Category: Journalist Report

Report title: Journalist Report

Crew #: 330

Position: Journalist

Report prepared by: Adrien Saugnac

Date: (02-03-2026)

Sol: 15

Journalist Report Title (if applicable) : The sun is rising on Mars

Alone on the red planet, we feel the effects of confinement. It is important to spend time together and enjoy every moment. Even a simple sunrise is a source of comfort and reassurance. We are becoming more and more aware that we are in a new world.
Our mission support has provided us with food rations for the second part of our adventure, and we had pasta with bolognaise sauce, Parmesan cheese, and basil from Félix. Just enough to end a full day well.

All morning, we went with Lou, Célia, and Félix on an EVA to North Ridge to map the area in 3D and prepare for this week’s orienteering race. On Wednesday, a first team will use a 2D support to find 7 beacons that we have hidden. We will compare their performance with that of another team that will have a 3D map. Célia and Félix started the stratigraphy experiment. They were able to draw the profile of a geological strat. They then collected samples to observe them at the Geol’Ex. It is a spectroscope that will allow us to study the composition of rocks by reflectance. Adèle did CapCom and supported the EVA from the station.

This afternoon, Lou made 3D prints for the last pieces of the SupaeroMoon rover. She created the map of North Ridge and answered with Julien and Félix questions from students of the euro section of the lycée de la Mer. Scientific mediation is an important part of our mission.

Gaspard organized small mid-mission sessions to ask us where we are and what we expect for the next two weeks.

Célia and Félix continued the Geol’Ex experiment at the Science Dom where Julien also organized sessions of NeuroErgonomie.

With Adèle, we continued the editing of the mid-mission video all afternoon.
Tomorrow morning, we will explore even further Mars!

Report title: Journalist Report

Crew #: 330

Position: Journalist

Report prepared by: Adrien Saugnac

Date: (03-03-2026)

Sol: 16

Journalist Report Title (if applicable) : Candor Chasma

Today, we started the day with a yoga session organized by Adele. The last few days have been physically demanding. It is important to vary the practices, and yoga allows to awaken the body and mind without overexerting.

Then, Adele, Julien, and Felix went on an exploration EVA to Candor Chasma while Gaspard acted as CapCom. To get there, they needed 5 minutes in a rover and 1 hour of hiking through a Martian canyon. The journey was physically demanding, but the landscapes upon arrival rewarded them. Knowing that it took millions of years to shape these paths, one feels so small and amazed in front of landscapes that span across time.
Meanwhile, we were editing videos, and Lou continued working on the 3D map for tomorrow’s orienteering race.

In the afternoon, Lou and Julien worked in the RAM for the SupaeroMoon experiment. It is a club of the association of students from ISAE-SUPAERO. They designed a rover that is entirely printable in 3D. For a trip to Mars, it would be useful to bring raw material and build the rover on site to optimize the volume taken during transport. It remains to study the feasibility of its construction by an already on-site crew, and that is what we are doing in our mission.

Celia and Lou went to the observatory to continue repairing the opening mechanism. Celia was still able to use the telescope to observe the sun.
At the Science Dome, Julien organized sessions of Neuro Ergonomics for Adele and me. Felix went to take care of the greenhouse. At the moment, temperatures are high, and it is necessary to water twice a day.

In the evening, we did our daily questionnaires, and Julien used the indoor bike.
Tomorrow, it will be an orienteering race for the first team!

Report title: Journalist Report

Crew #: 330

Position: Journalist

Report prepared by: Adrien Saugnac

Date: (04-03-2026)

Sol: 17

Journalist Report Title (if applicable) : 17 minutes

This morning, it was Célia and Gaspard who left on EVA to conduct the first orienteering session this week. They could prepare by using a 2D map on which the way-points were indicated. Lou went with them to observe how the usage of the 2D map influenced their performance on the field. They managed to validate all 7 way-points in 17 minutes and 30 seconds, and tomorrow we will see whether the team with a 3D map will beat this performance. When we selected the zone for the Photogrammetry experiment, we thought it would be harder this week compared to the last. But the fact that it had more relief offers more points of reference for self-orienting and they found the way-points quite easily.

