Crew 4 - Crew Reports

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March 25, 2002

MDRS Log Book

Dr. Judith Lapierre Reporting

It is my privilege to command the 4 crew on Mars Desert Research Station. Our crew is composed of 6 individuals who share more than a similar passion for space exploration but also a vision that is human and scientific of space exploration and settlement.

There is Shannon Ruppert, our chief biology, Andrew Hoppin, our chief geologist, remote sensing expert and space business man, Joel McKinnon, information technology specialist and geologist, Jennifer Knowles, our space engineer and Matt Lowry, physics teacher and field assistant. Lowry will be replaced by Alex Kazerooni, biomedical scientist as of April 3rd. I have arrived at the station after more than 14 hours since I had departed from Montreal. Althought the distance I travelled by car from Salt Lake City was amazingly unique, scenic and absolutely breathtaking, I found the station to be quite far. Then, taking into perspective that a real trip to Mars would take several months, I felt relieved in a sense. I started to appreciate the surroundings even more. I got to the Hab at around 16h00 and was welcomed by the remaining crew 3 members, waiting for my arrival so they could return to our spaceport or SLC. They have quickly briefed me on operations, science and communications, safety and daily extra-vehicular activities. I was then alone in the Hab preparing for our crew's upcoming arrival. Shannon and Joel arrived at 21h30 when I was just about to give up on expecting them! They brought our grocery for the next 2 weeks and we further prepared our new house. We went to bed rather early and were woken up by our next three crewmembers, Andrew, Jennifer and Matt who had spent many hours in several airports, waiting for connections.

Today was a very special day for our crew in many respects. Not only did we learned the daily operations and challenges of an isolated station (refueling the generator, supplying our water container, maintaining power maintenance inside the hab, exploring the environment in space suits that limits our dexterity, performing radio communication among us and with the Hab, etc), but every hour we spent together brought us closer to getting to know our new colleagues and Habmates. Extreme confined environment missions are not strictly about developing professional working relationships but also about being able to live and support each other as this is truly a collective mission.

In addition, today, international press announced that an international manned mission to Mars would be planned before the end of this century. Representatives from NASA, from space industry, from the European and Russian space agencies are collaborating on such a grandiose project. That news that came to us through mission support later today really did increase our pride in our 14-day preparation mission. To transform such a vision of human expansion on other planets into reality, is also insuring our future as a society based on information, knowledge and human values of determination, boldness and pacifist ambition.

Our crew went into simulation mode as of 17h00 this afternoon with two EVA's being performed. Our crewmember Matt offered not only to prepare a delicious dinner tonight that he called pasta planitia, but to become our official station cook! Verbal reports followed to mission support in San Diego and the written commander's, geologist's, engineer's, reports were still being written at 23h45. Tomorrow is a very significant day, after managing our daily living/working routine operations, our crew is to establish its collective scientific goals and plans in the fields of geology, psychosociology, biology, human factors and public relations.

More to come tomorrow!

Bonne nuit.

Le 25 mars 2002, Station scientifique MARS du désert

J'ai le privilège de commander le quatrième équipage de la station scientifique MARS du désert. Notre équipage est composé de 6 individus qui partagent plus qu'une même passion pour l'exploration spatiale mais aussi une vision

Aujourd'hui, est un grand jour: la presse nous annonçait qu'un projet international de vol habité sur Mars serait réalisé avant la fin de ce siècle. Effectivement, des représentants de la NASA, de l'industrie spatiale américaine et des agences spatiales Européennes et Russes collaborent actuellement à la réalisation de ce projet d'envergure. Cette annonce vient pour plusieurs scientifiques spatiaux et planétaires, pour plusieurs passionnés de l'espace, pour tous ceux qui sont préoccupés par l'avenir de notre race humaine, en tant que collectif social et connaissances d'une civilisation notre mission en mode de simulation a commencé à 17h00, i.e. qu'à partir de cette heure, nous entrions virtuellement au cœur même de ce que officiellement alors Notre mission durera 14 jours.

Crew Biographies

                   Andrew Hoppin's personal explorations as a student and entrepreneur have taken him to Brown

                   University for a degree in Planetary Geology, to Washington DC to attend the NASA Academy at

                   Goddard Space Flight Center, to Berkeley for a degree in Environmental Science / Remote Sensing, to

                   Vienna to attend the International Space University, to Costa Rica to conduct urban planning

                   research for Rotary International, and to Manhattan to found and run a sports computer game

                   company. Today, Andrew serves as President of MoonFront LLC, a new generation space consulting

                   firm. In those moments where there is just nothing new available to explore, he loves to play soccer,

                   and, well, just play, preferably with other primates.

                   Jennifer Knowles is a Spacecraft Simulation Specialist at NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston,

                   Texas. Upon graduating from college in 2000 with a B.S. in Physics she pursued her desire to work in

                   the space program and relocated halfway across the country from the East Coast. She works

                   regularly with the astronauts and hopes to become one herself in the future. Perhaps by then, with

                   the help of the work being done now by Jennifer, the rest of the MDRS crews, and the Mars Society,

                   Mars exploration will be a reality.

                   Dr. Judith Lapierre is a space scientist of the human and health sciences domain. Her current work

                   is in cyberhealth at the Université du Québec in Hull, specializing in mission support strategies to

                   improve human health and adaptation to extreme confined environments. She was in Antarctica in

                   1998 as part of her postdoctorate research program with the International Space University based in

                   Strasbourg. She was also representing the Canadian Space Agency in 2000 during the longest

                   international confinement experiment and has volunteered in July 2001 in mission support,

                   Denver-Colorado for the FMARS missions of the Mars Society. Staying and working on MDRS with

                   such qualified crewmembers is a privilege for her. It contributes also to knowledge development and

                   it’s the next best thing to a real trip to Mars!

                   Matt Lowry is a high school physics teacher from Vernon Hills, Illinois. He has both a B.S. and M.S.

                   in physics, with a certification to teach both physics and mathematics. He has been a supporter and

                   advocate for the human exploration of space since he was a teenager, and in recent years he’s

                   become an active member of the Mars Society. In this regard, he is the chapter contact for the

                   Chicago-area chapters of the Mars Society, and Matt also helps to maintain the Chicago chapter

                   email list and website.

                   When Matt's not teaching or imagining bouncing along the dunes of Mars, he enjoys practicing the

                   Japanese martial art of Aikido, stargazing with his telescope, watching cheesy movies with his wife

                   Carmen, and terrorizing and being terrorized by his cats -- Sebastian, Sophie, and Meggie.

                   Joel McKinnon is an information specialist from Moss Beach, CA and a staff writer for

                   NewMars.com. Joel has lived many lives since attaining a BS in Geoscience from Penn State in 1980;

                   including a brief career as a bassist-songwriter from the progressive rock band Jupiter Sheep. After

                   several years developing a variety of internet skills, he’s chosen to pursue his passion for exploring

                   the secrets of planetary geology by returning to academia as a grad student this fall. Joel’s 5 year old

                   son Jeremy has been designated to personally locate a homestead for the family on Mars.

                   Shannon Rupert is a professor of biology from San Diego, California. Recognizing that no plant life is

                   known to exist on Mars, she has shifted her research from plant breeding systems to finding life in

                   extreme environments. She is an active member (and the only woman) of the San Diego Chapter of

                   the Mars Society. She tells friends that she wanted to come to MDRS to wear the spacesuit and while

                   that is true, a deeper reason is because she wanted to be part of something bigger than herself,

                   something that could advance both science and humanity. She is an avid hiker, owns a small house

                   in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park filled with Mars art and is currently building an observatory to

                   house her 8 inch SCT telescope. She has been married for one week (!) and has a 20 year old son and

                   17 year old daughter.

Engineering Report

Jennifer Knowles & Matt Lowry Reporting

Water Systems: The internal water tank has been filled to maximum this morning. Leak on the output end of the pump was noticed. Leaking water was caught and poured back into the external tank. Plan to look into options to fix the leak in the near future. Also noted that the water pump is supposed to receive oil before each use.

Power and Fuel: One small fuel tank was filled using the hand pump today, after several minutes of trying to figure out how to open the large drums. The hand pump also has a leak on the output side, seems the leak is due to dry-rotting of the hose. Plan to troubleshoot this leak before filling more tanks. This evening power flickered several times before going out. Upon investigation of the generator, it was determined that the oil level was too low and the generator was in the process of its safety shut-down. Approximately 1.25 quarts of oil were poured into the generator and power was restored. More bottles of oil will be needed before week's end.

EVA Equipment (including ATVs): The zipper of Suit #2 is broken. The zipper-pull has become detached from the suit, as there was no zipper-catch at the top of the zipper-teeth. Intend to fix suit tomorrow. During the afternoon's EVAs, the bright yellow ATV had trouble restarting. After rocking it back and forth, crew was able to restart it and return to hab. One other ATV has a low tire pressure as well as substantial balding. We have decommissioned it for the time being and are attempting to contact Lamont. Mission Support has been contacted.

Safety: All forms (3) have been completed and signed by the six crew members. Nothing more to report.

Computers and Communications: Normal operation.

General Maintenance & Waste Management: It appears that the Biolet is getting very full and may be reaching capacity. In addition, the Biolet appears to be leaking from a seal on the floor, and the odor can be smelled throughout the Hab. We will contact Mission Support for advice on how to handle the Biolet situation, as we believe it will take a specialized repairman to fix the problem. Also, a crew member unclogged the outlet line. This needs to become a regular procedure.

GreenHab: Nothing to report.

