Category: Sol Summary

Crew 188 Sol 8 Summary Report 05FEB2018

Sol 8

Summary Title: Team Unity
Author’s name: Renee Garifi, MDRS Crew 188 Executive Officer Mission Status: Nominal

Sol Activity Summary:
This morning our team awoke to a beautifully and thoughtfully arranged breakfast table with a special greeting written by two crewmembers who wanted to help our team start week 2 of our mission on a high note. Each mission brings with it a unique set of challenges and rewards and I am humbled and proud to be part of such a courageous and strong team.

Every morning at 08:30 we hold our Daily Planning Conference and one crewmember hosts a briefing of the upcoming EVA or team activity that will require the most coordination by all crew. We spent the mid-morning preparing for a 4-person EVA with the objective of scouting filming locations for a performing astronautics project by our Artist in Residence utilizing the Insta360 Pro camera. Two of our crew remained behind at the Hab to serve as HABCOM on the radio with the EVA team and keep up with science projects and tasks around the Hab.

Following the EVA we shared lunch and set about working on our individual projects. We had a productive afternoon followed by a period of relaxation. Our crew is currently in good spirits and communication, stress management and team work is at an all-time high. In the evenings when our crew is not too exhausted, we have started hosting a lecture series here on Mars. After our comms window closes and our crew finishes dinner and dishes, the next scheduled crewmember to present will spend about 30-45 minutes sharing a topic that they are either passionate about or teaching a useful skill. Our crew is comprised of six individuals with strong personal and professional backgrounds that make for informative evening sessions that bond and inspire us.

Ad Astra!
Renee Garifi
MDRS Crew 188 Executive Officer

Look Ahead Plan:
We will perform EVA #10 in the morning tomorrow and EVA #11 in the afternoon.

Anomalies in work:
None.

Weather:
Windy, but not like the high winds of yesterday. Skies were cloudy.

Crew Physical Status:
The crew is tired but in good spirits.

EVA:
Two EVAs planned for tomorrow.

Reports to file:
1. EVAs #10 and #11 request
2. EVA #9 Report
3. Ops Report
4. Sol Summary
5. Journalist Report
6. Green Hab Report
7. Daily Photos

Support Requested (acknowledged yesterday but listed as reminders): – Heater for science dome requested.
– There are potentially two packages at Hollow Mountain that we would love to have picked up.
– Water tank refills will be needed in the next few days.

Crew 188 Sol 7 Summary Report 4FEB2018

Sol 7

Summary Title: Turning Point

Author’s name: Ryan L. Kobrick, Ph.D., MDRS Crew 188 Commander

Mission Status: Crew is well.

Sol Activity Summary:

Today’s highlights included a pedestrian EVA back to Hab Ridge for micrometeorite and chlorophyll sample collection and scenic views with Tat, Julia, and Renee. The crew enjoyed performing the bubbles experiment a few times including by the science dome for a short video recording. During the morning, Sarah Jane and Zac helped with the spacesuit mobility study that I am conducting with my ERAU S.U.I.T. Lab (see @SpacesuitUp) at several analogue station locations around the world. SJ worked as the technician and Zac the suited/unsuited test subject.

Afterwards the crew had a big lunch followed by round 2 of Tat’s human factors study. It was a very enlightening conversation that identified how we could all help each other with our scientific goals during the mission. There are a lot of projects underway being managed in a delicate balance and a short time budget. Many of the projects already have publication plans lined up at peer reviewed conferences or with partnerships at universities and museums for exhibits. We owe it to our partner PIs around the world to extract the best possible data possible while roaming the red desert.

In the early evening, our #SuperScienceSunday blitz did not go as planned to help reach the public with our messages about exploration and education. Not all plans happen as intended, but flexibility and perseverance will keep our team bonded to face challenges to share something bigger, something that cannot be explained in abundant daily reports and occasional snaps on social media. Our crew wound down with a group meditation session in the science dome, followed by open and very personal discussion, and was crowned with a yoga session to stretch our legs for the next EVA and the next challenge.

Spacesuit Up!

