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Commander Report – January 28th

Shawna
Commander
MAU Crew 220

Title: I Saw the Science, and It Opened Up My Eyes

Author: Shawna Pandya, Commander

Today, in a word, ROCKED…and I am not just saying that because it was our geological EVA and sampling day. MAU and MDRS stations sent out a joint science team consisting of myself, XO Svensoy, MDRS Engineer Wise and MDRS Science Officer/Journalise Kainu. The day was a productive one, with our team managing to collect 5 samples across two site, including Kissing Camel Ridge and North Ridge – no small feat consider the North-South spread of these two sites. We were lucky, as the Sol was sunny and beautiful, and the beauty of the Martian diaspora with its red marbled landscapes stretched out to greet us. Words do not do it justice. One does not just describe Mars…one must experience it.

On a lighter note, XO Svensoy delighted and amazed us all by juggling while on EVA (is this the first time this was done on Mars?). Of course, one cannot be too impressed, everything is easier in 1/3rd gravity!

Tonight marks two additional happy occasions.First of all, MAU Engineer Waipiti returns from quarantine. Next, we begin our MAU Ambassadors program, wherein we host a visiting MDRS officer overnight to learn more about Station’s programming, culture and operations. We begin by hosting MDRS Science Officer Kainu, and cannot wait to welcome her to our humble little station. Tomorrow will be day of station operations and maintenance, followed by some afternoon EVAs.

Looking forward,

Commander Pandya
Callsign: Nightowl
MAU Station

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Journalist Report – January 28th

Crew 220 MDRS Journalist Report 28Jan2020

Author: Morgan Kainu, Crew Journalist

Sol 9

Title: We Will We Will Rock You

Body:

Today marked a very exciting day for the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) crew and Mars Academy USA (MAU) crew – our very first Geological Extra Vehicular Activity (GEVA). Both crews briefed over breakfast together at the MDRS station before setting out via rover towards the two designated geological soil sampling sites at 010:30.

The two crews were able to collect an ample amount of interesting terrain/soil samples from two sites along the Martian landscape ("Kissing Camel Ridge" and "North Ridge") for further analysis back at the science dome. Upon their return, the crew debriefed the rest of the crew members at MDRS about their extravehicular activity before everyone joined together in the Science Dome for soil sampling and stratification analysis followed by viewing our samples under the Foldscope portable microscope.

To conclude a long day and and unwind, the crews joined together for dinner and a well deserved movie: The Martian.

Morgan Kainu, BA; MDRS Journalist Crew 220

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Sol Summary – January 28th

Crew 220 (MDRS) Sol Summary 28Jan2020

Sol: 9

Summary Title: GeoConnexus

Author’s name: Connie Delisle

Mission Status: Nominal

Sol Activity Summary:Day broke with an incredible sunrise, illuminating the Martian landscape. MDRS again served as the rally point for the EVA. HabComm and one other Crew member manned the Station while the remainder of the team participated in a 3-hour geological EVA (gEVA). Yet another first for the Crew, they eagerly learned about the procedure for soil sampling and analysis.

Look Ahead Plan: Sol 10 includes work at MDRS. Since the Crew is only three for the bulk of the day, we will remain at the station. We will commence with work in the GreenHab including soil pH testing, planting and harvesting. This will be followed by catching up on social science (behavior motivation to go to Mars), and nutrition studies. A researcher and I will commence drafting of a paper on the GreenHab operations, comparing ICE to non-ICE environments. I will provide the paper to MDRS and MAU directors for their decision to keep for internal information or to at any point ahead to share for external publication.

Anomalies in work: None

Weather: Approximately -4C at night, max 5C during day until Saturday, minimal chance of precipitation (20%).

Crew Physical Status: Commanders and Crew put in really full day of work with a longer EVA than usual, followed by a nearly 3-hour science lab to do the soil analysis. The was immediately followed by starting reports. We are determined to submit all reports before the CapComm window closes! Spirits are high, good food has helped but tonight’s program is light to afford an early bedtime.

EVA: None at the MDRS Station.

Reports to be filed:

Journalist Report
Sol Summary
Photo Report
Operations Report
GreenHab Report
Geological Report
EVA Report

Support Requested: Four fluorescent bulbs for the lower deck.

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EVA Report – January 27th

Crew 220 (MAU) EVA Report 27JAN2020

EVA # 8

Author: Johannes Svensoy, MD

Purpose of EVA: Martian Medical training EVA

Start time: 1030

End time: 1230

Narrative: The morning was spent on medical lectures by Dr.Shawna and Dr.Svensoy at the MDRS Hab. Especially focusing on P-MARCH-P for first assessment of trauma patients and secondary survey including full check of patient. We also went through SAMPLE for patient history and METHANE for calling in the incident.

The crew members were eager to test their skills on the simulated patient and on our medical manikin. Realistic training was conducted in proximity of the MDRS Hab in the sunny and windy Martian terrain. Simulated exercises included a dislocated knee after fall and crushed lower limbs after rover accident. The Golden Bubble pressurized medevac device invented by one of the crew members was used for transferring the patient to safety. The Golden Bubble pressurized medevac device can be used for suit breach and for doing medical procedures out in the Martian field.

