Category: Sol Summary

Crew 220 (MDRS) Sol Summary 31Jan2020

Sol: 12

Summary Title: End (almost) of the Mars Journey: Station-to-Station Medical EVA

Author’s name: Marufa A. Bhuiyan, International Astronomy Researcher and Connie Delisle, PhD

Mission Status: Nominal

Sol Activity Summary: The MDRS-MAU crews woke up at 07:00 on this beautiful red planet – Mars. Captivated by its timelessness, we confirmed this was indeed a real “time” through using our precious radios located at both stations. About time and space – we understand that time passes at different rate for different people and we need space for ourselves. No wonder we needed a reality check – it was a breathtaking view outside on Mars. Let us not forget to have a quick glance (about sky, land and weather) as we did here on Mars, watching through Mars unfolding though the unique round-shaped kitchen windows in the Hab. No humans (or animals) were running around outside; I could not spot anyone! The crew had some brief but intensive conversations in the short span of our quick regular breakfast together. Today’s topics included: culture, science, world politics, religion, human behavior to name a few. Since we had a pre-scheduled join MAU-MDRS Medical EVA (MEVA) at 09:00 we finished our breakfast really quick and postponed our precious conversations for the next round.

Building on lessons from yesterday’s MEVA, MDRS crew members felt mentally organized and capable of implementing what they learned in Mars which to humans is an austere environment. MDRS MEVA crews drove the rovers (e.g. Curiosity and Spirit) from MDRS Habitat to Mars Academy USA (MAU) Station which took only a few minutes. We were confident about starting our journey to MAU station because we had a professional doctor (Dr. Johannes Svensoy, MD), an efficient videographer who is also the Commander for MDRS (John Hanacek) and two talented crew members (Connie Delisle, PhD and Marufa Bhuiyan, MSc.) from different parts of the planet Earth. As soon as we reached MAU station, we were cordially greeted and well received by two sophisticated MAU crews (Matt Wise and Lee Roberts, MSc.) from the MAU station. Commander Hanacek did a great job in setting up the plot for injury site (simulated injured astronaut) in a proper location (GPS Coordinate: 12518124, 4250680) while we were waiting for other two crew members (Wise and Roberts) to return from MDRS to fetch radios we determined we needed. The combined team (both MDRS and MAU crews) proceeded to execute a Search and Rescue (SAR) and quickly located the injury site. They two attending medical professionals (Wise and Svensoy) executed the initial medical assessment (P-MARCH-P) protocol. Since all injuries on Mars are deemed as major, we called for METHANE and injured astronaut (simulated/dummy) was transported in the “Golden Bubble” – a pressurized medivac device prototype invented by Crew member Wise. As soon as both rovers arrived at the MDRS station, we had another simulated incident near at the corner of the GreenHab – simulating the rover running over crew astronaut Marufa Bhuiyan’s (who tries to be a human) right foot. Immediately two Crew astronauts helped the injured astronaut, the medical professionals also took great care to assess the condition.

The MEVA ended successfully today; by that I mean we will learn from our errors and take to heart the things we did efficiently. An exciting achievement was in getting the drone in the air and taking Arial shots of the MEVA.

Just after the lunch, the GreenHab Officer went to our amazing green-looking spaceship we call “GreenHab” to put some labels, setting up recycle bins, and cleaning/sweeping the Hab for the next crews. We request MDRS to replace these labels with permanent labels or, re-label these newly planted seeds (e.g. Ginger brought by our crew member Matt Wise, Romania Lettuce, Radish Sparkle, Bell Pepper (California Wonder) and re-arranged a mystery seed; no one knows what plant it is, probably a surprise for the next MDRS crews. In addition, we added a new red handled paint brush (to clean dust), seed bank (not labelled yet), hand sanitizer, napkins, and labelled two recycle bins/tubs (organic and inorganic/non burn) for the future crews.

Look Ahead Plan: Sol 13. Today marks the close of the MEVAs. Commander Hanacek issued orders to focus on report writing, preparing the end of mission report for the MDRS leadership, completing inventories and cleaning.