EVA Report

Shannon Rupert Reporting

EVA Scenerio Overview

This was our first EVA and although it was short (suiting up for the first time actually took longer), it was quite an experience. Joel, Jennifer and I left the Hab at 5:46 pm, heading NNE across the landscape. This EVA tested my first impressions of the suit. Shortening the torso of the suit by six inches would have made it a very good fit for me, but lacking a way to keep it bunched around my waist meant restricted walking. I am working on a way to rectify this problem. The backpack was surprisingly comfortable and fit well enough that scrambling uphill wasn't a problem. Once we put our helmets on and attached the comm and cooling systems, the suit felt very real and for the first time I understood the seriousness of the simulation. We walked about a half a kilometer, admiring the landscape and savoring the experience. We climbed a small hill for a photo op (Joel took a terrific shot of our shadows) and then it was time to return. We did a little geology on the way back, picking up rocks (a challenge in our gloved hands) and trying to identify them. We arrived back at the Hab at 6:47 pm and, after spending some time in the airlock, were greeted by Judith with the news that an international manned mission to Mars was being studied. The news justified what we are doing here and lent an air of importance to our first EVA.

DATE: 03-25-02

Not Received

EVA Highlights (EVA CDR)

Not Received

PRE EVA OPERATIONS

Not Received

AIRLOCK INGRESS/DEPRESS

Not Received

HAB EVA MONITORING

Not Received

POST EVA INGRESS AND CLEANUP

Not Received

EVA CREW: COMMENTS/OBSERVATIONS/LESSONS-LEARNED

EVA CDR: Not Received

EVA MDRS1: Not Received

EVA MDRS2: Not Received

March 26, 2002

MDRS Log Book

Dr. Judith Lapierre Reporting

All of us woke up later this morning, not much before 8 am. That first day had really gotten to us I think. We all reported deep sleep during the night except for Joel who did not sleep well not for lack of comfort but because of coffee… He worked late last night on making sure that you could follow our mission with the photos he provided to the webmaster. Our first meeting of the day was accompanied by Joel's famous breakfast burritos. Three scientific priorities were planned for today: our geologist' scientific reconnaissance mission at about 5 kilometers away from the Hab (ATV EVA), our biologist sample collection around the Hab (pedestrian EVA) and a short qualitative questionnaire from my own research work on human adaptation to life in extreme environments. Hab maintenance tasks came in the way of our scientific goals and really gave an "unexpected" twist to our day, having half our team working off sim for several hours. The relatively new Biolet station toilet (on the first level) decided not only to leave us with some interesting odors but also to release its content both solid and liquid on its floor. Matt, Shannon and I worked 4 hours to control and restore the functions of that toilet. Mission support provided almost on time recommendations after we presented to them our plan of action. It implied emptying its content into a hole away from the Hab and insuring proper draining. Digging into the desert soil can be challenging but the most challenging task was that of Matt: don't remind him what he had to do that day, please! What really came out of this was both these crewmember's positive attitudes and how each one provided assistance to each other. It got us thinking for some time, that we were really on another planet, having to solve this important issue with creativity and humor. It was as if this unfortunate incident had just created and reinforced this bond between us. We had to postpone our pedestrian EVA until tomorrow and Jennifer became our Habcom to support the ATV EVA. Several communications were attempted with Andrew and Joel while they performed their 4 hour EVA. At our post EVA meeting, our crew decided that communication protocol were needed (signs, "morse" and verbal) to insure a link between Hab and crew and for security reasons in case of emergency.

Our Mars analogue has shown us today that it's more than an analogue and its experiences recall us life on MIR and on ISS! This will be part of any settlement missions on Mars: key factors to successful survival and quality of life on other planets will be resourcefulness, creativity and cooperation. A little tolerance for our new environment's constraints will certainly help as well! It is really today that we suddenly understood that all of this could be taking place on Mars. Many of us expressed having felt this today: for some, it was the 4 hour EVA and exploration and for the others, it was the challenges of settling on a new planet (.. and fixing a broken toilet). Plans don't always go as planned and we must make the best of what is given to us. The crew on EVA readjusted their science objectives along the way and the crew inside was unable to fulfill some of its planned scientific goals.

The most interesting part of today was dinner. Sharing our varied experiences, eating another good meal prepared by Shannon and discussing other life issues made us feel like home. We felt we had accomplished a lot today! I enjoyed my first night sky watch while going out to refuel the generator with Matt - sky was bright and stars were shining a light that gave the desert even more Mars like features…where living on Mars analogue almost became experiencing life on Mars.

I will sign off now and take part in our first recreational activity: the movie "The Fifth Element".

Bonsoir.

Vivre en environnement analogue mais expérimenter la vie sur une autre planète

Judith Lapierre, 26 mars 2002 - Station scientifique MARS du désert Un sommeil très profond accompagna chacun des membres de notre équipage, à l'exception de Joël qui se leva ce matin plutôt fatigué. Un peu trop de café hier soir alors qu'il téléversa les images qui vous ont permis de suivre notre première journée. Notre première réunion de la journée fut tenue dans une ambiance fort agréable accompagnée d'un petit déjeuner nourrissant préparé par Joël. Trois objectifs scientifiques prioritaires ont été identifiés pour la journée : la première, accordée au travail des géologues Andrew et Joël, lesquels nous ont présenté un plan d'exploration et de reconnaissance d'une zone située à 5 km (sorties en VTT) et déjà explorée par les membres de l'équipage 2. La deuxième à Shannon, notre biologiste pour la collection d'échantillons du sol près de la station (sortie pédestre). Jennifer et moi-même allions l'accompagner et l'assister.

Finalement, priorité aussi à mon investigation sur l'adaptation à la vie en environnements extrêmes. Matt devait alors assurer la communication avec les membres exécutant des sorties extra véhiculaires (poste radio) et procéder à la réparation de la pompe servant à au ravitaillement du générateur. Des tâches liées à la maintenance sont venues cependant modifier notre journée et entraînèrent l'interruption temporaire de la simulation pour la moitié de l'équipage pour des raisons de sécurité et de bien-être. Au-delà des odeurs nauséabondes, la nouvelle toilette Biolet installée la semaine dernière au premier niveau de la station laissait aussi s'écouler son contenu solide et liquide. Matt, Shannon et moi-même avons donc travaillé durant 4 heures afin de restaurer les fonctions de la toilette et d'assurer la désinfection des lieux. Le responsable du centre de soutien de Denver a répondu d'ailleurs rapidement à nos messages et il fit suivre une consultation à distance avec les techniciens de Biolet. Cela impliqua de nombreux défis dont celui de creuser un trou dans le désert pour y enterrer les solides mais le défi le plus important fut de loin, celui de Matt - ne lui rappelez surtout pas ce qu'il accomplit cette journée là- à lui de vous le dire. Ce qui m'impressionna le plus d'ailleurs fut l'attitude positive de chacun et la démonstration de comportements d'assistance de part et d'autre dans l'exécution de ce travail d'équipe. L'humour fut de la partie et contribua certainement au lien important qui s'établissait entre nous, comme si cette mésaventure venait cimenter davantage nos rapports. Notre sortie extra véhiculaire pédestre fut remise à demain. Jennifer est alors devenue la responsable des communications radios avec Andrew et Joël. Nous rencontrons toujours beaucoup de difficulté à établir une communication claire et net entre la station et les membres qui travaillent à l'extérieur. La réunion post-sortie extra véhiculaire nous amena à décider en équipe d'établir des protocoles de communication (signes, morse et verbaux) afin d'améliorer le processus, d'assurer le maintien d'un lien entre la station et les membres à l'extérieur et d'assurer la sécurité en cas d'urgence. Si le temps nous le permet, nous veillerons à transmettre une première ébauche de document avant notre départ.

Notre station nous a démontré aujourd'hui qu'elle n'est pas seulement analogue mais que ses expériences nous rappellent certaines situations connues sur MIR et sur la Station spatiale internationale. Les incidents rencontrés sont ceux que rencontreront les spationautes lorsqu'ils s'installeront sur Mars ou ailleurs. Les facteurs clés à la survie et à la qualité de vie sur une autre planète seront l'ingéniosité, la créativité et la coopération. Un peu de patience envers notre nouvel environnement est aussi important ! C'est vraiment aujourd'hui que nous prenions cette soudaine conscience que cette aventure pourrait fort bien se dérouler sur Mars. Plusieurs d'entre nous ont ressenti cette impression et l'ont rapporté au cours du dîner. L'exploration extra véhiculaire de 4 heures pour certains et les défis de l'installation interplanétaire pour les autres (… ou de la réparation de toilette!). La meilleure planification ne parvient pas toujours à contrer les imprévus : les objectifs scientifiques de l'équipage à l'extérieur ont été réajustés en cours de route suite à l'analyse du terrain et ceux de l'équipage à l'intérieur ont aussi été modifiés, l'une des recherches n'ayant pu être complétée comme prévue.

La partie la plus intéressante, sans aucun doute, est l'heure du dîner alors qu'on se retrouve pour partager nos diverses expériences de la journée, pour manger ensemble et parler aussi d'autres choses. On se sentait déjà chez soi après cette seconde journée fort bien remplie. J'ai même eu l'occasion ce soir après le dîner, le temps de procéder au ravitaillement du générateur avec Matt, d'observer quelques instants magiques le ciel clair et étoilé : la lumière qu'il laissait planer sur le sol faisait ressortir de façon assez stupéfiante la topographie martienne… d'où cette vive impression d'être en environnement analogue mais d'expérimenter la vie sur une autre planète.

Je vais aller rejoindre les autres pour la première activité de récréation, le visionnement du film Le cinquième élément...

Good night.

