Category: Sol Summary

Crew 261 Sol Summary Report 01-05-2023

Sol: 1

Summary Title: First EVA on Mars

Author’s name: Aline Decadi, XO

Mission Status: Nominal.

Sol Activity Summary: We prepared our flight suits, backpacks, helmets, radio, and we prepared ourselves for our first EVA this morning. The purpose was training EVA procedures + communication test with crew members and with the hab.
The group of 7 crew members have been split in 2 EVAs:
– EVA-1 crew members: Aline Decadi (Executive Officer) (EVA Leader), Audrey Derobertmasure (HSO), Julien Villa-Massone (Engineer), Cecile Renaud (Greenhab officer), Kris Davidson (Journalist) (Kris has been added to EVA-1 after the commander asked approval from mission support for the amendment of the EVA request sent yesterday).
– EVA-2 crew members: James Burk (Commander) (EVA Leader), Erin Kennedy (Crew Roboticist), Kris Davidson (Crew Journalist).

EVA-1 crew members started EVA preparation at 8:30 AM and EVA at 9:37 AM. Julien Villa-Massone pronounced the following beautiful sentence when the crew walked for the first time on the Martian soil: “It’s a small step for women, but a giant leap for womenkind”. We drove the Rovers (Curiosity, Perseverance, and Opportunity) for the first time with spacesuits. We accommodated with maneuver to the Marble Ritual, then walked around no farther than 200 meters for communication check. We exercised walking around with the spacesuits, regular health status, made photographs, and performed communication checks & extensive use of the radio. The communication was confirmed to be good on the field. Each crew member has used the radio extensively, experienced the spacesuits, the walking, the driving, the team cohesion, and the overall safety health checks were nominal. The EVA-1 crew members qualified on EVA procedures today. Nevertheless, it took more time than expected to go outside the hab, drive with the 3 rovers, and qualify for the EVA procedures.
The EVA extension has been always made safely and with operational communication (continuous communication with CapCom). We went back at 10:30 am instead of 10:00 AM. Back there, the Commander asked us for a crew debriefing and for a crew discussion. The discussion finished around 11:20 AM which was already late for the entire EVA-2 window. So, the Commander has informed the mission support that the EVA-2 will be cancelled for today. EVA-2 is rescheduled for tomorrow to qualify James Burk (Commander) (EVA Leader) and Erin Kennedy (Crew Roboticist), and they will be accompanied by the crew journalist and the HSO.
We spent the afternoon setting up experiments: the GreenHab, the PhotoBioreactor, the Musk observatory check, the file server for MarsVR and cardiovascular monitoring with requested parameters.

We spent the evening having dinner with MDRS Assistant Director Sergii Iakymov, having a commander briefing, and preparing EVA-2 and experiments for tomorrow.

Look Ahead Plan: We will be in Sim tomorrow for EVA-2 according to mission request approval. We will end the qualification of the overall 7 crewmembers on EVA procedures.

Anomalies in work: None

Weather: Sunny and pleasant. No significant wind during the morning EVA. Wind picked up in the afternoon.

Crew Physical Status: One crewmember was feeling weak and dehydrated today. They had a medical checkup with HSO and rested during the afternoon and worked inside the hab in the shade (it was too hot inside the RAM). A general point of attention was to all members to remember to drink water very often and to keep cool when it is too hot.

EVA: Training EVA to Marble Ritual

Reports to be filed: HSO Report, EVA Request, EVA Report, Operations Report, Crew Bios, Journalist Report, Pictures of the day

Support Requested: None.

Crew 280 Sol Summary Report 28-04-2023

Sol: 12

Summary title: A Bittersweet Day on Mars

Author’s name: Mariona Badenas-Agustí, Commander.

Mission status: Nominal

Sol activity summary:

This morning, the Hypatia I crew started packing and cleaning the station. At around 4PM, they returned to the Earth, hence concluding a productive and intense stay on the Red Planet. It has been an emotional afternoon, and the crew will celebrate their effort and hard work with a nice dinner tonight in Hanksville.

Looking back, the Hypatia I mission at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) has been a challenging but rewarding experience. And although everyone is looking forward to going back home, they know that their work on Mars is far from over. Indeed, as the crew returns to Barcelona, they will continue to promote scientific vocations, especially among young girls interested in STEM careers. By showing them what is possible, and by encouraging them to pursue their dreams, Hypatia I hopes to create a new generation of explorers and scientists. As NASA Astronaut Sally Ride once said: “You cannot be who you cannot see.”

