Day: May 5, 2026

Posted on

Journalist Report – April 30th

Journalist Report

Crew #: 335

Position: Matteo Calore (Crew Journalist)

Date: 30APR2026

Sol: 11

Today is our last day on Mars. We woke up around 7:00 a.m. and started the day with pancakes. We were all a bit tired, but excited for our final EVA. We were finally heading to the Sea of Shells, and we were all curious to see this new territory. We have to say that reality exceeded our expectations.

When we arrived at the Mars Overlook, we were all amazed by the beauty and diversity of the landscape. The red gradients of Mars slowly faded from a light beige-brown into a dark grey and black, transporting us into a lunar landscape. We were no longer on Mars, but on the Moon, or perhaps on one of Mars’ moons.

We paused to take in this extraordinary view before slowly descending toward the Sea of Shells. There, we found ourselves walking on a carpet of shells of indeterminate age, mysterious fossils from a time unknown to us. We wondered what kind of shells they were and how they could have ended up there in such vast quantities. These questions remained unanswered. In the distance, we could see a black obelisk, almost like a spacecraft ready to launch into space.

We then made our way back slowly, taking in the Martian landscape one last time through our suits. As our Commander says, it is difficult to stop being amazed by the beauty, diversity, and sense of wonder that these places evoke.

Back at the Hub, we shared our final meal as astronauts. This afternoon, we ended the simulation and returned to Earth. It is a strange feeling to shift from one planet to another. To know that now you are surrounded by a civilization, by shops, by restaurants, and that you can simply get into a car and go wherever you want.

Posted on

EVA Report – April 30th

EVA Report

Crew #: 335

Position: Elisa Strinna (Crew Artist)

EVA #: 14

Date: 30APR2026

Sol: 11

Purpose of EVA: TTo visit the Sea of Shells for film shooting. Crew members Elisa Strinna and Matteo Calore will focus on filming activities. Charlotte Brugge will be filmed while exploring the site in search of traces of past life. Commander David Laude will conduct a panoramic photographic survey at one or two locations.

Weather Conditions: Overall good conditions, sunny with temperatures between 53°-64° F

Start Time: 10:15

End Time: 13:05

Narrative: Around 10:15, we headed toward the Sea of Shells. The ride was very pleasant, as the landscape shifted through different gradients and textures. We stopped at the Grey Overlook to admire the panorama for about half an hour, and then continued down to the Sea of Shells.

We spent another half hour observing the fossil formations before beginning our return to the Hab. On the way back, we made a final short stop to take in the Mars-like landscape one last time. The film crew documented the entire EVA, while the Commander focused on his project of capturing panoramic views of the different locations.

Destination (UTM WGS84): Sea of Shells (4255500N, 516500E)

Road(s) and Routes (per MDRS Map): Cow Dung Road 0110 → Brahe Hwy 1572/1575 → Copernicus Hwy 1575 → final approach on foot to Sea of Shells.

Mode of Travel: Rover + Walking

EVA Participants: David Laude (Commander) Elisa Strinna (Crew Artist), Matteo Calore (Crew HSO / Journalist) Charlotte Brugge (GreenHub Officer)

Posted on

Operations Report – April 30th

Report title: Operations Report

Crew #: 335

Position: Commander

Report prepared by: Dave Laude

Date: 30Apr2026

Sol: 11

Non-nominal systems: None

Notes on non-nominal systems: None

ROVERS

Spirit rover used:

Hours: 311

Beginning charge: 100

Ending charge: 40

Currently charging: Yes

Opportunity rover:

Hours: 274.4

Beginning charge: 100

Ending charge: 34

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: Some key switches may need lubricant, especially Opportunity.

Summary of Hab operations:

Water Use (see notes): 30 gal/d

Main tank level (remaining gallons, see notes): 136 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, video editing and listening to music.

Summary of suits and radios: EVA suit #7 non-functional as described yesterday.

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

Water use: 1 gallon. Currently being dismantled.

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: Not used.

Summary of any observatory issues: Not used.

Summary of health and safety issues: None

Questions, concerns and requests to Mission Support: None

Posted on

Sol Summary – April 30th

Report Title: Sol Summary Report

Crew #: 335
Position: Crew Artist
Report Prepared by: Elisa Strinna
Date: 30APR2026
Sol: 11

Summary Title: Moon Overlook

Mission Status: We are at the end of our simulation, the mission was successful.

This morning we woke up at 7. Some crew members made pancakes, which were quite delicious. After breakfast, we began preparing for the EVA, getting dressed and organizing the equipment. Around 10:15, we headed toward the Sea of Shells. The ride was very pleasant, as the landscape shifted through different gradients and textures. We stopped at the Moon Overlook to admire the panorama for about half an hour, and then continued down to the Sea of Shells.We spent another half hour observing the fossil formations before beginning our return to the Hab. On the way back, we made a final short stop to take in the Mars-like landscape one last time. The film crew documented the entire EVA, while the Commander focused on his project of capturing panoramic views of the different locations.

Once back at the Hab, we had a satisfying lunch of bean balls and mashed potatoes, along with cabbage fresh green leaves from the greenhouse. The Commander surprised us with cherry-chocolate bonbons for dessert.

After lunch, we dismantled the greenhouse, and around 16:30 we ended the simulation, finally returning to Earth.

Anomalies in Work: We decided to end SIM earlier because the film crew needs to film some locations around MDRS out of SIM.

Weather: Conditions were ideal with temperatures of 68F and clear sky.

Crew Physical Status: Most crew members are generally in good condition. A little bit of tiredness.