Commander's Report

Dr. Judith Lapierre Reporting

Today was a very productive day. Our morning meeting was captured on camera for Dr Clancy's research on human factors, led during this rotation by Joel. We revised our planned ETV EVA for Shannon, leading the expedition, Jennifer and myself. Shannon's goal was to collect soil samples at Candor chasm, 2.5 km east of the Hab. Jennifer and I were to test new communication protocols, both hand signal and morse called MarsE for Mars Emergency communication protocol. Joel was going to focus on Dr Clancy's research today including documenting EVA preparation. Andrew was going to further develop his plan for digital mappings of the waypoints. Matt was taking turn on being Habcom for the day.

EVA prep was much more efficient today with 2 crewmembers assisting EVA crew. Checklist proved useful. ATV EVA was cancelled and turned into a pedestrian EVA about 1 km west of the Hab. Two of the 3 ATVs would not start, batteries appeared dead. EVA crew revised their proposed plan and went ahead on a pedestrian EVA to fulfill part of their scientific goals and pursuing the communication protocol testing.

Remaining crewmembers worked on the ATVs. Keeping keys out of the ignition but into the EVA prep room was reinforced as a way of preventing this from occurring again. Pedestrian EVA lasted 45 minutes approx. (see report). New communication protocols with Hab in case of radio failure or partial success proved successful Crew recommends using them from now on when radio communication between crewmembers and with hab less than clear. Telemedicine test by HSO will be tried again tomorrow as agreed with flight surgeon. Pick up at Hanskville for the Biolet toilet - problem to be fixed tomorrow by Matt and cables bought for potential battery problems with the ATV. Hab laboratories were prepared for this rotation work and some organizational issues inside the Hab solved by Andrew and Shannon.

Water refill performed- 60 gallons. Small overflow inside the Hab from the container on third level quickly resolved. Innovation tried tonight: crew held a second meeting after quick EVA debriefing before mission support times. This meeting serves the goal of addressing all of crew's issues that can be forwarded to mission support early in the evening for efficiency, as status reports of activities and as initial next-day plan. Several issues were identified and forwarded. Starband network was done however for part of the evening and we have not received information from Mission support. Four decisions were made: to continue Biolet monitoring for another 24 hours when normal use will resume, to monitor and refuel the generator on specific times: midnight, eight and four, to fill out Habcom logs during EVA's and to modify the EVA template for optimal efficacy and thoroughness. Two safety procedures developed (generator and ATV- see report). EVA plans for 48 hours: Thursday: Andrew, Matt and Judith to identified area by crew 1 (dinosaurs fossils) to identify further waypoints and test new communication protocols at long distance (on ATV's). A night "Phobo" walk is planned tomorrow night with 5 crewmembers and one Habcom to test use of spacesuits in limited light, pedestrian activity, dexterity and radio communication.

Friday morning: Shannon, Joel and Jennifer will pursue Shannon's biology work. Andrew and Joel proposed to the crew new roles and functions for each. Crew supported their proposals and Andrew will increase his involvement into the development of a public affairs officer and Joel taking on increased responsibility with the human factor research and journalistic role (to be expanded and developed over the second week). Awaiting mission support's approval. These changes are justified and will maximize our crew's expertise and efforts. Looking forward to another full day on Mars analogue.

Geology Report

Andrew Hoppin & Joel McKinnon Reporting

In our first full EVA, the geology team traveled West from the Hab to Skyline Rim to along the route previously traveled by crew 2. We wished to visit the cliffs near waypoint 60, 3.2km Northwest of the Hab, to investigate the seepage reported by crew 2 at that location, and then to explore the cliffs to the South beyond the range of previous EVAs to the Southwest. We were seeking candidate locations for a proposed study of canyon formation by sapping, a process known to occur in other areas of southwestern Utah (Laity & Malin, 1985). This is also considered a strong possibility for what has caused the formation of valley networks on Mars, particulary in the southern highlands.

For this reconnaissance we were hoping to identify a contact between a permeable aquifer and an impermeable aquiclude underlying it that could satisfy one of the chief requirements for the development of these formations. There is also a particular structural requirement; the groundwater circulating through the aquifer must descend toward the heads of drainage basins so the bedding must be dipping slightly in the appropriate direction. Our findings were that there was indeed moisture seeping out from beneath permeable sandstone formations along Skyline Rim, but the bedding planes seemed to be roughly horizontal, resulting in a accumulation of moist shaly talus at the bases of the cliffs rather than forming canyon heads.

There was an interesting formation of a 3-4 inch thick layer above reach that seemed to fracture at 90 degree angles and was highly resistant. A sample was collected for study.

We continued further South below the cliffs of Skyline Rim, seeing significant evidence of additional seepage from the bottom of the resistant layer high up on the cliffs, but not in any location accessible by foot or ATV.

The terrain changed markedly as the cliff face swung away to the West and dropped lower, with the resistant layer disappearing and valleys becoming more frequent and more deeply cut. We hiked to the top of one peak (waypoint 92, our highest elevation of the day) through thick ashy layers of the Mancos Shale formation, took panoramic photos of the terrain across the valley to the Southwest, and collected rock samples on a ridgeline near the top. The sample appears to be gypsum in a form that tends toward radiating nodules that break into conical fibrous clumps.

From this peak, we saw a small canyon below to the southwest that was markedly different from any other valleys we have seen to date. Instead of a traditional v-shaped canyon, this canyon was U-shaped, with a long flat base and wide flat bottom in between two low straight side walls We were overdue to return to the Hab however and could not investigate the canyon further on this EVA. We're dubbing this canyon "half-pipe," and hope to return soon.

Engineering Report

Jennifer Knowles & Matt Lowry Reporting

Water Systems: Nothing to report.

Power and Fuel: Fuel pump has been fixed. Will test tonight.

EVA Equipment (including ATVs): Lamont arrived today to fill the ATV tires. Also informed us of the tan ATVs oil-guzzeling's habit. He advised us to check the oil level on that ATV before each use. Bald tire on that ATV will not be replaced, nor will the broken brake handle (left handle) be fixed. Also showed us how to put the ATVs in reverse. EVA Suit 2 back zipper has been repaired.

Safety: HSO went through the all checklists. Detailed list of items missing will be sent at end of week. Non-sparking wrench (for use with opening the gas drums) has been found and placed on drums.

Computers and Communications: EVA Habcom communications needs to be reworked. Too much static is received over the line. This is going to be studied more in the very near future. Internet connection is lost often for long periods of time. We are unable to get the Net2Phone to work properly as well.

General Maintenance & Waste Management: Lamont removed some of the trash outside. The Biolet took up most of 3 of the crew member's time today. It was discovered this morning to be overflowing. Upon recommendation from Mission Support, the humus tray was removed and emptied according to HazMat standards. The contents have been buried approximately 0.25 km away towards the NE and the site marked with a stick. Biolet was reassembled and the entire Biolet room has been deconned several times. Parts have been ordered to upgrade the ventilation pipe to industry standards. These should arrive tomorrow.

GreenHab: Plants inside the Hab have been watered.

EVA Report

NBC Denver watches the Crew catalog biological samples and geographical points from the Hab to Lithe Canyon in intense heat on balky ATVs.

  • EVA Cmdr: Andrew Hopkin
  • EVA MDRS1: Joel McKinnon

EVA Scenerio Overview

Today's EVA 46 was targeted towards a location a few kilometers West of the Hab. The objective was to identify potential locations for a proposed study of canyon formation by seeping processes. The first target was to investigate the cliff seepage reported by crew 2 on the cliff face of Skyline Rim near waypoint 60, followed by a search for other candidate study locations in previously unexplored terrain to the South along the cliff face.

DATE: 03-26-02

EVA Call Sign: EVA-46

EVA Scenerio Looking for Canyon seepage along Skyline Rim
EVA HAB COMM (s) Jennifer
CDR MDRS1 MDRS2 MDRS3
EVA CREW (Name/#) Andrew/2 Joel/5
EVA START TIME (PET): 12:50 EVA STOP TIME: Scheduled/Actual 26:00/27:10

EVA Highlights (EVA CDR)

This was our first EVA of significant length from the Hab, and our first experience with the ATV's in varied and occasionally rough terrain. A good deal of time was spend familiarizing ourselves with the GPS units and getting used to the terrain that ATVs can handle. However, we were able to follow well-formed wheel tracks most of the way to the rim and made good time there and back. The biggest challenges were finding passable routes for the ATV to terrain as high as possible along the cliff face of Skyline Rim, and then hiking high up very steep grades of loose material to reach outcrops of interest along the cliff. Operations were hampered by a balky microphone in Suit 5, so that Joel could hear but not be heard. Also, communications with HabCom were virtually impossible from Southern portions of the cliff face 4-5 kilometers from the Hab.

PRE EVA OPERATIONS

Nominal suit donning and preparation.

AIRLOCK INGRESS/DEPRESS

Nominal ingress and depress. Radio check on handsets worked nominally.

HAB EVA MONITORING

NOMINAL EVA COMM/SAFETY CHECK

(Hourly Operation)

Comm ck

1

Comm ck

2

Comm ck

3

Comm ck

4

Comm ck

5

Comm ck

6

TIME 13:35 13:50 14:30 15:00 16:30
EVA #

(If Simultaneous EVAs)

ATV Odometer

OUT/IN

REPORTED MAP LOCATION unintelligible unintelligible unintelligible unintelligible unintelligible
REPORTED STATUS OK OK OK OK OK
Auxiliary Information Near Waypoint 60 5 km from Hab

POST EVA INGRESS AND CLEANUP

Suit vacuuming. Hab crew were out of Sim due to Biolet failure and cleanup effort, and airlock was out of service as a result.

