Report Title: Sol Summary Report
Crew #: 335
Position: Crew Commander
Report Prepared by: David Laude
Date: 26 Apr 2026
Sol: 7
Summary Title: The Day Has Come for Visitors from Afar
Mission Status: Mostly on schedule with one accident
Sol Activity Summary: We woke up a bit later than usual, around 7:30, starting the day slowly while making pancakes. Today the crew’s rhythm was more sedate while waiting for the film crew from London to arrive at 4PM. We later signed forms with them not to disclose their project at this time. Before they came 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.
An accident happened while one crew member attempted to descend the steps from the hab’s upper deck to lower. After a few steps down there was a slip down to the platform above the floor. The slide down, hitting the fortunately rubber coated metal steps, produced some minor injuries. The crew member is mostly resting while the HSO and others monitor the person and assist as needed. This person was one of two the film crew wanted to interview, but could not.
Upon the film crew arrival of seven, the Commander welcomed them with two others in full EVA attire and then was interviewed at the upper deck table before taking them on a short 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. The Commander thought the time with them went very well, although he wanted to say more about The Mars Society (TMS), but frequently the interview would jump to the next question before being able to do so. The end product will be announced to TMS in a few months for viewing. Our part is one of other US locations to be combined for the final product.
Anomalies in Work: We still find headset #2 non-functional and so we put it aside. One accident.
Weather: Conditions were poor with 15-20 MPH winds, cloud cover and about 60F. Very light rain fell a few times before the film crew arrived.
Crew Physical Status: Most crew members are generally in good condition. Some are experiencing mild symptoms such as sore throats and nasal congestion. One accident.
EVA: See above