Category: Sol Summary

Crew 280 Sol Summary Report 18-04-2023

Sol: 2

Summary title: "Hypatia on Air: Mars, Camera, Action"

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

Mission status: Nominal

Sol activity summary: The crew woke up very early in order to welcome a media visit from Earth. Before this visit, some members had the opportunity to take their first shower, which was a nice reminder of the luxuries that we have on Earth and that we sometimes take for granted. After everyone got ready, we had breakfast and started working on our experiments.

At about 11:15AM, Mariona Badenas-Agusti (Crew Commander), Carla Conejo (Executive Officer), Neus Sabaté (Mission Specialist), and Núria Jar (Journalist) conducted an EVA. The original plan was to drive to Cowboy Corner, but we requested a change to the initial plan due to the high winds around the station. Our plan was approved, and the EVA team drove to Marble Ritual instead, using Curiosity and Spirit rovers.

The goal of today’s EVA was to take geological samples for Neus’ research experiments and get more familiar with the EVA protocols and spacesuits. At the same time, the EVA offered the media team a chance to obtain beautiful pictures and high-quality drone videos. We are looking forward to seeing their results.

At around 1PM, the EVA group returned to the Hab and had a delicious meal with the rest of the team. Laia Ribas (Greenhab Officer) and Cesca Cufí (Crew Engineer) prepared pasta with roasted vegetables and parmesan cheese and fruit. We then rested a bit before everyone continued to prepare their scientific experiments.

Soon after 5PM, the media team left the Hab and the crew participated in Carla’s psychological experiment. This evening, we will get in touch with Mission Support, have our second dinner together, and organize a debate about the future of Hypatia and our Association.

Look ahead plan: These past few days have been so intense that most crew members have not had the chance to finish the setup of their experiments. Now that our team is alone on Mars, everyone is excited to finally kick off their research without any interruptions.

Anomalies in work: Non-functional robotic telescope.

Weather: Sunny, but very high winds. Low 54F/High 71F.

Crew physical status: Everyone is feeling well, and our Crew Engineer is feeling much better than yesterday. She is nearly recovered!

EVA: We conducted an EVA to Marble Ritual in order to collect iron oxide samples.

Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, EVA request, EVA Report, HSO Report, Operations Report, Greenhab Report, Journalist Report, Astronomy Report, Pictures of the Day (with Photo of the Day)

Support Requested: We need new batteries for the gas detectors. We would also like to notify that all the stove knobs are broken and constitute a safety hazard (see HSO and Operations Report).

Crew 280 Sol Summary Report 17-04-2023

Sol: 1

Summary title: Do you copy, Earth?

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

Mission status: Nominal

Sol activity summary: Mariona Badenas-Agusti (Crew Commander), Carla Conejo (Executive Officer), Neus Sabaté (Mission Specialist), and Laia Ribas (Greenhab officer) woke up early in order to start preparing their scientific experiments. In the meantime, Ariadna Farrés (Health and Safety Officer), Núria Jar (Journalist), and Cesca Cufí (Engineer) drove back to the MDRS after Cesca was discharged from the hospital yesterday evening. Fortunately, she is now feeling much better and is on her way to a full recovery!

The full crew was reunited around 11:30 AM, at which point we attended our second training session. This time, we learned about EVA procedures, including how to wear the spacesuits, drive the rovers, use the radios to communicate with the Earth, and navigate the Martian terrain. At lunchtime, Mariona and Carla prepared mashed potatoes with egg as well as a broccoli & cheddar soup –a well-deserved break after a morning of intense emotions.

Crew 280 officially kicked off their Martian simulation in the early afternoon, and soon after, the team performed their first EVAs. For this purpose, they drove the rovers to Marble Ritual, where they had an opportunity to walk around, become familiar with the landscape, perform basic movements for the suit, and test their communications protocol. This evening, we are looking forward to having our first dinner on Mars with the full crew! It will be our first night on the Red Planet.

