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EVA Report – January 15th

Crew 290 EVA Report 15-01-2024

EVA # 08

Author: Madelyn Hoying

Purpose of EVA: MADMEN data collection at the edge of Kissing Camel Ridge, with REMI collection in the Rock Garden.

Start time: 1230

End time: 1530

Narrative: The crew are now settling into the EVA routine in the field, with sample collection and field evaluation running smoothly for both MADMEN and REMI. This site was a bit more difficult for soil collection given the geomorphology at the area of interest. A rock outcrop extended partially over the intended collection site, necessitating some creative maneuvers to reach the site in the suits. The dispersed rocks provided a benefit too; a large one near the site acted as a lab bench with a flat, elevated surface for pH measurements. REMI successfully covered 12 sites in the 3-hour EVA, with time to spare. Overall, this confirms the scheduling needed for our EVAs: we can comfortably scout, select, and evaluate 1 MADMEN sample site with 2 crew members in 3 hours.

Destination: Kissing Camel Ridge

Coordinates (use UTM WGS 84): N4249500, E518000

Participants: Madelyn Hoying (Commander), Benjamin Kazimer (GreenHab Officer), Anja Sheppard (Crew Scientist)

Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: Drive south on Cow Dung Rd until reaching Kissing Camel Ridge, then park and walk along the south side of the ridge and in the Rock Garden area to find ideal sample sites. Note: comms blackout area is expected behind the ridge; this will be accounted for in field procedures.

Mode of travel: Driving and walking

Vehicles to be used (If applicable): Spirit and Perseverance

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Journalist Report – January 14th

Journalist Report

Nicole Chan, Crew 290 Journalist

01.14.2024

Sol 7

The crew all enjoyed the slow morning today on our rest day. In preparation for today, while the crew had brainstormed some ways to relax and bond, they have also outlined some science tasks including some imaging, pH measurements and processing the soil samples through the microfluidic devices. So, after getting a very tasty breakfast of crepes with Nutella and peanut butter. Speaking of these sweet condiments, they (especially the Nutella) have been the go-to snack of many crew members, which has been driving down our stock. Currently, we are at half a jar of Nutella. At a few members’ dismay, our pantry monitor (self-assigned) Ben (aka Funk) will be enforcing a ration so that our crew won’t be “at each other’s throats” in the next few Sols when we run out of our staple source of sugar (and in my opinion, instant happiness). If anyone’s curious, our most sought after commodity (and the strongest instigator amongst the group) is the packets of Welch’s fruit snacks/gummies (Berries N’ Cherries flavor). I’m sure at times when it matters, the crew will be able to remain civilized and sort it out like the scientists that we are.

As the afternoon rolls around (along with the clouds on this sunny day of 12 degrees Celsius), the crew will be heading back to the Hab soon from the ScienceDome to get some lunch. Our lunch today was some delicious vegetable fried rice with some curry chicken seasoned with the cilantro that was harvested yester-sol by Funk. I personally look forward to having that meal again as leftovers. We set off to work around 1500 with Rebecca (Chopper) and myself (PODO) heading off to the ScienceDome to complete the daily pH measurements. We found new workarounds for the new pH meter and will develop new measurement procedures for the EVA crew to get more consistent readings in the field tomorrow. It was a productive day of science for sure.

The crew reconvened in the Hab for an evening of personal time and winding down for the night. Chopper and I returned to find Madelyn (Melon) and Anna (Roots) doing some sort of experiment. Roots explained that it’s part of her glove dexterity research and that it’ll be our turn to be tested in the next few days. I can’t wait to contribute some data.

We had an additional task tonight! Anja (Freebee) suggested that our evening activity be sharing personal stories through powerpoint talks, so we’re all preparing our own stories to share over the Funfetti cake that we made yesterday. With an EVA planned tomorrow, we’re ready to get back to work.

Photo of the Day: 290-01_14_2024 we’re getting tested.JPG

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Astronomy Report – January 27th

[category 

astronomy-report]

