[category science-report]
Mid-Mission Research Report
Crew 325 – Aether
Dec 15th, 2025 – Dec 27th, 2025
Crew Members:
Commander and Crew Astronomer: Dr. Cesare Guariniello
Crew Scientist: Ellenah del Rio
Crew Engineer: Morgan McCoy
Health and Safety Officer: Isabella Levine
Green Hab Officer: Adrianna Waterford
Crew Journalist: Saranya Ravva
Crew Projects:
1. Title: Photovoltaic Dust Removal Techniques for Sustained Martian Power Generation
Author(s): Ellenah Del Rio
Current status: Over the past week, I iterated the solar-panel dust/tilt experiment from a more complex multi-sensor concept into a field-ready, low-power Arduino + RTC data logger that reliably records panel output offline at set intervals.I successfully collected logged datasets at Kissing Camel Ridge across multiple elevations (1382 m “high”, 1344 m “low”, and ~1333 m), with consistent 25° vs 45° panel comparisons captured in the ADC readings. Preliminary results suggest a strong elevation-linked performance shift and an angle sensitivity that warrants broader testing (initial runs indicate larger drops at lower elevations and that “flatter” tilt angles may outperform steeper ones depending on sun geometry). Field operations revealed key reliability constraints: the circuit needs a more permanent, secured mount (one panel detached/broke and a wire partially disconnected), and transport/packaging must be improved for steep terrain and repeat deployments.
Future work: Next steps are to run an all-day logging campaign to capture changing solar incidence angles, redesign the housing for durability and safe carry, and expand the test matrix to at least five tilt angles to identify the best-performing strategy over time.
2.Title: Microbial Burden and Contamination Risk on High-Contact Surfaces in the MDRS Habitat
Author(s): Isabella Levine
Current status: I am also collecting salivary samples each night to measure pH as an indicator of crew physiological stress. In parallel, I give a brief behavioral survey daily to all crew members to assess behavioral trends throughout the mission. Environmental conditions within the habitat are being monitored using three carbon dioxide sensors placed in different locations, which are continuously collecting CO₂ data to characterize air quality and fluctuations over time.
Future work: Salivary pH data and daily behavioral survey responses will be compiled and analyzed to identify potential trends over time and associations with environmental conditions. Carbon dioxide sensor data will be reviewed to evaluate spatial and temporal variations within the habitat and to explore potential relationships between air quality, physiological measures, and behavioral responses.
3.Title: Microbial Burden and Contamination Risk on High-Contact Surfaces in the MDRS Habitat
Author(s): Isabella Levine
Current status: So far, I have prepared agar plates and streaked bacterial samples collected from high-contact surfaces within the habitat. Bacterial growth has been monitored over an initial 48-hour period and will continue to be observed for the remainder of the mission to track changes in microbial presence over time.
Future work: Over the next phase of the mission, I will continue monitoring of bacterial growth and document any changes in colony density and morphology. This dataset will be combined with that from the Contamination projects and used to assess how environmental and biological factors interact within an isolated habitat environment.
4. Title: Feasibility of Cable based Infrastructure creation in Martian Conditions
Author(s): Morgan McCoy
Current status: Project has been set up and needs more trials in the field for further testing. Two trenches have been dug and timed in different locations and under different fatigue levels. Pre-fabricated cable has been implemented by two different people and timed. In-situ cable creation has been trialed and timed, with some difficulties.
Future work: Next week holds more trials of in-situ cable creation with more members of the team being timed.
5.Title: Non-Contact Thermal Imaging for Structural Health of Martian Habitats
Author(s): Saranya Ravva
Current status: In two separate EVAs, thermal imaging was conducted on the Habitat, Science Dome, and GreenHab units to evaluate their structural and insulation performance using a non-contact nondestructive evaluation approach. Construction material details for each unit were obtained in advance to inform appropriate emissivity selection, and environmental conditions were recorded to calibrate the thermal camera settings. Thermal data were collected during recent EVAs, capturing exterior wall surfaces where possible.
Future work: Ongoing work focuses on detailed image analysis taken both outside and inside of different units and hoping to acquire additional datasets under cloudy conditions to reduce solar loading effects.
6. Title: Simulated Microgravity Germination: A Proof-of-Concept for Bioregenerative Life Support Systems (BLSS)
Author(s): Saranya Ravva
Current status: Seed germination experiments were initiated using agar-based media for the Random Positioning Machine (RPM), with adaptations made to the experimental setup after identifying mechanical interference between large Petri dishes and the RPM motor. Smaller Petri dishes were successfully implemented, and experiments are established in the Science Dome, with control samples maintained in the GreenHab for temperature comparison. Additional samples were placed in vertical and horizontal orientations to investigate growth directionality under simulated microgravity. The system is being monitored regularly, and I also fixed the rig anytime I saw the 3d printed parts being stuck or getting slightly eroded.
Future work: Future work includes transferring germinated seeds to the GreenHab and quantifying growth differences relative to controls along with working to fix the RPM motion for any more controlled samples.
7. Title: Aerospace Evaluation of Training, Health, and Environmental Readiness
Author(s): Adrianna Waterford
Current status: I have begun longitudinal tracking of 20 physiological and behavioral biomarkers to assess stress and fatigue in an isolated, controlled, extreme environment. These data are being extracted from a Garmin wearable device.
Future work: The remainder of my time in the habitat will be dedicated to completing a machine learning pipeline that analyzes these biometric data and generates actionable recommendations for analog astronauts.
8.Title: Autonomous Hydroponic Resource Optimization System
Author(s): Adrianna Waterford
Current status: I have established and initiated a hydroponic garden within the habitat and am actively monitoring system resource usage, including power consumption (voltage) and water utilization.
Future work: Continuing monitoring the system to identify potential improvements.
9.Title: Remote sensing for ISRU
Author(s): Cesare Guariniello
Current status: I collected clay samples at Compass Rock and Somerville Outlook, and basalt samples on the way to Barainca Butte. These samples will be shipped back for further analysis.
Future work: I plan to collect samples in two or three other regions of MDRS.
10.Title: Photo astronomy with the MDRS WF and Solar Observatory outreach
Author(s): Cesare Guariniello
Current status: After supporting the robotic observatory repairs, led by mission support and the MDRS chief astronomer, I submitted the first three observations, with very good results on Horsehead Nebula and Flaming Nebula
Future work: I plan to begin using the Solar Observatory, if the sky clears up.