Category: EVA Report

Crew 310 EVA Report 12-02-2025

EVA #18

Author: Marta Ferrer (Documentary Filmmaker)
Purpose of EVA:
Take images in different locations with a drone and a camera of the EVA crew exploring, as well as landscapes, for the documentary film (Marta Ferrer).
Map the North Ridge region with the drone for the drone mapping project (Mònica Roca).
Start time: 08:50
End time: 12:30
Narrative:
We left the base through the airlock and took the rovers to drive north on Cow Dung Road 0110, up to North Ridge, looking for a nice place to take images and videos for the documentary. Looking at the landscape, we went past the North Ridge when the Main Hab contacted us to warn us we were passed the North Ridge. Then, we turned around and went back, parked at the junction with Galileo Road 1104, and asked for permission to drive slightly souther, between Gateway to Candor road and Pooh’s Corner. We got permission to stop the rovers at the junction with Gateway to Candor road. We parked the rovers there and walked a couple of hundred meters south. Once we reached this point, we stayed there for some time to take images and videos. Later we took the rovers again and continued driving south to the junction with the MDRS. We stopped there and continued taking some videos. Finally, we took the rovers and drove back to MDRS.
Destinations:
1st stop: Stopped at Cow Dung road 0110 and Galileo Road intersection.
2nd stop: Parked at Cow Dung road 0110 and Gateway to Candor road intersection and then walked south a few hundreds meters.
3rd stop: Parked at Cow Dung road 0110 with the entrance to the MDRS.
Coordinates (use UTM WSG 84): 4252200 N 519000 E, 4251700 N 519000 E, 4251500 N 518800 E, 4250750 N 518300 E.
EVA Participants: Marta Ferrer (Documentary filmmaker), Anna Bach (Executive officer & Artist), Mònica Roca (Mission Specialist) and Helena Arias (Crew Engineer).
Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: We drove up and down the Cow Dung Road 0110.
Mode of travel: Driving and Walking.
Vehicles used (If applicable): Spirit (Marta Ferrer and Mònica Roca), Opportunity (Anna Bach and Helena Arias).

Crew 310 EVA Report 03-02-2025

EVA #1

Author: Anna Bach

Purpose of EVA: Install a giant piece of art in the desert. The image will be captured over the following days with a satellite. This work will require several EVAs. The plan for this EVA is to locate a plain terrain and set up the measuring strings to have a reference to then extend the piece of art. If there is time left we will start extending the fabric. The documentary filmmaker will record the EVA.

Start time: 9AM

End time: 11:15AM

Narrative: We arrived at the location without incidence, and located an area that was plain enough for our purposes. For the first hour we have been setting up the measuring strings, all achieved as expected. The next 30 minutes, we started extending the fabric. This went as planned until the wind started blowing. The fabric was too thin and the wind blew it. After considering the situation, we decided to abort. We collected the fabric and came back to the Hab.

Destination: before crossing Kissing Camel Ridge W.

Coordinates (use UTM WGS 84): 518000 E , 4249550 N

Participants: Ariadna Farres (Commander & Astronomer) (EVA Leader), Anna Bach (Executive officer & Artist), Estel Blay (HSO & Scientist), Marta Ferrer (Documentary Filmmaker).

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

Mode of travel: driving.

Crew 310 EVA 02 Report 03Feb2025

EVA # 02

Author: Mònica Roca (Mission Specialist)

Purpose of EVA:

• Training EVA.

• Communication test with crew members and with the Hab.

• Checking reflector area, including the concrete pad.

• Measure the distance between the antenna and the HAB using the cable that will be used for the final set up.

• Explore the area for future sample collection.

Start time: 14:15

End time: 16:30

Narrative:
We firstly took Spirit and Opportunity and drove to Compass Rock. The route was taking Cow Dung Road north, up to Galileo Road 1104 east. But unfortunately we missed the turn and continued up north for about a few miles. We contacted Main HAB to ask for our location and received instructions to go back. On our way back we spotted the turn and took it, down to Compass Rock. Once there, we collected geological samples from two different sites for subsequent X-ray fluorescence analyses in the science dome. Once back to the Base from the Compass Rock we walked up the little hill behind the HAB (20 meters NW), explored the concrete area and set the coaxial cable from the concrete patch to the Main Hab, ready for installation with the antenna on future EVAs. When we got inside the Main HAB we realised that we missed one of the crew LilyGo’s during the samples collection. We are planning a Rescue EVA for tomorrow to recover it.