Anomalies in work: None

Weather: Tonight, -6 degrees Celsius and a high of 4 degrees Celsius tomorrow. No perception predicted.

Crew Physical Status: All the Crew is good health, despite a very short night.

EVA: None planned.

Reports to be filed:

Journalist Report

Sol Summary

Photo Report
Operations Report
GreenHab Report

Support Requested: Final garbage pick-up on Feb 2 (our departure date). There is only two rolls of toilet paper left – the incoming crew will require some additional toilet paper no doubt.

Crew 220 (MAU) Sol 12 Summary 31Jan2020

Summary Title: Sol long, Marswell
Author’s name: Shawna Pandya, Commander
Mission Status: Winding down… (already?!)
Sol Activity Summary: Today is our last Sol at MAU station, and we made the most of it! The Sol started with MAU Station hosting MDRS Engineer Wise as its Ambassador, yielding a fruitful and productive exchange regarding mission and engineering operations and logistics. Next, both MAU and MDRS stations conducted a a joint medical EVA exercise which tested the EVA team’s search-and-rescue, medical assessment and evacuation capabilities. The team shone and performed admirably amidst a complex situation! The afternoon was rounded out with check out cleaning, inventorying, report-writing and wrap-up activities, leaving the evening free for the crew to enjoy each other’s company one last time amidst art and Indian food. Sol long, Mars! You’ve been good to us.
Look Ahead Plan: Tomorrow, we return to Earth!
Anomalies in work: None
Weather: -6C low / 5C max, 0C average.
Crew Physical Status: MAUtacular
EVA: Successful search-and-rescue, medical triage and evacuation mission accomplished today in a joint exercise with MAU.
Reports to be filed:
Sol Summary
Commander’s Report
Photo Report
Operations Report
EVA Report
EVA Request: None
Support Requested: Commander requesting a half-sweet almond milk mocha with an extra shot of espresso pretty please

Crew 220 (MDRS) Sol Summary 30Jan2020

Sol: 11

Summary Title: Integration of Medical Assessments, Search and Rescue

Author’s name: Connie Delisle

Mission Status: Nominal

Sol Activity Summary: The Crew rose at 07:00 to an intensive skyscape. The orange glow of the forever red dunes of Mars is a sight to always remember. After a light breakfast, the MDRS Crew began preparations for the morning Medical EVA (MEVA), starting with a rendezvous at the MAU station. Each station fielded its own team, meeting at MAU station to commence the MEVA. The Crews successfully met most of the MEVA objectives set by Commander Hanacek; namely to integrate medical assessment and Search and Rescue techniques and tools. Medical techniques drilled in previous MEVAs include: P-MARCH-P for primary trauma survey, Secondary Survey, and SAMPLE. The Golden Bubble and a semi-autonomous drone was slated for testing for the first time in the Mission with a view to obtaining comparative data concerning the challenges in rescue and medical assessments in ICE environments.

XO Wise remained at MDRS to allow time to focus solely on setting up a test MAU-MDRS WIFI connection which is part of the objectives set for this mission. Should connectivity be established it would represent another piece of the MAU Crew Lead’s vision clicking into place.

Look Ahead Plan: Sol 12. Additional training will be conducted tomorrow, in order to reinforce the medical and Search and Rescue (SAR) already delivered. In addition, a second attempt will be made to test the drone. The main objectives are to add this capability, test it, as well as drill and become more fluent with what has already been learned. The Crew will be asked to take mental note of the challenges in applying these well establish techniques in ICE conditions. This information can be fed back to the organizations and innovators that are designing technology and procedures for ICE environments.

We continue to receive top quality advice and guidance from CapComms and we really appreciate the kind comments and interest showed. As a final word, it was a pleasure and honor to Command MDRS; at the same time I was delighted to welcome back Commander Hanaceck to take command of MDRS late last night. I continue working with him to assure he is fully supported and up to speed as the overall Mission is quickly coming into its final few days.

