Crew #: 335
Position: Crew Journalist
Report prepared by: Matteo Calore
Date: 26APR2026
Sol: 7
Report Title: A Slow Sunday
Today was Sunday. We woke up a bit later than usual, around 7:30, starting the day slowly while making pancakes. The morning unfolded through light conversations that gradually deepened into a more reflective discussion about artificial intelligence—how many people, especially in situations of loneliness, find comfort in chatbots, but also how these can become problematic if not used with awareness.
Later, we moved to the Science Dome to take part in an activity proposed by the Crew Artist. For about ten minutes, the crew members were guided through a visualization on Mars. Sound and voice led participants on an interplanetary journey, followed by a moment of sharing the sensations and emotions that emerged.
From there, unexpected conversations opened up: starting from Mars, we moved across times and places, generations and worlds, eventually arriving at reflections on the sense of community and belonging. It was a slow morning, yet surprisingly dense.
In the afternoon, each of us immersed ourselves in our own projects while waiting for the arrival of the Burning Productions crew, who are interested in creating a program about MDRS.
Upon their arrival, the Commander welcomed them, showing the base and its ongoing activities, before taking them on an EVA to explore the landscapes of the Martian desert. The weather was unstable: wind and rain alternated with sudden bursts of sunlight, which toward the evening revealed intense contrasts of light and shadow, leaving us breathless.