EVA CREW: COMMENTS/OBSERVATIONS/LESSONS-LEARNED

EVA CDR: Hiking ability up steep loose material was significantly more limited for EVA CDR who was wearing standard suit boots than for EVA MDRS1 who had medical clearance to wear personal hiking boots. We both became significantly more comfortable and facile with navigating rough and steep terrain on ATVs. Suits were very comfortable in 21 degree temperatures while on ATVs, and somewhat hot while climbing steep slopes.

EVA MDRS1: It was a blast to get out on a long EVA for the first time and get my first taste of the thrill of riding ATVs out across this amazing terrain. I learned quite a few lessons, including the fact that the radio microphones should not be trusted to remain operational. Also, it's important to tie the rock hammer to its belt holder. Mine wasn't and it's now out there somewhere. I got an ATV stuck once because I was a little too conservative going through a deep dip.

The end point of our EVA afforded me an opportunity to create a 360 degree panorama of some amazing terrain. The clays of the Mancos Shale formation which formed most of these canyons had an abundance of "daisy gypsum" nodules which we collected samples of for later study.

March 27, 2002

Biology Report

Shannon Rupert Reporting

Biology objectives for rotation four got underway today with collection of samples for a working test of the "McDaniel's Hypothesis". Co-investigators of this project are Shannon Rupert (on-site) and Jonathan Butler (Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego, CA). The "McDaniel's Hypothesis" suggests that the ability to detect high concentrations of microbial life on the face of an escarpment might be a means of detecting high concentrations of subsurface water (see MDRS EVA VII and Biology Science Report, 16FEB2002). Finding a way to quantify richness and distribution of microbes on escarpments on Earth may have practical applications on Mars, should we find surface-dwelling microscopic life there. The project has two objectives: develop a simple protocol for quantification of biological richness and water content in soil samples of interest and determine if a correlation exists between biological richness and water content of soil samples if surface microorganisms are distinguishable when the sample is taken. (Life leading you to water.) Soil samples are being taken from as many microhabitats as can be located along several separate escarpments with the potential for harboring microbial life. Location, temperature, sun and wind exposure, and evidence of runoff are being recorded. Richness of microbial life is being determined through a) microscopic analysis and b) CO2 released from sample.

We use CO2 output as a measure of biological richness in the arctic regions for Global Carbon Models. These data will be analyzed for trends across samples and across escarpments. The idea of combining biological and geological analysis in an attempt to locate water, whether on Mars or Earth, is an intriguing one. These simple experiments are designed to test that concept, but also to test a scientist's ability to collect field data in a simulation exercise. Additionally, while we acknowledge that the "McDaniel's Hypothesis" stems from a discussion held during Rotation #1 and is not a formal hypothesis at all, investigating it is in keeping with the spirit and goals of the Mars Analog Research Station Project.

Eleven samples were collected during a pedestrian EVA (EVA 47) executed near the Hab. Our original goal was to scout for escarpments in the Candor Chasm area, however problems with the ATVs meant we had to choose an alternative location near the Hab. We followed the ridge to west of the Hab south until we found an area when samples could be taken from escarpment areas that contained water during heavy rains as well as areas from which water would quickly drain. We used a soil corer at a 10 cm to collect samples. My original plan was to collect samples from a depth of 30 cm but that proved difficult in the hard and rocky soils because the corer did not have an adequate tip. Samples were then massed at the lab and a small massed vial of soda lime (approx. 8 g) was placed into the sample container. Four mL of distilled water were added to each sample and the sample was then mixed with a toothpick. The water was added because all but one of the samples contained no apparent water. Soda lime does incorporate water as well as CO2 into its structure, but since the same amount of water was added to each sample, it will not affect my results. The sealed containers were then placed in the incubator for 25 degrees C and after 8 days the soda lime will be remassed and the samples checked under the microscope for evidence of microbial life.

Collecting samples in full sim was quite an experience. Handling the corer wasn't a problem (except for the heat), but handling the small sample containers was a challenge in the bulky gloves. I had labeled the containers before the EVA but needed to relabel them in the field as I collected more of one type of sample than the other. I must have spent a full minute just trying to get the Sharpie out of my large suit pocket! Things went much smoother in the lab and I had a terrific view of the Mars flag floating on the breeze outside the small round window over the lab bench.

Tiffany Vora, biologist from Crew 3, had left 14 samples in the incubator along with a note to check them for microbial activity in a few days. When I removed them this afternoon, I found that although 13 of the samples contained no growth, the turbidity of a sample labeled "Green gypsum and NaCl" suggests that microbial life is thriving there. I will contact her to determine the location and history of the sample.

My next collecting EVA will be on Friday. Tomorrow I plan to complete an inventory of the lab supplies and equipment and work on integrating the lab protocols created by Crew One into the Hab Operations Manual created by Crew 2.

Engineering Report

Jennifer Knowles and Matt Lowry

Water Systems: Water tank was refilled at 2:19pm. This lasted until 2:57pm. Unfortunately at that time it was discovered that the water level was at its max and water from the hose was backsplashing onto the loft floor. There was some drippage into Room 4. Water spill was quickly cleaned up and the pumping stopped. The end of the hose that attaches to the water pump continues to leak. That end appears to be missing an O-ring; we believe that this is the cause of the leak. We plan to remedy this situation tomorrow.

Power and Fuel: AmericaGas came by this morning to fill the propane tank. During the first generator filling of the day, some gas was spilled on the muffler, causing the gas to smoke. The crewmembers kept a safe distance from the generator until the smoking ceased. This event has motivated us to come up with a safer procedure for filling the generator. This system is listed under the Safety section of the Engineering Report.

In addition, it appears that our fix for the leaking fuel pump has worked. We used the pump this afternoon to fill some of the gas jugs, and we noticed no sign of leakage.

EVA Equipment (including ATVs): 2 ATV's were found to have dead batteries at the start of this afternoon's EVA. ATV EVA had to be aborted. Lamont was contacted and arrived shortly thereafter. Jump cables were purchased this afternoon as a precaution against future mishaps. Also, ATV keys have been removed from the ignition and relocated to the EVA room. Each key is labeled. These keys are to be brought in after each use on EVAs. Lamont also showed us how to start manually start a dead-battery ATV by either pulling on a hand cord or by kick-starting it. Only as a last resort are we to use the jumper cables to start an ATV with a dead battery using another ATV battery.

Also, we have developed a technique for documenting EVAs in a much more efficient manner. We've found that if the HabCom maintains a record of all EVA activities (from suiting up to checking in, etc.) during the EVA, then we can more accurately document the EVA at the end of the day. A small EVA Log Book will now be placed next to the HabCom radio to facilitate this documentation.

Safety: We have devised a safety protocol for filling the generator. The procedure is as follows and a copy of it will be located on the inside of the outer door in the secondary airlock:

  1. Both crewmembers must put on gloves (labeled specifically for this task) and safety goggles before leaving the Hab.
  2. Turn off the generator and wait 5 minutes (to allow to cool before pouring in gas). During this time, gas canisters can be refilled from the barrels if need be.
  3. One crewmember opens the red gas canister accordingly, being sure that the cap is screwed on properly and that the funnel is fully extended (to prevent gas leakage while pouring).
  4. Second crew member checks that the funnel was properly screwed on and extended.
  5. When ready to fill the tank one crew member holds the canister while the other directs the funnel into the generator tank.
  6. If there is any spillage of the gas onto the generator during the pouring, wait 5 minutes before restarting the generator.

Computers and Communications: Computers normal. A new system of EVA Communication was developed during this morning's crew meeting, and tested during the day's EVA. A system of hand communications for EVA members was devised in the event that some radio communication between them was lost. It is described as the following:

Arm raised pointing to sky = Yes

Arm lowered pointing to ground = No

Arms raised above head in shape of O = I'm okay

Arms crossed = Stop

Arms beckoning towards self = Come here

In addition, a system of hand communications was also developed for EVA crewmembers riding ATVs. These signals basically mirror the old-fashioned bicycle hand signals; note that all ATV signals must use the left hand, as the right is busy controlling the ATV acceleration.

Pointing straight out to the side = turn left

Raised with thumb pointing to the right = turn right

Pointing towards the ground = slow down / stop

A system for communication between Habcom and EVA team was also developed in the event too much static is heard over the communication line and voice transmission is lost. The system is one of radio "clicks". We have dubbed it "MarsE Code" (Mars Emergency Code). It is as follows:

1 click = Yes

2 clicks = No

3 clicks from EVA team = We are okay

3 clicks from Hab = Are you okay?

5 clicks from EVA team = We are returning to the Hab

5 clicks from Habcom = Return to Hab

10 clicks = There is a problem

General Maintenance & Waste Management: Trash was removed during the day's EVA. In addition, the Biolet seems to be functioning normally: the heater and fan are both running, and there is no spillage on the floor of the bathroom or leaking under the Hab. This evening the temperature in the Biolet room was found to be 71 degrees F (20.5 degrees C), which is slightly warmer than the rest of the first level of the Hab.

Our experience with the Biolet over the last couple of days has caused us to consider the development of contingency plans in a real Mars Hab when there is a danger of either hazardous chemical leakage or biohazard contamination. Given our intimate experience with the Biolet, we feel these are important questions that must be considered.

GreenHab: Nothing to report.

EVA Report

NBC Denver watches the Crew catalog biological samples and geographical points from the Hab to Lithe Canyon in intense heat on balky ATVs.

