Category: Sol Summary

Crew 306 Sol Summary Report 23-12-2024
Sol: 01
Summary Title: First day on Mars
Author’s name: Jesus Meza
Mission Status: Active. All systems are nominal.
Sol Activity Summary:
Today was our first day on the red planet. GHO Adriana Sanchez and GEO Elizabeth Howard treated everyone to chocolate chip pancakes. The crew then embarked on our first two EVAs. EVA 01 saw CMD Jesus Meza, ENG Keegan Chavez, and Adriana perform the tradition of dropping a pebble into the baskets at Marble Ritual. EVA 02 was led by Elizabeth with HSO Ryan Villarreal and JOU Rodrigo Schmitt joining to also perform the ritual. The evening was then spent completing Ryan’s team puzzle task, completing their first puzzle in record time, but failing to complete the second puzzle within the time limit… but we haven’t given up yet.
Look Ahead Plan:
Sol 2 looks to be a productive day for research. EVA 03 will see Elizabeth, Rodrigo, and Jesus make a trip to Kissing Camel Ridge. Elizabeth will collect magnetic data of the surrounding area using an EMF meter. Rodrigo will attempt the maiden flight of his DRONE (Digital Reconstruction and Optical Navigation of the Environment) experiment. Meanwhile, Jesus will attempt to harvest Iron-rich minerals for his In-Situ resource utilization study. The HAB team will see Ryan set up our VR study, Adriana continues to set up her mushroom study, and Keegan install and debug sensor payloads for Purdue’s station monitoring study.
Anomalies in work: None
Weather: Weather saw clear skies with a high of 50 degrees Fahrenheit and winds as high as 3 mph.
Crew Physical Status: Crew is happy and well.
EVA:
EVA 01 saw Jesus, Keegan and Adriana complete the marble ritual. EVA 02 saw Elizabeth, Rodrigo and Ryan complete the marble ritual.
Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, Journalist Report, Greenhab Report, Operations Report, Crew Photos, EVA Report, and EVA Request.
Support Requested: None

Crew 306 Sol Summary Report 24-12-2024
Sol: 02
Summary Title: Martians at Work
Author’s name: Jesus Meza
Mission Status: Festive! All systems are nominal.
Sol Activity Summary:
The day started with a spa-con (spam bacon) and egg breakfast curtesy of Elizabeth. At 09:00 the team observed a stretching and meditation session led by Adriana and Rod. At 09:30 the team started preparations for EVA 03. Jesus, Elizabeth, and Rod went to Kissing Camel Ridge for DRONE’s maiden flight. The initial phase of the experiment was a success. Rod was able to safely pilot DRONE with the Li-DAR camera. While on EVA, Elizabeth was able to collect ambient magnetic data at the base of Kissing Camel East. Jesus was able to collect a miniscule amount of iron from the sand found in the dry stream beds in the area. Several bags of sand we’re collected for iron extraction in the coming days. Meanwhile at the HAB, Keegan provided CAPCOM for EVA, Ryan set up the Virtual Reality (VR) exercise for the team, and Adriana took care of the greenhouse and her mushrooms. At 13:00, the crew returned from EVA to fresh spaghetti cooked by Adriana using herbs from the greenhouse. At 14:00, the crew split up to perform research and work tasks. Keegan performed repairs on the tunnels connecting the station modules. Ryan ran VR studies on the crew. Elizabeth analyzed her magnetic data. Adriana performed her GreenHab tasks. Jesus organized his EVA samples with corresponding photographs and geotags, the way he was taught by 305 commander Hunter Vannier. Rod discovered that DRONE did not initiate data collection during its flight. Ryan and Rod spent the rest of the afternoon resolving this issue and DRONE is ready for it’s next mission.
Look Ahead Plan:
Happy Holidays! Sol 3 will be a day dedicated to personal research and relaxation. Only mission critical tasks will be accomplished. Weather permitting, EVA 04 will feature a DRONE test flight around the HAB. The crew will spend most of the day in the HAB celebrating the holidays by sleeping in, baking cookies, watching movies, and solving Ryan’s puzzle.
Anomalies in work: None
Weather: Weather was clear skies with a high of 45 degrees F. Winds picked up in the late evening reaching up to 8 mph.
Crew Physical Status: Crew is happy and well.
EVA:
EVA 03: Jesus, Elizabeth, and Rod completed their first research EVA. The EVA objectives were to perform DRONE maiden flight, take ambient magnetic data, and canvas the area for iron and iron-oxide minerals. All objectives for this EVA were completed.
Reports to be filed:
Sol Summary, Journalist Report, Greenhab Report, Operations Report, Crew Photos, EVA Report. EVA request.
Support Requested: None