Destination:

• Compass Rock

• 20 meters NW the HAB

Coordinates (use UTM WGS 84): 519000 E, 4250500 N

Participants: Mònica Roca i Aparici (Mission Specialist) (EVA Leader), Helena Àrias (Engineer), Marina Martínez (Geologist and Greenhab Officer), Jenny Garcia (Crew Journalist).

Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map:

We firstly took Spirit and Opportunity and drove on Cow Dung Road north, up to Galileo Road 1104 east, and then walked around Compass Rock.

Once back to the Base from the Compass Rock we walked up the little hill behind the HAB (20 meters NW).

Mode of travel:
We used the rovers Spirit (with Helena Àrias and Mònica Roca) and Opportunity (with Marina Martínez and Jenny Garcia). Then walked around the Base to the hill behind.

Crew 310 EVA Report 04-02-2025

EVA # 4

Author: Anna Bach

Purpose of EVA: Installing and fixing the Corner Reflector structure on the concrete patch.

Start time: 14:27

End time: 16:46

Narrative: We exited the base from the RAM and walked slowly uphill to the concrete patch. We left the RAM with the door almost closed but not locked so we could access it if we needed tools later on. We were carrying the reflector split in two big pieces and the truck full of tools and screws. After reaching the place, we joined together the two big pieces using screws. The reflector was then ready to be fixed to the floor. Anna went down to grab a hammer in the RAM and plug the drill. Then, Mònica and Helena started drilling. Meanwhile Marta was recording it all. After making the holes, Mònica and Helena screwed the reflector to the floor. Time was almost up so we collected our tools and came back to the base. Before entering the RAM, Helena and Anna went to the solar panels to take a picture of Estel’s panels. Mònica and Marta waited in front of the RAM. Then the four of us entered the RAM. Overall, the EVA was a success and the reflector will likely be finished in the next EVA.

Destination: 20 NW the HAB

Coordinates (use UTM WGS 84): 5185000 E, 4252000 N

Participants: 4: Mònica Roca i Aparici (Mission Specialist) (EVA Leader), Helena Àrias (Engineer), Anna Bach (Executive Officer), Marta Farrer (Documentary Filmmaker).

Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: For the first part of the EVA, we will walk up the little hill behind the HAB (20 meters NW).

Mode of travel: walking.

Crew 310 EVA Report 04-02-2025

EVA # 3

Author: Estel Blay

Purpose of EVA: Lilygo rescue mission and deploying the solar panel experiment

Start time: 9:20

End time: 11:37

Narrative: The crew managed to have a successful rescue mission, they recovered the Lilygo lost during EVA #2 around the area of Compass Rock (4252000N 520000E). Once the Lilygo was recovered, the GreenHub officer returned to the main hub due to the need to continue the setup of the geological instruments. The scientist and the commander proceed to install the solar panel experiments close to the MDRS solar panel area. 2 small boxes were fixed to the ground 5 meters east of the MDRS solar panels and 1 small structure was fixed 5 meters away to the observatory area (west to the solar panels). The crew journalist tried to scan the exterior of the main building for the creation of an interactive virtual tour. Due to the strong wind conditions she didn’t manage to finish the activity and she will have to try to finish the scan in a future EVA.

Destination: Initially Compass Rock and secondly around the base

Coordinates: 4252000N 520000E and 4252000N 5185000E

EVA Participants: Ariadna Farres (Commander & Astronomer) (EVA Leader), Estel Blay (HSO & Scientist), Marina Martínez (Geologist and Greenhab Officer), Jenny Garcia (Crew Journalist).

Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: For the first part of the EVA, we will drive on Cow Dung Road north, up to Galileo Road 1104 east, and then walk around Compass Rock

Mode of travel: driving.

