Category: Journalist Report

Report title: Journalist Report
Crew #: 322
Position: Scientist
Report prepared by: Anastasia G. Yanchilina
Date: (09-11-2025)
Sol: 0

Journalist Report: Sol 0, the beginning of human search for biosignatures of Mars.

Crew 322 started their first mission on sol 0 at Mars. This largely included training and learning how to use all of the equipment and doing a sample EVA. The EVA was to locate a specific location where the rover was located that found the location of potential biosignatures, that were described as gypsum. The crew did the EVA’s in pairs of two and three total. One of the analogue astronauts had a topographic map and the other had a compass and a tripod (with the tripod noting the signal of the location of the rover). Two of the crews were able to locate the rover and one of the groups didn’t due to issues with communication.

Following the sample training EVA, the group embarked to do training on the rovers they were to be using. Everyone learned very fast and did a fast route out and back for practice.

Report title: Journalist Report
Crew #: 322
Position: Scientist
Report prepared by: Anastasia G. Yanchilina
Date: 10-11-2025
Sol: 1

Journalist Report Title: Sol 1, Second day on mission.

Report:
Weather: sunny, calm, low wind.
Location: Reporting from the Hab

Activities and EVA Operations:
– Crew 322 completed setup and explored the MDRS surroundings.
– Three EVA’s were scheduled.
– EVA 1: Co-Commander A (EV1) and Scientist (EV2).
– EVA 2: Medic (EV1) and Engineer (EV2).
– EVA 3: Co-Commander B (EV1) and Green Hub Officer (EV2).
– Main challenges: habitat setup and troubleshooting software systems across all teams.

Technical and Science Notes:
– Issues encountered: digital compass malfunction, difficulties connecting fNIRS and eye-tracking glasses.
– Cross streamlining across teams, EVA 2 had a faster prep time than EVA 1 and EVA 3 had a faster prep time than EVA 2.

Meals and crew health:
– Subcrew 1 and 3 prepared soup and stem from freeze-dried food options, while subcrew 2 completed their EVA.
– Some crew members reported mild respiratory symptoms (stuffy / runny noses), but general health and morale remain good overall and across all crew members.

Report title: Journalist Report
Crew #: 325Se
Position: Crew Journalist
Report prepared by: Saranya Ravva
Date: 20Dec2025
Sol: 5

Journalist Report Title (if applicable): Settling into Mars Time

Mars Trivia Question, answer at the end of the report:
Why is Mars so cold even during its summer?
Sol 5 began the way Sol 4 ended, wrapped in comfort. Last night closed with hot cocoa and a Martian movie, and for a brief moment it felt blissful. The girls squished together on bean bags, the guys claimed the chairs, and we cozied up in our sleeping bags as if we had all collectively decided that Mars deserved a slow evening. We went to bed close to midnight, and our Commander kindly granted us a later wake-up time of 8:30 a.m.
We woke up to the familiar and emotional tones of Interstellar, one of my favorite soundtracks and part of the music Cesare thoughtfully collected before the mission. The habitat stirred slowly, and we gathered around the living room tables to make the most of the morning communications window, downloading resources and checking anything we might need before the internet disappeared again.
Ellenah shared that she had been dreaming about pancakes ever since we made them earlier in the mission and immediately volunteered to bring them back. Chocolate pancakes made their triumphant return, and we happily surrendered to another round of indulgence. Morgan, Ellenah, and Adrianna pulled up maps and routes, preparing for EVA #6, while the rest of us lingered around the table, soaking in the rare ease of a slower morning.
Suit-up followed soon after. By now, everyone has become efficient at getting into the suits, plugging in radios, syncing GPS units, and running through checklists. Isabella served as HabCom, carefully logging rover numbers and monitoring communications. The EVA team headed out while stories unfolded.
During the EVA, Morgan continued work on his telecommunications project, digging the trench and placing the system before closing it back up. Ellenah focused on her experiment and even managed to take a brief nap inside her suit while waiting for certain tasks to wrap up, a very Mars-specific skill. The team navigated up and down the chasma, covering challenging terrain. Adrianna collected biometric data on her Garmin, continuing her physiological research and quietly adding more data points to a growing dataset.
Back in the habitat, Isabella and I worked on educational outreach materials connected to the Honors College and the Amelia Earhart Leadership Towards Space Careers Program. We are deeply grateful for their support in funding part of our mission and helping make this experience possible. Meanwhile, Cesare put on his chef hat once again and began preparing pizza dough and brioche bread, continuing what might be his most delicious MDRS tradition.
When the EVA team returned, we welcomed them back into the habitat, helping with de-suiting and hearing firsthand about the landscape and the success of the EVA objectives and also surprised them with an inflated baby Yoda that we set in the living room. Today was also hot shower day for the EVA crew, which they seemed to enjoy immensely. Afterwards, everyone took some personal time, and a few well-earned naps followed.
Eventually, the smell of freshly baked pizza pulled us all back to the dining table. Cesare set up a full assembly line of toppings and transformed the dough into five different pizzas, each one better than the last. We ate together, swapping stories and decompressing from another physically demanding day.
I stepped away briefly to the science dome to work on my RPM experiment, which needed reassembly once again as some of the rig components had loosened. Mars continues to teach patience through repetition. Soon after, we regrouped at the table to write reports and reflect while drafting our mid-mission summary. The evening feels calm, productive, and quietly satisfying, and there is hope that we may even squeeze in another movie before the day ends.
Trivia Answer:
Mars remains cold even during its summer because its atmosphere is extremely thin and cannot trap heat effectively, allowing warmth to escape quickly into space.
Sol 5 complete. Mars feels slower now, more familiar, and increasingly like a place we know how to live in.[end]