Posted on

Sol Summary – April 29th

Report Title: Sol Summary Report
Crew #: 335
Position: HSO
Report Prepared by: Matteo Calore
Date: 29 Apr 2026
Sol: 10

Summary Title: Walking on Mars

Mission Status: Mostly in good shape with continuing daily progress.

Sol Activity Summary: Today we woke up as usual between 7 and 8. The day began in a dynamic way, with many discussions about the development of our projects. Afterwards, the film crew continued conducting interviews with the other crew members. The interviews went very well, offering many interesting insights into personal lives and the motivations that brought us here, as well as what draws people toward space science and the mystery that surrounds the universe.

In the afternoon, we continued working on our projects. As we are approaching the end of our simulation, we are mostly focusing on wrapping things up, trying to understand what might still be missing and what can still be done. Toward evening we took a walk on the highest hills behind the MDRS. The light was particularly beautiful, as was the view of the desert from our habitat. The gradual transitions of color across the clay hills—from red to white, to violet, to beige—and the scattered rocks that populate them make this experience truly unique.

For both lunch and dinner, the Italians prepared two different types of pasta: the first with a tuna ragù, and the second a kind of baked macaroni and cheese.

Anomalies in Work: EVA was canceled due to unforeseen circumstances.

Weather: Conditions were ideal with high of 68F, light winds and slight cloud cover.

Crew Physical Status: Most crew members are generally in good condition. A couple are experiencing mild symptoms such as sore throats and nasal congestion.

Posted on

Operations Report – April 29th

Report title: Operations Report

Crew #: 335

Position: Commander

Report prepared by: Dave Laude

Date: 29Apr2026

Sol: 10

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: Some key switches may need lubricant, especially Opportunity.

Summary of Hab operations:

Water Use (see notes): 32.94 gal/d

Main tank level (remaining gallons, see notes): 156 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, video editing and listening to music.

Summary of suits and radios: EVA suit #7, the single piece suit, had a ventilation failure near the end of sim yesterday. The fan was found non-functional. Dave opened the back and immediately saw a thick red wire dangling near the battery. This was the + battery connection. There was no reason for this found and remains a mystery. The connection was remade and found to be sound. It appears that any force on the wire due to its position, weight and bending would apply force downward thus reinforcing the connection. Once reattached, there was no fan function so the lower access panel was opened to troubleshoot more and one switch terminal to the fan was loose. Not just the wire held by screw was loose, but also the switch lug was loose in its molded plastic. Wiggling that connection occasionally powered up the fan. A replacement switch was not found with the replacement parts. Please have Scott Davis advise. This suit is not needed now.

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

Water use: 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: DVM and 2 screw drivers removed to troubleshoot EVA suit #7. Will replace tools soon.

Summary of any observatory issues: Not used.

Summary of health and safety issues: redacted.

Questions, concerns and requests to Mission Support: None

Posted on

Journalist Report – April 29th

Crew #: 335
Position: Crew Journalist
Report prepared by: Matteo Calore
Date: 29APR2026
Sol: 10

Report title: Driven by Mystery

Today we woke up as usual between 7 and 8. The day began in a dynamic way, with many discussions about the development of our projects. Afterwards, the film crew continued conducting interviews with the other crew members.
The interviews went very well, offering many interesting insights into personal lives and the motivations that brought us here, as well as what draws people toward space science and the mystery that surrounds the universe.
We often hear that one of the main motivations behind the study of the cosmos is the desire to understand how things work. The mystery of existence—why we are here, what makes everything what it is, and what keeps us moving and alive—remains largely unsolved. Yet it is precisely this mystery that drives many of us to search, to travel, to study, and to go to places we have never been before.

In the afternoon, we continued working on our projects. As we are approaching the end of our simulation, we are mostly wrapping things up, trying to understand what might still be missing and what can still be done.
The evening light was particularly beautiful, as was the view of the desert from our habitat. The gradual transitions of color across the clay hills—from red to white, to violet, to beige—and the scattered rocks that populate them make this experience truly unique.

Posted on

GreenHab Report – April 29th

Report title: GreenHab Report

Crew #: 335

Position: GreenHab officer

Report prepared by: Charlotte Brugge

Date: 289R2026

Sol: day 9

Environmental control (fan & heater): Automated

Average temperatures (last 24h): 90.45

Maximum temperature (last 24h): 112.5

Minimum temperature (last 24h): 68.4

Hours of supplemental light: Automated

Daily water usage for crops: 0

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

Water in the Tank (160 gal useful capacity): 86.73

Time(s) of watering for crops: N/A

Narrative: none, tomorrow demolition will begin

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

Support/supplies needed:0

Future GreenHab Improvement Observations: None noticed today

Posted on

Sol Summary – April 28th

Report Title: Sol Summary Report
Crew #: 335
Position: Crew Commander
Report Prepared by: David Laude
Date: 28 Apr 2026
Sol: 9

Summary Title: Off to Green Mars View We Go

Mission Status: Mostly in good shape with continuing daily progress.

Sol Activity Summary: We were scheduled for EVA to Sea of Shells with four of us, but decided it best not to leave one ill crew member alone today and so instead, with approval of Mission Support, went with three to the stunning Green Mars View area where we did not need a fourth person for filming or Dave’s project. We stopped three times in the area along Cow Dung Rd. for filming near the View. Even with a late start and longer drive we got the job done and returned just before the scheduled end time. The rest of the day seemed so slow with the crew working on various projects. As usual, a nice lunch and dinner were prepared by our European crew mates.

Copyright © The Mars Society. All rights reserved. | Main Site