Category: Sol Summary

Report title: Sol 4 Summary Report
Crew #: 319
Position: Mission Commander
Report prepared by: Rym Y. Chaid
Date: 16-10-2025
Sol: 4

Summary Title: Beauty from Above

Mission Status: Nominal. All systems operational.

Sol Activity Summary:

This is Commander Rym Y. Chaid reporting from Mars Station.

Today, SOL 4 brought light, in every sense of the word.
Our crew woke up with renewed energy and optimism, with a shared sense of purpose. The habitat felt alive again.

Our Crew Astronomer, Ricardo, began the morning by setting up the Solar Observatory. For the first time during this mission, we turned our eyes toward our very own star, the same Sun that shines over Earth, now seen from the perspective of Mars. Through the telescope, we observed sunspots across the solar surface, standing as a reminder of the vast and dynamic universe we are part of. Standing together around the observatory dome, all of us shared a feeling of awe mixed with scientific curiosity, and the desire for exploration.

Later in the day, Crew Journalist Mackenzie initiated our first drone operations, launching one of our two aerial systems to survey the terrain surrounding MDRS . The drone flew above the red landscape, capturing an aerial view of our station. This was a breathtaking image of human presence in isolation, a small beacon of exploration against the endless expanse. For me, seeing our habitat from above felt symbolic: it was a reminder that perspective, even in small ways, can change everything.

The mood in the Hab was high and harmonious. We’ve moved beyond yesterday’s setbacks stronger, more synchronized, and ready for what lies ahead. Tomorrow marks the beginning of a new series of EVAs, and excitement runs high through every conversation and preparation checklist.

As the Commander and Mission Specialist, I spent part of the day planning our first set of long-range EVAs that will take our crew back into the vast Martian terrain. Every EVA requires precision, from navigation routes to rover coordination, terrain risk assessment, comms planning, and emergency contingencies. My goal is simple but vital: ensure that my crew is prepared, trained, and safe as we step further into the unknown. Mars doesn’t forgive mistakes, so every line on a map, every procedure rehearsed inside the Hab, and every checklist double-checked is our shield against the unforgiving beauty of this planet.

Tonight, we also celebrated a milestone beyond our own walls. A new analog astronaut habitat, the Slowak Cosmic Region Habitat, officially joined the World’s Biggest Analog Mission. At their special request, our crew recorded a welcome transmission from the Mars Desert Research Station, an honor that filled us with pride. To welcome fellow explorers into this global mission of discovery reminds us that exploration is not a solitary act, but a shared human journey.

From one habitat to another, from one world to the next, we stand united in curiosity, courage, and wonder.

Commander Rym Y. Chaid
Advanced Mars Crew

End Transmission.

Anomalies in work: None.

Crew Physical Status: All Crew in Good Health – High Spirits.

EVA: None.

Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, Journalist Report, Crew Photos, Greenhab Report, Operations Report, Mission Plan, EVA Report 1 & 2

Support Requested: None at this time.

Report title: Sol 5 Summary Report
Crew #: 319
Position: Mission Commander
Report prepared by: Rym Y. Chaid
Date: 17-10-2025
Sol: 5

Summary Title: Cow Dung Road

Mission Status: Nominal. All systems operational.

Sol Activity Summary:

This is Commander Rym Y. Chaid reporting from Mars Station.

Today, Mars reminded us that no matter how well planned we are, every mission dances to its own rhythm.

We had two EVAs scheduled: the morning Crew with GreenHab Officer Mackenzie Caller and Crew Scientist Shriya Musuku, and the afternoon one with Crew Engineer Ricardo Gonzalez and Commander Rym Chaid.

The first EVA ran through some issues that led to safety concerns – but our Crew Midway through the first EVA, we began losing comms with the crew outside. The silence on the radio grew longer each time, and we knew something wasn’t right. The safety of the crew always comes before all else, so although it wasn’t easy, I had to call an Abort and request the EVA crew returns to the hab. Once Mackenzie and Shriya were safely back inside, we shifted gears, spending the rest of the morning troubleshooting in order to find the issue. By early the time of our afternoon EVA, communications were restored, stable, and clear.

