Category: Sol Summary

Report Title: Sol Summary Report

Crew #: 335
Position: Crew Commander
Report Prepared by: David Laude
Date: 26 Apr 2026
Sol: 7

Summary Title: The Day Has Come for Visitors from Afar

Mission Status: Mostly on schedule with one accident

Sol Activity Summary: We woke up a bit later than usual, around 7:30, starting the day slowly while making pancakes. Today the crew’s rhythm was more sedate while waiting for the film crew from London to arrive at 4PM. We later signed forms with them not to disclose their project at this time. Before they came we moved to the Science Dome to take part in an activity proposed by the Crew Artist. For about ten minutes, the crew members were guided through a visualization on Mars. Sound and voice led participants on an interplanetary journey, followed by a moment of sharing the sensations and emotions that emerged. From there, unexpected conversations opened up: starting from Mars, we moved across times and places, generations and worlds, eventually arriving at reflections on the sense of community and belonging.

An accident happened while one crew member attempted to descend the steps from the hab’s upper deck to lower. After a few steps down there was a slip down to the platform above the floor. The slide down, hitting the fortunately rubber coated metal steps, produced some minor injuries. The crew member is mostly resting while the HSO and others monitor the person and assist as needed. This person was one of two the film crew wanted to interview, but could not.

Upon the film crew arrival of seven, the Commander welcomed them with two others in full EVA attire and then was interviewed at the upper deck table before taking them on a short EVA to explore the landscapes of the Martian desert. The weather was unstable: wind and rain alternated with sudden bursts of sunlight, which toward the evening revealed intense contrasts of light and shadow, leaving us breathless. The Commander thought the time with them went very well, although he wanted to say more about The Mars Society (TMS), but frequently the interview would jump to the next question before being able to do so. The end product will be announced to TMS in a few months for viewing. Our part is one of other US locations to be combined for the final product.

Anomalies in Work: We still find headset #2 non-functional and so we put it aside. One accident.

Weather: Conditions were poor with 15-20 MPH winds, cloud cover and about 60F. Very light rain fell a few times before the film crew arrived.

Crew Physical Status: Most crew members are generally in good condition. Some are experiencing mild symptoms such as sore throats and nasal congestion. One accident.

EVA: See above

Sol Summary Report

Crew #: 335
Position: Crew Artist
Report prepared by: Lot Brugge
Date: 27APR2026
Sol: Day 8
Summary Title: Windy
Mission Status: Towards the end

Sol Activity Summary
We woke up around 07:00 and had a quick breakfast. One crew member continued to rest due to an accident the previous day and is not yet in good condition, so additional recovery time is needed to continue the final days of work.

The rest of the crew began the day with the usual morning meeting to review activities and overall status. Water consumption remains stable. Some crew members completed reports that had been delayed, as the previous day’s schedule was interrupted by a visiting crew of journalists from England, preventing us from fully carrying out planned simulation activities.

After the meeting, each crew member focused on their individual projects. Charlotte continued working on her clay project, while the film crew documented activities and organized interviews with each crew member.

In the afternoon, the film crew conducted an interview with the Commander and later performed a short EVA around the station to document MDRS at sunset. The rest of the crew remained inside: Charlotte continued her work, and the Commander rested in the living area.

Anomalies in Work
The planned EVA destination was changed and postponed to the following day due to strong wind conditions and the health status of one crew member.

Weather
The morning was sunny and mild. In the afternoon, wind increased significantly, and light rain occurred around sunset.

Crew Physical Status
One crew member continues to experience a persistent cough. Another is recovering from an accident and requires rest.

EVA
The filmmakers conducted a short EVA to capture footage of MDRS at sunset.

Report Title: Sol Summary Report
Crew #: 335
Position: Crew Commander
Report Prepared by: David Laude
Date: 28 Apr 2026
Sol: 9

Summary Title: Off to Green Mars View We Go

Mission Status: Mostly in good shape with continuing daily progress.

Sol Activity Summary: We were scheduled for EVA to Sea of Shells with four of us, but decided it best not to leave one ill crew member alone today and so instead, with approval of Mission Support, went with three to the stunning Green Mars View area where we did not need a fourth person for filming or Dave’s project. We stopped three times in the area along Cow Dung Rd. for filming near the View. Even with a late start and longer drive we got the job done and returned just before the scheduled end time. The rest of the day seemed so slow with the crew working on various projects. As usual, a nice lunch and dinner were prepared by our European crew mates.