Ryan L. Kobrick, Ph.D.

MDRS Crew 188 Commander

Look Ahead Plan:

Tomorrow EVA 9 will take the crew to a site first explored by Crew 187 in the south regions of our exploration zone. Crew members will work on various projects at the Hab. The following day is likely to be followed by two EVAs so that we can meet our exploration and scientific objectives. Make sure to check out updates on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamISUonMars and Twitter: https://twitter.com/ISUonMars.

Anomalies in work:

None.

Weather:

Windy, but not like the high winds of yesterday. Skies were mostly clear.

Crew Physical Status:

The crew is well, but is enjoying a bit of personal space as well.

EVA:

One is planned for tomorrow.

Reports to file:

1. EVA #9 request

2. EVA #8 Report

3. Ops Report

4. Sol Summary

5. Journalist Report

6. Green Hab Report

7. Daily Photos

Support Requested (acknowledged yesterday but listed as reminders):

Heater for science dome requested.

There are potentially two packages at Hollow Mountain that we would love to have picked up.

Water tank refills will be needed in the next few days.

Sol 6

Summary Title: A Blustery Day on Mars
Author’s name: Ryan L. Kobrick, Ph.D., MDRS Crew 188 Commander
Mission Status: Everything is fine, how are you?

Sol Activity Summary:
A two-EVA day today kept the crew busy all day. The morning EVA (Renee, Julia, and I) went North to discover the "Goblins" in Lith Canyon. The crew followed an ancient stream bed into the canyon, a familiar site for myself once we reached a few of the more memorable dips, with a grand opening from rolling red cliffs to an open field followed by a deep canyon drop area near what we hope to confirm was the correct location.

The afternoon EVA (Zac, Tat, and SJ) can be summarized by two words, windy bubbles. EVA double-oh-seven ventured by foot North and scrambled up the red cliffs near Sagan Road to reach the Hab Ridge Road. Performing a variety of bubbles experiments, the crew experience upper wind limits for their expedition. They walked south towards the Hab for a scenic view of our campus from above.

Meanwhile back in the Hab, I was in full science mode taking dust measurements in the airlock and uploading biometric data to Earth. The winds are expected to keep the Hab cool overnight leading into Super Science Sunday… I mean Super Bowl Sunday. The crew is planning to coordinate outreach activities to see if we can help raise awareness for human spaceflight and Mars-forward research.

Spacesuit Up!
Ryan L. Kobrick, Ph.D.
MDRS Crew 188 Commander

Look Ahead Plan:
EVA 8 is being planned to take the crew back up on the Hab Ridge for sample collection and scenic views. The ERAU spacesuit mobility study is being planned for video capture in the science dome. IN the afternoon we will have our next installment of the human factors study. During the day the team will be trying to post awesome social media content for #SuperScienceSunday.

Have a better hashtag?

Let us know on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamISUonMars and Twitter: https://twitter.com/ISUonMars.

Anomalies in work:
Robotic observatory currently not functional. MDRS Astronomy lead working problem.

Weather:
A very windy day. Skies were mostly clear.

Crew Physical Status:
The crew is in the groove zone.

EVA:
One is planned for tomorrow.

Reports to file:
1. EVA #8 request
2. EVA #6 and #7 Report
3. Ops Report
4. Sol Summary
5. Journalist Report
6. Green Hab Report
7. Daily Photos

Support Requested:
Heater for science dome requested.
There are potentially two packages at Hollow Mountain that we would love to have picked up.
Water tank refills will be needed in the next few days.

Crew 188 Sol 5 Summary Report 2FEB2018

Sol 5

Summary Title: Mars Rocks!

Author’s name: Renee Garifi, MDRS Crew 188 Executive Officer

Status: Almost half-way!

Sol Activity Summary:

Today the crew completed EVA #5 and had a successful afternoon of setting up scientific research hardware, working on personal outreach projects and getting to the overdue tasks that have been previously placed on hold in order to keep pace with the busy mission. We will soon wrap up week number 1 in our home sweet Hab here at MDRS.