Look ahead plan: Crew 280 will receive a media visit tomorrow. We will first invite them to our group meeting, and they will then accompany us to our morning EVA (provided that Mission Support grants us permission). In the afternoon, the media team will interview members of the crew to better understand their research projects. We are convinced that it will be a busy day, but we are excited to share our mission with them so that they can help us bring space closer to society.

Anomalies in work: (i) Non-functional robotic telescope, (ii) radio #2 and #5 lost communication temporarily (we highly suspect that the headphones were slightly disconnected; our Crew Engineer and Mission Specialist have tested the radios inside the hab and they made sure that they work well — see Operations Report); (iii) the collar of helmet #2 was upside down and one metallic wire is missing (see Operations Report); (iv) the zebrafish of our Greenhab officer were killed by the high temperatures (see Greenhab Report).
Weather: Sunny, with a bit of wind in the late afternoon. Low 58F/High 75F.

Crew physical status: Our Crew Engineer is back to the station and is feeling much better.
EVA: We conducted two EVAs to Marble Ritual to put into practice all the lessons learned during our EVA training session.

Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, EVA request, EVA Report #1, EVA Report #2, HSO Report, Operations Report, Greenhab Report, Journalist Report, Pictures of the Day.

Support Requested: We would like to know how to dispose of the fish in an appropriate manner without violating state law.

Crew 280 Sol Summary Report 17-04-2023

Sol: 1

Summary title: Do you copy, Earth?

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

Mission status: Nominal

Sol activity summary: Mariona Badenas-Agusti (Crew Commander), Carla Conejo (Executive Officer), Neus Sabaté (Mission Specialist), and Laia Ribas (Greenhab officer) woke up early in order to start preparing their scientific experiments. In the meantime, Ariadna Farrés (Health and Safety Officer), Núria Jar (Journalist), and Cesca Cufí (Engineer) drove back to the MDRS after Cesca was discharged from the hospital yesterday evening. Fortunately, she is now feeling much better and is on her way to a full recovery!

The full crew was reunited around 11:30 AM, at which point we attended our second training session. This time, we learned about EVA procedures, including how to wear the spacesuits, drive the rovers, use the radios to communicate with the Earth, and navigate the Martian terrain. At lunchtime, Mariona and Carla prepared mashed potatoes with egg as well as a broccoli & cheddar soup –a well-deserved break after a morning of intense emotions.

Crew 280 officially kicked off their Martian simulation in the early afternoon, and soon after, the team performed their first EVAs. For this purpose, they drove the rovers to Marble Ritual, where they had an opportunity to walk around, become familiar with the landscape, perform basic movements for the suit, and test their communications protocol. This evening, we are looking forward to having our first dinner on Mars with the full crew! It will be our first night on the Red Planet.

Look ahead plan: Crew 280 will receive a media visit tomorrow. We will first invite them to our group meeting, and they will then accompany us to our morning EVA (provided that Mission Support grants us permission). In the afternoon, the media team will interview members of the crew to better understand their research projects. We are convinced that it will be a busy day, but we are excited to share our mission with them so that they can help us bring space closer to society.

Anomalies in work: (i) Non-functional robotic telescope, (ii) radio #2 and #5 lost communication temporarily (we highly suspect that the headphones were slightly disconnected; our Crew Engineer and Mission Specialist have tested the radios inside the hab and they made sure that they work well — see Operations Report); (iii) the collar of helmet #2 was upside down and one metallic wire is missing (see Operations Report); (iv) the zebrafish of our Greenhab officer were killed by the high temperatures (see Greenhab Report).
Weather: Sunny, with a bit of wind in the late afternoon. Low 58F/High 75F.

Crew physical status: Our Crew Engineer is back to the station and is feeling much better.
EVA: We conducted two EVAs to Marble Ritual to put into practice all the lessons learned during our EVA training session.

Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, EVA request, EVA Report #1, EVA Report #2, HSO Report, Operations Report, Greenhab Report, Journalist Report, Pictures of the Day.

Support Requested: We would like to know how to dispose of the fish in an appropriate manner without violating state law.