Ricardo and I left the airlock together, the sound of our footsteps muffled by our EVA Suits. The sunlight hit the red dust in a way that made everything shimmer faintly, like the planet was scorching.

For a moment, standing there, we both felt something hard to put into words, a stillness that made Earth feel Other Worldly. It was as if Mars itself was alive, ancient and unbothered, watching us take our small steps across its surface. The immensity of the Canyons we explored was humbling, a reminder of our small Human presence in the vastness of this World.

Despite today’s challenges, our crew adapted, overcame, and carried forward with the perseverance that exploration requires.

Lessons Learned: Most canyons and hills look alike! Navigational awareness is gonna be crucial for all upcoming EVAs!

Tomorrow marks the midpoint of our Mission and we are excited with the crew to prepare a small celebration amongst us.

End Transmission.

Anomalies in work: None.
Crew Physical Status: All Crew in Good Health.
EVA: We had our first Mid-Range EVAs today!
Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, Journalist Report, Crew Photos, Greenhab Report, Operations Report, Mission Plan, EVA Report 3 & 4
Support Requested: None at this time.

Report title: Sol 6 Summary Report
Crew #: 319
Position: Mission Commander
Report prepared by: Rym Y. Chaid
Date: 18-10-2025
Sol: 6

Summary Title: Spotted on Mars: Four Legged Friends!

Mission Status: Nominal. All systems nominal. We have actually reached the midpoint of our Mission so we are celebrating tonight!!

Sol Activity Summary:

This is Commander Rym Y. Chaid transmitting from Mars Desert Research Station.

Today was a good day on Mars, with a few unexpected discoveries!

We completed two EVAs, both smooth and nominal. During the morning EVA team, Crew Engineer Ricardo Gonzalez and Crew Scientist Shriya Musuku, conducted a navigation EVA, continuing our work on terrain mapping and rover handling. Their coordination and communication were excellent, a clear sign of how well our crew has settled into mission rhythm.

In the afternoon, myself and GreenHab Officer Mackenzie Calle headed out for our Mission’s very first walking-only EVA, focused on navigation and geology sampling. Without the rovers, the surface felt more alive beneath our boots. Every step was deliberate, the sun scorching hot and the time ticking to get back safely. The ridges around the habitat gave us spectacular views, with endless layers of red and white stretching into the distance. It is genuinely a sight that humbles you instantly.

I also took the opportunity to collect a few additional “Martian” soil samples, not for science this time, but for art. After the mission, I plan to transform these samples into paintings, using the same dust we’ve walked on as the medium. Even in simulation, Mars has a way of stirring creativity.

Today also marks the midpoint of our mission, and spirits are high! Tonight, we’re celebrating with a special dinner and dessert: fried plantain bananas, courtesy of our Chef Ricardo, followed by a screening of The Martian, because really, what else would the Martian crew watch on Mars? Popcorn is ready, and so are we.

In other exciting “discoveries,” we may have just made history: the first dog spotted on the surface of Mars, right outside the Hab! Call National Geographic and Discovery Channel, we’ve got groundbreaking footage. (Don’t worry, he appears to be a friendly Earth-based visitor who momentarily breached the simulation perimeter.)

And to top it off, we finally powered on our Station’s very own robotic cat today. The voice programming alone sent the whole crew into laughter, whoever programmed her personality was.. Let’s just say: unsupervised. She’s officially joined our manifest as the final crew member.

Tomorrow, we return to the field, rested, motivated, and ready to keep exploring this red world we now call home.

End Transmission.

Anomalies in work: None.
Crew Physical Status: All Crew in Good Health.
EVA: We had two successful EVAs today:
Morning: Navigation EVA with Crew Engineer Ricardo Gonzalez and Scientist Shriya Musuku – all systems nominal.
Afternoon: Geology EVA with Commander Rym Chaid and GreenHab Officer Mackenzie Calle – all systems nominal.
Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, Journalist Report, Crew Photos, Greenhab Report, Operations Report, Mission Plan, EVA Report 5 & 6.
Support Requested: None at this time.

