Category: Sol Summary

Report title: Sol Summary Report
Crew #: 326
Position: Commander
Report prepared by: Keegan Chavez
Date: 30-12-2025
Sol: 2
Summary Title: Big Steps
Mission Status: All things nominal
Sol Activity Summary: Crew had delicious blueberry pancakes and "spacon" for breakfast today. Ben, Daria, and Armand got their first test of a real EVA, including pathfinding, endurance hiking, and identifying samples for Ben’s construction project. The Crew Commander made a ridiculous amount of rice that was used for lunch and dinner. The afternoon was filled with multiple games of Clue that allowed the crew to relax while keeping their deductive reasoning skills sharp. The evening was just as tame as the crew continued to rest and prepare their projects for future EVAs.
Look Ahead Plan: With one project successfully started, the crew readies Idris’s sensor suite to bring on EVA 4. The rover basic functionality has been proven in the Hab and minor tweaks are being prepared for EVA. Katharina’s antennas have arrived at the Rock Shop, once they have been delivered to the Hab final prep for her research project can be completed. The crew is looking forward to celebrating the new year on Mars.
Anomalies in work: a few brown outs around noon but less severe than on Sol 1 and had no major impact on crew operations
Weather: Sunny and warm
Crew Physical Status: Crew is staying healthy and fit
EVA: Ben, Daria, and Armand headed North from the Hab on foot. Finding the trail head up to the top of Hab Ridge took some time, but was expedited by help from the crew at the Hab. Once at the top of Hab Ridge, the EVA team headed South to find a region identified by Ben that contains the right samples for his research. After sample collection the crew followed their train back to the Hab.
Reports to be filed:

Mission Plan

Sol Summary

GreenHab Report

Operations Report

Journalist Report

Daily Photos

EVA Report

EVA Request

Support Requested: A package has been delivered to the Rock Shop for HSO Katharina Guth, we request that the packaged be picked up from the Rock Shop and delivered to the Hab

Report title: Sol Summary Report
Crew #: 326
Position: Crew Commander
Report prepared by: Keegan Chavez
Date: 31-12-2025
Sol: 3
Summary Title: Minor setbacks, Major Progress
Mission Status: all things nominal
Sol Activity Summary: Earlier rise this morning to prepare for an earlier EVA. EVA team was prepped and in the airlock by 0900, this time Idris’s project was started by placing the first environmental sensor. The afternoon was filled with a 500 piece puzzle and a staggered lunch of leftovers. The longest game of BS ever was played and then crew members separated to handle individual research tasks and role responsibilities. While Ben’s first attempt at baking bricks took more time and power than expected, it was a strong first step in refining procedures for sample collection and brick production. A cake was baked and decorated for New Years Eve that the whole crew is looking forward too, along with bringing in the new year.
Look Ahead Plan: Some time will be taken in the evening to coordinate the rest of the mission’s EVAs to allow for all research projects to be finished.
Anomalies in work: Rolling brown outs that started around 1200, believed to be due to extra power draw from crew members research project in conjunction with an increased cloud cover
Weather: Cloudy throughout the day
Crew Physical Status: staying healthy and fit
EVA: Idris, Vindhya, and Katharina took the rovers south to Kissing Camel Ridge. Idris placed 1 sensor for his project and Vindhya took some images to be used to train the autonomous rover navigation. The EVA team spent some time hiking the ridges and taking more images before returning via rover to the Hab.
Reports to be filed:

Mission Plan

Sol Summary

GreenHab Report

Operations Report

Journalist Report

Daily Photos

EVA Report

EVA Request

Support Requested: none

Report title: Sol Summary Report

Crew #: 319

Position: Mission Commander

Report prepared by: Rym Y. Chaid

Date: 13-10-2025

Sol: 1

Summary Title: From the Red Planet

Mission Status: Nominal. All systems operational.

Sol Activity Summary:

SOL 1 began with the crimson sunrise of a new world.
The desert outside our habitat glowed like an ocean of red dust, a reminder that though we stand on Earth’s soil, today we live and breathe as if we were on Mars.

The habitat, though still unfamiliar, has already begun to feel like home.

First night on Mars was special for our crew, as we explored the terrain deep into the Martian night! The MICO-VIE WBA Global Mission’s Opening Ceremony connected us to habitats across the world, voices from around the globe converging into one mission, one purpose: the World’s Biggest Analog ever attempted in history! Despite ending our night at 0330 am local time and the pull of fatigue, at 0900 local time, we officially crossed the threshold and began life on Mars.

I watched my crew each step through the airlock with that unmistakable spark in their eyes: awe, focus, and pride. This is what we have trained for. This is the dream we now live.

Throughout the day, we settled into our duties of habitat operations, reporting protocols, and the first round of mission deliverables. The crew demonstrated adaptability and professionalism, despite very limited rest. Systems remained nominal. Communications established and verified. Crew Morale: High!