The crew members did well and expressed valuable learning points. Accidents will happen here on Mars we are glad to have the opportunity to train on these situations before real situations rise.

At the end of the EVA crew members Matt and Shawna went over to the MAU station on an Engineering EVA to secure the area because of heavy wind.

Destination: MDRS Station and proximity.

Coordinates (use UTM NAD27 CONUS): 4250050,518500

Participants: HabComm: Morgan and Marufa (MDRS). EVA Crew: Shawna, Connie, and Matt Wise.

Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: MDRS proximity

Mode of travel: On foot.

Support Requested: No support requested during EVA.

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Science Report – January 27th

Crew 220 MAU Science Report 27Jan2020

Sol 8

Author: Shawna Pandya, Commander

We have been testing a portable vital sign sensor for obtaining biometrics throughout this mission and I am delighted to share that after several days of troubleshooting, the sensors are back online and gathering valuable data! These sensors have previously been tested underwater, in Antarctica and by NASA back on Earth, but this is the first time they have been tested on Mars!

In addition, we are conducting an EVA biometric wellness study, wherein we assess crew biometrics just before and after EVAs. We have gathered lots of good data so far and will continue to do so.

Tomorrow we will spend the day on geological science, briefing on soil sampling methods, then going out to collect soil samples on EVA, and finally analyzing our samples post EVA.

We are very lucky in that we share our studies with MDRS crew and we anticipate a lot of good data coming out of this mission.

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Sol Summary – January 27th

Author’s name: Connie Delisle

Mission Status: Phenominal

Sol 8 Activity Summary:

The day started with a joint briefing and breakfast between the MAU and MDRS Crew. Today’s morning activities were designed to help the Crew put the medical training on three assessment techniques: P-MARCH-P, Secondary Site Survey and SAMPLE procedure. Crew members assessed the condition of simulated victims, and for the first time, used XO Wise’s “Golden Bubble”. The point clearly hit home – that there are many different challenges in assessing, recovering and transporting a patient on Mars.

Look Ahead Plan: Sol 9 includes another first on this Mission, a Geological EVA. First, the Crew will be briefed on soil collection procedures by Crew Member and Researcher, Morgan Kainu. Second, the Crew will attend the Science Dome to partake in soil sampling research. This includes testing soil textures and other properties along with using a black light.

Anomalies in work: The weather report did not indicate the warmth of the sun and had to redo the compression/decompression sequence at MDRS to take off cold weather clothing. Also, the wind between 011:00 and 17:00 was markedly higher than previous days, with gust estimated at 25 MPH. The Crew adapted by securing their equipment and also doing two rendezvous at MAU station. Some remedial work was needed there to ensure that the equipment was secured.

Weather: Tonight, clear skies with a lowest temperature later this evening around -6°C, with a 0% chance of snow. The average highest temperature during the day is expected to reach 5°C.

Crew Physical Status: Commanders and Crew worked very hard today – both mentally and physically. However, there is a sense of satisfaction operations become more efficient and training, science and EVAs become more prominent.

EVA: One morning and one afternoon EVA was conducted, all in front of the MDRS Station.

Reports to be filed:

Commanders Report
Sol Summary
Photo Report
Operations Report
GreenHab Report
EVA Report
EVA Request
Support Requested: None Required

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Commander Report – January 27th

  




 Crew 220 Commander Report 27Jan2020


Author: Connie Delisle, Commander


Title: Out of this World Medical Training


Sol 8 marked a shift from knowing about medical assessment tools to using them. What better way to close the “knowing -doing” gap than by learning from a team of two international medical doctors. Johannes Svensøy from Norway and Shawna Pandya from Canada first explained and then lead the Crew through simulated medical emergencies during today’s morning and afternoon EVA’s. Crews practised P-MARCH-P for primary trauma survey followed by more advanced techniques called the “Secondary Survey” and “SAMPLE”. Crew’s really applied themselves to put learning into action, as well as continuing to improve radio and communication skills.


XO Wise keep extremely busy – from handling daily operations, cleaning floors on top of participating in the morning medical training EVAs. History was made as the Crew tested XO Wise’s invention – “the Golden Bubble” – for the very first time under extreme conditions on Mars. XO Wise remarked that, “I was super excited to see it used in the field”. This sentiment was shared by the Crew and we look forward to hearing about the prototype’s advancement.


Between EVAs, afternoon science, evening science the schedule continues to offer challenges and opportunities for personal and professional growth. I’ve put together a series of electronic folders and to facilitate sharing of the Mission information, the Crew has open access to the folders / files through a USB key. This has enabled Commander Shawna and to collaborate efficiently and effectively. I am learning a great deal from her along with XO Svensøy, XO Wise and the Crew.


I am grateful for this opportunity to learn, share and expand my appreciation for my colleagues expertise, contributions and insights.


