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GreenHab Report – November 18th

Crew 286 GreenHab Report 18-11-2023

SOL: 6

GreenHab Officer: Donald "Duckie" Jacques

Environmental control: heater on, fan off, door closed

Average temperatures: 76 F at 9 am, 106 F at 1:30 pm, 65 F at 5 pm

Hours of supplemental light: 0

Daily water usage for crops: 4 gallons

Daily water usage for research and/or other purposes: 0

Water in Blue Tank (200 gallon capacity): 171 gallons

Time(s) of watering for crops: 1:30 pm

Changes to crops: None

Narrative: Basil, cress, red cabbage, radish, kale, and arugula in grey Planter have sprouted. Parsley, cilantro, broccoli, radish, red cabbage, pea shoots, and sunflower in big blue bin have sprouted. Broccoli in black pot has sprouted.

Harvest: Not at this time

Support/supplies needed: None

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Operations Report – November 18th

Crew 286 Operations Report 18-11-2023

SOL: 6

Name of person filing report: Donald "Duckie" Jacques

Non-nominal systems: None

Notes on non-nominal systems: N/A

ROVERS

Spirit rover used: No

Hours: (before EVA)

Beginning charge: (Before EVA)

Ending charge: (On return from EVA, before recharging)

Currently charging: Yes

Opportunity rover used: No

Hours:

Beginning charge:

Ending charge:

Currently charging:Yes

Curiosity rover used: No

Hours:

Beginning charge:

Ending charge:

Currently charging: Yes

Perseverance rover used: No

Hours:

Beginning charge:

Ending charge:

Currently charging: Yes

General notes on rovers: Nothing to report

Summary of Hab operations:

WATER USE: 52.2 gallons

Water (static tank): 275.5 gallons

Static tank pipe heater (on or off): On

Static tank heater (On or off) On

Toilet tank emptied: No

Summary of internet: Nominal

Summary of suits and radios: Nominal

Summary of GreenHab operations: Watered lightly in the afternoon, noted several of the microgreens have sprouted.

WATER USE: 4 gallons

Heater: On

Supplemental light: Off

Harvest: No Harvest at this time

Summary of Science Dome operations: Guillaume continued his work with the purple bacteria.

Dual split: Heat or AC, Off

Summary of RAM operations: (Tools used, work done) Roger continued work on his mold for casting

Summary of any observatory issues: Nothing to report

Summary of health and safety issues: Nothing to report

Questions, concerns and requests to Mission Support: none

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EVA Report – November 18th

Crew 286 EVA #6 report 18-NOV-2023

EVA # 6

Author: Roger Gilbertson

Purpose of EVA: To perform LIDAR scanning in the vicinity of the Habitat, west of Cow Dung Road, looking at possible locations for a Martian music performance at a later time. Also, the visiting photographers will take images of the LIDAR walkers, as well as photos of some “personal mementos” placed on the martian surface in the vicinity of the Observatory dome.

Start time for EVA: 2:50 pm

End time for EVA: 3:06 pm

Narrative: Preparations for EVA included a significant amount of equipment to be carried by all participants, so the walk began 20 minutes late at 2:50 PM. However, as they opened the exterior airlock door and began their egress, drops of rain were noticed. The rate increased a few moments later, and they returned to the airlock for the safety of their camera and electronic equipment. We watched the terrain grow increasingly wet, and Mission Support stated that weather radar showed rain likely to continue for the duration of the EVA. After a few more minutes the crew agreed to abort. We repressurized and the inner door opened about 3:06 PM.

In retrospect, it was good that the airlock egress time was delayed, otherwise the crew would have been much further from the habitat when the rain started, making their return much more difficult and treacherous.
Destination: Habitat campus only

EVA Participants:
• Scott Beibin
• Hugo Saugier
• Andrea Orejarena
• Caleb Stein

Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: none

Mode of travel: none

Vehicles used: none

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Sol Summary – November 18th

Crew 286 Sol 06 Summary Report 18-NOV-2023

Sol: 06

Summary Title: “Red, Red Rain.”

Author’s name: Roger Gilbertson

Mission Status: Nominal

Sol Activity Summary: We started the morning by watching the exciting and successful Starship launch from Earth. In the science dome our purple bacteria continue their excellent growth, as confirmed by samples which were taken and processed. The first half of the plaster mold was placed into an oven in the Science Dome for drying. Mid-mission reports are being prepared.