Meanwhile, Adèle, Julien and I had an Orbital Architecture cognitive session, in three different locations in the station. Depending on our environment, our cognitive abilities evolve and this is why we repeat these sessions in different places.

In the afternoon, Célia and Félix worked on the Géol’Ex. They could identify some issues that they will be able to solve in the next few days.

With Adèle, we finally finalized our mid-mission video. It took a lot of work in the previous days, and we hope you will all like it!

Lou worked on the 3D map to make it easier to use during tomorrow’s preparation; Gaspard designed the interface for a new experiment. It will study at which moment of the day we prefer to monitor the parameters of our station.

We also reserved some time today to relax. If a crew went to Mars, it would be important not to overload them, and some periods of boredom are important to keep them performing in case of an issue.

Tonight, we will play some board games together.

Report title: Journalist Report

Crew #: 330

Position: Journalist

Report prepared by: Adrien Saugnac

Date: (05-03-2026)

Sol: 18

Journalist Report Title (if applicable) : The ascent

Last night, we finished the mid-mission video. To celebrate, we watched it together in the mezzanine of the HAB. We then ate a cake cooked by Julien.

This morning, Adèle organized a lower body strength training session for us.

After that, Adèle, Julien, Félix and I had an EVA for photogrammetry. It was Félix and Julien who participated in the orienteering task. They prepared with a 3D map and once on site, they had to find 7 beacons that Lou had hidden beforehand. Yesterday, the 2D map team took 17 minutes to find all of them. Today, they took 11 minutes and we had time to explore. We decided to climb North Ridge. On the way back, Félix wrote: "The ascent would be the 2nd goal of this EVA. From the front, it was too hard to reach the summit, so we went deeper to the left. The path alternated between loose soil that slipped under our feet and thick rocks that we had to cross. After a few minutes, we could enjoy the summit. We waited to discover the view all at the same time, it was magnificent! All my attention was fixed on the grand landscapes that were exposed on all sides. We didn’t have time to enjoy it for long because the rain started to fall, and it turned into snow a few minutes later. In this case, we have to follow the protocol, which means: return as quickly as possible before the weather deteriorates without rushing in the descent." We then returned without any issue. Once again, it was a striking EVA with our first ascent in the spacesuit, well rewarded by a magnificent landscape from the summit.

Meanwhile, Gaspard and Lou started modelling the interior of the station in 3D using the photogrammetry method.

This afternoon, after a well-deserved nap, the crew went to do their cognitive tasks: NeuroErgonomie and Orbital Architecture.

Tomorrow, Adèle has prepared themed sessions on written self-listening practices and methods to set boundaries.

Report title: Journalist Report

Crew #: 330

Position: Journalist

Report prepared by: Adrien Saugnac

Date: (06-03-2026)

Sol: 19

Journalist Report Title (if applicable) : Writing on Mars

Today, Adèle organized a cardio workout session.

After breakfast, Adèle, Célia, and Julien went on an EVA in front of Tharsis Montes. Before that, they went to change the batteries of the atmospheric instruments installed to the west of Marbel Ritual. It was an exploration EVA where they embarked on an ascent and walked through the canyons. This is surely the most Martian landscape we have had since the beginning of our mission, and it is in these moments that we really feel like we are on the red planet.

Meanwhile, Lou worked on a 3D printer on which the last year’s onboard engineer had noticed some issues. This year, the CNES lent us another printer, which allows us to set up the SupaeroMoon experiments, the Géol’Ex, and the prints from the high school students of Prades. It also allows us to print some equipment, such as the punches for the photogrammetry experiment.

Gaspard continued working on the station monitoring experiment, whose name has not yet been chosen. Felix went to maintain the greenhouse and started cutting some plants. We also did some cleaning in our habitat.

This afternoon, Adèle organized HSO workshops to strengthen communication and team cohesion. The sessions focused on written self-listening practices, allowing each member to better know themselves, to do a review of their emotions, to manage difficult situations, and to celebrate their efforts.