Commander Delisle


MDRS Station

	


	





		

		
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Commander Report – January 27th
	


	
	

		
  




Title: SurMAUnting Obstacles...

Author: Shawna Pandya, Commander

Once again, I am impressed with the mental aptitude and fortitude of my crew (as well as counterparts at MDRS station). To recap, we are at a skeleton crew over the next few sols as several of our crew remain in quarantine. Despite this, both crews have pulled together to work extremely hard at maintaining station operations, while furthering mission operations at the same time.

In the morning, we started with with a recap of the medical triage and assessment skills learned to date (METHANE, P-MARCH-P), and then expanded this skillbase to include a SAMPLE history and the secondary trauma survey. Next, we put these skills into practice into the field as we drilled a trauma scenario in front of the MDRS Hab over the course of two medical EVAs. These EVAs also saw the first field deployment of the Golden Bubble pressurized medevac device, and early demonstrations are both promising and gratifying.

Life on Mars, of course, is not without its challenges. The winds picked up considerably today, and we conducted two Engineering EVAs over the course of the day to fortify and secure MAU station from the elements. I need to commend XO Svensoy in particular for his diligence and perseverance in securing the crew quarters from the elements. His presence is a true asset to the station, and we are better off for having him.

To whatever adventures may come next...

Commander Pandya
Callsign: Nightowl
MAU Station


	


	





		

		
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Sol Summary – January 27th
	


	
	

		
  




MAU Crew 220 Sol 8 Summary 27Jan2020

Summary Title: Skills and Drills and SiMAUlated Fractures Oh My!
Author’s name: Shawna Pandya, Commander
Mission Status: Nominally windy
Sol Activity Summary: The MAU and MDRS rendezvoused for a day of medical drilling, skilling and practical application. In the morning, the two physicians on the crew reviewed previously learned skills, and then also taught the crew about additional triage and assessment skills. These skills were then tested in simulated trauma scenarios on EVA in front of the hab. Most excitingly, these EVAs saw the first deployment of the Golden Bubble pressurized transport device in the field, which was successful, and provided many useful data points going forward. In other news, it was a windy day on Mars, necessitating two Engineering EVAs at MAU station to safely secure the base against the elements.
Look Ahead Plan: The crew looks forward to a day full of geological science and exploration tomorrow!

Weather: -6C low tonight with light winds at 12kph / 0% chance of precipitation tonight & tomorrow
Crew Physical Status: MEDucated
EVA: AM & PM medical EVAs drilling trauma scenarios in front of the MDRS Hab
Reports to be filed:
Sol Summary (sent)
Commander's Report (sent)
EVA Report
Operations Report
GreenHab Report
Photo Report
Science Report
EVA Request: Pending.
Support Requested: MAUral support please!



	


	





		

		
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Operations Report – January 27th
	


	
	

		
  








 Crew 220 (MAU) Operations Report 27JAN2020


SOL 8


Name of person filing report: Johannes Svensoy, MD


Non-nominal systems: N/A


Generator: Not Run


Hours run: 0


From what time last night: N/A


To what time this morning: N/A


List of any additional daytime hours when the generator was run: N/A


Solar- SOC% (Before the generator is run at night): n/a


Diesel Reading – N/A


Station Propane Reading- 2%


Ethanol Free Gasoline- N/A


Water (loft tank) (gal) – N/A


Water Meter (units)- N/A


Water (static tank) (gal) – N/A


Static to loft Pump used – N/A


Water in GreenHab (gal): N/A


Water in Science Dome (gal): N/A


Toilet Tank Emptied – no


Deimos rover used: N/A


Hours:


Beginning Charge:


End Charge:


Currently Charging:


Sojourner rover used: Assigned to Director


Hours:


Beginning Charge:


End Charge:


Currently Charging:


Spirit Rover used – Not used


Starting Hours:


Beginning Charge:


Ending Hours:


Ending Charge:


Opportunity Rover used: Still in workshop


Hours:


Beginning Charge:


Ending Charge:


Currently Charging:


Curiosity Rover used: Not used


Starting Hours:


Beginning Charge:


Ending Hours:


Ending Charge:


Notes on Rovers: Opportunity and Deimos off-site for maintenance.


ATV’s Used: (Honda, 300, 350.1, 350.2, 350.3): No


Reason for use:


Oil Added? No


# hours the ATV’s were used today:


Notes on ATVs:


Habcar used and why, where? Yes, post office and supplies.


CrewCar used and why, where? Not used.


General Notes and Comments: Strengthened the Hab because of strong wind.


Summary of the internet: N/A


Summary of Suit and Radios: Nominal


Summary of Hab: We have strengthened constructions because of strong winds. The floors are becoming dirty and wet due to mud and run-off. We will be reinforcing the floor over the next 2 Sols as the MAU Engineer returns from simulated quarantine. Structural integrity nominal.


Summary of Science Dome operations: Temperatures are hovering around 7°C during the day.


Summary of RAM operations: Nominal


Summary of any observatory issues: Nominal


Summary of Health and safety issues: Nominal


Questions, concerns, and requests to Mission Support: None