Journalist Report
MDRS Crew 321 (NASA SWB)
Jake Paszko 11/6/2025
Sol 3:
Our first day back on Earth started around 8:00 AM. I woke up missing Mars’s 0.38 percent of Earth’s gravity. My feet hit the floor harder than expected getting out of bed. However, nothing brings you back to Earth like a warm, cheesy breakfast. Parker whipped up some scrambled eggs, hash browns, and bacon spam. It sure hit the spot.
Around 9:30 AM, we made our way to the science dome to check out our gypsum experiments. Commander Jen led our discussion as we observed our rocks and pondered the transformations. Our crew geologist, Yishan, explained the differences in the variety of gypsum. Selenite is the more hydrated form of the gypsum and has a more transparent appearance. Anhydrite is the dehydrated form that is not transparent and has a chalky, grey or white appearance.
Soon after we concluded in the science dome, the crew geared up and completed a briefing. Commander Jen informed us that we will be out looking for biosignatures. Since we are technically back on Earth, we did not have to suit up today. We got to our site around 10:30 AM.
Some of the bioindicators spotted throughout our search included petrified wood, ancient devil’s toe nail mollusks, dinosaur pelvis and fragments. Our search led us up some painted hills so getting down involved some off-trail scrambling but we all made it back in one piece.
Once we returned to MDRS, around 1:45 PM, we rehydrated and refueled for some more afternoon adventures. Alex went out for a solo adventure to explore some sites that caught his eye. Parker and I found a couple larger souvenirs. Jen took some glamour shots of Yishan and Jen and then they headed out to revisit kissing camels.
We are looking forward to an evening that involves hamburgers, milkshakes, and a stop at the local rock shop.