Category: Journalist Report

Sol 4 – “HabCom, do you copy?”

“You are a Martian!” The man smiled. “The word is not familiar to you, certainly. It’s an Earth expression.”

– – Chapter 4 of The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury

This morning, Mars offered us clear skies and biting cold: the weather station read -17°C at 6:45 when we woke up! As we were beginning to complete our daily surveys and health check, still half asleep, the power suddenly went out. Jérémy immediately contacted Mission Support, who responded quickly, and the power came back a few minutes later, though enough time passed for us to start to feel the cold seep through the Hab walls… and give us a taste of what awaited out there in the Martian atmosphere! The EVA to install MegaAres being scheduled in the morning, we regularly checked the temperature as we got ready. By 10am, we had reached -10°C! Warmly dressed and equipped with our spacesuits, Alexandre, Corentin and I stepped into the airlock for depressurization, led by Quentin, our HabCom.

This was the crew’s first high-stakes EVA science-wise, and we were all aware of the importance of this experiment: the MegaAres antenna is supposed to stay in place during the entire mission to collect data on the electric field of the Martian atmosphere. After collecting all the parts and tools in the engineering airlock, and loading everything into the rovers, the unexpected happened, as always. Alexandre, our EVA leader, lost radio contact with us. Fortunately, we were still close to the Hab and could return to the airlock, pressurize, and re-equip Alexandre. We then headed to the chosen site and worked as hard as we could to make up for the lost time. I started feeling more intensely what we had all noticed during our training EVA: exertion arrived much more quickly when performing the simplest actions required by the installation of the antenna, such as kneeling, standing up, even grabbing a tool… Every single movement was impeded by the thickness of our gloves, the impreciseness of our movements, the weight of our equipment. It took us half an hour to insert two screws and adjust the correct nuts…

Nevertheless, we succeeded! The antenna is upright, sitting on its four “legs” on the metal mesh serving as the electrical system’s ground. We can even see it from the Hab! And to the Hab we returned, exhausted but quite content. After debriefing the EVA over some lunch prepared by Alice, a nap was deemed necessary, and approved by our Crew Scientist who had even thought of including it in the original schedule. But there was no time to waste : tomorrow, another EVA to the same location is scheduled to set up a weather station! Quentin, Jérémy and Alexandre spent their afternoon preparing, while the others worked on their various tasks in the Hab. In the persisting cold, the generator is struggling to keep some of the appliances up and running. We are currently running the Coms window, gathered around scavenged flashlights! Luckily, the heater is still working miracles…

This first week, on which rests the correct implementation of our main experiments, is stressful for all of us, but we are still in great shape!

 

 

Sol 3 – Waiting for a Martian spring;

“It was quiet in the deep morning of Mars, as quiet as a cool and black well, with stars shining in the canal waters, […] the moons gone, the torches cold, the stone amphitheaters deserted.”

– Chapter 3 of The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury

Me and my fellow Martians awoke this morning, some of us not as well rested as they hoped, and looked out the Hab window to find that the sky had not cleared, possibly impacting the EVA planned on Sol 4 to install MegaAres and LOAC. After the daily health status check session and a forcibly shortened workout session, we went to work: Corentin, Alexandre and I practiced building the Mega Ares antenna, with a few mishaps and unexpected breakage. Meanwhile, Alice made our first batch of bread (!) while Quentin started mounting the environmental sensors.

The test session for the EchoFinder experiment, designed to aid astronauts in performing ultrasounds using an AI and augmented reality, was a bit chaotic: The support arm used to maintain the tablet was not usable, and one of the two QR cubes used to track the device was wrongly positioned. We will make some adjustments before the first actual session takes place later this week.

After a very active morning, eating Alice’s freshly baked bread for lunch was the perfect fixer upper. A few laughs and a good meal gave us the energy to continue plowing through the day. In the afternoon, the Hab went somewhat quiet as everyone went their separate ways to complete their tasks, and took turns completing cognitive tests and posture analyses. By 6pm, thanks to Alexandre, the MegaAres antenna was ready for tomorrow’s important EVA!

In sum, a quiet Sol, in anticipation and preparation of the next.

