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April 29, 2024

Mission Summary – April 26th

Mission Summary
Mission: 297
Dates: April 15 – April 26, 2024
Author: Pawel Sawicki (Commander)

“Welcome to Mars” was the first thing the 297th Mars Desert Research Station crew, named
Janus I, heard when their mission commenced shortly after noon on April 15th. With Janus I being the Roman god of duality, transitions, and beginnings, this opening exclamation by
Mission Support was a fitting ribbon-cutting for a crew where five out of 6 members had never
traversed the analog Martian regolith before.

With such a novel crew, the first handful of sols were especially vital in familiarizing ourselves
with the nominal procedures of the Station. During the beginning timeframe of the mission, the crew made sure to become acquainted with the expected duties of their roles, layout of the
various Station facilities, and functionality of the EVA suits and rovers. This first set of sols also
established the groundwork for the various research projects, with initial objectives completed
related to all projects.

The Janus I crew quickly became accustomed to their Martian home, as the sols gradually
became more habitual and routine. Mornings were often filled with EVAs and afternoons
consisted of report writing, card games (Hanabi, Uno, and President), music courtesy of Dave,
space-themed movies, and a bi-weekly Thursday trivia night. It also turned out that the crew
was composed of world-class cryodessication chefs, albeit they were the only chefs on this
planet. During the 12-sol mission, meals composed of an assortment of cuisines were artfully
crafted: ceviche, crepes, casserole, Japanese curry dish, Jambalaya, Southwestern beans and
rice, spaghetti, soupe au fromage et aux légumes, soy peanut couscous, shoyu ramen, and
vegetable stir fry.

Many of these meals utilized the available GreenHab resources. During the mission, the
GreenHab officer harvested a veritable cornucopia of vegetables: radishes (681 g), cherry
tomatoes (534 g), cucumbers (471 g), red cabbage (309 g), kale (220 g), green onions (53 g),
carrots (45 g), parsley (34 g), sage (12 g), lettuce (6 g), thyme (5 g), and rosemary (3g). Such a plethora of vegetables came as a result of being the last crew to utilize the GreenHab this
season, a privilege which also came with the expected responsibility of tearing down the
GreenHab on our last day. Maintaining the GreenHab during its last few weeks of the season
did not come without added difficulties for the GHO. Due to frequent power shortages, the
automation functionality of the fan was unreliable, resulting in required manual intervention to
maintain the GreenHab internal temperature within a desirable range.

Anomalies were not just present in the GreenHab. As expected of any space station,
maintenance was a primary responsibility of the Crew Engineer – a duty at which they excelled. During the 12-sol mission, the Crew Engineer repaired Suit 2 (stuck valve), Suit 3 (loose
power connection), Suit 4 (missing cable ring), Suit 5 (ventilation electrical connection), Suit 11
(poor battery life), replaced Hab Tunnel zip ties, and tightened key switches on all 4 rovers.
Apart from corrective maintenance, the engineer made sure that the Hab was functioning
nominally by monitoring and emptying the toilet, calculating water levels, and inspecting the
entirety of the station’s facilities in the midst of uncertain power supply.

While the crew masterfully executed their positional duties, they never let up on successfully
conducting their research. Janus I investigated many sub-disciplines of science and
engineering, specifically geological field spectroscopy, operations of nuclear power systems,
developing smart sensor-based systems, and Martian-appropriate advancements in IT, and
were participants in research projects pertaining to isolated, confined, and extreme
environments and human-robotic interactions. With three of these projects relying heavily on
EVAs for expanding the sample size, the Janus I crew conducted an astounding total of 18
EVAs, which lasted a cumulative 42 hours. For more insight into the many achieved research
objectives of Mission 297, it is recommended to read the End-of-Mission Research Report.

As the T- minus clock winds down for the return launch, with a heavy-heart we say goodbye to
our Martian home of 12-sols and look forward to hearing “Welcome back to Earth”.