  • EVA Cmdr: Shannon Rupert
  • EVA MDRS1: Judith Lapiere
  • EVA MDRS2: Jennifer Knowles

EVA SCENERIO OVERVIEW

Judith, Jennifer and I were planning an EVA to Candor Chasm to collect soil samples. We entered the airlock at 12:10 pm full of anticipation for our first ATV EVA. We soon discovered that the ATVs had not been properly secured at the end of the last EVA and as a result, only one ATV was operational. At 12:55 pm we began a pedestrian EVA to the south of the hab. At 0.3 kilometers, we entered a broad indent in the ridge running east of the hab and collected eleven samples. Elevation was 1370 meters and UTM coordinates using NAD 83 were 12 S 0517900 UTM 0425600 as measured by hand from 1:24000 topographic map. Tomorrow's EVA will GPS this location. After sampling, we returned to the Hab but along the way tested a system of hand signals we developed in order to communication when radio contact is poor. We have also developed a series of radio button clicks we call MARSE code to communicate in an emergency over the radios after we noted that even when we couldn't hear each other due to static, the clicking of the PTT button always came through loud and clear. Our test of the communications system was successful. We reentered the airlock at 1:53 pm. It was over 80 degrees out and we were very hot.

DATE: 03-28-02

EVA Highlights (EVA CDR)

This was our first EVA traveling North of the Hab. We were surprised at how quickly vegetation appeared as we traveled to the Northeast along "Lowell Highway," which underscored for us how unique the location of the Hab is in providing a strong visual analog of Mars. Lithe Canyon, the terminus of our exploration, was as beautiful and geologically varied as advertised, and yielded ideal sample locations for Shannon. We especially enjoyed viewing old waterfalls and extensive dinosaur bones down canyon.

Andrew's suit was fitted with a television camera on top of his helmet, and an audio transmitter for the television crew. The biggest challenges were intense heat while hiking in Lithe Canyon, and a mechanical issues with one ATV which stalled repeatedly on the way back to the Hab. Also, we tested microphones on the "voice activated" setting but found that Matt microphone was active most of the time while on the ATVs due to background noise, which impeded our ability to communicate with one another. Once again the communications with the Hab were not possible beyond several kilometers from the Hab. Finally, we had a somewhat successful field test of "Marse Code," in which a series of "clicks" of the transmit button on the radios can convey messages such as "We're ok," "Returning to Hab," etc. when static on the radios makes voice communication unintelligible.

PRE EVA OPERATIONS

Nominal suit donning and preparation. 10 minute delay for installation of television microphone and camera on Andrew's suit.

AIRLOCK INGRESS/DEPRESS

Nominal ingress and depress. Radio check on handsets worked nominally.

HAB EVA MONITORING

POST EVA INGRESS AND CLEANUP

Normal ingress, but suit vacuuming was deferred in order to get crew out of suits as rapidly as possible due to significant heat exhaustion.

EVA CREW: COMMENTS/OBSERVATIONS/LESSONS-LEARNED

EVA CDR: If not for the GPS and previous EVA reports, we would never have thought that beautiful Lithe Canyon was close by at the road turnoff. The rapid change in the terrain heading into this canyon was dramatic, and the canyon was a feast of history, from ancient waterfalls to dinosaur bone fields. Thrilling!

I was also pleased to find that the television equipment I was fitted with (camera and audio) was imperceptible to me and didn't interfere with the EVA in the least, and that the television crew was respectful of the research underway and did not try to interfere with the mission in the least.

EVA MDRS1: I was collecting soils samples for Shannon's research along the way to the Lithe Canyon. We stopped on the way to the canyon (3 samples of wet and dry sun exposed) and inside the canyon (2 wet samples). This was my second experience (the last being while on a pedestrian EVA near the Hab) with biological sampling, and second sampling in space suit but my first being responsible for that. Matt assisted me most of the times. It was really interesting to experience being a field biologist on Mars. At the canyon, I needed to sit down and wait for my crewmembers going further down into the canyon- the sun was really getting to me and the climbing was difficult at times with the weight of the suits and backpack. I joined them however to the fossils site and that felt incredible. Witnessing that on a field expedition is something, I will never forget. We felt on Mars!

EVA MDRS2: To me, this EVA proves the necessity of having humans on Mars performing exploration rather than robots. For instance, I seriously doubt that robots would have been able to hike through the rough Lithe Canyon terrain and find the 'dinosaur formation' we had discovered. There was also a problem with one of the ATVs on the way back, and it kept stalling (a total of ~12 times); we were able to get the thing started and restarted, whether it was by pushing or kick-starting. I believe the humans have got the robots whipped when it comes to such things, because what robot would have been capable of 'fixing' such a situation under those constraints?

I also noted that my sunglasses began to fog up in the middle of the EVA, even though my faceplate was clear. I would suggest in the future that EVA teams should use the soap solution to clean not only their faceplates but their sunglasses as well. Also, Andrew and I had a lot of problems with sweat dripping into our eyes, which made seeing clearly even more difficult. We suggest that teams going out on EVA should consider wearing sweatbands to prevent this.

In addition, this EVA also outlined to me the inherit danger of these activities. A combination of the harsh sunlight, rugged landscape, and faulty equipment (i.e., an ATV that kept stalling) made for exhausting conditions that left our team quite drained by the time we returned to the Hab. Clearly, these activities are not something to be taken lightly. But despite the dangers of this EVA, I felt an exhilaration I've seldom felt, and I'll cherish the memories of this day for the rest of my life.

March 28, 2002

MDRS Log Book

MDRS Log, Commander Judith Lapierre

A day in the canyon and a night under the moon

Have you ever seen dinosaurs' fossils in the field? Have you ever experienced the feeling of exploring another planet, another world? Maybe you have since our world has still numerous isolated areas. Climbing, scuba diving and taking part on trek all do share some common features of exploration.

However, it is the integration of the conditions here on Mars Analogue that makes it a specific planet exploration experience! Riding those ATV's in the field and reaching our targeted was amazing. Although we used the main ATV track, named Lowell highway by earlier crewmembers, it really felt as if we were the only ones there (with the media crew following in the back!!) . The surroundings kept changing from really dry areas with sand, to seeing cactus and small bright colored desert flowers to exclusively rocks in the canyon. The view of the horizon was truly breathtaking and we would have to remind ourselves to keep watching the bumpy road ahead and not the surroundings…The high point of our day was definitely the discovery of those bones fossils right in the canyon.. There is no words to describe our feeling and experience as history was unfolding itself just in front of our eyes (but see our photos!).

Our EVA commander Andrew lead a very successful "filmed on camera" EVA and managed to keep our crew's spirit even when our return to the Hab was not so easy : sun rays were very strong, some problems with one ATV (one had to be re started almost 12 times and pushed by crew), we felt fatigue because of the climbing, and very hungry. What an adventure! A lot of excitement in the Hab about our exploration when we returned and then, a well deserved resting period. Shannon had cooked for us an excellent Vegetarian Chili, very spicy but truly appreciated by all. Who said eating on Mars analogue would be boring? Our crew has certainly benefited from excellent cooking abilities and this is fully credited to the crewmembers and not the commander!

We then had our second highlight of the day, a pedestrian EVA led by Jennifer: it became MDRS first full sim night EVA. See Jennifer's report about that incredible experience. This was another one of those days where crew collaboration proved truly essential. Nothing or almost nothing could be accomplished in solo, assistance and shared responsibilities are a must. Furthermore, we understood clearly that no robotic exploration could ever compare to what can be achieved by human exploration: decisions, versatility of movement in hazardous terrain, and intuition/minds for investigation are clear advantages of human exploration over robots.

Une journée au canyon et une soirée sous les étoiles

Judith Lapierre, le 28 mars 2002 - Station scientifique MARS du désert Avez-vous déjà identifié des fossiles sur le terrain? Avez-vous déjà eu le sentiment d'explorer une nouvelle planète, un autre monde? Certes, des expéditions en montagne, dans les profondeurs de l'océan nous rappellent ces sentiments mais ce qui caractérise l'exploration planétaire ici c'est l'intégration de toutes les conditions de simulation.

Nous avons rejoint notre destination prévue après environ 1:30h de conduite en VTT sur le chemin appelé communément ici, l'autoroute Lowell. Ce qui m'étonna le plus, c'était d'observer les changements dans l'environnement. De notre point de départ, des dunes de sables très sèches, puis des cactus et des fleurs du désert aux couleurs vives pour arriver enfin au canyon, où des vues spectaculaires offraient à nous. La tentation était si forte de regarder tout autour vers l'horizon, monts enneigés, strates variés, élévations…mais le casque limitant notre champs de vision et la route assez sinueuse nous rappelaient à l'ordre assez rapidement! Le point culminant de notre expédition fut certainement la découverte de signes de vie sur la planète que nous explorions : des fossiles de dinosaures se trouvaient là, dans le canyon, exposés à l'œil de l'observateur.

Aucune expression ne peut rendre justice à l'expérience et aux sentiments d'être témoin de cette fameuse page de notre histoire sur Terre (mais je vous invite à regarder nos photos!). Notre commandant d'expédition Andrew a mené sa mission avec succès et beaucoup d'attention des médias. Il est même parvenu à garder notre motivation lorsque au retour, nous avions chaud, nous ressentions beaucoup de fatigue suite à la marche en montagne, nous avions faim et en plus, l'un des VTT ne voulait pas démarrer et s'arrêtait fréquemment. Douze fois, nous avons du le pousser pour l'aider à redémarrer Toute une aventure, digne d'explorateurs à la recherche. Une période de repos suivit afin de reprendre nos énergies pour la préparation de la seconde exploration du jour. Juste avant, Shannon a préparé le dîner : un excellent chili végétarien très épicé et fort apprécié. Qui a dit que les repas sur Mars serait ennuyant? Puis, vint l'exploration pédestre sous la lune et sous le ciel de Mars…commandée par Jennifer : la première exploration de nuit en mode de simulation complet!

