Crew 314 EVA Report #1 07Apr2025
EVA #: 1
Author : Odile Hilgers (HSO, CapCom for EVA #1) – Crew 314 has no Scientist in the group due to recent VISA complications.
Purpose of EVA : Training, suit adaptation, and communication practice
Start Time : 09:00 AM
End Time : 09:45 AM
Narrative : Crew 314 embarked on their first EVA mission with the primary goal of adapting to their space suits, practicing rover operations, and refining communication skills. Batoul Tani, Arnaud de Wergifosse, and Louis Baltus suited up, each in different types of space suits: Louis wore a one-piece suit, while Arnaud and Batoul used two-piece suits. Batoul, acting as the driver, took the wheel of the Spirit Rover with Louis as her passenger, while Arnaud drove the Opportunity Rover alone.
After a brief delay to retrieve the EVA Kit, the crew departed from the habitat and drove to the Marble Ritual site. Upon arrival, the team took some time to adjust to their suits, practicing movements and communication. Batoul and Arnaud encountered some initial difficulty in adjusting to their two-piece suits, finding them a bit restrictive. In contrast, Louis, wearing the one-piece suit, reported having better flexibility during movement, which helped him feel more at ease.
The team covered approximately 0.06 miles (100 meters for our Belgian team) away from their rovers as part of their walking exercise. However, after a reminder from the EVA request guidelines, which specified that they should stay within 0,025 miles (30-40 meters) of the rovers, they promptly turned back. This allowed them to stay within the safety limits while still gaining valuable experience.
As the crew moved across the terrain, they encountered some small relief features, which challenged their balance. Navigating this terrain provided a true test of their agility in the suits. Despite the difficulty, the crew successfully crossed a small hill and even shared an astronaut moment, recalling the famous steps of the first man on the moon.
Throughout the mission, the crew practiced communication, testing the walkie-talkies to ensure clear and effective exchanges. Cap Com, listening in, was able to hear Batoul’s joyful reactions through the radio, reflecting the enthusiasm and satisfaction of the team during this first EVA.
After completing the walk and the rover operations, the team made their way back to the base. Upon arrival, they followed standard procedure, allowing the required five minutes for air depressurization before re-entering the habitat.
Destination : Marble Ritual
Coordinates (UTM WGS 84): 425100N, 518550W
Participants : Batoul Tani (Journalist), Arnaud de Wergifosse (Executive Officer), Louis Baltus (Astronomer).
Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map : MoonWalk Road, Cow Dung Road, Marble Ritual.
Mode of Travel : Driving (Rovers Spirit and Opportunity) and walking