Crew 306 Sol Summary Report 25-12-2024
Sol: 03
Summary Title: ChristMARS
Author’s name: Jesus Meza
Mission Status: Festive. All systems are nominal.
Sol Activity Summary:
Last night the crew stayed up late watching the movie, Elf. We chose to “sleep-in” today in observance of the holidays, but everyone was awake by 08:00. Ryan treated us to French Toast for breakfast and we all opened our white elephant gifts. The crew then practiced our daily stretching and meditation session before splitting off for research at 12:00. Adriana and Elizabeth fed the mushrooms and took care of the Green Hab. Rod, Keegan, and Ryan worked on getting DRONE prepared for EVA, and Jesus worked on planning out the upcoming EVA schedule. EVA 04 began at 14:00, with Rod, Keegan, and Ryan performing DRONE test flights as well as inspecting the repairs done to the tunnel system. The crew had a late lunch at 16:00 where Elizabeth treated us to Murry (mars-curry), composed of chickpeas, potatoes, green-beans, tomato paste and spices. At 17:00 the crew settled into a slow afternoon of report writing and puzzle solving. We’re having cake for dinner.
Look Ahead Plan:
EVA 05 will take place on Sol 4. Jesus, Elizabeth, and Adriana will travel up to HAB ridge in search of iron containing minerals along the edge of the ridge south of the HAB. If time permits, soil samples will be taken from the base of Skyline ridge to analyze iron content. Meanwhile at the HAB, Ryan, Rod, and Keegan will work on repairing and preparing DRONE for EVA 05.
Anomalies in work: None.
Weather: Morning was wet from last night’s rain but dried up by noon. Skies were clear with a high of 54 degrees F. Winds were high with gust up to 15 mph.
Crew Physical Status: Crew is happy and well.
EVA:
Rod, Ryan, and Keegan completed EVA 04 in the area surrounding the HAB. The EVA objectives were to perform DRONE test flights and inspect the tunnel system repairs that Keegan has been performing. The software issues that prevented DRONE from acquiring data on EVA 03 were resolved. However, a bracket that mounts the Li-DAR camera to DRONE fractured during test. Inspection of the tunnel system yielded one new issue to repair. At the intersection of the main tunnel with the science dome tunnel the tarp material is loose enough to flap with the wind. Preventative maintenance will be scheduled to tighten down the tarp to prevent a breach.
Reports to be filed:
Sol Summary, Journalist Report, Greenhab Report, Operations Report, Crew Photos, EVA Report. EVA request.
Support Requested: We have been having trouble with the VR setup we brought for human factor research. The system logs out of the software account and to recover it requires an internet connection. We would like to request permission to connect this computer to the WIFI outside of coms windows.