Name: Rob Hunt
Crew: 291
Date: 27/01/2024
MUSK OBSERVATORY
Solar Features Observed: Sun spots
Images submitted with this report: None
Time in observatory: 10:00 to 16:30 (less 30 minutes lunch break in HAB). Optimum period for observing is approx. 10:00 – 15:00
Problems Encountered:
Scope was found pointing North.
Interior hook for padlock as shown in Guide, is not there.
Broken eye-piece tightening screw found in top drawer.
Shutter Control box operates very poorly. Initially, lower shutter would not open at all but eventually responded. Order in which shutters open changes randomly or they don’t both open. Power cycling might make a difference but must be ‘Off’ for 10-15 minutes. Sometimes lower shutter stops at about ¼ open. There is a clunk/stall in the worm drive about ⅓ way open but iot doesn’t stop the movement. Worm thread is not lubricated.
Lower shutter fits over its seating rims very unevenly leaving gaps on the sides and at the overlap with upper shutter when closed. Lower shutter has four loose screws on outside of the edge that closes against the upper shutter. The hinges attaching iot to the dome are stiff (with paint?), not secured well and wobble.
Upper shutter follows its guides OK but is very noisy and unlubricated. When closing against the lower shutter, it leaves large gaps – caused by misaligned lower shutter.
Azimuth motor works OK but dome wheels don’t always run on the track. Dome and walls do not match up around the track and wheels hit gaps at mismatched wall segments. Nylon drive ring guide above controller shunts back and forth with loud clunking sound and makes dome shudder.
Azimuth drive control paddle has a light metal label immediately under the toggle switch. It has “On” in red on opposite sides buts is misaligned relative to the “Left” and “Right” labels on the outside of the paddle.
Guide book pages came away from spine and fell out.
In Guide book, “Alignment Success” is not displayed. Instead “Select Alignment” appears. I selected “Solar System Alignment” then “Sun”. I then got “Don’t look at Sun” warning.
All alignment problems (p 13 Guide) were experienced.
No instructions in Guide to remove lens cap.
No instructions in Guide to remove red plastic eyepiece socket plug.
One eyepiece holding screw is seized in position.
One eyepiece holding screw is snapped off leaving thread in the collar. Screw head found in drawer is a match for the other half.
Eyepiece cannot be securely inserted. It wobbles when used in situ.
ZWO cable was found dangling on the floor.
ZWO camera sits in eyepiece collar very loosely because of missing tightening screws.
Locating “USB Extension” not described in the Guide.
SharpCap update was downloade but not installed because password protected (v 4.0.9538)
No “Gamma” controls found in SharpCap menus.
Closing Proceedure with scope Controller – Menu doesn’t say “Goto Home Position” but says “Go to”.
There is no “Hibernate” in “Home Position”
Today, the “Hibernation” position was very different to where scope was found.
Button #7 on Control paddle goes Menu >> Utilities >> Home Position >> Goto

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Astronomy Report – January 23rd

[category 

astronomy-report]

Name: Rob Hunt
Crew: 291
Date: 23/01/2024
MUSK OBSERVATORY
Solar Features Observed: None
Images submitted with this report: None
Problems Encountered: Total cloud 100% all day. Seeing zero. Overnight the laptop was fully re-charged from Critical (4%)

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GreenHab Report – January 14th

Crew 290 GreenHab Report 14-01-2024 (Sol 7)

Greenhab Officer: Ben Kazimer

Heater cycled throughout day due to warm weather but is currently on, fan off, door closed

Average temperatures: 0925: 77.4⁰F, 25%, 1648: 63.5⁰F, 28%

Hours of supplemental light: 4.5 (4 overnight and ½ from watering after sunset)

Daily water usage for crops: 7 gallons

Daily water usage for research and/or other purposes: None!

Water in Blue Tank 151.05 gallons

Time(s) of watering for crops:

0925: 5 gallons watering, ½ gallon misting, 1257: ¼ gallon misting, 1648: ¼ gallon misting, 1833: 1 gallon watering

Changes to crops: rearranged tomatoes and cucumbers for more separation on main planter table, also trimmed their leaves

Narrative:

Woahhhhhhh we’re halfway there! While the plants did not listen to any Bon Jovi this sol, Crew 290 is halfway through our rotation. The plants seemed a bit melancholic with stressed leaves, but the fruit looked great so I’m chalking that up to yestersols dosage of Rat Pack (+ Louis Prima) vocals. To remedy the leaves, the cucumbers and tomatoes did another Martian shuffle today, this time to increase separation between pots as branches and leaves were getting a little too close for everyone’s comfort. This did come with the price of my observation bench as I needed more planter real estate, but I am willing to make such sacrifices for the increased health of these plants. During the afternoon check-in, I noticed Tomato No.4 is really excelling after previous struggles! They are the Sol 7 rising star, winning the title “Comeback Kid”. I also made sure all the herbs were staying in their designated growing regions and did my best to reduce any physical altercations. Finally, I added a little compost to Riya’s spinach, mint, and onion to encourage growth (the onions are doing great!).

Harvest: None :/

Support/supplies needed: None!

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Operations Report – January 14th

Crew 290 Operations Report 14-01-2023

SOL: 7

Name of person filing report: Anna Tretiakova

Non-nominal systems: None

Notes on non-nominal systems: Not Applicable

ROVERS

Spirit rover used: No

Hours: (Before EVA)

Beginning Charge: (Before EVA)

Ending Charge: (After EVA and before recharging)

Currently Charging:

Opportunity rover used: No

Hours: (Before EVA)

Beginning Charge: (Before EVA)

Ending Charge: (After EVA and before recharging)

Currently Charging:

Curiosity rover used: No

Hours: (Before EVA)

Beginning Charge: (Before EVA)

Ending Charge: (After EVA and before recharging)

Currently Charging:

Perseverance rover used: No

Hours: (Before EVA)

Beginning Charge: (Before EVA)

Ending Charge: (After EVA and before recharging)

Currently Charging:

General Notes on Rovers: In nominal condition.