 

 

Sol 2 – Journey to the Poles

“It was like those days when you heard a thunderstorm coming and there was the waiting silence and then the faintest pressure of the atmosphere as the climate blew over the land in shifts and shadows and vapors. […] The sky was stained and coloured; the clouds were thickened; the mountains took on an iron taint.”

– Chapter 2 of The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury

Snow! This morning, Crew 275 realized that their rocket has landed too close to the poles: a thick layer of frozen carbon dioxide started covering the station in the morning. Our solar panels were also covered, preventing us from using certain appliances such as the oven: no bread for us today…

Preparation of atmospheric experiments continued: Quentin started pre-mounting the weather station while Alexandre prepared the batteries to power the LOAC and MegaAres. However, the decision was made to confine the crew in the Hab when the temperature in the RAM dropped below 40°F, leaving some activities unfinished. Thankfully, Adrien warmed us all with a carrot broth made with his daily harvest from the GreenHab.

Some crewmates voiced their frustration due to the lack of productivity because of the cold and bad weather, but morale is still high, and thankfully no EVAs were planned for today. Alice, our crew Scientist, has been juggling with the many unexpected events and delays to organize the schedule these past two Sols, and hopes experiments will be in place quickly! She expressed her joy to see snow from the Hab windows.

Despite the leaks detected in the RAM and Science Dome, progress was also made in installing the KTHitecture experiment, the objective being to measure the influence that the architecture and environmental characteristics of a Martian base can have on astronauts. Alexandre continued calibrating temperature sensors and Quentin managed to connect them to the local network. A first test will take place during the night, both in the Science Dome and the lower deck.

In the GreenHab, Adrien and I finished installing the aquaponics system, which is now operational. It comprises a water tank housing some fishes and a rack for plants. A pump injects water from the tank into the rack, and thus the water is kept circulating in a closed loop, where the fishes’ dejections help the plants’ roots to develop. During the entire mission, Adrien will be closely monitoring their growth.

Overall, I would say this day demonstrates the crew’s resilience and ability to adapt. Nevertheless, we cannot help but hope for a less cloud-heavy sky for the next Sol!

 

 

Sol 1 – The owl has landed

“The rocket stood in the cold winter morning, making summer with every breath of its mighty exhausts.”

Chapter 1 of The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury

I think it is safe to say that this morning, many of us found ourselves waking up before our alarm, set at 6:30 am. Although the night was rather short, we were up and running by 6:45 to begin our routine: our daily sleep diary and surveys, weighing session and physiological measurements (body temperature, heart rate, etc.). Corentin, our Health and Safety officer, then led the first workout session of the mission as we watched the sunrise from the corner of our eyes and through the thick, narrow Hab windows.

After taking our last crew pictures in front of the habitat, we gathered inside the Hab near the airlock, and Adrien officially began the simulation by closing the airlock door without a spacesuit for the last time. The excitement was palpable: we were now on Mars, on a month-long mission, tasked with over a dozen experiments by scientists waiting for us back on Earth.

Coincidentally, the beginning of the mission was marked by our first EVA, designed for us to experience life outside the Hab and get used to the spacesuits and life support system. Quentin, the crew engineer, Alexandre, the crew astronomer, and I stepped outside into the hostile Martian environment for the first time and drove out to Marble Ritual. After a short exploration on site, Alexandre and Quentin looked to find a suitable place to install the atmosphere monitoring instruments, LOAC and Mega Ares.

While we were out on our EVA, Adrien and Alice led inventories of their workspaces, the GreenHab and Science Dome. It was then their turn, along with Corentin and our commander Jérémy, to go out on their training EVA, during which they practiced writing and drawing while wearing their spacesuits.

The rest of the afternoon was very studious due to the two EVAs, everyone worked hard to prepare their daily reports, and had a few laughs while communicating with the GreenHab. Meanwhile, Adrien harvested tomatoes to feed the crew, a perspective which lifted our already high spirits. This first Sol bodes well for the next 26!