April 29, 2024

Journalist Report – April 26th

"A time would come when Men should be able to stretch out their Eyes …. they should see the Planets like our Earth." Christropher Wren, Inauguration Speech, Gresham College, 1657

Today’s only, and last, EVA took place mid-day. Its goal was to geologically observe the region that appears purple from orbit. This location has also been referred to as Purple Mountain. Wind conditions escalated as the Crew of Sarah, Pawel, Matt and Matt drove Opportunity and Curiosity to North Ridge. They walked to the southwest part of North Ridge and on the way up observed green shale, various colors of regolith, and tan sandstone. They were able to observe large areas of sandstone that had fallen from the higher layers. On the way back, while in Rovers, a light rain graced the final EVA.

Tomorrow, after 12 days of rigorous simulation, our crew of six will emerge from our Mars habitat. Inside the habitat our crew navigated through challenges, from managing limited resources to maintaining physical and mental well-being. Each crew member carried with them valuable lessons and experiences, ready to contribute to the ongoing quest for space exploration.

We, Crew 297, bid farewell to life on Mars, and to a rare, fortunate and productive two weeks at MDRS. We wish to thank all MDRS personnel for their support and to thank the state of Utah for the use of this unique Marscape on Earth.

Dave Laude
Crew 297 Journalist/Engineer

April 29, 2024

EVA Report – April 24th

Crew 297 EVA Report 23-04-2024

EVA #15

Author: Matthew Lynch (Engineer)

Purpose of EVA: Perform an expedition EVA to new areas to bury the NPS on a later EVA. The areas to the west can only be explored via walking. We will also be recovering the unfound NPS from EVA #12.

Start time: 11:28 am

End time: 2:44 pm

Narrative: After a slightly delayed start we left the airlock and entered Curiosity. Driving North until we reached the expected NPS hiding spot we parked the rover and continued on foot. With the exact coordinates for the NPS we recovered it quickly, although it was hidden in an extremely challenging spot by the previous team. At 12:16 pm we returned to the Hab and began our on-foot journey to Skyline Rim. By 12:40 we had reached the top of the ridge line behind MDRS, and continued with our long march across the Amazonis Planitia. We reached the Skyline Rim and proceeded with our ground testing to determine the feasibility of burying the NPS in this region. With testing complete we headed back to the Hab, returning at 2:44 pm.

Destination: NPS Site #4A & Skyline Rim

Coordinates (use UTM WGS 84): 517477N 4254656E

EVA Participants: Matt Lynch (Engineer), Matt Storch (XO)

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

Mode of travel: Driving + Walking

Vehicles you will be using (If applicable): Curiosity

April 29, 2024

Operations Report – April 24th

Crew 297 Operations Report 24-04-2024

SOL: 10

Name of person filing report: Matt Lynch (Engineer)

Non-nominal systems: Suit 9 (broken visor), Suit 11 (fan issue),

Notes on non-nominal systems: The issue with Suit 9 was already noted before our mission. Suit 11 will no longer be used on this mission. Suit 2 has been repaired with parts given to us in a resupply.

ROVERS

Curiosity rover used:

Hours: 280.0

Beginning charge: 100%

Ending charge: 37%

Currently charging: Yes

General notes on rovers: NA

Summary of Hab operations:

WATER USE: 23.5 gallons

Water (static tank): 180.6 gallons

Static tank pipe heater (on or off): off

Static tank heater (On or off): off

Toilet tank emptied: no

Summary of internet: Looking up recipes, downloading entertainment, catching up on Earthly news

Summary of suits and radios:

Radios 1,2,3,4,5, and 6 were used.

EVA Suits 1,4,5 and 6 were used.

Summary of GreenHab operations:

WATER USE: 5 gallons

Heater: Yes

Supplemental light: N/A

Harvest: 10 g of cherry tomatoes

Summary of ScienceDome operations: NA

Summary of RAM operations: (Tools used, work done): NA

Summary of any observatory issues: NA

April 24, 2024

EVA Report – April 23rd

Crew 297 EVA 13 Report 23-04-2024

EVA # 13

Author: Pawel Sawicki

Purpose of EVA: We plan on continuing tests of Case’s abilities with a local EVA. A ground station will be set up inside of the ScienceDome, with Case maneuvering in the surrounding outside area. While one crew member monitors (and if needed, controls) Case from the inside of the ScienceDome, another (Pawel) will follow Case around to locally monitor and help troubleshoot any problems. The operator of the ground station in the ScienceDome will not be involved in the EVA.
Within the vicinity (and LOS) of the Case operation, Sarah will take gamma-ray spectral data of the areas around the Hab/ScienceDome.