Anomalies in work: None

Weather: Tonight’s low to -2 degrees (Celsius). Mostly sunny tomorrow with high cloud tomorrow with a high predicted to be 7 degrees Celsius night. Near zero percent perception forecast.

Crew Physical Status: All the Crew is good health, despite a very short night.

EVA: One morning three-hour EVA.

Reports to be filed:

Journalist Report

Sol Summary

Photo Report
Operations Report
GreenHab Report

Support Requested: Garbage pick up from the rear airlock would be very much appreciated.

Crew 220 (MAU) Sol 11 Summary 30Jan2020

Summary Title: Hey Sol Sistah!
Author’s name: Shawna Pandya, Commander
Mission Status: aMAUzing

Sol Activity Summary: As our Mission winds down, we are working together to coordinate the final touches on our projects, studies, technology demonstrations and academic activities. The morning at MAU started with a team breakfast as we hosted our second-ever MDRS ambassador, MDRS GreenHab Officer Bhuiyan, whose presence delighted us all, and who herself seemed to enjoy the visit. Next, the MAU and MDRS teams united to conduct a joint search-and-rescue, triage and evacuation exercise that tested the skills the two crews had learned this mission. The day continued with expert-led knowledge transfers and demonstrations as various crew members led demonstrations of virtual reality, ultrasound and medical technologies. The evening will end with some medical teaching regarding airway management, as well as arts and wellness actvitities, including a Mars Circle.
Look Ahead Plan: As our Mission winds down, we will be filling the final Sol with one last advanced medical drill involving search-and-rescue, triage and evacuation, and some final wellness, arts and teaching activities.

Anomalies in work: None
Weather: -6C low / 5C max, 0C average.
Crew Physical Status: MAU-velous, dahling
EVA: Successful search-and-rescue, medical triage and evacuation mission accomplished today.

Reports to be filed:
Sol Summary
Commander’s Report
Photo Report
Operations Report
EVA Report
EVA Request: Pending.
Support Requested: Can you please bottle some of the Mars magic for us to take back to Earth?

Crew 220 (MAU) Sol 10 Summary 29Jan2020

Summary Title: All Aboard the Sol 10!
Author’s name: Shawna Pandya, Commander
Mission Status: MAUtastic
Sol Activity Summary: We had an extremely productive day at MAU. The morning consisted of in-depth upkeep, cleaning, and maintenance, and we achieved a lot in getting our electrical operations, data network and station cleanliness up to par. In other news, we hosted our first-ever visiting Ambassador from MDRS, Officer Kainu, and deem our first exchange extremely successful, and look forward to many more. The afternoon saw a successful exploratory EVA to Cowboy’s Corner with the MAU Crew, followed by an evening sojourn to MDRS for a cultural exchange including martial arts and dance demonstrations, and culminating with a "Future Cafe."
Look Ahead Plan: As our Mission winds down, we will be filling the remaining Sols with medical technology demonstrations, academic activities, wellness and a few more EVAs.
Anomalies in work: None
Weather: -6C low / 5C max, 0C average.
Crew Physical Status: MAUminal
EVA: Successful Exploratory EVA to Cowboy’s Corner completed.
Reports to be filed:
Sol Summary
Commander’s Report
Photo Report
Operations Report
EVA Report
EVA Request: Pending.
Support Requested: If you could invent a mud-cleaning machine, MAU Station would LOVE to hear about it! 🙂

Crew 220 (MDRS) Sol Summary 29Jan2020

Sol: 10

Summary Title: Sweet Homeostasis

Author’s name: Connie Delisle

Mission Status: Nominal

Sol Activity Summary: The Crew rose at 08:00 to a cloudy sky with very light snow. Into mid-morning Mother Nature decided to bless us with high cloud and sun. MDRS again served as a relay point to MAU to communicate with the MAU Director. However, XO Wise has made good progress today in setting up a test WIFI connection which is part of the objectives set during this mission. The remaining Crew at MDRS, myself and astronomy researcher Marufa Akhter Bhuiyan thoroughly cleaned and organized the lower deck – floor, walls, airlocks, bathroom, cabinets. A safe, orderly homebase not only helps avoid accidents – it creates a sense of ownership and in becoming a home we could be forever living here on Mars if we didn’t have to return to Earth.