Crew 306 Sol Summary Report 26-12-2024
Sol: 04
Summary Title: Bread loaf number 05.
Author’s name: Jesus Meza
Mission Status: Active. All systems are nominal.
Sol Activity Summary:
The day began at 07:00 with Rod making breakfast burritos. The morning coms widow was very active with most of the crew needing to look up material for projects. At 09:00 the crew started prepping for the day. Adriana tended to the GreenHAB and harvested some cucumbers. At 10:00 the crew observed a stretching session before gearing up for EVA 05 to HAB Ridge and Skyline Rim. Elizabeth, Adriana, and Jesus were the EVA team, while Ryan and Keegan ran CAPCOMS. The EVA team had a nice long walk up the ridge, finding a disposable Fiji camara along the way, possibly the one lost by crew 305? The crew then traveled southward along the ridge in the direction of Kissing Cammel to look for an outcrop of rocks thought to contain Hematite Concretions. Samples were taken along the way for analysis at the HAB. The site had a few interesting minerals that may be the iron containing rocks that Jesus needs for his project. At approximately 13:00 the crew travel back north towards the HAB, then west along Sagan Road toward Skyline Rim. The crew took samples along the road, about halfway to the rim, to analyze the iron content. The HAB team baked yet another loaf of bread. We have now baked the same number of loafs as we have had EVA’s… five. At 14:15, the EVA team was back to the HAB. At 15:00 the crew had BBQ chicken for lunch with a side of rice, curtesy of Ryan. The evening saw the crew catch up on Ryan’s VR assessments, and prepping DRONE for EVA 06. Adriana made mediterranean style quinoa for dinner using the cucumbers she harvested this morning!
Look Ahead Plan:
Elizabeth will lead Rod and Ryan back up to HAB ridge towards Skyline Rim. The EVA team will take samples of the soil at the base of the cliff and perform Li-DAR scans along the dirt planes. Meanwhile at the HAB, Jesus, Adrian, and Keegan will work on their research.
Anomalies in work: None.
Weather: Morning was cloudy with light wind and temperatures around 31 degrees F. The sky’s were clear by the late afternoon and the temperature warmed up to 46 degrees F.
Crew Physical Status: Crew is happy and well.
EVA:
Jesus, Elizabeth, and Adriana completed EVA 05 atop Hab Ridge with Ryan and Keegan running CAPCOM. The EVA objectives were to take EMF measurements and collect Hematite Concretions for the in-situ photovoltaic project. Two sites were chosen for this EVA. First the team headed to a rocky outcrop along the top of HAB ridge at 4250250E, 518000N. Here the EVA team collected a few samples that may be Hematite concretions. This will be confirmed with the help of Purdue Mission Support. Elizabeth performed magnetic readings atop of HAB ridge. The EVA team then made their way towards Skyline Rim, stopping about 1/3 of the way to the rim to collect sand from a dry stream, and gray soil from the plains. These samples were brought back to the HAB to analyze their iron content. The objectives of the EVA were met.
Reports to be filed:
Sol Summary, Journalist Report, Greenhab Report, Operations Report, Crew Photos, EVA Report. EVA request.
Support Requested: None.

Crew 305 Sol Summary Report 15-12-2024
Sol: 7
Summary Title: Let’s Carpe Some Diem
Author’s name: Peter Zoss
Mission Status: Active
Sol Activity Summary:
Ian, Peter, and Hunter left on an EVA in the morning. Spruha, Monish, and Rashi monitored comms from the HAB during the day. Spruha and Monish spent a lot of time in the RAM working on their research projects. Rashi helped make some dishes for lunch to go with the leftover spaghetti. Ian put together a nice pasta dinner in the evening then. The VR headset used for Peter’s research was a big hit with Beat Saber, so it was set up for some post-dinner fun once again.
Look Ahead Plan:
The next EVA will be tomorrow, Sol 8. Ian will lead Spruha and Hunter on a walking mission to test out Spruha’s rover and collect some paleosol samples for Hunter around the HAB. Monish, Rashi, and Peter will monitor comms from the HAB. After some strong collaborative work from the team today, all the wiring for the rover has been completed and it is in the final stages of assembly now for tomorrow’s EVA.
Anomalies in work:
None.
Weather:
Today was the warmest yet by the end of the EVA, with no clouds blocking the sun. Winds peaked at 10 MPH during the EVA.
Crew Physical Status:
Everyone appears in good health.
EVA:
EVA 07 saw a semi-successful trek south of Kissing Camel Ridge for dry stream channel measurements and paleosol sample collection led by Ian who had Peter and Hunter accompanying him. The morning started off cold but quickly heated up under the sun for a hot trip.
Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, Journalist Report, Greenhab Report, Operations Report, Crew Photos, EVA Report, and EVA Request
Support Requested:
None

