2022-2023 Field Season (#22)

Crew 265 Journalist Report, April 27, 2022

Sol: 03

Summary Title: Breaking Bread.

Author: Sarah Treadwell, Crew Journalist

It is Sol 3 here at the Mars Desert Research Station. The days seem to pass slowly, yet quickly in a paradoxical way. Today’s day was filled with a lot of work on projects, largely independent of each other. The balance of personalities of our crew continues to compliment each other; with punctuated moments of interaction and stretches of solitude.

After reviewing maps for strategic areas to venture to, the day started with an EVA continuing to test different distance points for the new radio system. I acted again as Capcom, which is a role I enjoy filling. This likely comes as no surprise to those who know me, as I love to talk. During this time, Engineer Sergii worked on his project, which was installing smart lights within the habitat.

I began conducting interviews with my fellow crewmates in the beautiful science dome. I am by nature a people person and I’m always interested in hearing others’ stories. What I love about being a science communicator is connecting an audience to the minds behind the science. Though we are not a scientific-based mission, there are humans behind the work being done here and I’m inspired to see what motivates this crew.

Commander Marc seems pleased with the progress being made on the radio project and continues to map out future locations for testing. The EVA crew arrived back at the hab today just in time for lunch and for high winds to move in. As we settle into the evening, the wind continues to howl outside the habitat, reminding us what a sanctuary we get to share here to keep us safe from the elements.

Tonight, we made our most complex meal so far: Spaghetti with a meat and veggie sauce sided with homemade garlic bread and brownies for dessert. There was much excitement to gather together and share this meal, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all and accompanied by robust conversations.

It made me reflect on this time-honored tradition; the gathering together around food. Historically, on Earth, the hearth has long been the central point for human activity. According to archeologists, the oldest one ever discovered dates back to 300,000 years ago. Hearths haven’t merely served as a point for cooking food: it has been a place for humans to come together and share stories, past history, and impart wisdom. This is a place where thoughts and ideas are stirred together, while also fulfilling the biological needs of nourishment and warmth.

Today, though we may be explorers in the cosmic ocean, we are not that different from the humans who crossed the oceans to explore the Earth before us. Whether we gather around an ancient hearth, or at a table inside a Mars habitat, it will always be our shared humanity that connects us, no matter where we may roam.

“Exploration is in our nature. We began as wanderers, and we are wanderers still. We have lingered long enough on the shores of the cosmic ocean. We are ready at last to set sail for the stars.” – Carl Sagan

Crew 265 Journalist Report, April 26, 2022

Sol: 02

Summary Title: A Walk to Remember.

Author: Sarah Treadwell, Crew Journalist

After another restless night’s sleep for this crew journalist, I awoke to the comforting smell of coffee brewing and the bustling of my fellow crew members preparing their breakfasts.

The day was off to a strong start, as our Commander Marc, Engineer Sergii, and Mapping Technicians Benny and Isai were scheduled for the very first EVA. This one was an important one, as they planned to hike to a nearby ridge to set up a new radio transmitter. This is a crucial first stage in our overall mission, which is to improve the communications systems for the station.

The energy was high as they left, with myself and Executive Officer Dave staying behind to act as CapCom (or as we call it, HabCom). However, upon return, the look of pure exhaustion was evident on their faces. Shortly after removing his helmet, Commander Marc exclaimed, “That was one of the hardest EVAs I’ve ever been on.”

The climb, while also carrying equipment, was strenuous and pushed all involved to their limits. The question soon became, was this first EVA worth the effort? Will the new transmitter access radio dead zones that the previous system has not? This question was soon to be answered with EVA number 2, consisting of myself, Executive Office Dave, and a, fairly exhausted, but still willing to go Engineer Sergii.

After we traveled around to different distant points, it seems clear that there is much promise for this new system, but some hiccups to work out. I personally enjoyed seeing the various rock formations and obvious evidence of water erosion in the canyon we walked around in. Further fine-tuning and testing of the radios will continue through the duration of the mission.

As we returned to the station and gathered back together for dinner, subtle reminders of home permeated our conversation. Some of us are still working on degrees and have studies to attend to and we talked about recent exams. We pondered how our choices have led us down paths we never expected while wondering how different our lives could have been having we picked a different route.

It’s a funny thing, wondering how much of our fates really are in our control. I have found that opportunities sometimes come when you least expect them and that other thing slips past us for the best. Our time here together at MDRS will certainly be a moment stamped in time. Hopefully, that will be a memorable part in the stories of our lives that we write.

“We as humans evolved as creatures who could learn to adapt to any situation, no matter how harsh. We will meet many setbacks on the way to Mars. However, we can persevere.” – Alex Mather, winner of the Name the Robot Essay contest to name the Mars 2020 Rover (Perseverance).

Crew 265 Journalist Report, April 26, 2022

Sol: 02

Summary Title: A Walk to Remember.

Author: Sarah Treadwell, Crew Journalist

After another restless night’s sleep for this crew journalist, I awoke to the comforting smell of coffee brewing and the bustling of my fellow crew members preparing their breakfasts.

The day was off to a strong start, as our Commander Marc, Engineer Sergii, and Mapping Technicians Benny and Isai were scheduled for the very first EVA. This one was an important one, as they planned to hike to a nearby ridge to set up a new radio transmitter. This is a crucial first stage in our overall mission, which is to improve the communications systems for the station.

The energy was high as they left, with myself and Executive Officer Dave staying behind to act as CapCom (or as we call it, HabCom). However, upon return, the look of pure exhaustion was evident on their faces. Shortly after removing his helmet, Commander Marc exclaimed, “That was one of the hardest EVAs I’ve ever been on.”

The climb, while also carrying equipment, was strenuous and pushed all involved to their limits. The question soon became, was this first EVA worth the effort? Will the new transmitter access radio dead zones that the previous system has? This question was soon to be answered with EVA number 2, consisting of myself, Executive Office Dave, and a, fairly exhausted, but still willing to go Engineer Sergii.

After we traveled around to different distant points, it seems clear that there is much promise for this new system, but some hiccups to work out. I personally enjoyed seeing the various rock formations and obvious evidence of water erosion in the canyon we walked around in. Further fine-tuning and testing of the radios will continue through the duration of the mission.

As we returned to the station and gathered back together for dinner, subtle reminders of home permeated our conversation. Some of us are still working on degrees and have studies to attend to and we talked about recent exams. We pondered how our choices have led us down paths we never expected while wondering how different our lives could have been had we picked a different route.

It’s a funny thing, wondering how much of our fates really are in our control. I have found that opportunities sometimes come when you least expect it and that other things slip past us for the best. Our time here together at MDRS will certainly be a moment stamped in time. Hopefully, that will be a memorable part of the stories of our lives that we write.

“We as humans evolved as creatures who could learn to adapt to any situation, no matter how harsh. We will meet many setbacks on the way to Mars. However, we can persevere.” – Alex Mather, winner of the Name the Robot Essay contest to name the Mars 2020 Rover (Perseverance).