Report Title: Sol Summary Report
Crew #: 335
Position: HSO
Report Prepared by: Matteo Calore
Date: 29 Apr 2026
Sol: 10

Summary Title: Walking on Mars

Mission Status: Mostly in good shape with continuing daily progress.

Sol Activity Summary: Today we woke up as usual between 7 and 8. The day began in a dynamic way, with many discussions about the development of our projects. Afterwards, the film crew continued conducting interviews with the other crew members. The interviews went very well, offering many interesting insights into personal lives and the motivations that brought us here, as well as what draws people toward space science and the mystery that surrounds the universe.

In the afternoon, we continued working on our projects. As we are approaching the end of our simulation, we are mostly focusing on wrapping things up, trying to understand what might still be missing and what can still be done. Toward evening we took a walk on the highest hills behind the MDRS. The light was particularly beautiful, as was the view of the desert from our habitat. The gradual transitions of color across the clay hills—from red to white, to violet, to beige—and the scattered rocks that populate them make this experience truly unique.

For both lunch and dinner, the Italians prepared two different types of pasta: the first with a tuna ragù, and the second a kind of baked macaroni and cheese.

Anomalies in Work: EVA was canceled due to unforeseen circumstances.

Weather: Conditions were ideal with high of 68F, light winds and slight cloud cover.

Crew Physical Status: Most crew members are generally in good condition. A couple are experiencing mild symptoms such as sore throats and nasal congestion.

Report Title: Sol Summary Report

Crew #: 335
Position: Crew Artist
Report Prepared by: Elisa Strinna
Date: 30APR2026
Sol: 11

Summary Title: Moon Overlook

Mission Status: We are at the end of our simulation, the mission was successful.

This morning we woke up at 7. Some crew members made pancakes, which were quite delicious. After breakfast, we began preparing for the EVA, getting dressed and organizing the equipment. Around 10:15, we headed toward the Sea of Shells. The ride was very pleasant, as the landscape shifted through different gradients and textures. We stopped at the Moon Overlook to admire the panorama for about half an hour, and then continued down to the Sea of Shells.We spent another half hour observing the fossil formations before beginning our return to the Hab. On the way back, we made a final short stop to take in the Mars-like landscape one last time. The film crew documented the entire EVA, while the Commander focused on his project of capturing panoramic views of the different locations.

Once back at the Hab, we had a satisfying lunch of bean balls and mashed potatoes, along with cabbage fresh green leaves from the greenhouse. The Commander surprised us with cherry-chocolate bonbons for dessert.

After lunch, we dismantled the greenhouse, and around 16:30 we ended the simulation, finally returning to Earth.

Anomalies in Work: We decided to end SIM earlier because the film crew needs to film some locations around MDRS out of SIM.

Weather: Conditions were ideal with temperatures of 68F and clear sky.

Crew Physical Status: Most crew members are generally in good condition. A little bit of tiredness.

Report title: Sol Summary Report

Crew #: 330

Position: Crew Commander

Report prepared by: Gaspard THIEULIN

Date: 22/02/2026

Sol: 7

Summary Title: Starting our second week with a lot of work

Mission Status: We are entering the core of our mission, and everything is going great

Sol Activity Summary:
After a first rest day which was very beneficial to everyone in the crew, we start our second week with some rest and relaxation. While our minds definitely feel better, we still feel a bit physically tired from a very loaded first week. Nonetheless, we had a lot of work to do today, and wanted as well to conduct our first exploration EVA. This made for a challenging schedule of the day, but we are now very accustomed to the station and we managed to handle the day with impressive success.
The nice weather could finally allow Célia to start her solar observations.
The first EVA of the day encountered some delay from the weather and mission support’s approval, and was met with an issue with communications. In consequence, the EVA team didn’t get to explore the planned point of interest, but could maintain the atmospheric experiments as planned.
The second EVA of the day was an an almost complete success, we were able to displace both experiments in view of the HAB and restart one of them. The second one will require the next EVA Team to stop by for a few minutes on the way to their destination.
Today’s physical activity was challenging but woke up our bodies nicely after a day of slumber.
Anderson’s awesome shift as Mission Support ended today, and we now welcome Brett as our crucial onsite support. We look forward to keep working hand in hand with Support !