Report title: Journalist Report
Crew #: 325
Position: Crew Journalist
Report prepared by: Saranya Ravva
Date: 21Dec2025
Sol: 6

Journalist Report Title (if applicable): Becoming Regulars on Martian Ground
Mars Trivia Question, answer at the end of the report:
Why does Mars appear red when viewed from Earth?

Sol 6 began quietly. We had spent the previous evening chatting, doing chores, and slowly drifting toward sleep, eventually deciding to skip movie night altogether in favor of rest. Sometimes the most Martian decision is choosing sleep. While we rested, our Commander planned the following day’s schedule, setting the tone for another purposeful sol.

Everyone woke up by 8:00 a.m. Today’s wake-up music was Simple As This by Jake Bugg, Adrianna’s favorite track, and the beat instantly lifted the mood. We gathered around the dining table and spent the morning catching up on emails, coding, writing reports, and planning project steps during the communications window. When the internet closed, the habitat shifted smoothly into EVA mode.

We reviewed the EVA route one final time and began preparations for EVA #7. Having been to Barrainca Butte earlier in the mission, the Commander kept me back to help guide the route. I love that we are already becoming familiar with these Martian paths, recognizing landmarks and terrain like locals.

Adrianna, Isabella, and I suited up and headed out right on schedule. It was sunny again, so I decided to skip FLIR imaging until after the EVA to save it for more optimal conditions. The rover ride took about 20 minutes, followed by a roughly one-mile walk to the base of the butte. The Commander advised us that the climb would be too steep and suggested collecting rocks from the base. But the three of us enjoy a challenge.

We decided to scout an alternate route. By circling behind the mountain and traversing horizontally across the mid-section, we found a viable path upward. Adrianna led, I followed, and Isabella brought up the rear. After climbing about a quarter of the route, we felt short of breath and paused to acclimatize. We continued upward slowly, driven by determination more than anything else. We experienced mild dizziness and the unmistakable strain of exertion, but we pushed on until we reached nearly three-quarters of the mountain.

We decided to stop there, prioritizing safety while still feeling deeply satisfied with how far we had come. Over the course of the climb, we ascended over 300 feet. From that point, we captured stunning photos of both ourselves and the surrounding landscape. Along the way, we collected visually interesting rocks from different layers of the mountain and carefully recorded longitude, latitude, elevation, and images so Cesare can analyze them for his geology project. Adrianna and Isabella also gathered valuable Garmin biometric data for their physiological study.

