May 5, 2026 – Page 21 – Mars Desert Research Station

May 5, 2026

Sol Summary – April 22nd

Report title: Sol Summary Report

Crew #: 335

Position: Engineer

Report prepared by: Katherine Berry

Date: 22Apr2026

Sol: 3

Summary Title: Wind Holds and Habitat Harmony

Mission Status: Steady and productive despite environmental constraints.

Sol Activity Summary: Today the Martian winds had other plans for us. With gusts too strong for EVA operations, the crew remained within the habitat and shifted focus to internal mission objectives. Documentary footage was captured, foraged clay samples were dried, processed, and a rover underwent reassembly and troubleshooting. The habitat hummed with quiet productivity, with each crew member advancing their project while adapting to the unexpected pause in field operations.

Beyond technical work, the crew leaned into the rhythm of life in isolation. Shared meals and storytelling. What could have been a frustrating delay instead became a day of cohesion, reflection, and steady progress behind the scenes.

Look Ahead Plan: If winds subside, EVA operations will resume (if approved) with priority on planned fieldwork and rover deployment. Internal project work will continue in parallel.

Anomalies in work: No technical anomalies.

Weather: High winds throughout the sol, preventing safe EVA. Conditions otherwise stable.

Crew Physical Status: All crew members are in good condition.

EVA: No EVA conducted due to weather constraints.

Reports to be filed:

Sol Summary

Operations Report

Greenhab Report

Journalist Report

EVA Requests

Daily photos

Support Requested: None.

May 5, 2026

Operations Report – April 22nd

Report title: Operations Report

Crew #: 335

Position: Engineer

Report prepared by: Katherine Berry

Date: 22Apr2026

Sol: 3

Non-nominal systems: None

Notes on non-nominal systems: None

ROVERS

Spirit rover used:

Hours: 0

Beginning charge: N/A

Ending charge: N/A

Currently charging: Yes

Opportunity rover:

Hours: 0

Beginning charge: N/A

Ending charge: N/A

Currently charging: Yes

Curiosity rover used:

Hours: 0

Beginning charge: N/A

Ending charge: N/A

Currently charging: Yes

Perseverance rover used:

Hours: 0

Beginning charge: N/A

Ending charge: N/A

Currently charging: Yes

General notes on rovers: None

Summary of Hab operations:

Water Use (see notes): 33.35 gal/d

Main tank level (remaining gallons, see notes): 245 gal

Main water tank pipe heater (ON or OFF): OFF

Main water tank heater (ON or OFF) OFF (was removed)

Toilet tank emptied (NO or YES): NO

Summary of internet: Connection was used for research, accessing, and working on homework, sending reports and listening to music.

Summary of suits and radios: None.

Summary of GreenHab operations: (use information from the GreenHab report)

Water use: 1.6 gallons

Heater (ON or OFF): Auto

Supplemental light (hours of operation): Auto

Harvest (name, weight in grams): 0g

Summary of ScienceDome operations: Used to film creative projects.

Dual split (Heat or AC, On or Off or Automatic): Automatic

Summary of RAM operations: (Tools used, work done) Used 8 zip ties to secure the tarp over the walkways. Utilized a hammer and pliers to adjust and flatten a metal piece that was catching on the door, allowing it to close properly. Employed a crowbar to carefully realign and free a door that had been blown out of position and stuck due to strong winds.

Summary of any observatory issues: N/A

Summary of health and safety issues: Crewmates are feeling better today. Taking acetaminophen as needed for headache.

Questions, concerns and requests to Mission Support: None

May 5, 2026

GreenHab Report – April 22nd

Report title: GreenHab Report

Crew #: 335

Position: GreenHab officer

Report prepared by: Charlotte Brugge

Date: 22APR2026

Sol: day 3

Environmental control (fan & heater): Automated

Average temperatures (last 24h): 93.7

Maximum temperature (last 24h): 117.6

Minimum temperature (last 24h): 69.8

Hours of supplemental light: Automated

Daily water usage for crops: 6 Liters

Daily water usage for research and/or other purposes: 0

Water in the Tank (160 gal useful capacity): 102.4

Time(s) of watering for crops: 17.00

I put a small amount of watery clay in the greenhouse, curious to see if the humidity will spike

Narrative: watered and checked the plants.