Vehicles you will be using (If applicable): Spirit (Ariadna Farres and Jenny Garcia) and Opportunity (Marina Martínez and Estel Blay)

Crew 310 EVA Report 05-02-2025

EVA # 05

Author: Mònica Roca i Aparici

Purpose of EVA: Installing and fixing the Corner Reflector plates on the already installed structure. Install the GNSS antenna centred within the reflector and connected to the coaxial cable set on EVA # 02.

Start time: 08:15

End time: 12:00

Narrative:
We exited the base from the RAM and walked slowly uphill to the concrete patch, with the Corner Reflector plates. It was very windy so we began checking the structure, bolts and screws that we installed yesterday. We fixed one extra bolt and proceeded to prepare the tensors that will be attached to the plates ensuring its robustness.
Then we proceed assembling the plates upside down to finally mount the reflector on top of the structure mounted yesterday.
Later we fixed the tension pegs to the ground.
While we were working on the tensor pegs, Helena went to take pictures of the solar panel experiment located east of the observatory.
Finally we mounted the GNSS antenna, attached to a stick, on the corner reflector vertex, to measure its position. And we connected it to the coaxial cable that we set on EVA # 02.
Then the four of us entered the RAM. Overall, the EVA was a success and the reflector will likely be finished in the next EVA.

Destination: 20 meters NW the HAB

Coordinates (use UTM WGS 84): 5185000 E, 4252000 N

Participants: 4: Mònica Roca i Aparici (Mission Specialist) (EVA Leader), Helena Arias (Engineer), Ari Farrés (Commander), Marta Farrer (Documentary Filmmaker).

Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: Walk up the little hill behind the HAB (20 meters NW).

Mode of travel: walking.

Crew 310 EVA 06 Report 05Feb2025

EVA # 06

Author: Dr. Marina Martínez (Geologist and GreenHab Officer)

Purpose of EVA:

• Collect geologic samples (Marina Martínez, Geologist and GreenHab Officer).
• Explore the Valles Marineris area (Marina Martínez, Geologist and GreenHab Officer).
• Take pictures and make drawings of landscapes and rock formations to better document the children’s book’s illustrations (Anna Bach, Artist and Executive Officer).
• Download sensor data for solar power (Estel Blay, Health and Safety Officer).
• Around the base: Take pictures for future optical analyses of the hotspots of the structural solar panel experiment (Estel Blay, Health and Safety Officer).

Start time: 14:15

End time: 16:45

Narrative:
Though our EVA request detailed 4 crew members, one of our crew members decided to stay in the HAB because she was feeling tired and preferred to rest. This was cleared with Mission Support beforehand, and approved. We took the Perseverance and Curiosity and drove the main road to the north direction (Cow Dung Corner 0110) until we found the intersection with Brahe Hwy 1572. We parked there and explored the area over a radius of 300 meters approximately in the west direction.

Due to a failure in the batteries of the Vanta X-ray Fluorescence analyzer, we were not able to test the instrument during the EVA. Therefore, we brought regular geologic tools, such as a hammer, a small shovel to collect soil, a magnet, a scale, and other tools. We collected a variety of lithologies that will be analyzed tomorrow in the science dome using the two instruments that are installed over there, the Vanta and the Spectroscout.

Destination:

• 300 meters W Valles Marineris
• 20 meters E the HAB

Coordinates (use UTM WGS 84): 4255000 E, 519000 N

Participants: Marina Martínez (Geologist and Greenhab Officer), Anna Bach (Executive Officer), Estel Blay (Health and Safety Officer).

Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: We drove Curiosity and Perseverance north the Cow Dung Road, up to the intersection with Brahe Hwy 1572. We parked there and walked around the west of the area, in a 300 meters radius.

Once back to the Base, Estel Blay walked south the HAB where the solar panels are located (20 meters E).

Mode of travel:
We used the rovers Perseverance (Marina Martínez and Estel Blay) and Curiosity (with Anna Back). We walked around Valles Marineris and the Base.

Crew 310 EVA Report 06-02-2025

EVA # 08

Author: Estel Blay

Purpose of EVA: The goal of this EVA is to create a large-scale art piece, which will be captured by two different satellites on the morning of February 8th.