After returning to the habitat, I captured thermal images of the exterior of the habitat to support a comparative analysis with previous measurements. We then came inside and immediately refueled with leftover pizza, tuna, and saltines. The rest of the day moved at a slower pace. People took personal time, napped, chatted, and relaxed. It felt earned.

I spent some time in the science dome and ultimately decided to stop the RPM experiment for now, as the gears had loosened again. Tomorrow, I plan to take close-up images of the plants in different orientations and explore whether they can be transferred to the GreenHab for continued growth.

I volunteered to cook dinner and made Kichidi, an Indian comfort dish made with lentils, rice, vegetables, and simple spices. We had also run out of salt earlier, and mission control came through with a resupply, which felt like a major victory. Sometimes it is the smallest things that bring the biggest relief.

As the evening communications window opened, we gathered at the table to write reports, work on projects, and reconnect with the outside world. There is a quiet realization settling in now. We feel fully embedded in the MDRS routine. This habitat has become home. With less than a week remaining, time feels like it is accelerating.

Trivia Answer:
Mars appears red because its soil contains iron oxide, or rust, which reflects red light and gives the planet its distinctive color when viewed from Earth.

Sol 6 complete. Mars no longer feels unfamiliar. It feels lived in.

Report title: Journalist Report
Crew #: 325
Position: Crew Journalist
Report prepared by: Saranya Ravva
Date: 22Dec2025
Sol: 7

Journalist Report Title:
Finding Calm on a Demanding Planet

Mars Trivia Question, answer at the end of the report:
How many moons does Mars have?

Sol 7 began where Sol 6 ended, with a late-night movie. We closed the evening watching Shutter Island, a mystery thriller movie filled with tension, striking cinematography, and just enough intensity to ensure we all knocked ourselves out soon after, or perhaps the other way around.

We woke up to one of Isabella’s favorite soundtracks, Good Days by SZA and Adrianna picked it from Cesare’s downloaded playlist and decided to keep it simple with the good old cereal. As usual, we gathered around the dining table during the communications window, catching up on work, filling out applications, and sharing stories while listening to music. At this point, starting the day together like this has become a habit. We know our roles, our rhythms, and how to ease into the sol as a crew.

Soon enough, it was time to prepare for EVA #8. Today’s destination was Sea of Shells, also known as The Moon, a site rich in geological history. Ellenah headed out to collect more data for her solar panel and circuit experiments. Morgan focused on his telecommunications project, timing how quickly he could dig a trench, assemble cables, disassemble them, and restore the terrain. Cesare collected geology samples, and this site quickly proved to be one of the most exciting locations so far. The area contains a wide variety of ancient seashell fossils, estimated to be about 70 million years old, along with gypsum deposits, placing us firmly in a Jurassic-era landscape.

Once Ellenah completed her measurements, she shared that the landscape felt strikingly lunar. She took a moment to sit, reflect, and meditate, describing how the environment cleared her head and left her feeling calm and rejuvenated. Morgan later summed up the EVA with his characteristically precise assessment, calling it “most excellent,” which carries serious weight coming from him. Cesare even mentioned that he would like to rearrange upcoming EVAs to include another return to this location.

Back at the habitat, Adrianna served as HabCom for the first time. We walked her through radio channels and procedures, and she handled the role smoothly. Inside, I documented the different orientations of the seeds germinated in petri dishes for my RPM project and transferred them into the GreenHab. Once the communications window opens again, I plan to explore ways to integrate them into our garden setup.

Isabella and Adrianna spent time cozying up into the bean bags, transforming them into the perfect hybrid space for productive work and relaxation. I fully approve, as they have become one of my favorite places to write journalist reports. When the EVA crew returned, we collectively decided that the afternoon called for a movie. On a planet this demanding, rest is part of survival. We watched Shrek, which, surprisingly, was my first time seeing it. I found it wholesome and comforting, especially as I quietly started building the surprise Lego Christmas tree I had brought for the crew. It felt like the perfect addition to our growing list of small holiday surprises.

Then everyone took some personal downtime. I volunteered to help with dinner alongside Adrianna. Together, we cooked a meal that quickly filled the habitat with warmth and good smells. We made soy-glazed tofu using soy sauce, syrup, and lemon juice, loved the sauce so much that we used it to dress dehydrated vegetables and chicken as well, and served everything over rice making it a nice Chinese stir fry and adding to the variety of cuisines we are cooking up on this mars kitchen.