The EVA team was excited to share their geological samples collected in the field with the HAB team as soon as they arrived back through the airlock. Julia’s favorite rock found today was a vibrant eye-catching red color that seemed otherworldly and intriguing. They explored a canyon route along Cactus Road and took breathtaking photos and videos of their trek while scouting sights for future science sample collections. Tomorrow, we will be conducting two EVAs with the first scouting for potential micrometeorite deposit sights and collect top soil samples from hill tops to be analyzed for very small micrometeorite rocks. The second will have the crew exploring Hab Ridge by foot to continue to explore our surroundings.

The crew took some well-deserved personal time this afternoon to refresh and gear up for closing out week 1 of our mission. We are looking forward to watching Groundhog Day for the humor and irony (today is Groundhog Day in the USA).

Ad Astra!

Renee Garifi

MDRS Crew 188 Executive Officer

Look Ahead Plan:

EVA 6 is planned for tomorrow to revisit a site from EVA 2 and to further add navigation and waypoint data for the crew to use on all EVAs. EVA 7 is a pedestrian EVA to Hab Ridge. Meanwhile several other projects will be underway inside the dome.

Anomalies in work:

Robotic observatory currently not functional. MDRS Astronomy lead working problem.

Weather:

The weather was clear today with few clouds.

Crew Physical Status:

It was a busy day all around, so we are looking at our mission ahead to plan out key EVAs, science projects, and fun activities to make sure we are having a well-balanced experience.

EVA:

One today, Two tomorrow.

Reports to file:

1. EVA #5 Report

2. EVA #6 and #7 Request

2. Ops Report

3. Sol Summary

4. Journalist Report

5. Creative Report

6. Green Hab Report

7. Daily Photos

Support Requested: Our crew’s reports have not been posted to the MDRS website yet. We would like to request that these be back-posted so that all of our reports and the work we have put into the mission get reflected on the MDRS website.

Per direction from Dr. Rupert, we have removed the broken microwave from the Hab and placed it into the back of the DEIMOS rover for removal. We anxiously await the arrival of our replacement unit by cargo delivery ship.

Crew 188 Sol 4 Summary Report 1FEB2018

Sol 4

Summary Title: A sol featuring soul with the devastation of soles Author’s name: Ryan L. Kobrick, Ph.D., MDRS Crew 188 Commander Mission Status: All nominal

Sol Activity Summary:
Let’s jump to the bottom line. My hiking boots were completely destroyed on our hike to Phobos Peak with the soles peeling off the bottom. An EVA with modest to difficult objectives was challenged with equipment failures and ingenuity to solve problems as they occurred. This is the type of exploration we need for a Mars mission. Calculating risks, making decisions, and with collective exploration experience solving problems. There’s going to be a lot of problems. The EVA Macgyver of the day was Sarah Jane, fixing one boot with a safety whistle, and the other with my laces and some zip ties I was using. Between Julia, SJ and I we were challenged physically and mentally. I had suggested Phobos Peak for the EVA, and I was clearly willing to lose my boots over it. Luckily my hiking shoes are rugged and ready to step up to the next EVA challenge.

The crew enjoyed the scenic views from the science dome during a session of Kung Fu Thai Chi in the morning. Every morning needs to start off on the right foot… even if part of your foot falls off later. The crew also cracked into Cottage Cheese with Blackcurrant Puree space desert from the Russian Space Food Laboratory. It’s apparently “approved by space”. Further work continued on the NASA VEGGIE OASYS project in the Green Hab. We also finally opened the dust load experiment that I am running from NASA Glenn Research Center. I’m excited to set up the hardware and see how much dust we are tracking into the hab. It’s a dusty environment, and knowing how dirty it gets during key activities (EVA airlock, post EVA clean up, and more) we can help prepare future life support systems with the correct type of filters.

Spacesuit Up!
Ryan L. Kobrick, Ph.D.
MDRS Crew 188 Commander

Look Ahead Plan:
EVA 5 is planned for tomorrow to revisit a site from EVA 2 and to further add navigation and waypoint data for the crew to use on all EVAs. Meanwhile several other projects will be underway inside the dome.