Start Time: 11:35 AM

End Time: 1:45 PM

Narrative: Today’s EVA was the final set of trial runs needed to get Case’s confidence up before exploring an area outside of the shadows of the MDRS Station. Sarah and Pawel quickly set up the ground station with Sean initially monitoring and controlling Case from the cool comfort of the ScienceDome. After setup, Sarah explored the area and took gamma-ray spectrometer measurements. She noted that the uranium content here was more than areas further south from the Hab (around Robert’s rocks), but inline with what is expected. Meanwhile, Sean was able to deliver a secret message to Pawel using a hexadecimal circle and Case’s precise IMU, ala The Martian. Case was also able to maneuver around an obstacle course to gather imagery of a point of interest, but needed some manual input from Sean in the process.

Destination: Around the MDRS ScienceDome

Coordinates: 12S 518203E 4250930N

EVA Participants: Pawel Sawicki (Commander) and Sarah Lamm (Crew Geologist)

Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: none, local EVA

Mode of travel: walking

Vehicles you will be using (If applicable): none

April 24, 2024

EVA Report – April 23rd

Crew 297 EVA Report 23-04-2024

EVA #12

Author: Matthew Lynch (Engineer)

Purpose of EVA: Perform the fourth and possible last ‘seeking’ EVA for the nuclear power project.

Start time: 8:34 am

End time: 11:10 pm

Narrative: After a slightly delayed start we entered the airlock and started on Cow Dung Road with the rovers, with no issues. Curiosity’s battery reached 55% ~150m from the edge of the search area, as expected. We continued on foot and began with our "fanned-out" search procedure until reaching the center of the circle. We continued until nearing the Northern tip of the search area. Then Dave and Matt S. went clockwise around the search area, while Matt L. moved counter-clockwise. Some of this terrain was very hilly and made movement quite slow. At ~10:20AM we had still not located the NPS and asked for a hint from HABCOM, however due to the high amount of interference it was challenging to make out the exact hint. We continued searching until nearing the end of our EVA time, when we left to return to the Hab so EVA #13 could begin on-time. To expedite the return and maximize search time, we used the extended range of Opportunity to do a short shuttle mission. The NPS was not found, but we have now been given its exact coordinates and an EVA to recover it is planned tomorrow. There is also a slight chance it was claimed by some of the local aliens.

Destination: NPS Site #4A

Coordinates (use UTM WGS 84): 517477N 4254656E

Participants: Matthew Lynch (Engineer), Matthew Storch (XO), Dave Laude (Journalist)

Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: Cow Dung Road 0110

Mode of travel: Rovers Opportunity & Curiosity, and walking.

April 24, 2024

Sol Summary – April 23rd

Crew 297 Sol Summary Report 23-04-2024

Sol: 09

Summary Title: Just Keep Searching

Author’s name: Pawel Sawicki

Mission Status: Nominal

Sol Activity Summary:

This morning, three crew members set foot outside of the Hab with one goal in mind: finding the NPS. They scurried across the rugged terrain with their advanced searching technologies and methodologies, diligent eyes, and unwavering dedication to locate a simple, yet elusive object. They searched and searched, giving it all they had. Yet, all of their efforts were futile. The NPS remained unfound and waiting, optimistically perhaps, to be found on another EVA on another day.

Fortunately, the crew was not left empty handed the entire day. Case the robot displayed enough capabilities today to let him out on another field deployment. With on-lookers both inside and outside the ScienceDome, Case was able to relatively smoothly (with some manual intervention) traverse an obstacle course laid out before it. Once the crew gained confidence in its abilities, they used Case to recreate a part of "The Martian": generating a hexadecimal polar grid to relay messages along.

All crew members, regardless of how successful their EVAs turned out, were treated to flavorful Southwest-style beans, rice, and veggies topped with Fritos, as prepared by Chef Laude.