Crew 305 Sol Summary Report 16-12-2024
Sol: 8
Summary Title: These Boots Were Made for Walking
Author’s name: Peter Zoss
Mission Status: Active
Sol Activity Summary:
Ian, Spruha, and Hunter left on an EVA in the afternoon today, a large portion of which was conducted on foot. Peter, Monish, and Rashi monitored comms from the HAB. Hunter was able to spend more time in the morning working on his project in the GreenHab before the EVA. Spruha and Monish spent a lot of time working on their research projects and troubleshooting issues with Spruha’s rover, Hermes. Rashi has been writing a lot for her research as well. Ian made a quick lunch before the EVA. Rashi put together a nice dinner in the evening.
Look Ahead Plan:
The next EVA will be tomorrow, Sol 9. Ian will lead Spruha and Rashi on a walking mission to test out Spruha’s rover around the HAB. Monish, Hunter, and Peter will monitor comms from the HAB. After some more collaborative work from the team today, the rover software, wiring, and power issues have been overcome and it is in the final stages of assembly now for tomorrow’s EVA!
Anomalies in work:
None.
Weather:
Today was another warm one. Lots of cloud cover as well.
Crew Physical Status:
Everyone appears in good health.
EVA:
EVA 08 saw a semi-successful trek up to HAB Ridge on foot for the first portion of the EVA, and then a quick drive south of Kissing Camel Ridge for dry stream channel measurements and paleosol sample collection. Ian led the EVA and had Spruha and Hunter accompanying him.
Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, Journalist Report, Greenhab Report, Operations Report, Crew Photos, EVA Report, and EVA Request
Support Requested:
None

Crew 305 Sol Summary Report 17-12-2024
Sol: 9
Summary Title: Splish Splash, I Was Taking a Bath
Author’s name: Peter Zoss
Mission Status: Active
Sol Activity Summary:
Ian, Spruha, and Rashi left on a walking EVA in the afternoon today from the RAM. Peter, Monish, and Hunter monitored comms from the HAB. Alien activity was high during the afternoon today. Monish and Spruha spent a lot of time with circuits again today working on their projects. Ian made a quick lunch before the EVA again. Hunter put together a nice dinner in the evening. Our water usage was on track, so we were able to fit in our second quick shower today.
Look Ahead Plan:
The next EVA will be tomorrow, Sol 10. Ian will lead Spruha and Hunter on a mission up around Kissing Camel Ridge. They will be joined by a special guest entering sim for the day with us. Monish, Rashi, and Peter will monitor comms from the HAB.
Anomalies in work:
None.
Weather:
Today was partly cloudy and warmer than usual again.
Crew Physical Status:
Everyone appears in good health.
EVA:
EVA 09 saw a trek around the HAB on foot again for dry stream channel measurements, eventually back up to HAB Ridge before returning to the RAM. Ian led the EVA and had Spruha and Rashi accompanying him.
Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, Journalist Report, Greenhab Report, Operations Report, Crew Photos, EVA Report, and EVA Request
Support Requested:
None

