Summary:
Crew 328 completed a successful 12-Sol simulation at the Mars Desert Research Station, operating under full Mars analog protocols. Our team of five brought diverse backgrounds and expertise to the mission, with strong cross-project collaboration and a shared commitment to science, safety, and outreach. The mission ran smoothly from arrival on Sol 0 through final handover on Sol 12, balancing intensive fieldwork, greenhouse experiments, materials testing, and a flagship delayed-comms outreach program that reached thousands of students worldwide. We conducted eleven EVAs that tested rover performance, radio procedures, and crew coordination under realistic constraints—including a tire puncture and comms blackout in a canyon—all resolved safely using established protocols. By the end, we left the Hab, GreenHab, Science Dome, and other modules cleaner, better organized, and fully inventoried, ensuring a stronger starting point for the next crew while advancing analog research and educational impact in meaningful ways.
Crew:
- Commander: Aaron Tenner (Also Engineer & Health and Safety Officer)
- GreenHab Officer: Rebeca Gonçalves
- Crew Scientist: Jahnavi Dangeti
- Crew Journalist: Tom Bickmore (Outreach & Communications focus)
- Commander: Mariló Torres
Mission Objectives and Results:
GreenHab & Plant Experiments (led by Rebeca Gonçalves)
- Tested growth of ISS-flown TomatoSphere seeds (H.J. Heinz Canada 1161F1, exposed during Expedition 70) in lab-simulated Martian regolith (with 10% organic amendment) and locally collected analog soil.
- Ran radish microgreens comparison across four conditions: hydroponics, lab regolith, local regolith, and organic potting soil control.
- Achieved radish germination on both MMS-2 Mars regolith simulant and local desert soil (collected from camel ridge), and achieved microgreen harvest on control organic soil and hydroponic setup.
- ISS tomatoes and their Earth control counterparts are being handed over to the next crew.
- Harvested fresh greens multiple times, boosting morale and demonstrating viable analog food production.
Soil & Materials Testing (led by Jahnavi Dangeti & Aaron Tenner & Tom Bickmore)
- The work focuses on a materials science experiment examining the behavior of MDRS local soil under Mars-analogue habitat conditions.
- Local soil was collected and sieved to standardize grain size, followed by testing multiple soil–water mixtures to identify a consistency suitable for reliable molding.
- Baseline samples without additives were cast using small block molds and observed over several days under ambient habitat conditions, with qualitative documentation of drying behavior, cracking patterns, shrinkage, and shape retention.
- Based on these baseline observations, the study is continuing with the evaluation of natural binders, such as guar gum, to assess their influence on early-stage soil consolidation under analogue conditions.
- Tested structural performance and durability of hydroponics components printed in different filaments (e.g., PLA, PETG, ABS variants) under simulated Mars conditions.
- Incorporated in-situ modifications using local Hab supplies to adapt designs for better integration with existing systems, improving reliability and printability for future analog or real Mars applications.
- Collaborated with Jahnavi’s brick/regolith work to assess how printed parts might interface with or support soil-based experiments, yielding early insights into hybrid in-situ manufacturing.
Outreach & Comms Delay Experiments (led by Tom Bickmore)
- Core project: Tested near-live video classes with ~10–20 min simulated Mars-Earth delay (constant bidirectional feeds, buffered for light-speed lag).
- Ran multiple sessions: rehearsal with co-host students, main Outschool event (500+ families & classrooms, ~20 countries, ~1000 questions), plus The Launch Pad YouTube live-delay broadcast (over 2500 views so far).
- Proved delay feels like genuine back-and-forth interaction (not pre-recorded clips); students on Earth ran Mission Control brilliantly. Survey results ongoing; outcomes potentially publishable.
- Additional outreach: TV appearance (TeleCINCO Spain), school in India (Jahnavi’s former school), global classroom registrations doubled for final event, inspiring chat with Astronaut.
Topography & Photography (led by Tom Bickmore)
- Configured high-res Mars topography model (Casey Handmer/Terraform Industries, 7 m/pixel 3D) on hard drive capable of live booting onto any personal laptop for future crews.
- Captured sunrise/sunset timelapses, spotted Tiangong and ISS passes.
Operations & EVA Summary
- Completed 11 EVAs (training, soil sampling, flag recovery, range testing, yard inspection, Sea of Shells exploration).
- Key incidents: Tire puncture on Curiosity in canyon (handled via radio relay and 2-rover backup); rover range limit test (50% battery outbound).
- Demonstrated strong radio procedures, EVA-Link tracking, rover safety, and teamwork under realistic constraints (no cell service, canyon blackout).
- Final EVAs: Deep Sea of Shells walk (erosion stages, fossilized shells) and mountain overlook for Hab photos.
Hab & Station Handover
- Deep cleaned Hab, GreenHab, RAM, and other modules.
- Full inventory of consumables (food, supplies).
- Minor repairs (chair legs, brackets, hinges).
- Left all systems (smart home dashboard, EVA-Link, iMac, radios) in default state, ready for next crew.
- Filed all required final reports.
Crew Reflections:
This mission succeeded through genuine collaboration across five countries and varied expertise. Projects intersected meaningfully (e.g., regolith from EVAs fed into brick and plant tests; outreach tied directly to science communication). We learned from each other constantly—personal strengths, cultural perspectives, and problem-solving approaches enriched the team. The delayed-video outreach proved not only technically feasible but emotionally impactful, connecting kids worldwide to analog Mars life.
Crew 328 leaves the station improved, experiments advanced, and a legacy of inspiration. Thank you to Mission Support, our families, and everyone who followed along. Mission complete.
Aaron Tenner, Commander, Crew 328