CREW 315 SOL SUMMARY REPORT 29 APR 2025
Sol: 9
Summary Title: The goal line in sight and the final push to uncover “The Monolith.”
Author’s Name: Tim Gagnon – Crew Artist
Mission Status: Nominal. All systems operational.
Sol Activity Summary:
The Sun dawned on Sol 9 with a clear cobalt blue sky. It cast long, dramatic shadows across the base towards the RAM. We all slept well, maybe a bit too well. Does this mean we are becoming “martians?”
Our first attempt to capture the Mars mouse was unsuccessful but we discovered the bait was well received. A plan was discussed for another attempt over a delicious breakfast of blueberry pancakes made by our Commander. At 0800 hrs the Commander called our morning meeting to order. Today’s EVAs were reviewed. The morning EVA a hike by the Engineer, Health & Safety Officer and Journalist to the north ridge above and behind the Hab and the afternoon EVA the last, best chance to image “The Monolith” via drone by the Commander, HSO and Journalist.
During the morning EVA the Engineer requested a group photo while the EVA crew were atop the ridge. The Artist performed an IVA to the Musk Observatory via the tunnel system and captured the photos with his iPad.
Tonight’s meal again planned by the Crew Artist will take advantage of our leftovers: chili accompanied by Penne pasta and cheese as well as tortillas made by our Journalist for those who want the burrito experience. Desert will be chocolate brownies with crushed peppermint.
During this mission the Artist has compiled (with the assistance of the crew) and shared on Social Media EVA photos inspired by art created by Paul and Chris Calle, Alan Bean and Ed Hengveld. At the end of an EVA tomorrow the Artist, Engineer and HSO piloting her drone will attempt to recreate “In Flight” the painting by Alan Bean of the Apollo 14 golf shot by Alan Shepard in 1971. Details will be provided in the EVA request this evening.
The afternoon EVA set out at 1300 crewed by our Commander, HSO and Journalist to the Moon Overlook to search for “ The Monolith” testing the limitations of the HSO drone. The results will be detailed in other reports but to my untrained eye, they were spectacular.
We predict future crews to the MDRS will push the envelope of piloting drones even further. An amazing exploration tool. The EVA crew returned at 1633 hours tired but happy and our HSO shared raw video footage on her laptop. I can’t wait for the reveal on her YouTube channel.
Our Journalist prepared vegetable and beef burritos for everyone to accompany the chili and penne pasta with cheese prepared by the Artist. NOTE: there is a need for more plastic containers for leftovers. 😊
We are now working on our reports so they can be submitted at the beginning of the Comm Window. We have learned to work “smarter not harder” and become a bit more efficient each day. Gathered around the table we feel content and proud of a job well done.
LOOK AHEAD PLAN:
Crew Physical Status: All in Good Health + Spirits
EVAs to Be Completed:
EVA 18: 0900-1200
Purpose: Explore Somerville Overlook and Candor Chasma to return rock samples collected for the 3D scan experiment. HSO will pilot her drone as well.
EVA Participants: Michael Andrews (Engineer) and Urban Koi (HSO)
NOTE: When the Engineer and HSO return from this EVA, the Artist will join them on the surface for a brief recreation of the Alan Shepard golf shot during Apollo 14. The Artist participation will last approximately 15 mins.
EVA 19: 1300-1500
Purpose: Explore Candor Chasma to search for desiccated soil
EVA Participants: David Laude (CDR) and Elena Saavedra Buckley (Journalist)
Reports to Be Filed: Sol Summary, Journalist Report, Crew Photos, Green Hab Report, Operations Report, EVA reports, EVA Request(s)
Support Requested: We request the Comm Window be opened on Sol 11 (May 1st ) at 1430 hours for HSO’s last NASA online meeting. Also, we would ask that Comms be available all day on Friday, May 2nd in support of the visit by CNBC.