Harvest: (include which crop and mass in grams) 0

Support/supplies needed:0

May 5, 2026

Journalist Report – April 21st

Journalist Report

Crew #: 335

Position: Crew Journalist

Report prepared by: Matteo Calore

Date: 21APR2026

Sol: 2

SECOND DAY ON MARS: CLAY LANDSCAPE

It’s difficult to have a continuous night of sleep on Mars. One way or another, we woke up repeatedly during the night, but our second day on Mars was definitely easier than the first. Slowly, we are getting used to this new world and to living together.

The day began with fresh bread made by Charlotte, in the light of dawn. It is always a spectacle to see the protrusions of stone and clay ignite with color in the soft morning light. The desert, filtered through the light of the portholes, feels both near and distant at the same time.

We started the morning by talking about how humanity began to develop the technologies that now shape the structure of our modern societies. Some of us argued that climate played a fundamental role. After that, we turned to our individual tasks. Kat and Dave tried to fly the drone, while in the afternoon Lot began to collect clay to make the first objects for our Martian community using the resources of the territory.

It was particularly interesting to feel this contact with the desert, and to begin to see and think about what it means to start a new society from scratch, even beginning with tools. What type of tool will we create on Mars? Will we have new deities?

May 5, 2026

EVA Report – April 21st

Report title: EVA Report

Crew #: 335

Position: GreenHab officer

Report prepared by: Lot Brugge

Date: 21-Apr-2026

Sol: Day 2

EVA #5

Purpose of EVA: To collect clay

Start time: 14.06

End time: 16.20

Narrative: We started decompression at 14:01 and then drove out to Brahe. Lot began digging and collecting samples near the road. Later, the team moved up the hill to gather additional samples and conducted a coil test.

Afterward, they descended back to the initial site to collect possible blue and red clay. Further tests were carried out by adding water and observing how the clay reacted. Matteo documented the process on video, while Elisa handled audio recording. Dave provided guidance and took photographs throughout.

We then headed to the area between North Ridge and Cow Dung Road, where we walked around and collected more clay samples before driving back.

Destination per MDRS Map: Brahe Road + at the area of north ridge

Destination Coordinates (use UTM WGS 84): N5186500,W425180, N5177550,W425480

EVA Participants: David Laude + Lot Brugge + Elisa Strinna + Matteo Calore

Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: Cow Dung Road

Mode of travel: Rover + Walking

May 5, 2026

Sol Summary – April 21st

Sol Summary Report

Crew #: 335

Position: GreenHab Officer

Report prepared by: Lot Brugge

Date: 21-04–2026

Sol: 2

Summary Title: Foraging Clay

Mission Status: Going fair

Sol Activity Summary:

We started off the day with some freshly baked bread. During the morning Kat and Dave went out to the observetary and did two control drone flights and then the controller died. It turned into a practice session with no EVA taken place.

For lunch we had some leftovers with homemade tortillas and scrambled spinach egg. Then we got ready for the next EVA, a clay foraging mission. We had a lot of fun, time flew by and we possible found some usable clay in both red and green

Look Ahead

Tomorrow I will be very windy, which leaves us no chance to go outside. Luckily we have plenty to do, the film crew will be filming inside, Lot will be treating and filtering the found clay to test if it’s usable. Maybe we will even bake some goods.

Anomalies in work:

The radio’s cut out a couple of times during the EVA.

Weather:

It was sunny today, up to 80F and some winds.

Crew Physical Status:

Two of us don’t feel the best, but conditions are stable or perhaps slightly improving.

EVA:

It went very well, the crew got some good footage and we probably found clay

May 5, 2026

EVA Report – April 21st

Report title: EVA Report

Crew #: 335

Position: Engineer

Report prepared by: Katherine Berry

Date: 21-Apr-2026

Sol: 2

EVA #: 4

Purpose of EVA: The objective of this EVA was to evaluate the operational differences between piloting a drone with and without the EVA suit. Participants will first operate the drone from inside the observation deck without an EVA suit, and then repeat the operation from outside the fence while wearing the required protective equipment.