As the Commander of Hypatia I, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the MDRS Mission Support Team –and especially to Shannon Rupert and Sergii Iakymov– for their help and support during our stay on Mars. Thank you!

Look ahead plan: The team will go back to Grand Junction tomorrow after breakfast.

Anomalies in work: None.

Weather: Sunny. Low 39F/High 70F.

Crew physical status: Nominal.

EVA: None

Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, Operations Report, GreenHab Report, Journalist Report, Pictures of the Day, End-of-Mission Research Summary, Mission Summary

Support Requested: None.

Crew 280 Sol Summary Report 27-04-2023

Sol: 11

Summary title: The Final Countdown: Earth is in sight

Author’s name: Mariona Badenas-Agustí, Commander.

Mission status: Nominal

Sol activity summary:

Yesterday, at the stroke of midnight, the Hypatia I crew sang “Happy Birthday” to Mariona Badenas-Agusti (Commander and Astronomer). Mariona was not expecting this surprise, so she was moved by the thoughtfulness of her fellow crew members. Today, the birthday festivities will continue at night, when the crew will cook one of Mariona’s favorite dishes from Earth: pasta with pesto, and a homemade apple crumble for dessert –a much-awaited feast on Mars.

During the day, the crew has been busy with various activities. Two EVAs took place at Robert’s Rock Garden, where different teams participated in a Martian navigation exercise, designed by Ariadna Farrés (Scientist and HSO) in collaboration with Cesca Cufí (Engineer). Back in the habitat, everyone started to pack up their experiments and equipment in preparation for their imminent return to Earth.

As the mission is coming to an end, Hypatia I look back on the past two weeks with immense pride and satisfaction. The opportunity to conduct Martian-related research in a simulation environment has been a unique experience that has taught the crew invaluable lessons, particularly about teamwork, problem-solving, and perseverance.

Upon their return to Earth, the crew will embark on their next mission: to share the results of their scientific research with the general public, and to promote STEAM vocations among the next generation. Their ultimate goal is to pass the torch to a second Hypatia crew –one that can carry on their legacy and work, both on Mars and beyond.

Look ahead plan: We will enjoy a Martian morning before flying back to the Earth after lunch. There will be no EVA tomorrow.

Anomalies in work: None.

Weather: Sunny. Low 38F/High 66F.

Crew physical status: Nominal.

EVA: There were two EVAs to Roberts Rock Garden (see EVA Report).

Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, EVA request, EVA Report, Operations Report, GreenHab Report, Journalist Report, Pictures of the Day.

Support Requested: None.

Crew 280 Sol Summary Report 26-04-2023

Sol: 10

Summary title: Harvesting Martian results

Author’s name: Mariona Badenas-Agustí, Commander and Astronomer

Mission status: Nominal

Sol activity summary:

The Hypatia I crew started their day with enthusiasm, eager to embark on their longest EVA yet. After gathering around the table for breakfast, Carla Conejo (Executive Officer & Biologist), Núria Jar (Journalist), Laia Ribas (GreenHab Officer), and Mariona Badenas-Agusti (Crew Commander & Astronomer) prepared themselves for their EVA. Today, they drove towards Brahe Highway 1572, stopping just before reaching the Martian moons. In their final destination, they flew a small drone and collected sand samples for Carla’s and Laia’s project, respectively.

The full crew gathered at lunchtime, when Cesca Cufí (Engineer) and Neus Sabaté (Mission Specialist) prepared a refreshing rice salad with beans, dehydrated chicken (or mushrooms for vegetarians), and fresh chives from the GreenHab. After lunch, the crew resumed their work on their experiments in the Science Dome, RAM, and the Hab. As always, it has been a productive day on Mars.

With only two more SOLs left before their return to Earth, the Hypatia I crew can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia about their time on Mars and how quickly their mission is going by. Nevertheless, they remain highly motivated to complete their projects and share their findings with those who have followed their journey, both back home and beyond.

Look ahead plan: Tomorrow will be characterized by two EVAs dedicated to a navigation competition between the crew members (See EVA Request).

Anomalies in work: None.

Weather: Sunny. Low 38F/High 66F.

Crew physical status: Nominal.