Report title: Sol 7 Summary Report
Crew #: 319
Position: Mission Commander
Report prepared by: Rym Y. Chaid
Date: 19-10-2025
Sol: 7

Summary Title: Say Cheese!

Mission Status: Nominal. All systems nominal.

Sol Activity Summary:

This is Commander Rym Y. Chaid transmitting from Mars Desert Research Station.

Today was a day that reminded us how powerful creativity can be, even in a place as isolated and demanding as Mars.

Our crew spent the day doing something a little different from our usual operations: our professional crew photoshoot! It was a chance to pause, step back from the structure of mission checklists, and capture who we are in this moment: explorers, teammates, friends, and dreamers.

We suited up in our official flight suits, and if there’s one thing that our crew has brought to Mars, it’s a fashion sense! Upon arrival at the Station in our early mission days, we have been crowned the most fashionable crew, with the most flight suits ever brought to The Mars Desert Research Station. Our black crew suit is for official operations, the blue one for professional work and outreach, the white suit and gear for Extra Vehicular Activities, and the orange one our rescue suit. Each one represents a different side of our mission and the roles we take on together. Seeing them all lined up in the airlock felt like seeing the story of our team come to life, the colors, the purpose, the unity.

The photoshoot itself was full of laughter, small adjustments, and moments of focus. Crew Journalist Mackenzie Calle led the charge with her usual calm and artistic vision. She has a way of seeing beyond the surface, capturing not just what we look like, but who we are as a crew. Her passion for her craft shines through every shot, and through her lens, we could see ourselves the way we feel: confident, proud, and grateful to be here.

It’s strange how something as simple as taking photos can feel like an act of reflection. Today wasn’t about posing, it was about remembering why we’re here, the journey that brought us, and the team we’ve become.

Tomorrow, the work continues, but tonight, we’ll take a moment to look at the photos, smile, and be reminded of how far we’ve come.

End Transmission.

Commander Rym Y. Chaid

Anomalies in work: None.
Crew Physical Status: All Crew in Good Health.
EVA: None.
Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, Journalist Report, Crew Photos, Greenhab Report, Operations Report, Mission Plan.
Support Requested: None at this time.

Report title: Sol 8 Summary Report
Crew #: 319
Position: Mission Commander
Report prepared by: Rym Y. Chaid
Date: 20-10-2025
Sol: 8

Summary Title:

Mission Status: Nominal. All systems nominal.

Sol Activity Summary:

This is Commander Rym Y. Chaid transmitting from Mars Desert Research Station.

Today was a day that reminded us just how extraordinary this mission truly is. We had two successful EVAs, both filled with discoveries that made Mars feel both ancient and alive.

For the morning EVA, Shriya and myself headed to Gateway to Lith, a site that once held the remains of creatures from a world far older than ours: Dinosaurs! Walking through that landscape, we couldn’t help but feel humbled by the deep history beneath our boots, as if time itself was watching us explore. On our way back, we crossed a field of crystalline formations that shimmered under the sun. The light refracted into soft blue hues that danced across the terrain, for a moment, it felt as if Mars had decided to guide us home with its own version of a runway. We made a brief stop at Cowboy’s Corner, where we collected a few geological samples and explored the surrounding mounts, each step paced with our desire for adventure.

In the afternoon, Crew Engineer Ricardo Gonzalez and Crew Journalist Mackenzie Calle set out for Somerville Overlook and Compass Rock. They returned exalted, their sample collection bag significantly heavier, enough rocks to make any geologist giggle from joy. The photos they brought back are stunning, capturing the red and white canyons that stretch endlessly under the soft Martian light.

Tonight, I’m the kitchen chef, preparing a well-earned comfort meal for our crew movie night. The menu: hearty food and good laughs. Afterwards, we’ll step outside for some stargazing, Orion should be magnificent tonight as it has been the past few days, and we hope Jupiter and Saturn decide to show up again.

As the Sol comes to an end, our hearts (and stomachs) are full, our spirits high, and our gratitude endless. Mars continues to test us, inspire us, and surprise us, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

End Transmission.