Anomalies in work:
MDRS Director is coordinating power system updates with contractors. There was a site visit today.
Robotic observatory currently not functional. MDRS Astronomy lead working problem.

Weather:
The weather was clear until mid-day when clouds rolled into the area.

Crew Physical Status:
It was a busy day all around, so we are looking at our mission ahead to plan out key EVAs, science projects, and fun activities to make sure we are having a well-balanced experience.

EVA:
One is on the books for tomorrow.

Reports to file:
1. EVA #5 requests
2. Ops Report
3. Sol Summary
4. Journalist Report
5. Creative Report
6. Green Hab Report
7. Daily Photos

Support Requested:
Website updates.
Microwave timer works, but main chamber is not functioning/heating. [end]

Crew 188 Sol 3 Summary Report 31JAN2018

Sol 3

Summary Title: Winding down before ramping up
Author’s name: Ryan L. Kobrick, Ph.D., MDRS Crew 188 Commander Mission Status: All nominal

Sol Activity Summary:
Sol 2 merged into Sol 3 with the astronomical Super Blue Blood Moon event! The crew had varying levels of sleep hours leading into the early morning event. As you may have seen from earlier reports this was a very rare event, and the show met all expectations. All crew members were able to watch the Moon slowly disappear behind Earth’s shadow leaving a red glowing Moon. Looking at the red Moon created nice mental links to our Martian experience and submersion and let us ponder what it would be like to watch a dual-lunar event on Mars. Because of the rare event, today was dedicated to ramping up our science projects and resting for future EVAs. Personally I worked on my EVA metric study with the help of Tat to edit and name waypoints and record key data into a master spreadsheet. I also recorded a video podcast to post publicly (hopefully soon) interviewing Dr. Sarah Jane Pell. I am sure my students will find it very interesting and I’m expecting their follow up questions will be great! Renee and Zac started working on setting up the prototype of NASA Kennedy Space Center’s VEGGIE OASYS experiment in the Green Hab. It is great that the crew gets to work on an experiment that may one day be used on Mars, and super cool that it is already on the International Space Station. Thank you Dr. Luke Roberson for being the quarterback of this project at NASA KSC! Julia and Zac were also working in the Green Hab today, optimizing the layout and tending to the plants. Tat started a human factors analysis for the MDRS operational structure. This study could lead to consolidated task management and more efficient processes. The lighter day allowed the crew to sync files and prepare to share their experience. Several crewmembers sewed their mission patches onto their flight suits today, preparing to explore in style.

Spacesuit Up!
Ryan L. Kobrick, Ph.D.
MDRS Crew 188 Commander

Look Ahead Plan:
In the morning three crew members will head East to Phobos peak to examine human performance and capture 360 footage in 8k. The afternoon EVA will scout more roads and re-visit a previous site. The crew will be fairly busy with these two EVAs, but other projects will continue to unfold.

Anomalies in work:
MDRS Director is coordinating power system updates with contractors. There was a site visit today.
Robotic observatory currently not functional. MDRS Astronomy lead working problem.

Weather:
The weather was clear all day and provided great views out the surrounding terrain.

Crew Physical Status:
Hydration and altitude adjustment seems to be going well. Some minor skin dryness for some crewmembers. Everyone seems more rested after a more relaxed day on campus.

EVA:
Two EVAs are being planned and requested for tomorrow.

Reports to file:
1. EVA #4 and #5 requests
2. Ops Report
3. Sol Summary
4. Journalist Report
5. Creative Report
6. Green Hab Report
7. Astronomy Report
8. Daily Photos

Support Requested:
None.

Crew 188 Sol Summary Report 30JAN2018

Sol 2

Summary Title: The Human Factor
Author’s name: Renee Garifi, MDRS Crew 188 Executive Officer Mission Status: On track

Sol Activity Summary:

We awoke this morning to a beautiful Martian sunrise and amazing view of the alien landscape out the port hole windows on the second floor of the hab. We held our daily planning conference over breakfast where we mapped out our plan for the day including EVA prep, research hardware set up and how best to accomplish our daily tasks. We also spent some time checking in with each crewmember to discuss factors affecting our health, stress and personal mission goals. We had a positive discussion and everyone felt heard, which is important to the leadership of this team.