Look Ahead Plan:
We are looking to slow down the rythm of the day a bit, as we are expecting the adverse effects of confinement and isolation to strengthen throughout the week. Tomorrow we will conduct the first EVA of our Photogrammetry experiment, on a new location to explore.

Anomalies in work: Issues with EVA radios headsets

Weather: Sunny and Muddy

Crew Physical Status: Physically fit and well

EVA:
– EVA 05 Conducted with success
– EVA 06 Conducted with success
– EVA 07 to be planned, for the photogrammetry experiment

Reports to be filed:
– EVA 05 Report
– EVA 06 Report
– Journalist Report
– Greenhab report
– Operations report
– Astronomy report

Support Requested: N/A

Report title: Sol Summary Report

Crew #: 330

Position: Crew Commander

Report prepared by: Gaspard THIEULIN

Date: 23/02/2026

Sol: 8

Summary Title: Finding our rhythm

Mission Status: Going great

Sol Activity Summary:
We all got to sleep quite early last night and got up rested, but still feeling a bit sleepy. This morning’s physical activity got us working our core and upper body, which woke us up nicely. We again made progress today, and most of our experiments are running and gathering scientific data. This morning’s EVA allowed us to start conducting the Photogrammetry experiment, and it went perfectly. Félix is making great progress with the set up of his botanic experiment, the Supaeromoon rover is printing slowly but surely and Julien got the time to work on his research paper for the SSEA in Munich.
Only the observatory got in our way today, as the dome refused to open all day.
The planning was meant to be lighter to day, and we followed it quite nicely, even taking the time for a little nap in the beginning of the afternoon.

Look Ahead Plan:
We are beginning the hardest part of our mission, and are getting prepared to ride it smoothly with the least difficulties possible. The rest of this week’s EVA will be dedicated to maintaining the atmospheric experiments, exploring and conducting the rest of the Photogrammetry experiment.

Anomalies in work:
– Issues with EVA radios headsets (not yet troubleshot, but healthy radios sets have been identified)
– Issue with the Musk Observatory Dome.

Weather: Sunny

Crew Physical Status: Physically fit and well

EVA:
– EVA 07 Conducted with success
– EVA 08 to be planned, for maintenance of the atmospheric experiments and exploration

Reports to be filed:
– EVA 07 Report
– Journalist Report
– Greenhab report
– Operations report
– Astronomy report

Support Requested: None

Report title: Sol Summary Report

Crew #: 330

Position: Crew Commander

Report prepared by: Gaspard THIEULIN

Date: 24/02/2026

Sol: 9

Summary Title: Another great day on Mars

Mission Status: Going great

Sol Activity Summary:
Today feels like our mission is finally going smoothly, and some kind of routine is setting up. Maybe opposite from what we seek on Earth, this routine actually feels great and relaxing during an intense mission so far.
We got the time to conduct some maintenance and repairing in the station, and we keep on conducting our experiments without major difficulties.
Our first exploration EVA in the morning was a success, and the team was in awe during their walk on the beautiful surface.
Our HSO organized a crew meeting in the afternoon, so that we could all take the time to express our feelings of the first third of our mission. It was really well received, and everyone felt good and closer to the entire crew at the end.

Look Ahead Plan:
We are still working on the Photogrammetry experiment and should conduct the following EVA Thursday and Friday. Our planning feels nicely set up, with a nice balance between advancing our scientific experiments, maintaining the station and taking the time to rest and relax.
We are looking towards our big resupply at the end of the week, as we are beginning to lack the best ingredients of our food supplies.

Anomalies in work:
– Issues with EVA radios headsets (not yet troubleshot, but healthy radios sets have been identified)
– Issue with the Musk Observatory Dome.