EVA: There was an EVA to Cow Dung Road 0110 (see EVA Report).

Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, EVA request, EVA Report, Operations Report, GreenHab Report, Journalist Report, Pictures of the Day.

Support Requested: None.

Crew 280 Sol Summary Report 25-04-2023

Sol: 9

Summary title: Martian Days, Universe-Sized Dreams

Author’s name: Mariona Badenas-Agustí, Commander.

Mission status: Nominal

Sol activity summary:

Last night, Mariona Badenas-Agustí (Commander & Astronomer) led an astronomy workshop to share her love for the Universe with the Hypatia I crew. This activity sparked conversations about the immensity and diversity of the cosmos, as well as about the power of science to drive progress and social change.

Following up on these themes, the crew began SOL9 with a lively breakfast discussion about personal career aspirations. Each crew member shared their dreams for the future before resuming their experimental work. With the end of the mission in sight, everyone is feeling the intensity of the final stretch.

During the morning, the Hab and the Science Dome were filled with a quiet atmosphere of silence and concentration. Experiments are currently in full swing, and as it always happens in science, results don’t always go well and challenges have become a daily habit.

For lunch, Mariona and Carla Conejo González (Executive Officer & Biologist) went creative and made a delicious meal of pasta with tomato sauce and a fresh green salad. In the afternoon, Ariadna Farrés (Scientist & HSO) and Neus Sabaté (Mission Specialist) had an EVA planned to collect more iron-rich rock batteries, which are already giving promising results. Meanwhile, the crew members who stayed in the Hab continued to work on their experiments.

Tonight, the crew is thinking about watching a documentary after enjoying another Martian dinner at the MDRS.

Look ahead plan: There will be one morning EVA, led by Mariona Badenas, Carla Conejo, Núria Jar, and Laia Ribas (see EVA Request).

Anomalies in work: None.

Weather: Sunny. Low 45F/High 67F.

Crew physical status: Nominal.

EVA: There was one EVA today to Barrainca Butte(see EVA Report).

Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, EVA request, EVA Report, Operations Report, GreenHab Report, Journalist Report, Pictures of the Day.

Support Requested: None.

Crew 280 Sol Summary Report 23-04-2023

Sol: 7

Summary title: A Red Rose for a Red Planet

Author’s name: Mariona Badenas-Agustí, Commander.

Mission status: Nominal

Sol activity summary: Martian days are longer than on Earth, but Hypatia I’s perception of time is that each day at the MDRS is flying by very quickly. Indeed, it is hard to believe that a week has already gone by since the arrival of the crew to the Red Planet. Having embarked on its MDRS adventure more than 2 years ago, and with today marking the equator of our mission, the Hypatia I crew could not be prouder of what it has accomplished so far. At the same time, the team acknowledges the invaluable support of entities and institutions that have collaborated with the Hypatia Mars Association and that have made Hypatia I a reality.

To celebrate the halfway point of our mission, the crew started the day with a filling breakfast of cereals, oats, and homemade bread. Then, at around 10AM, Núria Jar (Crew Journalist), Cesca Cufí (Engineer), Laia Ribas (GreenHab Officer), and Neus Sabaté (Mission Specialist) conducted an EVA to CompassRock with the primary goal of collecting sand samples and iron-rich rocks. After the EVA team returned to the base, everyone enjoyed a delicious pasta dish with tomato and basil. It was definitely a great way to recharge batteries and start the afternoon on a good note.

One of the day’s activities was an arts & crafts workshop led by Ariadna Farrés (Health & Safety Officer). Through this workshop, the crew learned how to create roses made of origami paper in honor of St. George’s Day, a beautiful holiday in Barcelona where roses and books are given to loved ones as symbols of affection and appreciation. With origami roses representing a little piece of Catalonia on the Red Planet, the crew felt a strong connection to their Catalan roots and reflected on the importance of maintaining cultural traditions, even in the most challenging environments.

Upon concluding the origami workshop, the crew resumed their experimental work. Tonight, everyone is looking forward to an early night in preparation for our last week on Mars.

Look ahead plan: Some crew members will conduct an EVA to Robert’s Rock Garden. Cesca Cufí (Crew Engineer) may also organize a meditation workshop for those who are interested.

Anomalies in work: None.

Weather: Sunny. Low 35F/High 63F.

Crew physical status: Nominal.