The second workshop addressed the establishment of personal boundaries. We discussed how to share these boundaries, expressing them in a concrete, positive, realistic, and negotiable way. The goal is to find compromises and solutions that best meet everyone’s needs, while reinforcing solidarity and trust within the team. These workshops are essential for the mission, as they promote more effective communication and a more serene collaboration.

Tomorrow, it is the last day of our mission’s break, and tonight we have surprises organized by members of the crew! Nice planning in approach!

Report title: Journalist Report
Crew #: 330
Position: Journalist
Report prepared by: Adrien Saugnac
Date: (07-03-2026)
Sol: 20

Journalist Report Title : Last resting day

Today was a rest day for Crew 330, and we had the opportunity to rest and relax to be ready to start the last week of our mission. Next Friday night will mark the end of our simulation!

Last night, we watched a movie after eating Bolognese pasta.

This morning, after a longer night than usual, we each did fun activities. Adèle did painting, Lou did mandala coloring, Julien did sports, Gaspard played on his computer, Célia, Adèle, and Félix prepared a surprise for the Science Dome, and I continued making a necklace.

In the afternoon, we continued our activities and watched movies and series that we had downloaded before the mission.

For the surprise, Célia, Adèle, and Félix will organize it tomorrow afternoon.
We are ready to start the last week!

Tomorrow, for International Women’s Day, Lou, Celia, and Adele will go on an exploration EVA in the Special Region!

Report title: Journalist Report
Crew #: 330
Position: Journalist
Report prepared by: Adrien Saugnac
Date: 08-03-2026
Sol: 21

Journalist Report Title: International Women’s Day

Yesterday evening, to properly end our rest day, we had a chocolate cake.

Today is International Women’s Day, and through the parity of our crew, we want to encourage diversity in scientific careers. On this occasion, all the female astronauts of our crew participated in the EVA this morning. Adèle, Célia, and Lou therefore went to the Special Region to change the batteries of the atmospheric instruments and do some exploration. On Mars, it will be important to go around the station to study which areas are scientifically interesting. To prepare for future space missions, it is therefore important to develop efficient protocols that ensure the safety of the crew during EVA.

In the afternoon, Célia, Adèle, and Félix revealed the surprise they had been preparing for several days. They organized an « Among Us » in the station. Originally, it is a video game where participants are in a space station and must perform tasks to maintain the base. Among the participants are impostors whose goal is to eliminate others and sabotage the completion of tasks. Everywhere in the station, we had mini-games to complete while avoiding the impostors, whether in the RAM, in the greenhouse, in the Science Dome, or in the HAB. In total, it was 25 tasks we had to accomplish before winning.

After that, Félix and I went to the greenhouse to film an interview for the documentary we are preparing with the Cité de l’Espace. This morning, it was Gaspard who answered the questions, and in the coming days, everyone will have a slot. It took us 2 hours to talk about his expectations for the last days, do a review of the first three weeks, discuss his feelings and the most memorable moments of this adventure.

For the TraceLab experiment, we have daily and weekly questionnaires aimed at understanding our perceptions of interactions with the crew members, their management, and the emotions we have felt. All these data are used to study the impact of isolation on the evolution of our social interactions. It also allows us to reflect on what we did during the day and what we felt, which helps us take a step back.

Report title: Journalist Report
Crew #: 330
Position: Journalist
Report prepared by: Adrien Saugnac
Date: 09-03-2026
Sol: 22

Journalist Report Title: Hab Ridge

This morning, we left on an exploration EVA with Gaspard and Félix toward Hab Ridge. For the first time, we did not take the rovers to get there and we had to hike to get to the site.

All day, Lou and Julien assembled the rover of the SupaeroMoon experiment. The first weeks, Lou used the 3D printer loaned by the CNES to build the different parts of the rover. The objective is to finish the assembly tomorrow to be able to do an EVA to test it. It has been two years that we have been collaborating with the SupaeroMoon club of the AE ISAE-SUPAERO. The members of the club created a rover entirely 3D-printable and we are testing the feasibility of carrying out the assembly in the conditions of a Martian analogue mission.

At the beginning of the afternoon, Adèle organized an HSO session to present to us the concept of nonviolent communication. It relies on the OSBD method (observation, sentiment, need, and demand) and allows for the improvement of social interactions by calling upon the empathy of everyone.