Commander Rym Y. Chaid

Anomalies in work: None.
Crew Physical Status: All Crew in Good Health.
EVA: 2 EVAs. One in the morning – Destination: Gateway to Lith. One in the afternoon – Destination: Somerville Overlook
Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, Journalist Report, Crew Photos, Greenhab Report, Operations Report. EVA Reports.
Support Requested: None at this time.

Report title: Sol 9 Summary Report
Crew #: 319
Position: Mission Commander
Report prepared by: Rym Y. Chaid
Date: 21-10-2025
Sol: 9

Summary Title:

Mission Status: Nominal. All systems nominal.

Sol Activity Summary:

This is Commander Rym Y. Chaid transmitting from Mars Desert Research Station.

Today was filled with exploration, teamwork, and hands-on training for our crew on Mars. Since Shriya and myself are the only ones in the crew with prior first response training, we decided to dedicate today’s EVAs to EVA emergency first response training, to ensure every crewmember gains essential knowledge in how to handle potential field incidents. Both Mackenzie and Ricardo passed their training with flying colors! Their calm focus and adaptability under the constraints of the EVA suits made us proud.

The morning EVA took myself Commander Rym Chaid, Crew Journalist Mackenzie Calle and Crew Scientist Shriya Musuku into the beautiful valley behind the Hab, where we practiced splinting long bones and joints while fully suited. Despite the challenge of restricted movement, Mackenzie rose to the occasion, guided patiently by Shriya. After completing the training, we took a moment to take in the vast Martian landscape, the rolling peaks and valleys stretching endlessly before us. We even got to wave to Crew Engineer Ricardo before heading back to the Hab, collecting a few geological treasures and sharing a few joyful dance moves on the way.

The afternoon EVA was led by myself, Crew Engineer Ricardo Gonzalez and Crew Journalist Mackenzie. We did however have to scrub out first airlock depressurization, and you’ll never guess why… alien intruders! Okay they were not really aliens, they were Earthers.. which on Mars are aliens – but they were indeed intruders! Intruders who wandered in the desert and stumbled upon a curious looking white space habitat: our home station. We had to wait to evacuate them so our Sim would not be broken, but once the area was cleared, we set off to explore the deep valley of red and white. Our goal was to test Ricardo’s first response training through practical exercises, and just like Mack, he impressed us with his quick learning and resourcefulness.

After the exercise, we ventured further into the valley than ever before, climbing higher and navigating steeper terrain.

When we finally reached the summit, we stood still for a moment, silent, breathless. Before us, on the other side of the Hab, stretched a canyon unlike anything we had seen so far: layers of red, gold, and white rock bedding glowing softly under the fading sunlight. The view was humbling and it stood as a reminder of the scale of this world we’ve come to know as our own. We wandered there for a moment, and sat down at the highest point, taking it all in silently, before getting back to our activities: collecting rocks, sharing laughter, and watching the sun descend behind the Martian ridges before returning safely to the Hab.

End Transmission.

Commander Rym Y. Chaid

Anomalies in work: None.
Crew Physical Status: All Crew in Good Health.
EVA: 2 EVAs. One in the morning – One in the afternoon. Exploration and EVA emergency protocol testing + wilderness first aid
Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, Journalist Report, Crew Photos, Greenhab Report, Operations Report. EVA Reports.
Support Requested: None at this time.

Report title: Sol 10 Summary Report
Crew #: 319
Position: Crew Engineer
Report prepared by: Ricardo J. Gonzalez
Date: 22-10-2025
Sol: 10

Summary Title:

Mission Status: Nominal. All systems nominal.

Sol Activity Summary:

This is Crew Engineer Ricardo J. Gonzalez transmitting from Mars Desert Research Station.

Today, the crew woke up to prepare for their last set of EVAs for our historic mission. Commander – Rym Chaid and Crew Engineer – Ricardo Gonzalez were part of the morning EVA crew that embarked on a far journey to Green Mars View. The morning was a crisp, cool one filled with sunshine and excitement as they were conducting the longest distance EVA yet. When the crew arrived at the destination, they were met with a stunning view of deep canyons, with green flat lands and a river at the bottom! At the site, the EVA crew collected a variety of geological samples and captured marvelous images of all the landmarks in view, close and far. They even got to see Martian chipmunks! After some moments of appreciation over the beautiful views of their last EVA, they safely made their way back to MDRS.