Une expérience à lire - voir le rapport de Jennifer. En somme, une autre journée fort bien remplie. Deux éléments majeurs à retenir : le travail d'équipe est essentiel- presque aucune des activités d'exploration ne peut être accomplie sans assistance et partage des responsabilités et enfin, aucune mission robotique se compare à l'exploration humaine : la prise de décision, la versatilité des déplacements en terrains accidentés et l'esprit critique/l'intuition sont des avantages clairs de l'exploration humaine.

Commander's Report

Dr. Judith Lapierre Reporting

Generator was out this am- breaker problem quickly solved. Shower for one crewmember had to be postponed until tomorrow. Telemedicine Net2phone test was successful. NBC media arrived to the Hab at 9:00 am and joined our morning meeting. Five scientific goals were set and achieved for today:

  1. Morning EVA that lasted 4.5 hours into Lithe canyon (waypoint: 13) led by Andrew with a team of two: myself and Matt (Shannon became commander inside Hab during my EVA)
  2. Bill Clancey's human factor's research led by Joel
  3. My own research on psychosocial issues
  4. Shannon's biological soil samples and lab protocol work
  5. Night Time full sim EVA.

Other activities planned were biolet pipes repair and installation but that has been postponed to tomorrow for lack of time this pm and post EVA exhaustion. Jennifer was Habcom during the morning EVA and myself, night EVA. During the morning ATV EVA, Andrew had a camera set by NBC on his helmet and shots were taken of all exercises in the field: waypoint identification, soil sampling (wet and dry in sun exposed areas) and search for signs of life... A pedestrian EVA of 1 hour was performed in that area: hiking was found to be difficult at times because of heat and need to climb. Hiking in canyon areas needs extra attention. Fossils were discovered: (see EVA report) and that was the most incredible experience. Fox was seen far away by leading EVA commander.

Heat became a real problem, water was necessary and appreciated. One crewmember stopped the pedestrian EVA, sat down and waited into the canyon to prevent further fatigue/heat problem but could follow with the eyes the other 2 crewmembers going further down into the canyon. On the way back, some problems with automatic ATV that had to be manually restarted 12 times. The whole EVA crew returned safely at Hab with in mind, the most extraordinary experience of Mars analogue. The other half of the crew performed usual Hab maintenance and personal planned science work.

Following this EVA a short post EVA meeting led to a period of rest/relaxation activities, the EVA team feeling extremely tired. Work activities resumed at 18h00. Night EVA planned: crew instructed to stay in the surrounding of the Hab for less than an hour and to follow the same rules as usual day pedestrian EVA. Shannon's EVA was cancelled; she reported not feeling well and I recommended that she stays in and report her night EVA to the next one during our rotation. Crew's EVA preparation took less than 50 minutes. This morning, we have implemented a new EVA preparation protocol in accordance with the initial checklist. Radio, helmet, backpack, gloves, nametags are all checked and installed on a large table beside the EVA room for each crewmember to be going on an EVA. This was found to increase drastically suiting efficiency and structured preparation. Night EVA preparation was found to require more practice. EVA crew had to repeat three times their 5 min airlock decompression: came back inside Hab to get another radio that was found to be malfunctioning in the airlock although it had been tested during preparation and a flashlight had been left inside the Hab. See report for details about our full sim EVA commanded by Jennifer.

Preliminary plan for tomorrow: Installing the pipes of the Biolet. In-sim repair was discussed but found too risky as one must climb 10 feet on a ladder. Will be fixed in am tomorrow before morning EVA lead by Shannon and including Joel and Jennifer. Soil samples into the Candor chasm and further geology observation by Joel. Other hab maintenance will be closing the hole in the biolet toilet. Each crewmember to perform their own science in the pm. Fridays evening plan is: special "aurevoir"celebration to Matt (as he is leaving our crew unfortunately on Saturday to be replaced by Alex whom we are looking forward to meet!) and for Shannon (we had promised her a post stag wedding party last month as she is spending her honeymoon with us instead of her husband of one week!).

Biology Report

Shannon Rupert

Six samples were collected by Judith on EVA 49: single dry samples at Waypoints (WP) 162 and 163, a wet sample at WP 166, two wet samples at WP 167 and a wet sample at an unknown waypoint. These were processed in the same manner as previous samples. Due to a media crew shadowing the EVA, getting the waypoint for EVA 47 was postponed until tomorrow.

Since I spent all day inside the Hab, I reorganized the lab, mainly by relocating all chemicals to a single cabinet, except those kept in the refrigerator and freezer. I also created a new inventory of supplies, equipment and chemicals on an Excel spreadsheet to be used and updated by each crew. It will be posted on the MS website and can be accessed by crew scientists prior to their rotation to better assess what they need to bring to accomplish their scientific goals here at MDRS. Since it was a paperwork kind of day, I also began updating the lab protocols in the Hab Operations Manual.

Until yesterday, when I brought my first samples into the lab and started working there, the lower deck of the Hab was like an empty shell. No one in the crew stayed down there any longer than it took to walk from the stairs to the EVA room or bathroom. Now it has become part of our living space.

Engineering Report

Jennifer Knowles and Matt Lowry

Water Systems: Nothing to report.

Power and Fuel: Lost power this morning at 8:10. Turned off heater and other systems. Power did not return. Checked breakers in Hab, they were not the problem. Two crewmembers went out of sim to check on the generator. Determined that the problem was a tripped breaker (we surmise that this was due to the water heater). Power was restored within 20 minutes.

The generator was refilled this morning at about 8:25am, and once again at 4pm in the afternoon. We have decided to try fixing ourselves to a 'refill schedule' of midnight, 8am, and 4pm.

EVA Equipment (including ATVs): Two EVAs were held today: a daytime ATV EVA and a nighttime pedestrian EVA. The daytime EVA encountered difficulties communicating with the Hab. The Fourtrax-300 ATV also provided lots of trouble for that EVA crew on the way back to the Hab. It stalled numerous (roughly 12) times and would not start without a push start or kick-start; this caused the EVA crew to spend a lot of time and energy simply getting back to the Hab. We plan to explore the reasons for the Fourtrax's mechanical failure tomorrow. The second EVA was a nighttime EVA and went normally - except that it was at night and really cool!

Safety: Crewmembers on the daytime EVA were overwhelmed with the heat, and they also made the mistake of not eating heartily before going on such a long EVA. During the EVA debrief the HSO and an EVA member made suggestions on ways to avoid overheating. The commander has sent an email to Mission Support with the ideas described in detail.

Computers and Communications: Starband is often down. We are still having difficulty communicating between the Hab and the EVA groups using the radios. We believe that the repeater has "succumbed to the elements, theft, or a vandalistic shotgun blast" as it will not respond even to a test. An email has been sent to Mission Support about this problem.

General Maintenance & Waste Management: Trash was removed from the Hab during the EVA. We have received word from a Biolet technician on its proper use and plan to follow his advice. Tomorrow we intend to install the new tubing for the Biolet.

During the nighttime EVA, the team pumped the leach-field pump, and they also cleaned out the leach-field exit line.

GreenHab: Plants in the Hab have been watered.

Maximum Outside Temperature: 85 degrees F

Minimum Outside Temperature: unknown - 37 degrees F according to www.weather.com

Human Factors Report

Bill Clancey is involved in an extensive study of research station simulation practices for the purpose of creating a detailed simulation model of "a day at the hab." At such a station. Most such research to date has been performed at the Flashline Mars Arctic Research Station (FMARS) station on Devon Island as part of the Haughton Mars Project, but Bill hopes to acquire additional data from studies of crew activities at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) in the spring 2002 season of operations. He will be acquiring fine grained detail on his rotation (Crew 5- April 7-21) and hopes that I might provide additional data to supplement his observations under the conditions of a different commander and crew to study.

Bill has instructed me to observe crew behavior and activities in several ways. He is interested in observing how the crew interacts while performing various research station duties and in understanding the crews priorities for how facilities are used, how space is occupied at various phases of the day, how crewmembers use their time, where they store personal belongings, how communal equipment is used and maintained, and how the crew keeps clean and how they entertain themselves.

To accomplish these observations I am utilizing several techniques the use of which Bill has pioneered in his earlier studies at FMARS. Various common activities such as generator and water refills, EVA preparation, and morning and evening briefings will be studied through the use of video and time-lapse photography. "Snaplists" will occasionally be used to track the whereabouts and activities of the crew over the course of an entire day. These require the recording of what everyone is doing throughout the hab at 15 minute intervals from daybreak until evening. I am insuring that crewmembers keep accurate logs of various activities throughout the day such as generator and water system maintenance and EVA communications and activities. Finally, I will be conducting interviews and compiling detailed observations of the crew's priorities in how they make use of time and resources in a typical day in the hab.

So far, I have made use of video to observe in detail a morning briefing followed by the EVA preparation activities, and then recorded the evening briefing that followed the day's EVA. These observations were made yesterday (3/27/02), the third full day of the simulation for Crew 4. I will be repeating this sequence of observations near the end of the current crew's rotation to see how the methods and procedures have changed with time.