The MDRS Crew stayed close to home today to work in the GreenHab, planting radishes and romain lettuce. MDRS also served as HabComm to support the MAU Crew who participated in a 3-hour EVA focused on exploration and scouting. From a Raven’s eye view, the Team Leader remarked that “he felt part of the landscape of Mars”. The rolling red hills and blue sky was a remarkable backdrop to explore the soil, rocks and outcroppings.

Look Ahead Plan: Sol 11 includes an AM and PM EVA. These experiences aim to reinforce the medical training already received and introduce Search and Rescue (SAR). On Mars, medical emergencies may occur in the Hab or on EVA. The MAU-MDRS Crew testing and training is fundamental to establish a baseline understanding of the medical challenges in using “Earth” patient assessment protocols, conventional SAR equipment and applying operational protocols for recovery. All this hard work is for the purpose of innovating medical equipment, training and processes to improve the safety of security of astronauts on Mars.

Yesterday was a milestone in submitting reports before the CapComm window closure yesterday and to receive such positive comments on the photos. The Crew has done a great job on progressively becoming more organized, creating time and space to spend time on reports, science and to reflect on life on MARS. As this is my last night as Commander at MDRS, I am happy to transfer to Commander Hanacek, a station that I feel is well taken care of and appreciated.

Anomalies in work: None

Weather: Approximately -6C at night, max 3C during the day tomorrow; probability of precipitation is less than 20%.

Crew Physical Status: All the Crew is good health, bolstered after a good night’s sleep.

EVA: One morning and one in the afternoon.

Reports to be filed:

Journalist Report

Sol Summary

Photo Report
Operations Report
GreenHab Report

Support Requested: Revised request for two not four fluorescent bulbs for the lower deck. The engineer found two bulbs on the lower deck and has installed them.

Shawna
Commander,
MAU Crew 220

MAU Crew 220 Sol 9 Summary 28Jan2020

Summary Title: Sol 9 and Feeling Fine
Author’s name: Shawna Pandya, Commander
Mission Status: Rockminal
Sol Activity Summary: Today was geological science day! The morning started with a brief by the MDRS Science Officer on soil sampling techniques, followed by a geological EVA over 2 sites (Kissing Camel and North Ridge) and sample return. In the afternoon, the crew analyzed their samples using standard geological evaluation techniques and also under a microscope.
Look Ahead Plan: Tomorrow will be an operational and maintenance day around the MAU Station as the Engineer returns and the crew undertakes general upkeep activities. Tonight also marks the commencement of the MAU Ambassador Program, with the arrival of a visiting MDRS Officer.
Weather: Approximately -4C at night, max 5C during day until Saturday, minimal chance of precipitation (20%).
Crew Physical Status: MAUminal
EVA: Geological EVA conducted over two sites (Kissing Camel & North Ridge), 5 soil samples returned.
Reports to be filed:
Sol Summary (sent)
Commander’s Report
EVA Report
Operations Report
Photo Report
EVA Request: Pending.
Support Requested: None at this time.

Crew 220 (MDRS) Sol Summary 28Jan2020

Sol: 9

Summary Title: GeoConnexus

Author’s name: Connie Delisle

Mission Status: Nominal

Sol Activity Summary:Day broke with an incredible sunrise, illuminating the Martian landscape. MDRS again served as the rally point for the EVA. HabComm and one other Crew member manned the Station while the remainder of the team participated in a 3-hour geological EVA (gEVA). Yet another first for the Crew, they eagerly learned about the procedure for soil sampling and analysis.

Look Ahead Plan: Sol 10 includes work at MDRS. Since the Crew is only three for the bulk of the day, we will remain at the station. We will commence with work in the GreenHab including soil pH testing, planting and harvesting. This will be followed by catching up on social science (behavior motivation to go to Mars), and nutrition studies. A researcher and I will commence drafting of a paper on the GreenHab operations, comparing ICE to non-ICE environments. I will provide the paper to MDRS and MAU directors for their decision to keep for internal information or to at any point ahead to share for external publication.