The afternoon EVA was led by Crew Scientist – Shriya Musuku and Crew Journalist – Mackenzie Calle with another long journey to the Sea of Shells! They left MDRS in great spirits and in warmer weather conditions. About halfway to their destination, HABCOM and Mission Support realized that they were not tracking them via the EVA Link technology. After some troubleshooting, the crew proceeded to their EVA destination through narrow and winding roads. When they arrived, they were met with breathtaking views. After collecting their samples and taking a plethora of photos, they stood and appreciated the beauty of the vast landscape before proceeding back to MDRS

All crew made it back to MDRS safely and in good spirits to end their last set of EVAs.

End Transmission.

Crew Engineer – Ricardo J. Gonzalez

Anomalies in work: None.
Crew Physical Status: All Crew in Good Health.
EVA: 2 EVAs. One in the morning – exploration of Green Mars Views, and one in the afternoon – exploration of Sea of Shells
Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, Journalist Report, Crew Photos, Greenhab Report, Operations Report. EVA Reports.
Support Requested: None at this time.

Report title: Sol 11 Summary Report
Crew #: 319
Position: Mission Commander
Report prepared by: Rym Y. Chaid
Date: 23-10-2025
Sol: 11

Summary Title: Return to our Mothership: Planet Earth!

Mission Status: Nominal. All systems nominal.

Sol Activity Summary:

This is Commander Rym Y. Chaid transmitting from Mars Desert Research Station.

Today marked our final Sol on Mars. Tomorrow, we will egress the station and return to our home planet: Earth. It’s a strange feeling to prepare for departure from a place that, in so little time, began to feel like its own small world.

Our crew spent the day fully immersed in end-of-mission operations. We completed all remaining inventories, organized and cleaned the habitat, and worked on finalizing our reports for submission to Mission Control Center. Every checklist was reviewed carefully, every item accounted for. The station that has carried us through this extraordinary journey now stands ready for the next crew who will continue what we began.

Along with our crew, I also spent the day conducting my final interviews and recording the closing scenes for my documentary film, capturing the last glimpses of life inside our Mars base and the voices of a crew that lived, worked, and grew together in this unique mission.

As our Mission on Mars came to a close, we took time to sit together and reflect on what this time here has meant to us, as explorers, as crewmates, and as individuals. We spoke about the lessons learned, the challenges faced, and the small victories that made this mission unforgettable. We leave Mars with a deeper appreciation for one another and for the experience that shaped us as the Ares I Crew of the WBA Mars Maiden Voyage.

Our focus begins to shift toward the return to Earth. We know the transition will take time, adjusting from the novelty of Mars to the familiar pace of home, but we carry with us the knowledge, memories, and spirit that this mission has given us.

Tomorrow, we leave this red world behind. Tonight, we rest as one crew, grateful, proud, and ready for what comes next.

End Transmission.

Commander Rym Y. Chaid

Anomalies in work: None.
Crew Physical Status: All Crew in Good Health.
EVA: None.
Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, Journalist Report, Crew Photos, Greenhab Report, Operations Report. EVA Reports.
Support Requested: None at this time.

CREW 315 SOL SUMMARY REPORT 30-04-2025

Sol: 10

Summary Title: Settling Into the Martian Embrace

Author’s Name: Urban Koi, HSO

Mission Status: Nominal. All systems operational.

Sol Activity Summary:

Sol 10 dawned upon Crew Phoenix with a familiar cadence, the hum of routine settling into our bones as surely as the red dust settles into the seams of our boots. Each morning, we rise in the same order (Commander, Crew Artist, HSO, Journalist/GreenHab Officer, Crew Engineer), a silent choreography that speaks of adaptation.