As the evening communications window opened, we gathered once again around the table, writing reports, planning our next EVA, and catching up on pending work while the internet allowed. We decided to eat until our hearts, and stomachs, were full and planned for more meal ideas for our upcoming sols. There is a quiet sense of contentment settling in now. We are deep into the mission, comfortable in our routines, and increasingly aware of how quickly this time is passing.

Trivia Answer:
Mars has two moons, Phobos and Deimos. They are small, irregularly shaped natural satellites with low gravity, likely formed from re-accreted debris following an ancient impact rather than from a single large collision like Earth’s Moon.

Sol 7 complete. Mars feels steady, reflective, and quietly grounding.

Report title: Journalist Report
Crew #: 325
Position: Crew Journalist
Report prepared by: Saranya Ravva
Date: 23Dec2025
Sol: 8

Journalist Report Title: Laughter, Spice, and Miles on Martian Ground
Mars Trivia Question, answer at the end of the report:
How does the size of Mars compare to Earth?
Sol 8 truly began the night before. After thoroughly enjoying dinner, we decided to wind down with some card games. We started with a few rounds of UNO and then switched to something spicier: a regular deck of cards transformed into Bluff, which we have now officially renamed as the Martian Certified Strategic Liar Game. The rules are explained quickly, with players placing cards in sequence and bluffing confidently even if we don’t have the respective card while trying not to get caught. Laughter escalated rapidly, and soon our faces hurt from giggling. Dessert became necessary. Adrianna suggested graham crackers with the butter frosting we discovered in the pantry, and right on cue, Cesare revealed yet another secret stash, replacing an almost empty Nutella jar with a brand new one. With sugar levels restored and morale fully boosted, we finally called it a night and went to bed.
The sol itself began with a wake-up song “Floyd Maroon by The Mellowells” chosen from Morgan’s favorite pick, gently pulling us into another Martian morning. As usual, we gathered around the dining table. Breakfast was a mix of cereals, dehydrated berries, nuts, and “milk” also known as fake milk aka filk as we Martians call it. I made a savory oatmeal inspired by Indian breakfasts back home. Unfortunately, it turned out far too spicy for most of the crew, though it absolutely satisfied my own palate.
We used the precious communications window to get as much productive work done as possible, fully aware of how quickly time is slipping away. Soon after, it was time to prepare for the day’s EVA. Ellenah, Adrianna, and Morgan set out entirely on foot to explore Skyland Rim, a region known for a feature called The Wall. The EVA covered nearly five miles, all in bulky suits, and by the time they radioed back, their exhaustion was clear. They requested water bottles to be set out immediately upon return.
Once back inside, the EVA crew quickly assembled improvised meals consisting of tuna sandwiches, leftovers, bread with peanut butter and jelly, and cereal. The rest of the afternoon slowed down, with personal time spread across quiet work, and recovery, until we heard our favorite call of the day: dinner is ready.
Dinner was prepared by Ellenah and Isabella, who made chicken and vegetable fried rice. It smelled wonderful and tasted great, though it came with a generous amount of pepper, which resulted in plenty of laughter and sneezes. I thoroughly enjoyed the extra kick, once again finding comfort in flavors that felt close to home.
We also managed to sneak in another round of Bluff card game. Morgan remains undefeated with three wins, I hold one certified victory, and the rest of the crew is determined to earn their Martian certification soon. As the evening communications window opened, we gathered once again around the dining table, reports already written but excitement high to use the limited connectivity for any last productive tasks.
Trivia Answer:
Mars has a diameter of about 6,779 km, compared to Earth’s 12,742 km, making it roughly half as wide and significantly less massive.
Sol 8 complete. Mars feels lively, challenging, and increasingly familiar.

