance on the Greenhab plants
Anomalies in work: Our inflatable Baby Yoda will not inflate anymore
Weather: Beautiful day outside, sunny overall and great temperature for EVA
Crew Physical Status: Morale is high, and everyone physically is well just sore from EVAs
EVA: Successfully performed EVA #5 to Skyline Rim and Hab Ridge
Reports to be filed: Eva Report, Journalist Report, Greenhab Report, Operations Report, Sol Summary, Eva Request, Photos
Support Requested: None

Sol: 3
Summary Title: An Adventure on Mars and in the Kitchen
Author’s name: Jilian Welshoff
Mission Status: Nominal
Sol Activity Summary:
Crew 288 started the day off at 8:00AM for a breakfast of biscuits and gravy made by Commander. The crew got a lesson in Spectroscopy and roles for the geology EVAs from Hunter (Crew Geologist). After listening and learning, 4 crew members, Riley (XO), Hunter (GEO), Ryan (GHO), and Jilian (HSO) prepped to go on EVA #3 to Kissing Camel Ridge and Aonia Terra to collect GPR data and Spectroscopy data.
The crew that stayed behind had a good time exploring some new recipes in the kitchen and baked some fresh bread, while remaining responsive and attentive COMs. They attempted to take pictures of the sun from the Solar Telescope but were cut off by the incoming clouds.
After returning from EVA, the crew got to enjoy the cooking/baking efforts from the rest of the crew and analyzed/organized the data they collected. Ryan and Lipi went to the Greenhab to check up and water the plants and the EVA crew had a debrief to figure out how to execute data collection more efficiently. Before reports could be completed, we enjoyed a delicious dinner of chickpea curry made by Crew Journalist, Lipi.
Look Ahead Plan: Continue to go on Geology EVAs to collect more data, CO2 continue soldering, begin EVAs for other research, continue collecting data for overall research.
Anomalies in work: Toilet reading level is oscillating
Weather: Good temperature, partly cloudy in the morning, very cloudy in the afternoon.
Crew Physical Status: Little sore from a long EVA day but all is well and morale is high!
EVA: Successfully performed EVA #3 to Kissing Camel Ridge and Aonia Terra
Reports to be filed: Eva Report, Journalist Report, Greenhab Report, Operations Report, Sol Summary, Eva Request, Astronomy Report, Photos
Support Requested: None