 

 

Sol 0 – From one planet to another

Crew 275 has safely arrived at the Mars Desert Research Station! Seeing the Hab suddenly appear from behind the ridge after a year of preparation and anticipation gave the crew the most wonderful feeling: our objective and dream was standing before us, just as we had studied and imagined it.

As we eased into this new environment, Sol 0, the pre-simulation training session, could begin.

Sergii, Assistant Director, and Donald, Site Manager of the MDRS showed us all the facilities (GreenHab, Musk Observatory, Science Dome, etc.) and their specificities, and trained us to prepare for an EVA: reading the map, choosing a destination, suiting up, and operating the rovers. Before sunset, we all drove them out to Marble Ritual for the crew to get the hang of them.

Enjoying our last few moments out in the open, we also had the opportunity to gather some drone footage of the station and record a video to present the facility to our French audience.

Tomorrow morning, we will close the Hab airlock… and officially land on Mars!

 

 

Crew 274 Journalist Report 2-10-2023

Sol: 12

Author: Tony DiBernardo, Crew Journalist

Title: Mission Accomplished

Crew 274 woke up this morning at 7:30am to a personalized message from Sarah’s family mixed with the song, “Never Gonna Give You Up” by Rick Astley. The crew got their surveys done, then started their research early and prepared to stop collecting data so they could break simulation at 2pm to clean the hab.

EVA Activity

Today HSO Pender began processing preliminary temperature and power consumption data collected over the 6 days that EEVAC-1 was deployed near Zubrin’s Head. He also noted the condition of peripheral cache equipment which endured some wear-and-tear during the deployment period.

Heliophysics

Astronomer Loy was focused on wrapping up his research, so no images of solar prominence or sunspots were taken today. The Musk Solar Observatory was cleaned by Astronomers Pena and Loy and closing procedures were adequately taken to ensure that the telescope would be up and running for the next crew.

Astronomy

Because it will be a clear night, the MLC-RCOS16 Telescope is scheduled to take images tonight. Fifty-nine raw photos will be taken in 50 seconds using the “R” filter because the last pictures were poor quality.

Stress Mitigation Study

Tonight, the crew will continue Crew Engineer Lojeks’ study of tracking the stress levels of six of the crew members while practicing breathing and mindfulness techniques as a potential mitigation of stress in analog environments. We will continue the same guided meditation, moving the kitchen table to make room for our yoga mats as some of our crew mates “accidentally” fall asleep.

At 2pm MST, the crew broke simulation to clean the hab in preparation for their departure early tomorrow. They followed the cleaning guidelines and checklists provided by Mission Support and broke into teams to tackle different parts of the habitat. Although the crew has enjoyed the breathtaking views, focused research time, and bonding with each other, they are excited to get home to their families and loved ones tomorrow.

 

 

Crew 274 Journalist Report 2-9-2023

Sol: 11

Author: Tony DiBernardo, Crew Journalist

Title: Take Me Home

Crew 274 woke up this morning at 7:30am to the theme from Apollo 13. The crew got their surveys done, then prepared for their last EVA of the mission.

EVA Activity

Today, HSO Pender retrieved his supply cache from the field and brough EEVAC-1 back home. He conducted performance metrics and final condition observations of the cache and overall, EEVAC-1 was found in good condition. The solar panels held up surprisingly well given the high winds from the previous evening. Finally, Pender and his EVA team collected the final data set on the orange radiation experiment led by Commander Sarah Guthrie.

GreenHab

Today, GHO Hines officially concluded both the primary and secondary growth experiments. While the secondary microgreen study proved to be a partial success, with the cress seed set resulting in a nearly 80% germination rate, only one seed among the several planted LDEF seeds were able to successfully germinate halfway through the mission. The resulting conclusion is being considered a success based on conservative expectations with plans to continue the study on future analogs.

Hab Design

Hab Specialist Bill O’Hara completed his study of MDRS architecture on schedule today. The result is a comprehensive set of notes regarding the awesome and inspiring design of the MDRS. He also supported the final EVA of the mission to bring home EEVAC-1.