EVA: There was one EVA today to Compass Rock (see EVA Report).

Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, EVA request, EVA Report, Operations Report, GreenHab Report, Journalist Report, Pictures of the Day.

Support Requested: None.

Crew 280 Sol Summary Report 22-04-2023

Sol: 6

Summary title: Loud and Clean

Author’s name: Mariona Badenas-Agustí, Commander.

Mission status: Nominal

Sol activity summary:

The Hypatia I crew celebrated the start of the weekend with homemade pancakes and both savory and sweet combinations. After finishing breakfast, Carla Conejo González (Executive Officer & Biologist), Ariadna Farrés (Scientist & HSO), and Laia Ribas (GreenHab Officer) conducted an EVA around the base.

As the rest of the crew continued their scientific work indoors, the EVA team ventured outside to hone their drone flying skills and clear the area around the station, where there was a lot of space debris due to the high Martian winds of the past few days.

The team gathered for a well-deserved lunch at around 1PM. Today, Cesca Cufí ( Engineer) and Mariona Badenas-Agusti (Commander) served up a hot and hearty lunch of lentils infused with a tomato and vegetable sauce. This meal nourished the crew’s spirits and provided the perfect backdrop for a lively discussion about the future of the Hypatia Mars Association.

Later today, the crew will prepare dinner and play an exciting cardboard game, inspired by the very mission they are part of.

Look ahead plan: The crew is planning on holding a meditation session as well as a creative workshop dedicated to creating origami roses for St. George’s Day (also known as The Day of the Rose in Catalonia).

Anomalies in work: None.

Weather: Sunny. Low 42F/High 63F.

Crew physical status: Nominal.

EVA: We conducted an EVA around the base to fly a small drone and clean the terrain from space-debris.

Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, EVA request, EVA Report, Operations Report, GreenHab Report, Journalist Report, Pictures of the Day.

Support Requested: None.

Crew 280 Sol Summary Report 21-04-2023

Sol: 5

Summary title: Together in Isolation

Author’s name: Mariona Badenas-Agustí, Commander.

Mission status: Nominal

Sol activity summary: We kicked off the day with a nice breakfast followed by a 2-hour EVA to Roberts Rock Garden, where four crew members (Núria Jar, Neus Sabaté, Ariadna Farrés, and Cesca Cufí) explored the region with two main goals in mind: on the one hand, create a navigation map for future orientation challenges, and on the other, collect iron-rich rocks to create innovative Martian batteries.

At the end of the EVA, the team returned to the base, ready to refuel with a lunch prepared by Carla Conejo González (Executive Officer and Biologist) and Mariona Badenas-Agusti (Crew Commander & Astronomer). For this meal, the crew ate dehydrated scrambled eggs with a salad of greens and tomatoes from the GreenHab. In the afternoon, everyone worked on their research, with some members continuing to prepare their experimental setups.

Just before communicating with Mission Support, we enjoyed some homemade chocolate chip cookies. Tonight, Carla and Mariona have planned a “space” surprise for the team and everyone will watch a movie to welcome the start of the weekend. In a few days, Hypatia I will have spent a full week on Mars, conducting research, learning from each other, and adapting to a new lifestyle on the Red Planet.

Look ahead plan: The crew is looking forward to celebrating the day of St. George on Sunday. This Catalan celebration involves giving roses to friends, but given that roses do not exist on Mars, they will make them by hand with origami. In addition, the crew will organize a meditation workshop and an informal research symposium.

Anomalies in work: None.

Weather: Sunny. Low 35F/High 62F.

Crew physical status: Nominal.

EVA: We conducted an EVA to Roberts Rock Garden to collect iron oxide samples and plan a navigation GPS challenge.

Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, EVA request, EVA Report, Operations Report, GreenHab Report, Journalist Report, Pictures of the Day.

Support Requested: Retrieval of trash in the rear airlock.

Crew 280 Sol Summary Report 20-04-2023

Sol: 4

Summary title: A Martian home in the Making

Author’s name: Mariona Badenas-Agustí, Commander.

Mission status: Nominal

Sol activity summary: As the Sun rose over the Martian desert, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm, homemade bread filled the upper deck. Soon after, the crew gathered around the table to have a delicious breakfast and get ready for the day ahead.

