Journalist report 11 Apr 2025
Author: Batoul Tani
Today marked another productive sol for the crew at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS), as we continued to advance our scientific objectives under simulated Martian conditions.
Early in the day, a scheduled EVA was carried out under relatively high temperatures. The mission had two primary goals: to collect soil samples from the designated Special Region for Bérengère’s GreenHab experiment, and to inspect and maintain the external equipment for Antoine’s ongoing engineering project. Despite the heat and communication challenges encountered during the EVA, both objectives were successfully accomplished, and the team returned safely to the Hab on schedule.
Bérengère continued her role as GreenHab Officer by planting a new set of fast-germinating crops, like radish sprouts, arugula, cress, and other leafy greens, to monitor early growth patterns in a controlled Martian analog environment. She also continued regular maintenance activities, including watering and development tracking of existing plants.
Meanwhile, Antoine focused on retrieving meteorological data from his external sensor array. This data is vital for assessing environmental variability and ensuring operational safety, particularly in preparation for future EVAs. His engineering experiment also includes long-term monitoring of equipment performance under field conditions similar to those on Mars.
In the Science Dome, Batoul, our crew journalist and science communicator, dedicated the afternoon to creating a new experiment simulating the effects of Martian microgravity.
Throughout the day, our daily scientific protocols continued without disruption. Each crew member follows a rigorous schedule, contributing to a wide range of interdisciplinary experiments that reflect the collaborative and multi-faceted nature of analog missions.
After a productive and challenging day, the crew came together for a group workout session to unwind and relieve the physical and mental tension that had built up throughout the day. It was a moment of camaraderie and relaxation, providing the team with a much-needed break after a day filled with intense tasks and valuable experiences.