Heliophysics

Crew astronomers Loy and Pena observed detailed heliophysics phenomena and collected more bulk data sets on solar dark spots and solar chromosphere prominences. Large prominences were observed wrapping around solar magnetic fields, just before solar flares were registered by NOAA blasting away from a solar vortex. Eight large solar prominences and nine solar dark spots were observed today, which will be very useful for the astronomer’s analysis of solar cycle 25. On top of these observations, 60,000 images were captured, and 10,000 solar spots and prominences were stacked, measured, and analyzed.

Astronomy

59 separate 45-second long exposure images were collected from the MLCRCOS-16 New Mexico Observatory. These images are being separately captured through visual, infrared, and blue filters, assisting Astronomers Pena and Loy’s science on HADS variable star research. 59 B filter images were stacked, analyzed, and compared to previous images of this star system, HADS Variable Star V0799 AUR, to provide an assessment of this variable star’s brightness variability period and cycle, as well as provide a true-brightness standard to accurately measure distances in the immediate vicinity of HADS V0799 AUR’s stellar neighborhood.

Crew 274 Journalist Report 2-8-2023

Sol: 10

Author: Tony DiBernardo, Crew Journalist

Title: KURT II

Crew 274 woke up this morning at 7:30am to the song “The Final Countdown” from Europe. The crew got their surveys done, then prepared for another double EVA day utilizing KURT, the Kinetic Utilization Research Tool.

EVA Activity

Two EVAs were completed which closes out Commander Guthrie’s research on methods for rescuing incapacitated astronauts on the surface of the Moon or Mars. The study observes the performance of a medical sled in a Martian-like terrain and the use of an assistive device, rescue vest, with specialized handles for picking up the downed astronauts. The vest represents hoist points on the hard upper torso (HUT) which is the hardened structure of the spacesuit.

The intent is to learn if assistive rescue handles attached to the HUT can improve the life-saving capability of surface activities when astronauts are on interplanetary missions. NASA’s Artemis missions outline the necessity for proper suit interface and hoist connections for rescues. This study aims to use combat experiences for extracting members from the field and applying those concepts to Lunar and Martian missions.

Hab Design

Hab Specialist O’Hara continued his evaluation of habitats for this post-doctoral study and for Blue Origin by beginning his evaluation of the crew living quarters and galley.

Heliophysics

Crew astronomers Loy and Pena observed detailed heliophysics phenomena today as they collected bulk data sets on solar dark spots and solar chromosphere prominences. Large prominences were observed wrapping around solar magnetic fields, just before solar flares were registered by NOAA blasting away from the sun. In total, 16 large solar prominences and 12 solar dark spots were observed today. These observations will be very useful for the astronomer’s analysis of solar cycle 25, how space weather implicates orbital assets, space operations planning to safeguard those assets, and the importance of having heliophysics astronomers on-site at Martian Habitats. On top of these observations, 80,000 images were captured, and 20,000 solar spots and prominences were stacked, measured, and analyzed.

Astronomy

65 separate 45-second long exposure images were collected from the MLCRCOS-16 New Mexico Observatory. These images are being separately captured through visual, infrared, and blue filters, assisting Astronomers Pena and Loy’s science on HADS variable star research. 15 images were stacked, analyzed, and compared to previous images of this star system, HADS Variable Star V0799 AUR, to provide an assessment of this variable star’s brightness variability period and cycle, as well as provide a true-brightness standard to accurately measure distances in the immediate vicinity of HADS V0799 AUR’s stellar neighborhood.

Crew 274 Journalist Report 2-7-2023

Sol: 9

Author: Tony DiBernardo, Crew Journalist

Title: K.U.R.T.

Crew 274 woke up this morning at 7:30am to the song “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” from the Carousel of Progress at Walt Disney World. The crew got their surveys done, then prepared for a double EVA day utilizing 6 of the 8 crew members.

