Month: February 2026

Report title: Sol 2 Summary Report

Crew #: 319

Position: Mission Commander

Report prepared by: Rym Y. Chaid

Date: 14-10-2025

Sol: 2

Summary Title: Canadian Turkey spotted on Mars!

Mission Status: Nominal. All systems operational.

Sol Activity Summary:

This is Commander Rym Y. Chaid reporting from Mars Station.

SOL 2 reminded us that life on Mars, even an analog Mars, is never predictable. Early in the day, one of our GreenHab experiments ran into technical difficulties during setup. What was expected to be a simple procedure quickly became a full-crew operation, and all engineers on deck responded to action. Ricardo, Shriya and myself, all came in to troubleshoot and support our GreenHab Officer Mackenzie in this difficult task.

In moments like these, you see the strength of a crew, not in how perfectly things go, but in how quickly everyone steps in when they don’t. There’s no “someone else’s task” here on Mars. Every system depends on every person, and today, we proved just that.

On a happy note, the habitat was filled with anticipation all day as we’re preparing for our first EVA tomorrow. The suits are ready, checklists complete, and spirits high. You can feel the excitement in every conversation, every glance toward the airlock.

And since I am proudly Canadian, we’re closing SOL 2 by celebrating Canadian Thanksgiving on Mars, proof that even 225 million kilometers from home, you can still find something to be grateful for… especially if someone remembered the instant mashed potatoes!

As we wrap up SOL 2, there’s a sense of calm pride in the air. We adapted, we worked together, and we grew stronger as a team. Each Sol brings its own story, and today it was about teamwork, flexibility, and trust.

Tomorrow, we take our first steps outside, on the surface of Mars, a moment every astronaut dreams of.

End Transmission.

Look Ahead Plan: First Crew EVA tomorrow, pending approval and weather conditions.

Anomalies in work: One GreenHab experiment had technical difficulties during setup. All engineers on deck had to step up: Commander, Scientist and Engineers came in as support for GreenHab Officer.

Weather: Temperature around 57 F, No rain, 67% Humidity. Overall Sunny day with slight overcast

Crew Physical Status: All Crew in Good Health + Spirit.

EVA: No EVA activity today. Request sent it for tomorrow – SOL 3.

Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, Journalist Report, Crew Photos, Greenhab Report, Operations Report, Mission Plan

Support Requested: None at this time.

Report title: Sol 4 Summary Report
Crew #: 319
Position: Mission Commander
Report prepared by: Rym Y. Chaid
Date: 16-10-2025
Sol: 4

Summary Title: Beauty from Above

Mission Status: Nominal. All systems operational.

Sol Activity Summary:

This is Commander Rym Y. Chaid reporting from Mars Station.

Today, SOL 4 brought light, in every sense of the word.
Our crew woke up with renewed energy and optimism, with a shared sense of purpose. The habitat felt alive again.

Our Crew Astronomer, Ricardo, began the morning by setting up the Solar Observatory. For the first time during this mission, we turned our eyes toward our very own star, the same Sun that shines over Earth, now seen from the perspective of Mars. Through the telescope, we observed sunspots across the solar surface, standing as a reminder of the vast and dynamic universe we are part of. Standing together around the observatory dome, all of us shared a feeling of awe mixed with scientific curiosity, and the desire for exploration.

Later in the day, Crew Journalist Mackenzie initiated our first drone operations, launching one of our two aerial systems to survey the terrain surrounding MDRS . The drone flew above the red landscape, capturing an aerial view of our station. This was a breathtaking image of human presence in isolation, a small beacon of exploration against the endless expanse. For me, seeing our habitat from above felt symbolic: it was a reminder that perspective, even in small ways, can change everything.

The mood in the Hab was high and harmonious. We’ve moved beyond yesterday’s setbacks stronger, more synchronized, and ready for what lies ahead. Tomorrow marks the beginning of a new series of EVAs, and excitement runs high through every conversation and preparation checklist.

As the Commander and Mission Specialist, I spent part of the day planning our first set of long-range EVAs that will take our crew back into the vast Martian terrain. Every EVA requires precision, from navigation routes to rover coordination, terrain risk assessment, comms planning, and emergency contingencies. My goal is simple but vital: ensure that my crew is prepared, trained, and safe as we step further into the unknown. Mars doesn’t forgive mistakes, so every line on a map, every procedure rehearsed inside the Hab, and every checklist double-checked is our shield against the unforgiving beauty of this planet.

Tonight, we also celebrated a milestone beyond our own walls. A new analog astronaut habitat, the Slowak Cosmic Region Habitat, officially joined the World’s Biggest Analog Mission. At their special request, our crew recorded a welcome transmission from the Mars Desert Research Station, an honor that filled us with pride. To welcome fellow explorers into this global mission of discovery reminds us that exploration is not a solitary act, but a shared human journey.

From one habitat to another, from one world to the next, we stand united in curiosity, courage, and wonder.

Commander Rym Y. Chaid
Advanced Mars Crew

End Transmission.

Anomalies in work: None.

Crew Physical Status: All Crew in Good Health – High Spirits.

EVA: None.

Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, Journalist Report, Crew Photos, Greenhab Report, Operations Report, Mission Plan, EVA Report 1 & 2

Support Requested: None at this time.