Between tasks, we found moments of quiet reflection, a shared meal, a contagious laugh, the simple joy of realizing: we are explorers, even here, under the hum of recycled air and life support systems.

The desert winds outside remind us that isolation can be both humbling and empowering. In every grain of dust around us, we see the echoes of Mars, a place that feels both distant and familiar, a mirror of human curiosity and resilience that we are determined to explore.

As Commander, I could not be prouder of our Crew. Today, we proved together what it means to begin and to adapt together.

Tomorrow, the work continues. But tonight, we rest beneath a Martian sky, tired, inspired, and united by a shared purpose: to dream beyond Earth.

Anomalies in work: None at this time.

Weather:

Crew Physical Status: All Crew in Good Health + Spirit.

EVA: N/A – EVA activities for Crew 319 are scheduled to commence SOL 3, pending weather clearance and approval of EVA requests on SOL 2 COMS Window.

Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, Journalist Report, Crew Photos, Greenhab Report, Operations Report, HSO Pre-Mission Checklist

Support Requested: None at this time.

Report title: Sol 2 Summary Report

Crew #: 319

Position: Mission Commander

Report prepared by: Rym Y. Chaid

Date: 14-10-2025

Sol: 2

Summary Title: Canadian Turkey spotted on Mars!

Mission Status: Nominal. All systems operational.

Sol Activity Summary:

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

SOL 2 reminded us that life on Mars, even an analog Mars, is never predictable. Early in the day, one of our GreenHab experiments ran into technical difficulties during setup. What was expected to be a simple procedure quickly became a full-crew operation, and all engineers on deck responded to action. Ricardo, Shriya and myself, all came in to troubleshoot and support our GreenHab Officer Mackenzie in this difficult task.

In moments like these, you see the strength of a crew, not in how perfectly things go, but in how quickly everyone steps in when they don’t. There’s no “someone else’s task” here on Mars. Every system depends on every person, and today, we proved just that.

On a happy note, the habitat was filled with anticipation all day as we’re preparing for our first EVA tomorrow. The suits are ready, checklists complete, and spirits high. You can feel the excitement in every conversation, every glance toward the airlock.

And since I am proudly Canadian, we’re closing SOL 2 by celebrating Canadian Thanksgiving on Mars, proof that even 225 million kilometers from home, you can still find something to be grateful for… especially if someone remembered the instant mashed potatoes!

As we wrap up SOL 2, there’s a sense of calm pride in the air. We adapted, we worked together, and we grew stronger as a team. Each Sol brings its own story, and today it was about teamwork, flexibility, and trust.

Tomorrow, we take our first steps outside, on the surface of Mars, a moment every astronaut dreams of.

End Transmission.

Look Ahead Plan: First Crew EVA tomorrow, pending approval and weather conditions.

Anomalies in work: One GreenHab experiment had technical difficulties during setup. All engineers on deck had to step up: Commander, Scientist and Engineers came in as support for GreenHab Officer.

Weather: Temperature around 57 F, No rain, 67% Humidity. Overall Sunny day with slight overcast

Crew Physical Status: All Crew in Good Health + Spirit.

EVA: No EVA activity today. Request sent it for tomorrow – SOL 3.

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 3 Summary Report
Crew #: 319
Position: Mission Commander
Report prepared by: Rym Y. Chaid
Date: 15-10-2025
Sol: 3

Summary Title: Perseverance & Curiosity

Mission Status: Nominal. All systems operational.

Sol Activity Summary:

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

Today, SOL 3 tested our patience and resolve. Our crew began the day with high spirits as the long-awaited first EVAs were finally on the schedule. Helmets were ready, suits prepped, checklists reviewed. But as every explorer learns, plans rarely survive contact with the unknown.

Mission Support issued a partial abort for EVA 1, followed by a directive to reduce crew participation in EVA 2. Though necessary for safety and coordination, the news struck hard. The energy inside the habitat shifted, quieter, more subdued than usual. We could all feel the collective weight of disappointment upon us.

Still, this is the nature of missions in extreme environments. Mars doesn’t bend to human desires, and success often means knowing when to pause, reassess, and adapt. The crew did exactly that. Each member turned focus back to daily operations, reports, maintenance, GreenHab monitoring, and planning for the next opportunity to step outside.

Even on difficult days, there’s value in persistence. Today was not only the day for first steps on the Martian surface, but it was another day of discipline, patience, and teamwork, because at the end of the day, those are the skills that carry explorers forward when conditions turn against them.

Out here, resilience is as vital as oxygen.

We’ll regroup, recalibrate, and continue forward. Mars demands nothing less.

End Transmission.

Anomalies in work: EVA 1 and 2 had to readjust their plan and procedures on the spot. Team adapted well despite all.

Weather: Very windy!

Crew Physical Status: All Crew in Good Health – Spirits are low today, but that’s to be expected at times. Our crew is adapting nonetheless in good strength.

EVA: Our crew’s first 2 EVAs took place today – No EVA planned for tomorrow

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 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.