Day: February 6, 2026

Report title: Sol Summary Report

Crew #: 325

Position: Crew Scientist

Report prepared by: Ellenah del Rio

Date: 20Dec2025

Sol: 5

Summary Title: Pizza Day Every Day

Mission Status: Nominal

Sol Activity Summary: Today began in the habitat with preparations for the EVA and steady momentum on internal mission tasks. Before the EVA team departed, Isabella and Saranya worked on educational outreach materials connected to the Honours College and the Amelia Earhart Leadership Towards Space Careers Program. Meanwhile, Cesare put on his chef hat once again and began preparing pizza dough and brioche bread, continuing what is quickly becoming his most delicious MDRS tradition. Further, Ellenah volunteered to make chocolate-chip pancakes. The EVA into Candor Chasma was successful, with the team hiking 30 minutes into the canyon before selecting an optimal site to set up experiments. While Morgan excavated a 5 m trench (≥15 cm deep) for his study, Ellenah deployed her solar-panel logging experiment, recorded elevation, and worked through intermittent Arduino disconnections (progressing from 4/30 to 14/30 to 16/30 logs) before resolving the issue and completing a full 30/30 logging run. Adrianna sustained morale throughout by playing upbeat music (including “Dancing Queen” and “Funky Town”), which the team appreciated during the longer setup period; Morgan connected prefabricated cables and initially struggled with wiring but completed setup in roughly an hour. After Morgan’s trial, the team scouted for an additional site for Ellenah’s readings, then returned to the rovers and drove back to the Hab. On return, the EVA crew was welcomed with de-suiting support, a quick debrief on landscape and objectives, and a lighthearted morale boost: an inflated Grogu placed in the living room. Today was also hot shower day for the EVA participants, which they seemed to enjoy immensely, followed by personal time and a few well-earned naps. The evening regrouped around dinner as Cesare set up a full assembly line of toppings and produced five pizzas (margherita, meat lovers, mushroom, pepperoni, and potato), leaving enough leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch. Saranya stepped briefly to the science dome to reassemble her RPM experiment after some rig components loosened. The crew then settled in to draft reports and reflect while completing the mid-mission summary, ending the day in a calm, productive atmosphere. After communications close, we might have a movie night, unless our tired bodies request some early bedtime. Yet another wonderful day giving our contribution to the future of Mars exploration.

Look Ahead Plan: One more EVA tomorrow, and more work on our research projects.

Anomalies in work: None.

Weather: Clear and warm.

Crew Physical Status: Everybody is doing great.

EVA: Today we had a long and successful EVA to Candor Chasm.

Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, Journalist Report, Greenhab Report, Photos (6-8 images), Operations Report, EVA 6 Report, Astronomy Report, EVA 7 Request, mid-mission Research Report.

Support Requested: None.

Report title: Sol Summary Report
Crew #: 325
Position: Crew Scientist
Report prepared by: Ellenah del Rio
Date: 24Dec2025
Sol: 9

Summary Title: Fossils, FLIR, and Festive Feasting
Mission Status: Nominal
Sol Activity Summary: Another rich and memorable sol, with strong science output, a successful EVA, and a well-earned dose of comfort back at the Hab. Before sunrise, Saranya quietly conducted thermal imaging of the habitat, science dome, and GreenHab to avoid solar loading, capturing all sides, including areas with visible wear, to support later structural assessment. The crew began the morning around 0800 with a special wake-up song: Endaro Mahanubhavulu, which set a warm tone for an early start. With an earlier EVA on the schedule, the crew moved efficiently through breakfast and the comms window, making the most of the time for planning and coordination. Ellenah, Adrianna, and Saranya suited up for the EVA and began with additional thermal imaging before departing in the rovers toward the “Sea of Shells” (the Moon). Isabella navigated while Saranya drove, following guidance from crew who had previously visited. Saranya also documented the site with her DSLR, capturing standout landscape imagery. The team returned to the Hab and under cloudier conditions Saranya completed more thermal imaging and identified heat signatures consistent with structural cracks for follow-up analysis, while Isabella and Adrianna collected substantial Garmin biometric data for their project. Back at the Hab, the crew prepared lunch. Cesare continued the culinary streak with baked ziti and an Italian Motta Il Panettone cake. Ellenah spent time biking while Morgan cleaned the lower Hab and checked suit status; later, Ellenah, Isabella, and Adrianna relaxed together on the bean bags and watched the new season of Percy Jackson, followed by naps and personal time. The day ended on a high note: the crew received the opportunity to make brief phone calls, an especially meaningful connection after nearly ten days of isolation beyond Mission Control.

Look Ahead Plan: One more EVA tomorrow (hopefully), and more work on our research projects.

Anomalies in work: None.

Weather: Partly Cloudy.

Crew Physical Status: Everybody is doing great.

EVA: Today we had a long and successful EVA to the Sea of Shells.

Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, Journalist Report, Greenhab Report, Photos (6-8 images), Operations Report, EVA 10 Report, EVA 10 Request.

Support Requested: None.