Today (3/28/02) I began the use of "snaplists" at 7:30 am and will continue it until midnight tonight. For this purpose I found it useful to create an Applescript to speak the phrase "record snaplist" every fifteen minutes. At each interval I log the activity and location of each crew member, including myself. An example of two such intervals is shown below:

1:15pm

Judith: on EVA

Jennifer: doing log (habcom station)

Andrew: on EVA

Matt: on EVA

Shannon: decorating stateroom

Joel: applescripting (main workstation table)

1:30pm

Judith: on EVA

Jennifer: habcom checking with crew (habcom station)

Andrew: on EVA

Matt: on EVA

Shannon: bio lab inventory (stateroom)

Joel: logging (main workstation table)

In addition, I employed manual time-lapse photography to record pre and post-EVA procedures at one minute intervals. My digital camera doesn't have the capability to do this automatically, so I again employed Applescript to give me a spoken prompt at one minute intervals. In my first attempt in the pre-EVA procedures I used a watch with a sweep second hand and found it extremely difficult to regularly note the time to take the picture. The automatically generated spoken prompt worked much better. Another advantage of manual shots is that the camera can be moved as needed to avoid obstacles (like the back of someone's head for instance). I hope to employ this procedure for a variety of operations as the mission proceeds such as for refilling the generator and the water system.

Thus far I have not formalized surveys and detailed observations of crew priorities regarding utilization of time, space, and food resources but have made many informal observations which will be duly noted.

In conclusion, I've just noted the value of the snaplists before even completing one day's observations. Already it becomes clear how crew members have established regular zones of occupation throughout the hab. I am almost always at the main workstation table, Judith usually at the habcom station, Andrew commonly at the main workstation table, Jennifer often at habcom or at main table, Matt can be just about anywhere at any time. Various factors seem to play into this; Jennifer has no computer so uses the habcom station when she can, Matt is a jack of all trades without a specific research role and hence his free floating behavior, Judith as commander is obviously based most commonly at habcom.

EVA 48 Report

NBC Denver watches the Crew catalog biological samples and geographical points from the Hab to Lithe Canyon in intense heat on balky ATVs.

  • EVA Cmdr: Andrew Hoppin
  • EVA MDRS1: Judith Lapiere
  • EVA MDRS2: Matt Lowry

EVA SCENERIO OVERVIEW

Today's EVA 48 was targeted towards a location a 5.2 kilometers due North of the Hab. The objective was to collect waypoints and biological samples along the route to Lithe Canyon along a route that has been traveled frequently by previous teams but never had waypoints or samples recorded. Shannon requested that the team collect soil core samples from several rivulet and escarpment locations along the route. The waypoint collection was also in support of the Geology Team's Geographic Information Systems project; specifically, the new waypoint data along this important route will help to assess the accuracy of the digital elevation model and also help to accurately register digitized aerial photography for the region. We were accompanied on this EVA by a television crew from NBC in Denver.

DATE: 03-28-02

EVA Scenerio Biological Sample and Waypoint

(for GIS) Collection

EVA HAB COMM (s) Jennifer
CDR MDRS1 MDRS2 MDRS3
EVA CREW (Name/#) Andrew/2 Judith/5 Matt/6
EVA START TIME (PET): 11:00 EVA STOP TIME: Scheduled/Actual 14:00/15:30

EVA Highlights (EVA CDR)

This was our first EVA traveling North of the Hab. We were surprised at how quickly vegetation appeared as we traveled to the Northeast along "Lowell Highway," which underscored for us how unique the location of the Hab is in providing a strong visual analog of Mars. Lithe Canyon, the terminus of our exploration, was as beautiful and geologically varied as advertised, and yielded ideal sample locations for Shannon. We especially enjoyed viewing old waterfalls and extensive dinosaur bones down canyon.

Andrew's suit was fitted with a television camera on top of his helmet, and an audio transmitter for the television crew. The biggest challenges were intense heat while hiking in Lithe Canyon, and a mechanical issues with one ATV which stalled repeatedly on the way back to the Hab. Also, we tested microphones on the "voice activated" setting but found that Matt microphone was active most of the time while on the ATVs due to background noise, which impeded our ability to communicate with one another. Once again the communications with the Hab were not possible beyond several kilometers from the Hab. Finally, we had a somewhat successful field test of "Marse Code," in which a series of "clicks" of the transmit button on the radios can convey messages such as "We're ok," "Returning to Hab," etc. when static on the radios makes voice communication unintelligible.

PRE EVA OPERATIONS

Nominal suit donning and preparation. 10 minute delay for installation of television microphone and camera on Andrew's suit.

AIRLOCK INGRESS/DEPRESS

Nominal ingress and depress. Radio check on handsets worked nominally.

HAB EVA MONITORING

NOMINAL EVA COMM/SAFETY CHECK

(Hourly Operation)

Comm ck

1

Comm ck

2

Comm ck

3

Comm ck

4

Comm ck

5

Comm ck

6

TIME 11:30 12:30 13:30 14:15 15:00
EVA #

(If Simultaneous EVAs)

ATV Odometer

OUT/IN

REPORTED MAP LOCATION Near waypoint 77 unintelligible unintelligible
REPORTED STATUS OK OK OK
Auxiliary Information Collecting biological

sample

"Marse Code" was used;

voice not possible

Communication

attempted

unsuccessfully

Communication

attempted

unsuccessfully

Communication

attempted

unsuccessfully

POST EVA INGRESS AND CLEANUP

Normal ingress, but suit vacuuming was deferred in order to get crew out of suits as rapidly as possible due to significant heat exhaustion.

EVA CREW: COMMENTS/OBSERVATIONS/LESSONS-LEARNED

EVA CDR: If not for the GPS and previous EVA reports, we would never have thought that beautiful Lithe Canyon was close by at the road turnoff. The rapid change in the terrain heading into this canyon was dramatic, and the canyon was a feast of history, from ancient waterfalls to dinosaur bone fields. Thrilling!

I was also pleased to find that the television equipment I was fitted with (camera and audio) was imperceptible to me and didn't interfere with the EVA in the least, and that the television crew was respectful of the research underway and did not try to interfere with the mission in the least.

EVA MDRS1: I was collecting soils samples for Shannon's research along the way to the Lithe Canyon. We stopped on the way to the canyon (3 samples of wet and dry sun exposed) and inside the canyon (2 wet samples). This was my second experience (the last being while on a pedestrian EVA near the Hab) with biological sampling, and second sampling in space suit but my first being responsible for that. Matt assisted me most of the times. It was really interesting to experience being a field biologist on Mars. At the canyon, I needed to sit down and wait for my crewmembers going further down into the canyon- the sun was really getting to me and the climbing was difficult at times with the weight of the suits and backpack. I joined them however to the fossils site and that felt incredible. Witnessing that on a field expedition is something, I will never forget. We felt on Mars!

EVA MDRS2: To me, this EVA proves the necessity of having humans on Mars performing exploration rather than robots. For instance, I seriously doubt that robots would have been able to hike through the rough Lithe Canyon terrain and find the 'dinosaur formation' we had discovered. There was also a problem with one of the ATVs on the way back, and it kept stalling (a total of ~12 times); we were able to get the thing started and restarted, whether it was by pushing or kick-starting. I believe the humans have got the robots whipped when it comes to such things, because what robot would have been capable of 'fixing' such a situation under those constraints?

I also noted that my sunglasses began to fog up in the middle of the EVA, even though my faceplate was clear. I would suggest in the future that EVA teams should use the soap solution to clean not only their faceplates but their sunglasses as well. Also, Andrew and I had a lot of problems with sweat dripping into our eyes, which made seeing clearly even more difficult. We suggest that teams going out on EVA should consider wearing sweatbands to prevent this.

In addition, this EVA also outlined to me the inherit danger of these activities. A combination of the harsh sunlight, rugged landscape, and faulty equipment (i.e., an ATV that kept stalling) made for exhausting conditions that left our team quite drained by the time we returned to the Hab. Clearly, these activities are not something to be taken lightly. But despite the dangers of this EVA, I felt an exhilaration I've seldom felt, and I'll cherish the memories of this day for the rest of my life.

EVA 49 Report

  • EVA Cmdr: Jennifer Knowles
  • EVA MDRS1: Andrew Hoppin
  • EVA MDRS2: Joel McKinnon

EVA SCENERIO OVERVIEW

Tonight's EVA 49 was targeted towards a peak about 2 kilometers East of the Hab. The objective was to identify potential hazards of a nighttime EVA.

DATE: 03-28-02

EVA Scenerio Moonlight walk

to nearby peak

EVA HAB COMM (s) Judith
CDR MDRS1 MDRS2 MDRS3
EVA CREW (Name/#) Jennifer/3 Joel/5 Andrew/2
EVA START TIME (PET): 21:12 EVA STOP TIME: Scheduled/Actual 23:00/22:53

EVA Highlights (EVA CDR)

This was the first nighttime EVA of our crew, as well as the first fully simulated night EVA of the entire MDRS project. After performing some maintenance duties, the three of us set out for "Phobos Peak", always keeping the Hab in sight.

Distances in the dark are quite deceiving. What looks like is close might actually be far away. Flashlights are a must. The full moon provided us with most of our light, but the additional lighting was necessary when climbing Phobos Peak and even during some of the hike back. Surprising, even at night we were very hot in the spacesuits and the helmets fogged up so much that we were forced to stop walking every once in a while (protocol for cleaning the helmets before usage was not followed and should be). Communications worked as expected (no specific challenges with night communications).

PRE EVA OPERATIONS

Nominal suit donning and preparation.

AIRLOCK INGRESS/DEPRESS

Had several ingresses and depresses. During first depress Andrew's radio stopped working properly. Ingress was required to reenter Hab. During second depress our crew was lacking one flashlight. Ingress was again required before reentering Hab. Final depress/ingress was nominal.