Today’s scheduled EVA-6 started about 20 minutes late, but as the four crew members exited the airlock door, drops of rain were noted. The rain increased a few moments later, and the crew returned to the airlock for the safety of their camera and electronic equipment. We watched the terrain grow increasingly wet, and Mission Support stated that weather radar showed that the rain was likely to continue for the duration of the EVA. After a few more minutes the crew agreed to abort and reschedule.

Look Ahead Plan: The science program will continue to monitor growth. Plaster mold preparation will continue, as will processing of LIDAR scans, photography and videography. EVA proposals are uncertain due to the now-muddy exterior conditions. Mid-mission reports will be delivered.

Anomalies in work: none
Weather: cloudy in AM, rain in afternoon

Crew Physical Status: nominal

EVA: EVA 6 completed, request for EVA 7 and EVA 8 submitted for tomorrow

Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, Journalist report, Photos, Operations report, Green Hab report, EVA 6 Summary, EVA 7 Request, EVA 8 Request.

Support Requested: none

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Mission Summary – November 15th

Crew 286 Sol 03 Summary Report 15-NOV-2023
Sol: 03
Summary Title: “Can You Hear Me Now? Over.”
Author’s name: Roger Gilbertson
Mission Status: Nominal
Sol Activity Summary: Early in the morning the science lab started the bacterial growth experiment, having the tools, bio samples, and the hydrogen gas produced on Sol 1, which serves as an electron source for the organism growth.
In the morning, text messages were exchanged with the New York Times photographers who have recently arrived on Mars from Earth, and who are expected to join us at our Habitat about 9 AM tomorrow.
After breakfast the entire team gathered to review videos of the radio training session which were recorded on Sol 0. Extensive notes were made, and additional discussion of communications protocols, astronaut and diver hand signals, were provided by team members having experience with proper, efficient radio techniques as used by military and police. We outlined possible scenarios for a variety of nominal (green), off-nominal (yellow or “issue”), and emergency (red or “problem") situations, and reviewed preferred vocabulary and grammar.
After lunch, the crew continued the radio practice by reading aloud simple scripts for various scenarios. We focused on maximizing clarity through proper technique, simplicity of messaging, and use of correct terminology. We then separated into groups, with CapCom inside, and the EVA Team by the observatory dome. Using live radios the teams improvised a variety of “issue” and “problem” scenarios, with crew members alternating positions as EVA team members, EVA leaders, CapCom, and Missions Support.
In the late afternoon, the first bacterial samples were taken, and more hydrogen was produced.
Look Ahead Plan: We plan to meet the visiting photographers in the morning of Sol 4, and welcome them at the rear airlock. After moving them in, we will provide orientation for their stay, including airlock and tunnel protocols, restroom use, then let them settle in. In the afternoon we propose an engineering EVA to 1) wash the exterior windows using a squeegee attached to a long pole in order to improve visibility, and 2) collect local clay samples, and 3) photograph a memorial image of a recently deceased Mars Society member.
We will suggest that the visitors photograph the EVA from inside the habitat and tunnels, and capture activities inside the Science Dome and RAM. On Sol 5, we plan to train them on EVA protocols in the morning, then take them on a short EVA to Marble Ritual in the afternoon.
Anomalies in work: none
Weather: nominal
Crew Physical Status: nominal
EVA: none today, request for EVA 4 submitted for tomorrow
Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, Journalist report, Photos, Operations report, Green Hab report, EVA 4 Request.
Support Requested: longest paint pole available to be attached to our window cleaning squeegee for EVA 4.

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Journalist Report – November 14th

by Liz Cole

SOL: 2

Morning:
The day begins with more efforts to conserve water in the HAB. A new system of washing dishes following crew meals is put in place with the intention of the crew using less water over the course of the mission. So far the new washing system seems to be achieving its intended goal. Over the course of the mission, the daily reports of water usage will give us more insight.

Over the morning meeting, the crew discusses their priorities for the rest of the mission. We discuss how to set the days schedule so that all members of the crew can organize their time and accomplish their goals during the mission.

Reflecting on the experience of preparing and returning from Sol 1’s EVAs, the crew discussed began drafting a step-by-step checklist for every action involved in preparing for EVAs and returning from EVAs. To further streamline the process of getting into sim suits, the crew used the three stations in the main downstairs room to setup each suit system in advance of EVAs.

Afternoon:

The XO began his targeted planting in the Green Hab. He prepared fertilizer water for all plants, planted additional items, and a light watering for newly placed seeds. The plant growth in the GreenHab is encouraging so far.