Report title: Journalist Report
Crew #: 325
Position: Crew Journalist
Report prepared by: Saranya Ravva
Date: 24Dec2025
Sol: 9

Journalist Report Title (If Applicable) : A Landscape That Refuses to End
Mars Trivia Question, answer at the end of the report:
What is the largest volcano and mountain in the solar system, and why is it found on Mars?
Sol 9 began before sunrise. I woke up early so I could capture thermal images of the habitat, science dome, and GreenHab before any solar loading affected the surfaces. I moved quietly, careful not to disturb anyone sleeping. The early start paid off. I was able to capture all angles, especially regions with visible surface damage, which will allow me to perform a more complete structural assessment. By the time I settled into my seat at 8:00 a.m., I felt satisfied with the data I had collected.
That calm focus quickly turned into a joyful surprise when Cesare played my favorite Carnatic music piece as the wake-up song: Endaro Mahanubhavulu. It felt grounding and deeply personal, and for a moment, Mars felt very close to home.
Everyone soon gathered in the living room and around the dining table, preparing quick breakfasts and coffee. Since we had an earlier EVA scheduled, the communications window felt especially precious. Some of us went straight into productive mode, downloading resources, sending messages, and wrapping up tasks before heading out.

Adrianna, Ellenah, and I suited up for the EVA, starting with some additional thermal imaging near the habitat before setting out in the rovers toward Sea of Shells, also known as The Moon. This rover ride quickly became one of my favorites so far. Cold air swept across my face as I drove along the bumpy terrain. The sky shifted between blue and purple, and the landscape ahead felt distinctly extraterrestrial.
None of us had been to this location before. Isabella navigated while I drove, and we followed instructions from crew members who had visited earlier. Until we arrived, we were not entirely sure we were in the right place. But once the seashell fossils and distinctive terrain came into view, there was no doubt. We had arrived.
I brought my DSLR camera along and took landscape photographs of the area. When I reviewed the images back at the habitat, I was genuinely mesmerized. It had been a long time since a landscape stopped me in my tracks the way this one did.
We returned to the habitat with time to spare. The sky had turned cloudy, creating ideal conditions for additional thermal imaging. That decision paid off. I was able to clearly identify heat signatures associated with structural cracks on the habitat. Seeing those signatures appear on the thermal map was incredibly exciting, and I am looking forward to performing detailed post-analysis. Isabella and Adrianna also collected extensive Garmin biometric data during the EVA for their project.
Back inside, the atmosphere shifted toward celebration. With Christmas energy in the air, we went straight into cooking mode. We made black bean patties, potato soup, and biscuits, and morale rose immediately. After eating, some of us relaxed together while others took personal time.
Later in the evening, Cesare put on his chef hat once again and prepared baked ziti that was nothing short of phenomenal. As if that was not enough, he brought out Motta Il Panettone cake from Italy, which felt incredibly fancy and indulgent. Mars may be remote, but tonight felt rich in every sense.
The biggest surprise of the day came next. We were told we could make brief phone calls. After nearly ten days of isolation, hearing voices of family from outside the mission, beyond mission control, is going to feel surreal and emotional. It was a reminder of how far we are, and how connected we still remain.
Trivia Answer:
The largest volcano and mountain in the solar system is Olympus Mons, located on Mars. It grew to an enormous size because Mars lacks plate tectonics, allowing volcanic eruptions to occur in the same location for millions of years, combined with the planet’s lower gravity, which supports taller structures.

Report title: Journalist Report
Crew #: 325
Position: Crew Journalist
Report prepared by: Saranya Ravva
Date: 25Dec2025
Sol: 10

Journalist Report Title (If Applicable) : Merry Windy Martian Christmas!

Mars Trivia Question, answer at the end of the report:
How long is a year on Mars compared to Earth?

Sol 10 began the night before, on Christmas Eve. Once the communications window closed, we all bundled up near the bean bags, fully embracing the holiday spirit in our Christmas pajamas. Movie night followed, and somewhere between the warmth, the full stomachs from dinner, and the soft glow of the screen, some of us drifted off to sleep. It was cozy, calm, and exactly what we needed.

When I woke up in the morning, I noticed strong winds and the sound of rain. I stepped into the living room to check the weather station and ran into Adrianna. We paused for a moment, listening to the storm and appreciating how beautiful and intense the sounds of nature were. We wished each other Merry Christmas, our first one on Mars.