Crew 280 Sol Summary Report 16-04-2023
Sol: 0
Summary Title: A rough but hopeful start
Author’s name: Mariona Badenas-Agustí, Commander.
Mission Status: N/A (the simulation has not begun yet)
Sol Activity Summary: Crew 280 arrived at the MDRS in the early afternoon. After settling in, we received training for all the facilities and main procedures. Unfortunately, a crew member was not feeling well, so our Health & Safety officer drove her to the hospital in Moab, accompanied by our Crew Journalist. If everything goes well, they will come back to the base tomorrow in time for the start of the simulation.
Look Ahead Plan: We will continue our training tomorrow morning at 10AM. In the afternoon, the crew will conduct two training EVAs at Marble Ritual (one at 2-3PM, and the other one at 4-5PM).
Anomalies in work: Nothing to report besides the robotic telescope and autoclave not working.
Weather: Sunny with a few clouds. Low 36F/High 72F.
Crew Physical Status: Our mission specialist is not feeling very well, but we are confident that she will feel better soon! More updates to follow tomorrow.
EVA: None.
Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, Mission Plan, EVA request, HSO Pre-Mission Checklist, Operations Report.
Support Requested: None

Crew 279 Sol Summary Report 14-04-2023
Sol: 12
Summary Title: Last sunset on Mars
Author’s name: Ioana Dimitrova, Crew Engineer
Mission Status: Nominal
Sol Activity Summary:
After a difficult night, the team had to say goodbye to one of its crew members a little bit early. We can’t wait to reunite after the end of the mission!
Our astronauts had a hard time waking up after a short night, but were motivated as ever to complete the last EVA. Three of us took the rovers out to Charitum Montes. Augustin was able to map out the plateau and Ttele and Ioana used the scintillator. Suddenly, they lost sight of the drone and then realized it probably went back to land at its departure point. Augustin had to sprint back to retrieve Ingenuity and make it to base on time. It was pretty intense! They enjoyed the magnificent martian views one last time before coming back to base and eating with the rest of the crew.
The afternoon was dedicated to cleaning, packing and making sure the station is ready for the next crew. We will enjoy a last meal with good company and reminiscence over what a good time we had here. Mars is unforgettable. Time passed so fast during this mission, but at the same time we feel at home here like we’ve lived here forever.
Look Ahead Plan:
The crew will finish packing and cleaning the station. Tomorrow, they will end the simulation and take the CrewCar back to Grand Junction to continue their adventures elsewhere.
Anomalies in work: nun-functional robotic observatory, the battery wires of Opportunity need to be replaced.
Weather: sunny, low -2°C/28°F, high 16°C/61°F

Crew 279 Sol Summary Report 13-04-2023

Sol: 11
Summary Title: Roller Coaster
Author’s name: Antoine de Barquin , Crew Commander
Mission Status: Nominal
Sol Activity Summary:
Today was a very productive day for us! We managed to complete two experiments with great success. Agnes ventured to the top of the North Ridge to collect her bacteria, and everything went smoothly. During the excursion, we even had the opportunity to capture some stunning images with a drone. Once back at the Hab thanks to the rovers, we made the last measurements for Thomas’ experiment right next to the Hab. All in all, a job well done!
The second EVA of the day was at Candor Chasma for the rest of the team. This expedition was important to confirm the presence of a cave identified upstream by Augustin’s mapping of the area. We found the cave ( cfr photos of the day ) which confirms the operating protocol of Augustin’s experiment. The four members of the crew stayed in the Hab to prepare the end of the simulation and their experience.
Look Ahead Plan:
For our last Sol on Mars, an EVA is planned in the region of Charitum Montes to finish the Augustin’s mapping. While the rest of the team will finish its experiment in the morning. The afternoon will be reserved for the tidying of the station.
Anomalies in work: nun-functional robotic observatory, the battery wires of Opportunity needs to be replaced.
Weather: partly cloudy, low 10°C/50°F, high 20°C/68°C