Start time: 1:30pm

End time: 4:15pm

Narrative: The crew depressurized through the main entrance to the Hab. They also used the RAM to extract some of the materials needed for the deployment of the art piece. The crew utilized two rovers to travel to the Kissing Camel Ridge area, which was scouted during the morning EVA. Due to high winds, it was not possible to deploy the large-scale art piece in a single EVA. Following the morning scouting exercise and considering the challenges encountered during EVA #1 in creating the large-scale art piece, the crew decided not to proceed with extending the fabric of the art piece, as recommended by mission control. The crew instead focused on understanding the structural concept of the large-scale art piece and will finalize the work on the same day that the satellites overfly the area.

Destination: Before crossing Kissing Camel Ridge W.

Coordinates: 518000 E , 4249550 N

EVA Participants: Estel Blay (HSO & Scientist) (EVA Leader), Ariadna Farres (Commander & Astronomer), Anna Bach (Executive officer & Artist) and Helena Arias (Engineer).

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

Mode of travel: driving.

Vehicles you will be using (If applicable): Spirit (Ariadna Farres and Anna Bach) and Perseverance (Estel Blay and Helena Arias).

Crew 310 EVA Report 06-02-2025

EVA #: 7

Author: Helena Arias Casals

Purpose of EVA: Installation of guy wires in the Corner Reflector (wind is expected on Friday so this should be done for safety). Scouting the Kissing Camel area for the large-scale art piece.

Start time: 8:50 am

End time: 11.45 am

Narrative: The crew depressurized through the main entrance to the Hab. They first added two guy wires to the Corner Reflector and tried to attach the third one without success due to a size issue. The crew utilized two rovers to travel to the Kissing Camel Ridge area, which was scouted during the EVA. After tedious analysis of the situation, they failed to install a test line of fabric for the large-scale art piece due to the wind gusts. Then, further observations and measures were taken to understand and simplify the large-scale art piece, continuing this work during EVA #8.

Destination: Destination: 20 meters NW the HAB. Then the north area of the Kissing Camel Ridge W.

Coordinates (use UTM WSG 84): 5185000 E, 4252000 N, and 518000 E, 4249550 N

EVA Participants: Mònica Roca i Aparici (Mission Specialist) (EVA Leader), Helena Arias (Engineer), Ariadna Farrer (Commander), Estel Blay (Health and Safety Officer).

Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: Walk up the little hill behind the HAB (20 meters NW). After the wires installation, drive on Cow Dung Road 0110.

Mode of travel: walking to the first destination, then driving.

Crew 310 EVA Report 07-02-2025

EVA #: 9

Today’s Date: 07-02-2025

Author: Dr. Marta Ferrer (Documentary Filmmaker)

Purpose of EVA:

• Install the third guy wire in the Corner Reflector (Mònica Roca, Mission Specialist).

• Take images of the solar panel experiment located east of the observatory to check the state of the dust.

• Map the geologic layers around the MDRS station and collect samples in Marbel Ritual with regular geologic tools (Marina Martínez, Crew geologist).

• Take images of Marina Martínez (Geologist and Greenhab Officer) collecting samples for one of her projects (Jennifer García, Crew Journalist).

• Take images of windy landscapes and the EVA’s crew members working for their purposes (Marta Ferrer, Crew documentary filmmaker)

Start time: 09:15

End time: 12:40

Narrative:

First, we went up to the hill next to the station where the reflector is located. Mònica Roca installed the third guy wire, while Marina Martinez collected some geological samples of Butte. Jennifer García made an interview with Mònica Roca about the reflector.

After that, we took the images of the solar panel experiment located east of the observatory to check the attached dust. Later, we walked towards Marble Ritual and we explored this location over a 200 meters radius approximately in the north direction. Marina Martinez collected more geological samples to be studied in the Science Dome.

Marta Ferrer, the documentary filmmaker, took images of the landscapes around and the crew working and exploring.

Destination: MDRS station, Marble Ritual

Coordinates: 425100 N, 518700 E

EVA Participants: Mònica Roca (Crew Engineer), Jenny Garcia (Crew Journalist), Marina Martínez (Geologist and Greenhab Officer), and Marta Ferrer (Documentary Filmmaker).

Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: No Rovers

Mode of travel: walking