At the end of the afternoon, Julien answered questions from the Saint-Exupéry high school of Blagnac. We continue to do scientific mediation actions even during our mission and we proposed to certain classes to participate.

Félix and Célia prepared the stratigraphy EVA for tomorrow morning. There is a strong interest to analyze the geological composition of Mars because the absence of plate tectonics froze the past of the planet in its rocks. It is a way to better know the state of the solar system at the time of the appearance of life on Earth. We are therefore doing a bit of geology during our mission. Researchers from the IRAP gave us lessons to be able to realize the profile of an outcrop followed by a graphic log. From that, one can draw deductions about the geological history of the outcrop.

All afternoon, we continued to film for the documentary that we are preparing.

There remain only four days to our mission and the next days are going to be intense to manage to conclude our last objectives!

Report title: Journalist Report
Crew #: 330
Position: Journalist
Report prepared by: Adrien Saugnac
Date: 10-03-2026
Sol: 23

Journalist Report Title: Rocks and Roll

Today, we had a cardio and upper body session organized by our health and safety officer, Adele. On Mars, gravity is three times weaker than on Earth, and it is very important to maintain physical exercise to counteract muscle atrophy. Therefore, we do 30 minutes of sports every morning.

After that, Celia, Adele, Felix, and Gaspard went out on an EVA for stratigraphy at Mellow Mushrooms. Yesterday, they were able to identify an interesting area to study the composition of geological layers. Today, they recognized the rocks they had studied yesterday. They followed all the steps of the protocol: identifying an interesting geological outcrop, going to the site, drawing a profile of the outcrop from a distance, getting close to the outcrop and measuring the thickness of each layer one by one, collecting samples, and studying the granulometry and composition. From all this, it is possible to draw a graphic log to represent in detail the parameters of each layer of the outcrop.

Meanwhile, Lou and Julien continued assembling the rover from SupaeroMoon. It should be finished tomorrow, and we will test it during an EVA in the afternoon. It should be able to move through rough terrain and collect samples with its robotic arm.
This afternoon, Celia and Felix did a calibration session of the Géol’Ex using a Quartz lamp whose spectrum is in the visible and near infrared range. This is where the main absorption peaks of rocks are located, hence the need to use a lamp that emits in this spectrum. Tomorrow, they will study the samples they were able to collect to identify their composition.

Today, we continue filming for the documentary we are preparing. We are starting to feel the end of the mission approaching.

Report title: Journalist Report
Crew #: 330
Position: Journalist
Report prepared by: Adrien Saugnac
Date: 11-03-2026
Sol: 24

Journalist Report Title: Rover on Mars

Yesterday evening, Adèle led us through a meditation session in the mezzanine before going to bed. This helps reconnect with our senses and step away from our thoughts to return to the present moment.

This morning, Adèle organized a cardio workout session to start the day off well and wake everyone up. A typical morning at MDRS begins with physiological data collection by Julien for the Core Data experiment. After that, we have the workout followed by breakfast. Then, those who have EVA will prepare while the others start their experiments for the day.

For the first time since the start of the mission, we had EVA in the afternoon. It’s more pleasant to go out in the morning because our suits keep us very warm, and the sun can quickly make the outing very physical. However, this morning, Lou and Julien had to finish mounting and preparing the SupaeroMoon rover before testing it outdoors at 2 PM. It was assembled at 1 PM, and after eating, Lou, Julien, and I went outside in front of the station to test the rover. Usually, we use the SAS decompression system of the HAB (our habitat), but today we used the RAM to access the power outlets and computers. Unfortunately, we were unable to connect the computer to the rover and couldn’t test its various features. Over the next two days, we will try to fix this issue.

In the meantime, Gaspard and Adèle worked on the end-of-mission report focusing on the human aspect. This is an area we chose to focus on this year, and our HSO Adèle did a lot of research on this topic and proposed many discussion workshops around these subjects.

Today was another filming day for the documentary. We filmed the rover, interviews with Célia and Julien, the lunch cooking, and Félix and Adèle made a VLOG for the Orbital Architecture experience.

Tonight, we enjoyed the last evenings in the station together.