EVA Activity

Today, the crew conducted two EVAs. The purpose of EVA #8 was to deliver a resupply of 2L of water and 6 gel packs to the supply cache, EEVAC-1. HSO Pender collected performance metrics collection and a status check on the condition of the cache and collected data on the orange radiation experiment led by Commander Sarah Guthrie. EEVAC-1 was found in good condition, however, the solar panels charging the cache had an accumulation of dried mud on them. Additionally, most of the legs supporting the solar panels had shifted, and one of them completely collapsed. According to historical weather data, it appears that winds up to 26 mph occurred in the Hanksville area the night of Sol 7. It is suspected that this weather event contributed to the state we found the solar panels in. We were able to clear the mud accumulation with gentle hand swipes and reposition the solar panel legs back to their original configuration. It is noteworthy that the stakes and ropes securing the solar panels all held up over this period, and we believe the stakes installed at the base of the solar panels played a significant role in preventing more drastic impacts.

Additionally, the crew completed the first in a series of extravehicular activities (EVAs) focused on evaluating contingency methodologies and assistive devices, or rather, how we might rescue an incapacitated astronaut on the Moon or Mars while wearing spacesuits. This study uses a Kinetic Utilization Research Tool (“K.U.R.T.”), a weighted grappling dummy; a medical evacuation sled, and an engineered vest with multiple hoist points.

The concept is based on current operation considerations for Artemis missions to the Moon requiring proper suit interface and methods for contingency EVAs. The principal investigator, Commander Guthrie, has performed this study at other analogs, but through that experience, has modified and improved the concept through lessons learned. The unique topography of the Utah desert here at MDRS provides this study with the most analogous environment to perform these tests, which could not be achieved at other analog locations.The crew looks forward to more opportunities in the coming week to rescue “KURT” on the Martian terrain.

Hab Design

Hab Specialist O’Hara participated in EVA 9 this afternoon where he simulated methods for recovering an incapacitated crew member in the field. After the EVA, Bill was able to complete a review of the lower level of the Habitat module. He is on track to complete his study before the conclusion of the mission.

Heliophysics

Today, crew astronomers Pena and Loy observed detailed heliophysics phenomena. Multiple observations, videos, and photos were taken of solar dark spots, solar chromosphere granules, and solar prominences. Over 13 large solar prominences were recorded today, the largest dataset of prominences since experimentations began. These observations will be very useful for the astronomer’s analysis of solar cycle 25, how space weather implicates orbital assets, space operations planning to safeguard those assets, and the importance of having heliophysic astronomers on site at Martian Habitats.

Astronomy

Cloudy weather conditions and robotic observatory mechanical failures blocked the astronomy crew from from observing HADS Variable Star V0799 AUR again. Crew Astronomers instead continued their analysis of their current image inventory, stacking and analyzing 9 separate 45-second images in the visual filter. So far, HADS Variable Star V0799 AUR is showing signs of dimming, which provides good data to the astronomers’ variable star report.

GreenHab

No significant progress was seen from any seeds or microgreens today. GreenHab Officer Hines watered the plants in the GreenHab and continued his daily responsibilities.

Crew 274 Journalist Report 2-6-2023

Sol: 8

Author: Tony DiBernardo, Crew Journalist

Title: Media Day

Crew 274 woke up this morning at 7:00am to the song “Africa” by Toto. The crew got their surveys done early because they had a big day ahead of them. Unlike our past Journalist Reports, this report will not include sections for EVA, Hab Design, of Engineering, Green Hab, or Stress Mitigation.

Today, the crew broke simulation for a media and outreach day. We conducted eleven broadcasts to Family members, the APUS Graduate Studies Office, 3 classrooms from Waugh Chapel Elementary School, a class from Enemy Swim Day School from Waubay, South Dakota, and teams from SpaceX and the Vance Brand Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol.

In total, we spoke with over 170 adults and elementary school students. They asked incredibly insightful questions like:

• What is the temperature on Mars?

• How long does it take to get there?

• What happens when you enter a black hole?

• How do you “go potty” in space?

• What do you eat in space?

• Could you get along with each other on a real mission to Mars?

• Are you having fun?

• Why do you go to Mars and not a different planet?

• How long does it take for a plant to grow in space?

• Have you ever seen an alien or alien spaceship?

The crew also taught them about the whole analog experience, visual star processing, solar weather processing, how space weather impacts orbital assets, and how it would be helpful for Martians on site to have real-time access to solar weather. The team had a blast communicating their science to family, friends and the general public, but we look forward to getting back into our routine, our research, and finishing the last half of our mission strong.