Mission Summary – April 10th

Report title: Summary mission Report
Crew #: 333
Position: Crew Commander
Report prepared by: Marie Jansen
Date: 10-04-2026
Sol: SOL 12

Summary Title: Wrapping things up
Over the course of the twelve Sols, Crew Arsia established a rhythm that became the heartbeat of the mission. From the very first days, the team settled into a routine built around shared meals, scientific work, EVA operations, and the quiet moments in between that slowly turned six individuals into a cohesive crew.
Mornings typically began at 7:00 or 8:00 AM, almost always anchored by a communal breakfast. Pancakes became something of a crew tradition, appearing on the menu more often than any other dish, though porridge, granola with smoothies, and cereal also made regular appearances. These morning meals were never just about food, they were the moment the crew came together before splitting into EVA teams and hab teams for the day ahead.
EVAs were the backbone of the mission. The crew ventured out regularly to carry out their scientific experiments across a variety of sites around the MDRS, including Cowboy Corner, Green Mars View, Kissing Camel Ridge, Candor Chasma, Somerville Overview, North Ridge, and the Special Region. Each location brought its own character, some humbling in their vastness, others charming in their unexpected beauty. Equipment challenges were a recurring theme: rovers that failed to recharge properly, a Tap Strap that ran out of battery at a critical moment, microphone issues, and communication difficulties with CapCom in the field. Each time, the crew adapted, reorganized, and pushed forward without losing focus on the mission objectives.
Back at the hab, those not heading out kept equally busy. The GreenHab required regular attention, and Matthias took on much of that responsibility throughout the mission: tending to the plants, carrying out his seed analysis, and keeping a close eye on the greenery that sustained both morale and science. A running mystery added some unexpected excitement when the crew discovered that an animal had been sneaking into the GreenHab and nibbling on their plants. After several hours of suspicion, the culprit was eventually caught, much to the satisfaction of the entire team.
Meals were a cornerstone of daily life. The crew made a point of putting together hearty, nourishing dishes to keep everyone fueled through long days of physical and mental effort. Highlights included Zahraa’s couscous, Matias’s omelettes and tuna burgers, a memorable burger night, chicken curry, mac and cheese, cheddar nachos, and special Easter muffins prepared by Joanna and Marie. Cooking became an act of care, and the dinner table was always a place to reconnect at the end of the day.
The mission was also an emotional experience. A rest day was dedicated to celebrating Easter together, with a chocolate chip pancake breakfast, an egg hunt in the hab, and an afternoon photoshoot. There were card games, movie nights, mimes, and cycling sessions on the stationary bike. There were also harder moments, tensions within the group surfaced at times, leading to an open team meeting that helped bring things back into balance. It was a reminder that the human side of space exploration is just as demanding as the technical one.
As the Sols passed, the crew completed experiment after experiment, explored corner after corner of the surrounding terrain, and slowly worked their way toward the finish line. By the final Sol, with bags being packed and journals being filled, one thing was clear: Crew Arsia had not just conducted a simulation. They had lived something real.