Christmas morning unfolded gently. Cards, small gifts, and food slowly filled the dining table as we gathered together. We played White Elephant, laughing as we chose and swapped gifts, and it felt like everyone walked away happy with what they ended up with. Shortly after, we received approval for our EVA request, which meant we would be exploring Martian terrain on Christmas Day. The winds were still strong, so safety stayed at the forefront of every decision.

Soon, it was time for EVA prep. Morgan, Isabella, and I were assigned to explore Candor Chasma, a route without large equipment requirements that allowed us to focus on Garmin biometric data collection. This EVA also marked the final EVA of the mission for Morgan and me, so we turned up the energy during suit-up, playing classic songs, dancing a little, and hyping each other up to calm the nerves before heading into the wind.

Once outside, the conditions were intense. Even in suits weighing over 20 pounds, the wind made us feel almost weightless at times. Morgan and Isabella drove initially while I rode passenger, gripping the rover, map in hand, chin tucked into my suit to stay steady. The first half of the drive followed the same Galileo Road route Isabella and I had taken back on Sol 3, already familiar and still intimidating. The second half toward the chasma was even rougher. The wind, the terrain, and the navigation combined into a full adrenaline experience.

At the gateway to Candor Chasma, the rover path ended. We parked and continued on foot. The three of us set out with determination, curiosity as our bread and. I brought my DSLR, which turned out to be the best decision of the day. I captured hundreds of photos of the chasma, its rock formations, winding paths, and layered terrain as we hiked deeper.

After about two miles, we checked our distance and decided to push another half mile before turning back, knowing we had to retrace the same route. At around 2.5 miles, it felt like we had nearly reached the end of the chasma. Turning back felt satisfying, not disappointing. It felt like we had walked into something vast enough that it could go on forever.

The return hike was demanding. We took short two to three minute breaks to loosen up our shoulders from the suits. To distract ourselves, we started fantasizing about hot dogs, frosties, milkshakes, and all kinds of comfort food. I caught myself wondering if there was a way to sneak a hydration jacket into an EVA suit, something I rely on during long runs back on Earth.

Despite the fatigue, there was peace in the moment. Wind, sand, and air moved around us as we walked. With a crew that is adventurous, quick-witted, cautious, and deeply supportive, hiking over five miles felt challenging but grounding. When we reached the end of our route, Isabella and I danced for about ten seconds to celebrate before quickly conserving energy and heading back to the rovers.

Morgan and I drove on the return trip. Navigating the bumpy, curving roads with strong winds forced me to face some mental blocks about driving in harsh conditions. It was mentally challenging and unexpectedly liberating. We returned to the habitat with ten minutes left in our EVA window, parked quickly, and made it into the airlock with seven minutes to spare and depressurizing takes 5 mines so that was great timing.

Inside, Adrianna who was our HabCom greeted us with water bottles ready and food waiting. Entering the living quarters felt incredible. We immediately refueled with mac and cheese made from dehydrated cheddar, multiple pasta shapes, and cobbler for dessert. It hit every comfort-food note perfectly. Hot showers followed, which felt heavenly, though the soreness began creeping in soon after. Electrolytes, bean bags, and another Christmas movie helped ease us into the evening.

Later, I helped with dinner, baking biscuits and instant potatoes while Morgan prepared a comforting vegetable soup. Cake appeared for dessert, and once again, Christmas on Mars felt warm, full, and shared. Still, Mars does not pause. After about thirty minutes of chatting and eating, we transitioned back into reality with report writing, dishes, cleaning, and closing out the day.

We hope to end the night watching White Christmas, celebrating the holiday in our own Martian way.

Trivia Answer:
A year on Mars lasts about 687 Earth days, which is nearly twice as long as an Earth year. This is because Mars orbits farther from the Sun and takes longer to complete one full revolution around it.

Sol 10 complete. Christmas on Mars was windy, demanding, unforgettable, and deeply human.

Report title: Journalist Report
Crew #: 325
Position: Crew Journalist
Report prepared by: Saranya Ravva
Date: 26Dec2025
Sol: 11

Journalist Report Title (If Applicable) : T-0: Back to Earth

Mars Trivia Question, answer at the end of the report:
How many missions have been sent to Mars so far?