Crew 279 Sol Summary Report 12-04-2023
Sol: 10
Summary Title: Sadly, close to the end…
Author’s name: Agnès Dekeyser, Crew Executive Officer
Mission Status: Nominal
Sol Activity Summary:
This morning the boys woke up early for their EVA. The Crew Scientist made some radioactivity measurements in the canyon with the help of the Commander while the GHO and Crew astronomers made some drone mapping of the area. They didn’t find any isotope but the mapping was a success.
In the meantime, the girls took some time to rest. They also cooked a delicious lunch with homemade hummus, pepper tapenade, and cheesy bread, for the great pleasure of the boys.
Right after lunch, a second team got prepared for their EVA to Kissing Camel Ridge W. They drove there and began to look for the cavities found by the GreenHab Officer on his 3D map made by drone mapping on EVA #4. They measured the cavities to check if the measurements were correct on the 3D map. They also found other cavities that didn’t appear on the 3D map. So, they enjoyed the time they had left to make another mapping. They also took the measurements of those cavities to make the same comparison as previously. Our Crew Executive Officer also took the opportunity to take some earth samples to see if she could find some martian microorganisms and compare their viability to one of her extremophiles.
The end of the afternoon was dedicated to everyone’s experiments before getting ready for the reports. Another productive day for our martionauts.
Look Ahead Plan:
Arriving at the end of the mission, our martionauts only have small things to take care of for their experiments. Tomorrow, the Crew Executive Officer will organise an EVA in order to collect her bacteria samples left in North Ridge and bring them back to the science dome where their viability will be assessed and compared to their unexposed analog. After that, the Crew Scientist will finish his radioactivity measurements around the MDRS. He still has 100 measurements to do around the MDRS and it should only take one morning to perform.
Apart from that the crew will continue their own experiments including the 3D printing of drone propellers and the analysis of their data.
Anomalies in work: nun-functional robotic observatory, the battery wires of Opportunity needs to be replaced, and issue with the battery of the suit 2.
Weather: partly cloudy, low 8°C/46°F, high 26°C/79°C
Crew Physical Status: Nominal
EVA: See above
Reports to be filed: Journalist report, Greenhab report, Operations report, EVA report, EVA request
Support Requested: None

Crew 279 Sol Summary Report 11-04-2023
Sol: 9
Summary Title:
Author’s name: Antoine de Barquin Crew Commander
Mission Status: Nominal
Sol Activity Summary:
Today was another very hot day and we reached 82°F. That’s why the EVA team started like yesterday at 8am. The purpose of this expedition was to check the bacteria Agnes had deposited on the top of the North Ridge. Two mappings were also made to complete Augustin’s map. Towards the end of the EVA we observed footprints that we believe belong to a feline. We will have to determine which animal it is.
The afternoon was the opportunity for some of the crew members to process the data already collected for our experiments. And for the other part to realize some shots requested by Belgian media.
Finally Gwenael and Augustin worked together on the elaboration of a 3D printed regolith collector in the framework of the collaboration with Lunaria One. The first part will be finished today.
Look Ahead Plan:
To complete Augustin’s study we will go to SOL 10 in the Somerville Overlook region to simulate a coronal mass ejection releasing a large amount of energetic particles into space. The goal of this simulation will be to test the protocol of reaction to this type of incident by quickly using the drone to find an area protecting us from radiation.
A second EVA will be organized in the afternoon.During a Martian mission on SOL 3, the Kissing Kamel Ridge was thoroughly mapped and some interesting cavities were found that could potentially protect humans from radiation. Augustin plans to test the accuracy of his 3D model by taking measurements in the field, with the help of Ttele and GPS data. Agnès will use this opportunity to study microorganisms that may be living in the cavities, comparing them to microorganisms exposed to radiation in the same field. This could contribute to her research on extremophiles and their ability to survive in harsh conditions. The viability of these microorganisms will be compared to those found on Mars.
The regolith collector will normally be finished tomorrow and Gwenael will be able to start testing the propeller on a 3D printer for his experiment
Anomalies in work: nun-functional robotic observatory and the battery wires of Opportunity needs to be replaced
Weather: Sunny, high 28°C/82°F, low 5°C/41°F
Crew Physical Status: Nominal
EVA: See above
Reports to be filed: Journalist report, Greenhab report, Operations report, EVA report, EVA request, Astronomer report
Support Requested: None