Look Ahead Plan:

Tomorrow will be composed of two EVAs. The morning EVA will involve a geological expedition to the orange (via satellite imagery) regions. This EVA will also have additional testing with Case with the objective of capturing valuable 360 degree imagery of any significant geological sites. The second EVA team will do their best to evade the morning sun and find the unfound NPS from today, while scoping out suitable regions for NPS excavation research.

Anomalies in work:

Suit 11 (fan power substantially decreased mid-EVA): Battery was replaced but the air flow is still less than nominal. In-work.
Weather:
Morning (data from 0900): calm winds (0 mph), chilly (59F), and sunny with clear skies
Noon: calm winds (3 mph), warm (76F), and sunny with clear skies
Afternoon (1800): strong winds (20 mph), hot (83F), and scattered cloud coverage
Crew Physical Status: Overall crew health is nominal.

EVA: There were two EVAs today. The first EVA was unsuccessful in finding the NPS after an arduous search effort. Precise coordinates have been given of the NPS and a consequent recovery EVA is planned tomorrow. The second EVA scrutinized the capabilities of Case further, and while there were setbacks, Case has been deemed ready for field deployment.

Reports to be filed:

Sol Summary
Journalist Report
GreenHab Report
Operations Report
EVA report (2 EVAs)
EVA request (2 EVAs)
Support Requested: We request that the 1-hour power blackout period tomorrow be from 1600-1700. We also request support to pick-up (Qty. 2) bags of No-Burn Waste. Thanks in advance for your help.

April 24, 2024

Journalist Report – April 23rd

Crew 297 – Janus 1 Journalist – David Laude

"Mars has been flown by, orbited, smacked into, radar examined, and rocketed onto, as well as bounced upon, rolled over, shoveled, drilled into, baked and even blasted." – Ray Bradbury

This Sol 9 has delivered mixed results as the NPS recovery team failed to recover it from an uncertain landing site, while progress with Case was made.

Dave and Matt S. went clockwise around the search area searching for the NPS, while Matt L. moved counter-clockwise. Some of this terrain was very hilly and made movement quite slow. Late into the search we had still not located the NPS and asked for a hint from HABCOM, however due to the high amount of interference it was challenging to make out the exact hint. To expedite the return and maximize search time, we used the extended range of Opportunity to do a short shuttle mission. The NPS was not found, but we have now been given its exact coordinates and an EVA to recover it is planned tomorrow.

Case the robot was driven by crew members Sarah and Sean as Pawel watched on for the final set of trial runs needed to get Case’s confidence up. Sarah explored the area and took gamma-ray spectrometer measurements. She noted that the uranium content here was more than areas further south from the Hab (around Robert’s rocks), but in line with what is expected. Case was also able to maneuver around an obstacle course to gather imagery of a point of interest, but needed some manual input.

This journalist had planned to use AI to help write a report and now is the time and so here it is.

In ChatGPT own words [journalist's edits in brackets]:

"In the vast expanse of the desert, three figures clad in space suits embarked on a seemingly futile mission to locate an air-dropped [NPS]. With each step, their visors fogged with frustration as the relentless sun beat down upon them. The arid landscape stretched endlessly, offering no clues to the elusive container’s whereabouts. Each passing moment heightened their sense of urgency, yet the [NPS] remained tantalizingly out of reach. As the [clock ticked relentlessly onward,] the trio reluctantly conceded defeat, their mission ending in disappointment amidst the vastness of the unforgiving desert."

This journalist (not a professional, nor a good word smith) admits to Chat’s greater than his own ability to compose a compelling story, and with only one sentence of information provided (Create a short paragraph regarding the failed attempt to find an air dropped can in the desert with 3 people in space suits.). It’s as if it were a professional journalist and with the EVA team!

There is no doubt AI will be of use in a multitude of ways for any manned Mars mission. In 1968 this journalist saw the HAL-9000 AGI system in the sci-fi movie "2001:A Space Odyssey", then a marvel for the future. The year 2001 came and passed with no HAL like AI. That future is nearly here though, hopefully without AGI having its own mysterious ways with us.

April 24, 2024