We began EVA prep at 09:30 and sent 3 members of our team through the airlock to explore the Martian terrain while the 3 remaining crew set to work setting up research hardware in the greenhouse and science lab. The Artist in Residence and Crew Astronomer have been working all day to prepare a special 360 degree video of the Super Blue Blood Moon Eclipse which begins tonight. Our best viewing opportunity will begin at 04:44 am.

One very exciting event occurred after our EVA crew returned. We received a cargo shipment of our embroidered mission patches! This provided our crew with an unexpected morale boost and helped us feel that much more excited about carrying out a high fidelity analog mission worthy of an official crew mission patch.

Ad astra!
Renee Garifi
MDRS Crew 188 Executive Officer

Look Ahead Plan:
In the late evening/early morning tomorrow, all crewmembers will rise at 04:00 am to view the special astronomical mega event of the lunar eclipse of the January Blue Moon.

Anomalies in work:
MDRS Director is coordinating power system updates with contractors. Robotic observatory currently not functional. MDRS Astronomy lead working problem.

Weather:
A warm day on “Mars” with crewmembers getting quite a lot of sun on today’s EVA.

Crew Physical Status:
Crew are fighting fatigue and dehydration symptoms but are in good spirits.

EVA:
One EVA successfully completed today. We will not have an EVA tomorrow (31 January).

Reports to file:
1. Sol Summary
2. Operations Report
3. Journalist Report
4. EVA #3 Report
6. Daily Photos
7. Mission Summary
8. Green Hab Report
9. Creative Report

Support Requested: See Operations Report

Sol 1

Summary Title: Kicking up Martian Dust
Author’s name: Ryan L. Kobrick, Ph.D., MDRS Crew 188 Commander

Mission Status: All nominal

Sol Activity Summary:

The mission kicked off 1:01:01 local time after a morning of spacesuit training and navigational discussions of the exploration zone. As the terrain changes, each subsequent crew on the "red planet" adjusts to imposed closures of some roads, while other pathways open for exploration. The crew snapped team photos with four nations and four flags, (Canada, USA, Australia, and Japan), and with the one uniting Mars Red-Green-Blue flag.

The crew planned and executed two EVAs geared towards a technical shakedown of equipment and MDRS traditions located at "Marble Ritual". Three crewmembers on each EVA drove surface vehicles to a predetermined destination to make sure the surface suits were adjusted, vehicles driven suited (the ATVs and Rovers), and then on-foot exploration. Additionally, cameras, GPS units, biomedical devices, tablets, and specialized gloves were all tested in Martian analog conditions.

The relived to be underway the crew also realizes that the clock is ticking on their mission and there is a lot of data to collect and share. Things are just getting ramped up!

Spacesuit Up!
Ryan L. Kobrick, Ph.D.
MDRS Crew 188 Commander

Look Ahead Plan:
In the morning three crew members will explore the main superhighways to the North of hab. This will help ground truth critical waypoints, calibrate GPS equipment, familiarize the crew with the regions, and ensure safe exploration of all future EVAs. Crewmembers will be working on calibrating the telescope and 360 camera for the upcoming astronomical mega event of the lunar eclipse of the January Blue Moon.

Anomalies in work:
MDRS Director is coordinating power system updates with contractors.
Robotic observatory currently not functional. MDRS Astronomy lead working problem.

Weather:
A warm day on "Mars" with crewmembers comfortable on EVA.

Crew Physical Status:
The crew is learning how to combat dehydration in this new environment.

EVA:
Two EVAs completed with three crew on each.

Reports to file:
1. Sol Summary
2. Operations Report
3. Journalist Report
4. HSO Checklist
5. EVA Request for Sol 2
6. Daily Photos
7. Mission Summary
8. EVA 001 and EVA 002 Report
9. Green Hab Report

Support Requested:
None.