Crew 279 Sol Summary Report 10-04-2023
Sol: 8
Summary Title: Make hay while the sun shines
Author’s name: Antoine de Barquin, Commander & Agnès Dekeyser, Crew Executive Officer
Mission Status: Nominal
Sol Activity Summary:
Today was a hot day and we had it in our schedule. That’s why the EVA started an hour earlier than usual. The crew had to get up early to be ready to start at 8am. This allowed us not to be exposed to the sun when it was at its highest
Despite this precaution, taking radiation measurements for Thomas’s experiment around the base was no picnic. The hilly terrain behind the station and the already intense heat slowed down our progress. Finally the EVA was a success and we even had the time to take some drone pictures of the station.
In the meantime, the rest of the crew was preparing some good meals for the day. They tried to improve the bread recipe for the second time. Spoiler alert : it might have worked, they will discover the result at tonight’s dinner. They also tried a new recipe : cinnamon rolls! They were delicious but the dough was too hard. It seems that our martionauts have a new recipe to improve. Finally, they cooked some tuna pasta with tomato sauce with some vegetables that the whole crew ate with great pleasure.
The afternoon was filled with work such as taking pictures of the sun for some, turning some videos for others, or working on their own experiment for others. The time is going by extremely fast and our martionauts still have a lot to do but they all remain very motivated!
Look Ahead Plan:
Tomorrow, the crew will check the bacteria samples that were placed at the top of the North Ridge. They will also take this opportunity to perform some drone mapping as well as making some videos for their video report. The view that they will have of the MDRS will be perfect. The next EVA’s will be planned to continue Thomas and Augustin’s experiments meaning radioactivity measurements and drone mapping. In the MDRS, the crew will also continue their own experiment including data analysis and 3D printing.
Anomalies in work: nun-functional robotic observatory and the battery wires of Opportunity needs to be replaced
Weather: Sunny, high 24°C/75°F, low 2°C/36°F
Crew Physical Status: Nominal
EVA: See above
Reports to be filed: Journalist report, Greenhab report, Operations report, EVA report, EVA request
Support Requested: None

Crew 279 Sol Summary Report 09-04-2023
Sol: 7
Summary Title: An adventurous Sunday
Author’s name: Agnès Dekeyser, Crew Executive Officer
Mission Status: Nominal
Sol Activity Summary:
After a difficult awakening for the whole crew and some quickly swallowed cereals, three of them were ready for their EVA. The purpose ? Checking the bacteria samples placed at the top of the North Ridge as well as collecting the data recorded by the Arduino attached to the meteorological balloon. Unfortunately for the crew, it didn’t go as planned. It seems that the balloon got hit on a rock making it impossible to inflate anymore. The Arduino was also a bit damaged leading to no data recording. Still, the bacteria were fine and will stay there for a few more days.
After a good lunch, the crew got ready for the second EVA of the day. The martionauts went to Candor Chasma to perform some drone mapping. They had the time to perform four of them before coming back to the Hab. They found beautiful landscapes as well as wild animal footprints. When they came back, they were greeted by Martians standing in front of the MDRS boundary line…
In the meantime, the rest of the crew worked on their experiments and data analysis, including taking pictures of the sun.
Look Ahead Plan:
Tomorrow, the crew will go on EVA to continue the radioactivity measurements for Thomas’ experiment. He still has to make half of the measurements planned. For the next few days, the crew will continue the experiments including 3D printing, checking bacteria samples at the North Ridge, and drone mapping of different places in the desert. All the data collected will then need to be analyzed.
Anomalies in work: nun-functional robotic observatory and the battery wires of Opportunity needs to be replaced
Weather: Sunny, high 22°C/72°F, low 4°C/40°F
Crew Physical Status: Nominal
EVA: See above
Reports to be filed: Journalist report, Greenhab report, Operations report, EVA report, EVA request
Support Requested: None