Crew Engineer and HSO carried on with their first EVA of the Martian morning, embarking on a journey that took the crew to the storied Overlook. The rover bounced vigorously beneath the HSO’s hands as they traversed the red wilderness, the terrain unfolding in waves of ochre and umber. The drive was one of the longer ones of our mission, a journey both physical and contemplative. With each mile, the world outside the viewport grew more profound, the silence of the desert vast and unbroken, save for the wind’s low song. At the Overlook, they paused—engine off, hearts open. Before them, mountains rose in solemn majesty, their ancient bones etched by eons of wind and memory. Crew Engineer set up his 3D scanning nook and got right to work on scanning more mysterious Martian rocks. HSO flew her drone and captured the mountains’ grandeur in a series of videos, each frame a testament to the beauty and solitude that define this place.

Next, they proceeded through Candor Chasma, a landscape alive with memory, the terrain etched by the ancient passage of water. Here, geology is a form of storytelling, and each stone whispers of epochs past. As they hiked, the wind carried the scent of desert plants and the promise of new questions. Each step was a reminder that Mars, even in simulation, is a teacher-demanding, humbling, and endlessly inspiring.

The land is dynamic, shifting, never quite the same from one sol to the next—a mirror to our own evolving sense of purpose. Upon returning, the Crew Engineer, HSO, and Crew Artist embarked on a half-EVA, seeking to bridge worlds through art. With drone photography and brush, they reimagined Alan Bean’s vision, placing our humble habitat into the lineage of explorers who have gazed at distant horizons and dared to dream.

Upon return to the habitat, the aroma of experimental strawberry bread, baked by the HSO, drifted through the habitat, another gentle reminder that comfort can be crafted even in the most alien landscapes. In the GreenHab, the Journalist/GreenHab Officer harvested a bounty of lush microgreens and herbs—150 grams of living green, a vivid defiance against the dry desert outside. Each sprout, each leaf, is a small act of hope, a promise that life, in all its tenacity, can flourish even here.

Crew Engineer (our very efficient Swiss Army knife) finally tamed the recalcitrant rear door—a mundane triumph, yet one that brings to light the truth of exploration: Progress is measured not just in grand discoveries, but in the patient solving of small, persistent problems. Dinner was a celebration of collaboration: chicken salad made by the Crew Artist, wrapped in tortillas lovingly made by the Crew Journalist, vegetarian pasta and chili for the HSO—meals that nourished both body and spirit of the crew.

As Sol 10 draws to a close, we gather in the habitat, our bonds deepened by shared challenge and wonder. Here, at MDRS, we are more than a crew—we are witnesses to the magic of space exploration, and each day is a stanza in the epic of our becoming. All hearts are full. The horizon calls, and we answer—settling into the Martian embrace one sol at a time.

LOOK AHEAD PLAN:

Anomalies in Work: None at this time.

Weather: Temperature: 71º, 0930; Sky: Cloudy, 0930; Gust: 0 mph; 0930; Wind: 5 mph, 0930

Crew Physical Status: All in Good Health + Spirits

EVAs to Be Completed:

EVA 20: 0900-1300

Purpose: To return rock samples collected at Robert’s Rock Garden for the 3D scanning project and further explore Candor Chasma based on results from EVA 19. At Candor Chasma, we shall search for more rock samples and perform more drone flight operations.

EVA Participants: Michael Andrews (Engineer), Urban Koi (HSO), Elena Saavedra-Buckley (Crew Journalist/GreenHab Officer)

Reports to Be Filed: Sol Summary, Journalist Report, Crew Photos, Greenhab Report, Operations Report, EVA reports, EVA Request(s)

Support Requested: Please kindly ensure that Starlink issues are resolved before 2:30 PM (Mountain Time) for important crew responsibilities tomorrow. Please and thank you!

Crew 315 Sol Summary Report 01-05-2025

Sol: 11

Summary Title: Martian Sol Mates

Author’s name: Michael Andrews

Mission Status: Nominal

Sol Activity Summary:

Crew 315 has just completed their penultimate day on Mars. And for the mouse that has plagued our kitchen over the last 2 sols, it was his last sol on Mars. He was captured in our mouse trap (thanks to a bit of engineering work from me to fix the trap and a bit of bait preparation from HSO Koi) and had been involuntary signed up for today’s EVA to Candor Chasma for an empathetic release.