Sol: 10
Summary Title: Lights, Camera, Fire!
Author’s name: Peter Zoss
Mission Status: Active
Sol Activity Summary:
Today was a unique one. We started earlier than normal to meet a special guest entering sim for the day with us. Spruha, Monish, and Rashi worked together to make a nice black bean burger tortilla lunch for everyone. Then, Ian, Spruha, and Hunter left on an EVA in the afternoon with our guest, heading out towards Kissing Camel Ridge for some more dry stream measurements and paleosol sample collection. Monish had two of his sensor packs up and working around the MDRS buildings collecting environmental data. Peter, Monish, and Rashi monitored comms from the HAB. Hunter put together a nice dinner in the evening. The evening will be spent relaxing a little more after the long day everyone had working on their research and talking to our guest.
Look Ahead Plan:
The next EVA will be tomorrow, Sol 11. Ian will lead Spruha and Rashi on a mission down south near White Rock Canyon for dry stream channel width measurements. Monish, Hunter, and Peter will monitor comms from the HAB. Peter will collect the final data for his research at MDRS tomorrow. EVA 11 will be the second to last one.
Anomalies in work:
None.
Weather:
Today was sunny and warm with little wind.
Crew Physical Status:
Everyone appears in good health.
EVA:
EVA 10 saw Ian, Spruha, and Hunter bring our guest out towards Kissing Camel Ridge for some more dry stream measurements and paleosol sample collection. Lots of data was gathered, especially for the slightly shorter timeframe – under 2.5 hours!
Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, Journalist Report, Greenhab Report, Operations Report, Crew Photos, EVA Report, and EVA Request
Support Requested:
None

Crew 305 Sol Summary Report 19-12-2024
Sol: 11
Summary Title: We Came, We Spooled, We Conquered
Author’s name: Peter Zoss
Mission Status: Active
Sol Activity Summary:
Last night ended with a movie and some banana bread, courtesy of Spruha. Today, Ian, Spruha, and Rashi left on an EVA at our usual time around 10, heading further south of Kissing Camel Ridge for some more dry stream measurements. Peter, Monish, and Hunter monitored comms from the HAB. They also visited the GreenHab as Hunter collected some data for his research project and danced to help everything grow better. Monish put together a nice dinner in the evening with Spruha’s help. It is hard to believe there are less than 24 hours before the sim ends!
Look Ahead Plan:
The last EVA will be a shorter one tomorrow, on Sol 12. Ian will lead Monish and Hunter on a mission back to Compass Rock for dry stream channel width measurements. Spruha, Rashi, and Peter will monitor comms from the HAB.
Anomalies in work:
None.
Weather:
Today was another sunny and warm one with a little wind.
Crew Physical Status:
Everyone appears in good health.
EVA:
EVA 11 saw Ian, Spruha, and Rashi head south of Kissing Camel Ridge for more dry stream measurements.
Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, Journalist Report, Greenhab Report, Operations Report, Crew Photos, EVA Report, and EVA Request
Support Requested:
None

Crew 305 Sol Summary Report 20-12-2024
Sol: 12
Summary Title: Are You Calling Me on the Cellular Phone?
Author’s name: Peter Zoss
Mission Status: Completed
Sol Activity Summary:
Our last night in sim on Sol 11 saw us finish the movie we started the night before and play a round of Coup again. Today, Ian, Monish and Hunter left on the last EVA at our usual time around 10, heading back up to Compass Rock for some more dry stream measurements and paleosol samples. Peter, Rashi, and Spruha monitored comms from the HAB. Spruha made a nice Italian lunch for everyone. We will be exiting sim soon after we complete our end-of-mission reports. The 12 Sols of in-sim mission days felt long at first, but it is hard to believe the end is already here. The most important thing to note is that we wouldn’t have made it this far without all the help from everyone at mission support! Thank you!
Look Ahead Plan:
N/A
Anomalies in work:
None.
Weather:
Today was another sunny one again, but it was a little colder than the previous few days.
Crew Physical Status:
Everyone appears in good health.
EVA:
EVA 12 saw Ian, Monish and Hunter head to Compass Rock for the final set of dry stream measurements and paleosol sample collection.
Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, Journalist Report, Greenhab Report, Operations Report, Crew Photos, EVA Report, Mission Summary and Research Report
Support Requested:
None