Weather: Sunny

Crew Physical Status: Physically fit and well

EVA:
– EVA 08 Conducted with success
– EVA 09 to be planned, for exploration

Reports to be filed:
– EVA 08 Report
– Journalist Report
– Greenhab report
– Operations report
– Astronomy report

Support Requested: If possible, we would like to have a resupply of the following in advance :
– Dehydrated milk
– Handsoap
– Burger Mix and/or Ground Beef
Please find attached the current inventory of our food supply.

Report title: Sol Summary Report

Crew #: 330

Position: Crew Commander

Report prepared by: Gaspard THIEULIN

Date: 25/02/2026

Sol: 10

Summary Title: A productive day

Mission Status: Going great

Sol Activity Summary:
This morning we woke up with a dance session prepared by Adèle and Lou. We all had a good night of sleep and feel quite rested. At breakfast, we tasted some chocolate paste cooked by Lou from the cooking ingredients we have left in the station. She asked our onboard AI (AMAIA) for the recipe, and it turned quite well.
The planning of the day was again lighter than our first week, with a load that we can sustain for the rest of the mission, while our experiments are set up and running without too much work. In the morning we conducted another exploration EVA, dedicated to taking lots of pictures and videos, with the help of our drone.
This afternoon we kept on working on our experiments, and got the time to troubleshoot some of the station’s issues, with some success.
We got a crucial little resupply from mission support which should suffice until our full resupply at the end of the week, thank you !

Look Ahead Plan:
We will keep on gathering scientific data from our experiment, and fixing some of the issues we encountered in the station during the last few days. The next EVAs will be dedicated to the Photogrammetry experiment and keeping on maintaining our atmospheric experiments outside on the field.
Two more sols until the second rest day and the half of the mission !

Anomalies in work:
– Issues with EVA radios headsets (not yet troubleshot, but healthy radios sets have been identified)
– Issue with the Musk Observatory Dome: solving in progress with Peter
– Battery of backpack #4 replaced.

Weather: Clear

Crew Physical Status: Physically fit and well, rested

EVA:
– EVA #09 Conducted with success
– EVA #10 to be planned, for maintenance of the atmospheric experiments and Photogrammetry

Reports to be filed:
– EVA #09 Report
– Journalist Report
– GreenHab report
– Operations report
– Astronomy report

Support Requested: None

Report title: Sol Summary Report

Crew #: 330

Position: Crew Commander

Report prepared by: Gaspard THIEULIN

Date: 26/02/2026

Sol: 11

Summary Title: Troubleshooting day

Mission Status: Going great, solving problems on all fronts

Sol Activity Summary:
Today seemed to be dedicated to troubleshooting, more or less on purpose. The EVA this morning was the first session of orienteering for the Photogrammetry experiment. We got interesting data with the 2D map, with some ideas for the next session. The drone however was locked in a small geographic area, and we couldn’t do the shots we wanted. Back in the station we had a look at the options of the Drone and found the issue with a Geo-locking function.
We also had better result with the 3D printing today, after switching the PLA filament and heating the printing bed a bit, after lots of trials and frustrating botched prints.
In the afternoon, we could troubleshoot the faulty radio sets. We identified at least one of them to be faulty, with a connector pin seemingly disconnected (more info in the Operations Report). The others seem to be alright but we will keep a close eye / ear on it.
Later in the day, Lou, Célia and I worked on the Observatory, following the green light from Peter. We found several issues with the setup, and we will continue working on it with a close collaboration with Peter.
Our experiments are still running and gathering data. The crew feels great and motivated towards our next rest day and the mid-point of our mission. We keep working on our video which will be published next week.

Look Ahead Plan:
The 3D map orienteering Photogrammetry session will be conducted tomorrow. We are finishing the week with great scientific results, and a great morale among the crew. We are still feeling tired from the isolation and confinement in the station, and are very much looking forward for our rest day on sol 13.

Anomalies in work:
– Issues with EVA radios headsets (troubleshot, one is faulty)
– Issue with the Musk Observatory Dome (solving in progress with Peter).

Weather: Sunny, a bit windy in the afternoon

Crew Physical Status: Physically fit and well

EVA:
– EVA 10 Conducted with success
– EVA 11 to be planned, for Photogrammetry

Reports to be filed:
– EVA 10 Report
– Journalist Report
– Greenhab report
– Operations report
– Astronomy report

Support Requested: None