Start time: 10:00

End time: 10:30

Narrative: The EVA team proceeded on foot to the Solar Observatory observation deck as planned. Due to time constraints and prioritization of initial testing, operations were conducted from the observation deck without EVA suits. The team performed two controlled drone flight circuits to simulate baseline conditions for the study, focusing on maneuverability and controller handling without the limitations imposed by an EVA suit. Environmental conditions were stable, low wind and allowed for clear visibility and safe operation.

The session was cut short when the drone controller battery reached a critically low level (17%) preventing continuation of the planned comparative trials outside the fence line with full EVA gear.

The study will be postponed and rescheduled for a future EVA, contingent on suitable weather conditions and full equipment readiness.

Destination per MDRS Map: Solar Observatory

Destination Coordinates : 38.41N 110.79W

EVA Participants: Kat Berry,David Laude

Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: N/A

Mode of travel: Walking

May 5, 2026

Operations Report – April 21st

Report title: Operations Report

Crew #: 335

Position: Engineer

Report prepared by: Katherine Berry

Date: 21-Apr-2026

Sol: 2

Non-nominal systems: None

Notes on non-nominal systems: None

ROVERS

Spirit rover used:

Hours: 0

Beginning charge: N/A

Ending charge: N/A

Currently charging: N/A

Opportunity rover:

Hours: 268.9

Beginning charge: 100%

Ending charge: 52%

Currently charging: Yes

Curiosity rover used:

Hours: 357.1

Beginning charge: 100%

Ending charge: 55%

Currently charging: Yes

Perseverance rover used:

Hours: 0

Beginning charge: N/A

Ending charge: N/A

Currently charging: Yes

General notes on rovers: None

Summary of Hab operations:

Water Use (see notes): 40.79 gal/d

Main tank level (remaining gallons, see notes): 276 gal

Main water tank pipe heater (ON or OFF): OFF

Main water tank heater (ON or OFF) OFF (was removed)

Toilet tank emptied (NO or YES): YES

Summary of internet: Connection was used for research, accessing, and working on homework, sending reports and listening to music.

Summary of suits and radios:

David Laude, Commander: Suit 9, radio 3, headset 6

Elisa Strinna, Artist: Suit 8, radio 1, headset 1

Matteo Calore, HSO: Radio 6, headset 4

Lot Brugge, Green Hab Officer: Suit 7, radio 5, headset 2

Summary of GreenHab operations: (use information from the GreenHab report)

Water use: 1.6 gallons

Heater (ON or OFF): Auto

Supplemental light (hours of operation): Auto

Harvest (name, weight in grams): 10g

Summary of ScienceDome operations: Used to study and film creative projects.

Dual split (Heat or AC, On or Off or Automatic): Automatic

Summary of RAM operations: (Tools used, work done) None

Summary of any observatory issues: N/A

Summary of health and safety issues: The two crewmates with reported fevers are doing better.

Questions, concerns and requests to Mission Support: Request for flour and olive oil, as the supplies received included an already opened bag of flour and an opened container of olive oil with about 50% remaining.

We would also like to request microfiber towels or dish towels. The crew reports difficulty effectively removing food residue prior to washing, resulting in increased water usage. Kitchen towels were listed among the supplied items but are not currently present in the Hab. Providing reusable towels would support water conservation efforts and help ensure sufficient supply for the duration of the mission.

Could you please advise on availability or assist in locating or supplying these items?

Additionally, per David’s instructions, I am requesting clarification regarding the toilet tank emptying procedure. The current process appears to require a continuous flow of water followed by a flush, which may use a nontrivial volume of water. Could Mission Support please confirm the approximate water usage for this procedure?

If possible, we would also like to request a written exception or guidance on whether water conservation measures may be applied, such as reducing the duration the valve remains open or minimizing water used during the flush, while still maintaining proper system function. Any recommendations for safely reducing water usage during this process would be appreciated. Otherwise, we will continue to follow the procedure as currently written.