We woke up by 8:00 a.m., and today’s wake-up song was Way Back Home by Shaun, one of Ellenah’s favorites. It is a pleasant, grounding track that personally helped me ease into the day. We gathered around the dining table and were greeted by a fresh loaf of bread baked by Cesare the day before. We spread Nutella, peanut butter, and jelly, made warm breakfast sandwiches, and brewed coffee together.

It was the last sol in simulation, and we all felt it.

We immediately used the communications window to download checkout lists and focus on end-of-mission and research reports. Soon after, it was time to prepare for the final EVA. Cesare, Ellenah, Adrianna, and Isabella suited up while Morgan and I helped with preparations. This EVA had multiple objectives: collecting Garmin biometric data and seashell fossils, while also taking time to simply be present in the landscape. The team set out on foot to the Hab Rim, where they danced, took photos, and soaked in the serenity of the terrain.

Back inside the habitat, the tone shifted toward closure. I found comfort in cleaning, wiping tables, putting things away, sweeping, and mopping floors while listening to energetic music. Isabella helped clean the science dome, carefully storing her experiments, collecting final data, and disposing of trash. With time still available, I swept and mopped the RAM as well, which Ellenah had already organized beautifully.

When the EVA crew returned, everyone joined in. Adrianna took on the massive task of cleaning and inventorying the entire GreenHab on her own, doing a phenomenal job. Morgan handled rover shutdowns, engineering operations, and helped keep the habitat’s lower deck organized. Our Commander, Cesare, ensured that all rock samples collected for his in-situ geology project were packed properly, checked every station unit, and worked through the final checklist with the confidence that comes from many rotations at MDRS.

With about 15 minutes remaining in simulation, reality began to sink in. Adrianna, Isabella, and I challenged ourselves to quickly pack our personal belongings. At T-3 minutes to Earth, we gathered on the lower deck. Cesare gave us the honor of entering the airlock first.

At exactly 1300 MT, the main airlock hatch opened.

Sergii, mission support and MDRS director, welcomed us back with cheers, laughter, high-fives, and a video recording. It was cold, bright, and incredibly real. After 11 sols of simulation, stepping back onto Earth felt both surreal and deeply satisfying. Time flew by, but breathing Earth air again felt unmistakably different.

I still cannot believe it has been 11 sols.

Trivia Answer:
More than 50 missions have been sent to Mars so far by various space agencies, including orbiters, landers, and rovers. While many early missions failed, modern missions have dramatically improved success rates, providing detailed data about Mars’s surface, atmosphere, geology, and potential for past habitability.

Goodbye and sayonara, Mars. For now.

Report title: Journalist Report

Crew #: 326
Position: Crew Journalist
Report prepared by: Daria Bardus
Date: 29-12-2025
Sol: 1
Journalist Report Title: Mars Day 1
Today we experienced our first full day on Mars! We started the morning by eating rehydrated eggs and drinking coffee before getting ready for the first EVA of the rotation. Once Ben, Armand, Idris, and I dawned our flight suits, we went downstairs to put on the full suit. While confusing at first, we eventually figured out how to put on each part and discussed the mission plan. While out on EVA we drove to Marble Ritual where we each picked a rock and placed it in one of the bundt cake pans. From there we traveled part way to Phobos Peak and took some photos before turning back to head home. Once we got back and took all our equipment off, we ate lunch and drank lots of water. It was then time to get ready for the second EVA. Now that we all had a better understanding of how to put the suits on, the process was a lot quicker than before. The rest of the crew went on this EVA where they followed the same plan as the first group of us.
During both EVA’s those of us not currently out on EVA took care of our daily responsibilities and worked on our research projects. Notability Vindhya and I were able to attach the linear actuator meaning on Sol 2 we can focus on wire management and continue working on the software. Also, during the first EVA the bread maker was used to attempt to make French bread. However, we had to change plans and use the oven due to the bread maker using too much power, showing us just how limited our resources are.
To wrap up the night, we ate dinner and cleaned up before getting some more work done. For the rest of the night, we will probably keep working on our projects, play card games, and go to bed early.