During the morning, Neus Sabaté (Mission Specialist) managed to turn on her iron-based batteries in the Science Dome, while Cesca Cufí (Engineer) started building a container for her “Blob.” Meanwhile, Laia Ribas (GreenHab Officer) met with Núria Jar (Journalist) and Carla Conejo González (Executive Officer & Biologist) to discuss how to communicate her MDRS research with the public. In the observatory, Mariona Badenas-Agusti (Commander & Astronomer) aligned the telescope with Ariadna Farrés’ (Health & Safety Officer) help and was able to observe a beautiful Sunspot through the eyepiece (see Astronomy Report).

The crew reconvened for lunch, when they savored a fresh salad from the GreenHab and dehydrated scrambled eggs with vegetables. At 2PM, some crew members (Laia Ribas, Carla Conejo, Ariadna Farrés, and Mariona Badenas) started an EVA, heading to Cowboy Corner to fly a small drone, test our Midland radios, collect sand samples, and develop navigation strategies. The rest of the crew supported the EVA team and continued their research from the Hab. After returning to the base, everyone continued to work on their research.

As the Sun sets and SOL4 is drawing to a close, the crew is excited to prepare homemade pizzas with fresh tomatoes and basil from the GreenHab, complemented by a few dehydrated ingredients from the pantry. It has been a productive day, and Hypatia I looks forward to continuing their journey of exploration on the Red Planet. Building a home away from home may not be easy, but with a lot of work, effort, and (dough)-determination, anything is possible!

Look ahead plan: The crew will perform an EVA and continue their experiments throughout the day. Tomorrow, we will prepare some workshops for the weekend, including a celebration of Saint George’s special Catalan festivity.

Anomalies in work: Non-functional robotic telescope and Spirit needs a new battery wire.
Weather: Sunny, but high winds in the afternoon. Low 26F/High 55F.

Crew physical status: Nominal.

EVA: Not applicable today.

Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, EVA request, EVA Report, Astronomy Report, Operations Report, GreenHab Report, Journalist Report, Pictures of the Day.

Support Requested: (i) Replacement of stove knobs, if possible; (ii) retrieval of trash in the rear airlock.

Crew 280 Sol Summary Report 19-04-2023

Sol: 3

Summary title: Indoor Adventures for a Windy Day on Mars

Author’s name: Mariona Badenas-Agustí, Commander.

Mission status: Nominal

Sol activity summary: The Hypatia I crew woke up with high spirits and a renewed sense of adventure. As the crew began their day, some members attended a yoga class taught by Ariadna Farrés (Health & Safety Officer), while others had the chance to take their first shower in days. The refreshing feeling of clean skin was a welcome change from the usual routine of sponge baths and hygiene wipes!

Once everyone was ready for the day, the crew gathered on the upper deck to have breakfast and attend a group meeting. Originally, the Hypatia I crew had planned to perform an EVA to Compass Rock with three main goals in mind: (i) collect sand samples for Laia Ribas’ (GreenHab Officer) CatMart project, (ii) evaluate the feasibility of different navigation strategies developed by Ariadna Farrés (Scientist & HSO); and (iii) test our own Midland radios for long-distance communication. However, as they checked the forecast, they realized that high winds were expected throughout the day. Therefore, the crew decided to be conservative and cancel their EVA. It was a tough call, as they were excited to work on their experiments outside the habitat. But safety always comes first on Mars, and they did not want to risk the well-being of anyone on the mission.

As the afternoon progressed, the crew took advantage of their time and focused on their experiments inside the habitat. At some point, the heater stopped working, causing the Hab to become quite cold. Cesca Cufí (Crew Engineer) was able to troubleshoot this problem with the assistance of Mission Support, but it is now failing again. We hope to be able to fix it, as temperatures will continue to drop during the night.

Despite the unexpected challenge, the crew remained positive, looking forward to a relaxing evening ahead. They will have homemade bread for dinner and are now excited to wind down with a delicious meal and a movie, ready for whatever challenges that tomorrow might bring.

Look ahead plan: We are planning on conducting two EVAs and continuing our experimental work.

Anomalies in work: Non-functional robotic telescope and Spirit needs a new battery wire.

Weather: Sunny, but high winds. Low 37F/High 53F.

Crew physical status: Nominal

EVA: Not applicable today.

Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, EVA request, HSO Report, Operations Report, GreenHab Report, Journalist Report, Pictures of the Day.

Support Requested: Replacement of stove knobs, if possible.