May 5, 2026

Operations Report – April 25th

Report title: Operations Report

Crew #: 335

Position: Engineer

Report prepared by: Katherine Berry

Date: 25Apr2026

Sol: 6

Non-nominal systems: None

Notes on non-nominal systems: None

ROVERS

Spirit rover used:

Hours: 306

Beginning charge: 100%

Ending charge: 40%

Currently charging: Yes

Opportunity rover:

Hours: 270.5

Beginning charge: 100%

Ending charge: 37%

Currently charging: Yes

Curiosity rover used:

Hours: 0

Beginning charge: N/A

Ending charge: N/A

Currently charging: Yes

Perseverance rover used:

Hours: 0

Beginning charge: N/A

Ending charge: N/A

Currently charging: Yes

General notes on rovers: None

Summary of Hab operations:

Water Use (see notes): 15.7 gal/d

Main tank level (remaining gallons, see notes): 161 gal

Main water tank pipe heater (ON or OFF): OFF

Main water tank heater (ON or OFF) OFF (was removed)

Toilet tank emptied (NO or YES): NO

Summary of internet: Connection was used for research, accessing, and working on homework, sending reports and listening to music.

Summary of suits and radios:

David, Suit: 9 Radio: 2 Headset: 6

Elisa, Suit: 8 Radio: 1 Headset: 1

Matteo, Radio: 3 Headset: 3

Summary of GreenHab operations: (use information from the GreenHab report)

Water use: 1.6 gallons

Heater (ON or OFF): Auto

Supplemental light (hours of operation): Auto

Harvest (name, weight in grams): 0g

Summary of ScienceDome operations: Used to film creative projects, drying clay and manipulating clay.

Dual split (Heat or AC, On or Off or Automatic): Automatic

Summary of RAM operations: None

Summary of any observatory issues: N/A

Summary of health and safety issues: None.

Questions, concerns and requests to Mission Support: None

May 5, 2026

Sol Summary – April 25th

Crew #: 335

Position: GreenHab Officer

Report prepared by: Lot Brugge

Date: 25APR2026

Sol: day 6

Summary Title: Experimentation

Mission Status: Going fair

Sol Activity Summary:

Some of us started off the day with a very special alarm clock this morning. A peculiar creature entered our sleeping cabin and started rapping. It had a pretty interesting hairdo too. Maybe it was a toy Dave’s granddaughter gave to him, maybe it was an extraterrestrial, we’re yet to find out.

Three of us went on a lovely morning EVA to Somerville overlook. The view was beautiful as always. Dave spent time doing a panoramic shoot, and the filmmakers were busy capturing the landscape. Another successful day of filming!

We spent most of today at the science dome trying to get the microwave kiln to work. It took a lot of waiting and a bit of trial and error, but things finally came together. At one point we could see the small hole in the kiln glowing a deep Martian orange, which was a pretty satisfying sign that it had reached the right temperature.

For this run we used our “sixth crewmember,” the little desert mouse we met yesterday, recreated in clay. After a 12 minute microwave firing and then about an hour of waiting for everything to cool down, we gathered around to see the result. There was a lot of curiosity and honestly pretty high expectations at that point.

When the lid was lifted, we saw that the clay had completely changed. It started as a light greenish blue, but after firing it had turned into a warm orange color, almost the same tone as the mouse. This happens because the heat causes chemical changes in the clay. Minerals inside it, especially ones that contain iron, react with oxygen at high temperatures. That reaction forms iron oxides, which give the clay those orange and reddish tones. At the same time, the particles in the clay fuse together, which is what makes it hard and ceramic. There was no cracking or breakage, so overall it felt like a real success and everyone was pretty stoked.

Our crew engineer had a very busy day too. She spent a lot of time working on M16 astronomy data collection and also on her rover studies. She completed three runs, including ground runs and drone assisted ones. It was a busy day for everyone but with some good results.

Anomalies in work:

Another perfect day for crew 335, no anomlities to report.

Weather:

It was cloudy today and around 70 degrees outside.

Crew Physical Status:

Two of our crewmates woke up with a headache. They continue to struggle with fatigue, though the symptoms have slightly decreased in intensity over the course of our stay here on Mars.

EVA:

Another beautiful day,the crew enjoyed the view and the three of them captured the beauty in their own way, collecting and moving and still imagery.