Crew 188 Sol 0 Summary Report 28JAN2018

Sol 0

Summary Title: Training for Mars
Author’s name: Ryan L. Kobrick, Ph.D., MDRS Crew 188 Commander
Mission Status: All nominal

Sol Activity Summary:
Today was a packed day starting with the early departure of Crew 187. The crew moved into the state rooms and conducted another water refill in the morning to Hanksville. Training with MDRS Director Shannon Rupert covered MDRS rules, philosophy, and key systems. The crew conducted an EVA test of the ATVs and Rovers in preparation for our simulation. The crew united by a common passion for sharing their experience has started sharing highlights with the common hashtag #MDRS188.

Spacesuit Up!
Ryan L. Kobrick, Ph.D.
MDRS Crew 188 Commander

Look Ahead Plan:
The crew will complete training tomorrow morning with the EVA spacesuit systems and general navigation of the local area. The "landing" and simulation will kick-off at approximately High Noon local time. The crew is planning two short EVAs with half the crew (3) on each. Each EVA will use hybrid driving/walking modes to familiarize the crew with nominal operations with the surface spacesuits. Reports and scientific projects will be prepared in the afternoon.

Anomalies in work:
MDRS Director is coordinating power system updates with contractors.
Robotic observatory currently not functional. MDRS Astronomy lead working problem.

Weather:
A beautiful day. Cool and clear.

Crew Physical Status:
Some dry air dehydration symptoms. See HSO Report.

EVA:
ATV/Rover training with Shannon.

Reports to file:
1. Sol Summary
2. Operations Report
3. Journalist Report
4. HSO Report
5. EVA Request
6. Daily Photos

Support Requested:
Creative request information will be coming.

Crew 187 Sol 15 Summary Report 27JAN2018

Sol 15

Summary Title: Beyond the Terra

Author’s name: Cynthia Fuertes Panizo

Mission Status: All nominal

Sol Activity Summary:

Hello Earth,

How much has the Earth changed since the Sol 1?

It’s hard to explain in words all the feelings. Sadness and happiness at the same time. Let’s explain to you what we did during our last day, then there will be time for farewells. Today we woke up at 07:30, we ate our last breakfast here on Mars, and started to clean all the Hab, the lower and the upper deck, the GreenHab, the science dome and the observatory. Every Martian was running around cleaning everything, keeping their things, cooking and so on. Then Dr. Ruppert came back to check everything. At 15:00, Atila, Danton and I went to welcome the Crew 188 from ISU… Welcome guys to Mars! We hope you really enjoy living here as much we did! When every Martian arrives at the Hab we did a tour for Crew 188 showing them the GreenHab, the science dome, the Musk observatory and everything here, our home. Later, Shannon visited us to explain to crew 188 how is living on Mars. Meanwhile, Danton flew his drone around the Hab to do the aerial 3D mapping. And, at 17:00, we teleport to Earth for eating hamburgers and chicken… Yummy! A long time ago that we didn’t eat terrestrial food. When we came back to Hab, we started to write the reports for capCom and we answered doubts that could have the crew 188. By the end of the night, crew 187 are together talking about our projects, our lives, and so on … as a Martian Family!

It’s time to say goodbye! This place was our home, our sweet home. We have a lot of good memories here on Mars. I was lucky to have as my crew, the best Martians in the Universe. It was an honor to be the commander of the crew 187. Every Martian was a key to survive to this great adventure that is to live on Mars. Atila, Luis, David, Oscar, Danton, and Tania… No matter wherever I stay, on Earth or on Mars, I will always love you. You are my Martian family! We are going to be now and forever: CREW 187 – LATAM II !!!

Ad Astra

Cynthia Fuertes Panizo

Commander Crew 187 – MDRS

Look Ahead Plan:

Arrive at Earth! See other people. And continue working on space issues.

Anomalies in work: None

Weather: Temperature: -3°C, Fair-weather, Winds speed: Calm, Humidity 36%, Barometer 30.43 in

Crew Physical Status: Healthy

Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, GeenHab Report, Operations Report and Journalist Report.

Support Requested: None