EVA #20 started with the Millenial Crew (read: Elena, Koi, and myself) returning a rock sample at Robert’s Rock Garden before taking our murine crew member to the Chasma. Our send-off was quite short… perhaps he had more important places to be? Fortunately, that was the only crew member we would lose on this EVA through the canyons on one of the most picturesque hikes we had performed on an EVA.

The rest of the crew was busy in the hab in the meantime. Crew Artist Gagnon was signing the back of the 1000-piece puzzle – a tradition that we weren’t aware of until it was completed. He made sure to incorporate our Phoenix crew logo and the infamous Monolith into a sketch next to the signature. Commander Laude virtually met with tomorrow’s CNBC representatives to discuss interview details.

The team reunited around noon and completed our final 100cameras module and go over logistics for tomorrow. Tomorrow’s segment is meant to address the question “Are We Ready for Mars?” Preparing for the answers to that question always sparks an enthralling conversation that has Crew Journalist Saavedra-Buckley furious jotting down notes for her article in shorthand.

The rest of our afternoon was spent watching the sequel to 2001: “2010: The Year We Made Contact”. 2 hours later, all of my Space Odyssey questions were answered, and I will leave this station more informed on historical sci-fi cinema. As the comms window opened, I went to repair our rear exterior airlock door, which has started to droop over the last week. Some quick hinge fastener tightening did the trick.

Speaking of engineering work, I wanted to end this final engineering-focused sol summary to talk about some of the conclusions we have drawn from two important pieces of our EVA equipment: our rovers and our space suits.

Regarding our rovers, we have four in our fleet: Curiosity, Spirit, Opportunity, and Perseverance. Spirit had battery issues and was out of commission for the duration of the mission, and Perseverance needed some parking brake and ignition repairs. We put a total of 22.8 hours of drive time among the Perseverance, Curiosity, and Opportunity rovers. And we preferred those vehicles in that same order, based on how efficiently their batteries’ life was consumed. Perseverance would use an average of 29% of its battery life per hour of use, Curiosity 36%, and Opportunity 50%. As I gathered this information, we used it to determine which rover was best for long range missions and also when we could use a less efficient battery to give Perseverance time to charge up.

In terms of EVA space suits, we have three flavors: two-piece suits (#1-6), one-piece suits (#7-10) and one experimental suit (#11). They all have pros and cons, and I’d like to summarize here when each should be used. The two-piece suits are the most realistic looking, provide the strongest airflow to the helmet, and are the most compact to easily ingress and egress from the rovers. However, it is the heaviest and most uncomfortable, tending to push your neck and head forward. The one-piece suit is the lightest and most comfortable, but it is the bulkiest and provides little ability to look around while driving. The experimental suit has an intermediate amount of weight and comfort and has the best helmet visibility, but it doesn’t have a battery gauge and can be uncomfortable to ride in a rover with (due to lack of neck support). In conclusion, I would recommend the two-piece suit for rover-intensive missions, the one-piece suit for walking-heavy missions, and the experimental suit for missions where you need to use a screen or closely inspect objects.

I hope this information is useful to future crews and Mission Support! We are off to get one last night of sleep in the habitat under simulation conditions. Tomorrow’s EVA #21 will be a culmination of our various projects and an opportunity to show others what we came here to do. Good night and ad astra!

Look Ahead Plan: Tomorrow we will be welcoming CNBC to the habitat for a news segment and taking them on an EVA to demonstrate our drone flights and 3D scanning capabilities. We will also begin shutting down the Science Dome and RAM and will consider ending simulation on Friday evening to get dinner in Hanksville.

Anomalies in work: None

Weather: Clear skies all day, temperatures ranging from 55 F to 65 F. Winds were light up to 5 mph, gusting up to 19 mph in the evening.

Crew Physical Status: All Healthy

EVA: Our 20th EVA was performed today, which consisted of the following objectives:

· Returning collected rock samples to Robert’s Rock Garden

· Releasing the captured mouse into the Martian landscape

· Exploring Candor Chasma

· Troubleshooting drone operations in the field

Reports to be filed: 1 EVA Request, 1 EVA Report, GreenHab Report, Operations Report, Journalist Report, Crew Photos

Support Requested: None