Anomalies in work: None

Weather: Approximately -4C at night, max 5C during day until Saturday, minimal chance of precipitation (20%).

Crew Physical Status: Commanders and Crew put in really full day of work with a longer EVA than usual, followed by a nearly 3-hour science lab to do the soil analysis. The was immediately followed by starting reports. We are determined to submit all reports before the CapComm window closes! Spirits are high, good food has helped but tonight’s program is light to afford an early bedtime.

EVA: None at the MDRS Station.

Reports to be filed:

Journalist Report
Sol Summary
Photo Report
Operations Report
GreenHab Report
Geological Report
EVA Report

Support Requested: Four fluorescent bulbs for the lower deck.

Author’s name: Connie Delisle

Mission Status: Phenominal

Sol 8 Activity Summary:

The day started with a joint briefing and breakfast between the MAU and MDRS Crew. Today’s morning activities were designed to help the Crew put the medical training on three assessment techniques: P-MARCH-P, Secondary Site Survey and SAMPLE procedure. Crew members assessed the condition of simulated victims, and for the first time, used XO Wise’s “Golden Bubble”. The point clearly hit home – that there are many different challenges in assessing, recovering and transporting a patient on Mars.

Look Ahead Plan: Sol 9 includes another first on this Mission, a Geological EVA. First, the Crew will be briefed on soil collection procedures by Crew Member and Researcher, Morgan Kainu. Second, the Crew will attend the Science Dome to partake in soil sampling research. This includes testing soil textures and other properties along with using a black light.

Anomalies in work: The weather report did not indicate the warmth of the sun and had to redo the compression/decompression sequence at MDRS to take off cold weather clothing. Also, the wind between 011:00 and 17:00 was markedly higher than previous days, with gust estimated at 25 MPH. The Crew adapted by securing their equipment and also doing two rendezvous at MAU station. Some remedial work was needed there to ensure that the equipment was secured.

Weather: Tonight, clear skies with a lowest temperature later this evening around -6°C, with a 0% chance of snow. The average highest temperature during the day is expected to reach 5°C.

Crew Physical Status: Commanders and Crew worked very hard today – both mentally and physically. However, there is a sense of satisfaction operations become more efficient and training, science and EVAs become more prominent.

EVA: One morning and one afternoon EVA was conducted, all in front of the MDRS Station.

Reports to be filed:

Commanders Report
Sol Summary
Photo Report
Operations Report
GreenHab Report
EVA Report
EVA Request
Support Requested: None Required

MAU Crew 220 Sol 8 Summary 27Jan2020

Summary Title: Skills and Drills and SiMAUlated Fractures Oh My!
Author’s name: Shawna Pandya, Commander
Mission Status: Nominally windy
Sol Activity Summary: The MAU and MDRS rendezvoused for a day of medical drilling, skilling and practical application. In the morning, the two physicians on the crew reviewed previously learned skills, and then also taught the crew about additional triage and assessment skills. These skills were then tested in simulated trauma scenarios on EVA in front of the hab. Most excitingly, these EVAs saw the first deployment of the Golden Bubble pressurized transport device in the field, which was successful, and provided many useful data points going forward. In other news, it was a windy day on Mars, necessitating two Engineering EVAs at MAU station to safely secure the base against the elements.
Look Ahead Plan: The crew looks forward to a day full of geological science and exploration tomorrow!

Weather: -6C low tonight with light winds at 12kph / 0% chance of precipitation tonight & tomorrow
Crew Physical Status: MEDucated
EVA: AM & PM medical EVAs drilling trauma scenarios in front of the MDRS Hab
Reports to be filed:
Sol Summary (sent)
Commander's Report (sent)
EVA Report
Operations Report
GreenHab Report
Photo Report
Science Report
EVA Request: Pending.
Support Requested: MAUral support please!