Summary of Hab Operations:

WATER USE: 34.5 gallons

Water (static tank): 348.7 gallons

Static tank pipe heater (on or off): on

Static tank heater (on or off): on

Toilet tank emptied: Yes

Summary of Internet: internet is nominal during times 18:00 to 22:00

Summary of Suits and Radios: Radios nominal. Suits nominal.

Summary of Greenhab Operations:

WATER USE: 7.0 gallons

Heater: on

Supplemental Light: off

Harvest: No

Summary of Science Dome Operations:

All collected soil samples were continued to be put into microtubular devices, imaged and incubated. The pH sensors were tested and prepared for tomorrow’s EVA.

Dual Split Heater or AC: On

Summary of RAM Operations: (Tools used, work done):

Measuring tape was used to measure the water level. The soldering iron and all the supplies for it were used successfully to fix the temperature sensor. Some assorted caps, screws, washers and nuts were taken to test the dexterity of crew 290 gloves. All materials were returned at the end of the day.

Summary of any observatory issues: Nominal

Summary of health and safety issues:

All crew in good health and happy spirits. No safety issues.

Questions, concerns and requests to Mission Support:

As mentioned above, the temperature sensor was fixed. Below I have attached images of how it currently looks inside. The 9V battery clip was opened up, the folded wires in it were taken out and soldered directly to the wires that come from the motherboard. Both wires were then covered in corresponding electrical tape. Although the battery can be changed, the future users should be mindful and careful. The temperature sensor is now nominal and ready for hardcore field work.

Trash from the bathroom was changed and put in the rear air lock for collection. That trash can be burned.

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Sol Summary – January 14th

Crew 290 Sol Summary Report 14-01-2024

Sol: 7

Summary Title: pHun Day!

Author’s name: Madelyn Hoying

Mission Status: Nominal

Sol Activity Summary:

Our rest day started with crepes with peanut butter, Nutella, and strawberries courtesy of Freebee (Anja). Chopper (Rebecca), Funk (Ben), Roots (Anna), and Freebee spent some time loading microfluidic devices with samples collected yesterday, while Melon (Madelyn) evaluated field photos and rock samples to characterize the sample sites. After a lunch of Funk’s fried rice, Nicole (PODO) and Chopper continued pH measurements while Roots evaluated glove dexterity with Freebee and Melon. The crew is enjoying some personal time and getting ready for our team bonding activities tonight.

Look Ahead Plan: Sample collection and analysis

Anomalies in work: none

Weather: Warm and windy

Crew Physical Status: nominal

EVA: none

Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, Journalist Report, Greenhab Report, Operations Report, EVA Request

Support Requested:

Trash pickup in the rear airlock.

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Supplemental Operations Report – January 14th

Date: 1/14/2024
Name of person filing report: Ben Stanley
Reason for Report: Routine
Non-Nominal Systems: Intern trailer heater, Perseverance rear view mirror, Perseverance parking brake, Crew car

Power system:
Solar: Nominal.
SOC Last 24 hours: Max 100%; Min 60%; Avg 74.3%.
VDC Last 24 hours: Max 59.1V; Min 40.15; Avg 49.00V.
Generator run time: 4683.1 hours. Oil and air filter changed on 01/12/2024

Propane Readings:
Station Tank: 77%
Director Tank: 82%
Intern Tank: 91%
Generator Tank: 77%

Water:
Hab Static Tank – 403.2 gallons
GreenHab – 158.1 gallons
Outpost tank – 400 gallons
Science Dome – 0 gallons
Septic Tanks emptied: Yes

Rovers:
Sojourner rover used: No.
Hours: 196.2
Beginning Charge: 100 %
Ending Charge: 100 %
Currently Charging: Yes
Notes on Rovers: Perseverance parking brake non-functional and rear-view mirror cracked.

ATV:
ATV’s Used: None. Nothing to report.

Cars:
Hab Car used and why, where: To Hanksville for supplies. Need to be serviced.
Crew Car used and why, where: N/A
General notes and comments: Crew car in Loa for repairs.

Summary of Internet: All nominal.

EVA suits and radios:
Suits: Blown fuse in suit #8 was successfully repaired by crew engineer.
Comms: All nominal

Campus wide inspection, if action taken, what and why: All nominal. Two fire extinguishers in GJ for servicing.

Summary of Hab Operations: UV lamp in water filter needs to be replaced. Pending.

Summary of GreenHab Operations: All nominal

Summary of SciDome Operations: All nominal

Summary of Observatories Operations: Adhesive for weather stripping in robotic observatory is in transit.

Summary of RAM Operations: All nominal

Summary of Outpost Operations: Time machine utilized to bring intern trailer heater back from the future (Dec 2025), still working on repairs. Fire extinguisher still in GJ for servicing.

Summary of Health and Safety Issues: All nominal.