In the Science Dome, lab preparations continue for the experiment involving CO2 fixation by purple bacteria for space food production while waiting for the Ph meter to arrive.

Crew Commander analyzed soil samples collected on EVA 2 to determine if they contained any carbonates. He applied HCI and NaOH to small samples of the soil after the samples were crushed and sifted.

Crew members of the days only EVA (EVA 3) prepared for the afternoon excursion by setting up equipment and imaging devices. EVA 3 focused on LIDAR and NeRF scanning of an area in the vicinity of Zubrin’s Head, and short of the intended Barrainca Butte walking path. Photos, documentary video, NeRFs, and LiDAR scans were successfully captured.

Evening:
The crew eats dinner during a granularly specific planning session of the rest of the week’s EVAs. Following challenges the crew of EVA 3 experienced during the afternoon EVA, the crew of EVA 3 spent the evening reviewing the EVA requirements and communication protocols. The Crew Scientist returned to the Science Dome to continue work on setting up for his experiment.

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Sol Summary – November 14th

Sol: 02
Summary Title: “Day Two, Seems Like Home”
Author’s name: Roger Gilbertson
Mission Status: Nominal
Sol Activity Summary: The morning was spent preparing and carrying out various individual projects. Cameras and equipment were setup for the afternoon EVA focusing on LIDAR and NeRF scanning. Science lab preparations continued for start of bacterial growth as soon as the pH meter arrives. Soil samples collected on EVA 2 were analyzed by crushing, sifting, then applying HCl and NaOH to small samples. Neither sample appeared to contain any appreciable amount of carbonates. GreenHab operations, planting and watering, continued with encouraging plant growth noticed.
A daily timeline was discussed and written up to streamline evening meal preparation and clean-up, to allow for more efficient use of the daily communications window, and earlier quiet and bed times. A step-by-step list was drafted for preparing, and returning from EVA. This includes using the three stations in the main downstairs room to setup each suit system in advance.
The afternoon EVA 3 departed about 30 minutes late and unfortunately the crew “assumed" a 30 minute extension without specifically requesting one from Mission Support. The EVA drove south on Cow Dung Road, noting a rapid drop in both vehicle’s state of charge. Communications became intermittent due to increasing distance from the repeater. One EVA crew member’s radio seemed to stop working, so they resorted to remaining close together in order to use gestures and shouting. CapCom was not notified of the radio problem until after the end of EVA, due to distance. The crew returned to the habitat at precisely 4:30 and entered the airlock at 4:35. Photos, documentary video, and 3D scans were successfully captured during the EVA. The crew will review the EVA requirements and communication protocols in the evening.
Look Ahead Plan: Tomorrow afternoon we plan for an EVA to collect soil samples in support of science started by a previous MDRS mission.
Anomalies in work: none
Weather: nominal
Crew Physical Status: nominal
EVA: EVA 3 completed today, request for EVA 4 submitted for tomorrow
Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, Journalist report, Photos, Operations report, Green Hab report, EVA 3 Summary, EVA 4 Request.
Support Requested: longest paint pole available to be attached to a window cleaning squeegee

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Sol Summary – November 17th

Crew 286 Sol 05 Summary Report 17-NOV-2023

Sol: 05

Summary Title: “Visiting Marble Ritual with Visitors.”

Author’s name: Roger Gilbertson

Mission Status: Nominal

Sol Activity Summary: The science dome bacterial growth experiment is showing excellent growth – essentially doubling in 24 hours. In the RAM, plaster mold fabrication continued with clean-up of the first half cast yesterday.

We continued EVA and Comms training for our visiting photojournalists, Andrea and Caleb, then conducted them on a two-rover, four-person EVA to Marble Ritual. They captured images from the surface and some of the hills, then we returned to the Habitat and captured a few more images near the Observatory dome as shadows lengthened prior to sunset. EVA finished at the planned time of 4:30 PM.

Look Ahead Plan: Tomorrow the science program will continue to monitor growth. We plan a two-person EVA in the vicinity of the habitat to LIDAR scan and scout locations for an outdoor Martian music performance.

Anomalies in work: none
Weather: nominal

Crew Physical Status: nominal

EVA: EVA 5 completed, request for EVA 6 submitted for tomorrow

Reports to be filed: Sol Summary, Journalist report, Photos, Operations report, Green Hab report, EVA 5 Summary, EVA 6 Request.

Support Requested: Internet access tomorrow morning at 6 AM to observe the Starship test launch from Texas on Earth.