HAB EVA MONITORING

NOMINAL EVA COMM/SAFETY CHECK

(Hourly Operation)

Comm ck

1

Comm ck

2

Comm ck

3

Comm ck

4

Comm ck

5

Comm ck

6

TIME 21:15 21:31 21:57 22:26 22:53
EVA #

(If Simultaneous EVAs)

ATV Odometer

OUT/IN

REPORTED MAP LOCATION
REPORTED STATUS OK OK OK OK OK
Auxiliary Information Taken our trash;

pumped leech

field

Returning to

Hab

POST EVA INGRESS AND CLEANUP

Suit vacuuming.

EVA CREW: COMMENTS/OBSERVATIONS/LESSONS-LEARNED

EVA CDR: The landscape at night with a full moon shining was an incredible sight to behold. It gave one the sense of being in a very foreign place. Our hike took us across what we believe is an old lakebed. I also traversed my first patch of desert sand! At 10pm we finally had reached the peak. It is amazing how deceiving distances are at night. What we thought was a nearby peak ended up being one mile away!! But we were determined to reach our destination! We thought it would be a great place to take in the view, and we wanted to see that view! Our hill ended up being more of a rocky mini-mountain. Which is quite a challenge to climb up when donning spacesuits. But it was well worth the trouble. Once we reached the top we found our selves at the edge of a canyon. We spent several minutes at the peak, which we have named Phobos Peak, catching our breath, enjoying the view, pointing out planets (did we see Earth??), and taking pictures before we began the hike back to join the others at the Hab.

On our walk back to the Hab we passed an interesting rock formation. Several rocks had been weathered by wind and water in a manner that they formed something of a pedestal or table shape low to the ground. We took pictures of them so look for those on the web.

All in all it was a fantastic moonlight EVA! I hope I get the chance to view all of these features in the daylight on another EVA!

March 29, 2002

MDRS Log Book

MDRS Log, Commander Judith Lapierre

First week thoughts

Our first week is getting to a close end. We will be losing one of our crewmember, time for Matt to get back to Earth! We all wish he could stay with us: who is going to fix everything and even work on the biolet with a big smile? He was very proactive; during the day, he would be analyzing everything that could be fixed, fixing them and improving our conditions here. During the evenings, he would be the one to remind us (if not force us) us to take some time off for leisure and social activities. He even became our MDRS official entertainer: teaching us the Mars chess, playing card/mind tricks one night, he would see things that no one would see (Mars duck, for example) and organize our Friday night at the Mars Movie "small screen" Theatre (mezzanine level of the Hab): a magician has left the Hab but his spirit remains with our crew. We will welcome our habmate, Alex on Sunday. We were just discussing last night on how difficult for him it could be to join a crew that has already spent a week together. We decided all to make sure we would make him feel part of the team right from the start. When looking back at our first and second days here, it seems like a very long time ago. I guess, the learning opportunities and diverse life experiences (plus the long hours) that have been given to us here in such a short period make it that way. I really can say at this time, that the crew selection for our crew was made it such a way that each brought a different expertise along that has been maximized through our interactions. To come to MDRS, you must definitely be eager to learn, be open to new experiences, flexible enough to live comfortably with unpredicted events while demonstrating a interest in sharing your knowledge/ideas with the others and developing creativity. It is those five qualities that will define the success of our mission scientifically and socially by defining also our new way of life or “Mars Modus Vivendi”. One will not survive alone on Mars. Almost everything we do on Mars analogue is with our Habmate- from assisting with radio com during EVA`s to switch from crew channel-2:00 to Hab channel-2:01 to generator maintenance and preparation of meal periods). We must know that we can rely on one another. After a week, we have seen this and trust is building up if not established for all. We all have taken on the different tasks, roles and functions needed for daily Hab maintenance, operations and scientific program. Watching Star Wars last night was our well deserved special night. Although some of us fell asleep during the showing of the movie, all will remember our last night’s dinner (Jennifer`s famous Martian Duck), the laughs, the popcorn and Jennifer`s companion: Snuff. .

Réflexions de la première semaine

Notre première semaine tire déjà à sa fin. Demain, Matt reprend le chemin vers la réalité, retour sur Terre pour lui! On souhaiterait le retenir pour encore quelque temps. Notre équipage perd un membre important : qui prendra plaisir à tout réparer, même la biolet et ce, avec un grand sourire? Matt était très proactif, durant le jour, il analysait les conditions de notre station, trouvait des solutions aux problèmes rencontrés et veillait à améliorer le quotidien. Le soir, il se faisait un devoir de nous rappeler de prendre du temps pour un peu de socialisation et de loisirs. C’est ainsi qu’il est devenu l’organisateur des soirées récréatives de la station scientifique Mars du désert : il nous a appris à jouer aux échecs martiens, nous a présenté de tours de cartes un soir, il voyait ce qu’on ne voyait pas (le canard martien par exemple) et organisa notre soirée cinéma «petit écran» à la mezzanine de notre station ce soir. Nous accueillerons Alex dimanche, le dernier membre de notre équipage. Nous discutions hier soir justement des défis potentiels qu’il aurait à relever dans son intégration à notre équipage, à la station depuis déjà une semaine. Il nous apparaissait alors important de prendre une décision collective. Il faut agir de façon à que notre nouveau colocataire de station sente qu’il fait partie de l’équipe dès son arrivée. Si je pense maintenant aux premières journées ici, elles m’apparaissent très lointaines. Je suppose que ce sont toutes les occasions d’apprentissages et les expériences variées (en plus des longues heures de travail) qui nous ont été données qui expliquent cette sensation. Je peux vraiment affirmer à ce point, que la sélection des membres de notre équipage était telle qu’elle faisait en sorte que les expertises spécifiques de chacun seraient maximisées par nos interactions à la station. Participer à une mission à la station du désert implique nécessairement que le candidat soit avide de connaissances, ouvert à de nouvelles expériences, flexible afin de pouvoir gérer confortablement des situations imprévisibles, qu’il ait une facilité à partager son savoir et ses idées et finalement qu’il fasse preuve de créativité. En fait, le succès de nos missions du point de vue scientifique et social dépend de ces 5 qualités : elles définissent notre « modus vivendi ». Survivre sur Mars sera impossible pour une personne seule. Presque toutes les activités ici s’accomplissent avec nos collègues : que ce soit l’assistance mutuelle lors des contacts radio en sorties extravéhiculaires (pour passer du canal 2:00- communication inter-membres à 2 :01 pour la communication avec la station), la maintenance du générateur de la station ou la préparation des repas. On doit avoir la certitude que l’on peut compter sur autrui. Après une semaine, nous constatons qu’effectivement, nous pouvons compter sur nos collègues de station. La plupart diraient que la confiance règne au sein du groupe ou qu’elle se développe graduellement. Chacun d’entre nous a eu l’occasion au cours de cette semaine d’opérer presque toutes les tâches, de tenir tous les rôles de la station et du programme scientifique. Visionner le film de Star Wars ce soir était une récompense extraordinaire. Même si certains d’entre nous sont tombés endormis avant la fin du film, tous se souviendront de notre dernier repas (le Canard martien de Shannon), les éclats de rire, le popcorn et le compagnon de Jennifer : Snuff...

Commander's Report

MDRS Log, Commander Judith Lapierre

Our EVA’s plans of the day were changed as one of our ATV was returned to its Earth owner for the day. Our morning was occupied with half the crew finishing last night’s first full sim night EVA reports (commanders: Jennifer and Andrew) and the other half working on three Hab maintenance activities of the day. The first one involved plugging the small hole in the bathroom behind the biolet with foam and securing it. The second one included changing the pipes of the biolet and reconnecting the hose (2 hours of work). That included work under the Hab- site assessed by HSO beforehand to assess security and make recommendations. Finally, fixing the water pump to prevent leakage when pumping fresh water from the container and filling up our water tank was done. At our pre-EVA meeting after report writing, EVA’s have been postponed to 16:00 h for safety reasons and to prevent heat exhaustion. Shannon commanded the ATV EVA and was assisted by Jennifer. Explored site was Tank Wash for its escarpment and regolith – a reconnaissance mission was performed due to time constraints (soil sampling to be performed next EVA). Joel commanded a pedestrian EVA to the site (named by our team Phobos Peak) that had been explored on last night’s EVA situated East 1.5 km from the HAB. The goal was to produce a preliminary comparison analysis of the pathway (night versus day) and to get a better sense of the geological features and potential dry lake bed (see reports). Shortly after having left the Hab, one EVA crew was stopped for 10 minutes by capcom (Andrew) following my advice; one crewmember’s water connector inside helmet was dislodged and water Crew returned to Hab, followed regular EVA procedure with airlock and resumed EVA. Andrew also worked on his digital mapping this pm and performing his first Habcom activity. Our post-EVA meeting took place during dinner and report writing for 1 hour this evening. We are planning a Friday night in the Hab (considering this is our main option and preferred one!) with a special movie: Phantom Menace. Matt is leaving us tomorrow. We want to spend “social” time with him and that is the only way to force him not to work (by planning to stop all work activities at 21:30 on our Friday night). After 5 days into the mission, all of us have taken on each different tasks involved in Hab maintenance and SIM operations. Joel will complete his tomorrow by taking on HabCom.

Plans for tomorrow : Three scientific goals are planned for Saturday: the first pressurized rover EVA (half SIM mode) prototype testing (Shannon to command, Andrew as crew and Jennifer as off-sim assistant to perform operational assessment recording); my psychosocial research with Matt as he is leaving (questionnaires and interview) and survey questions from Joel. In addition, an expedition to Skyline rim to check the MDRS repeater is planned in the afternoon after leaving Matt at the bus in Green River. Two of the crewmembers will stay in: Joel as Capcom to test radio communication on Skyline Rim while three crewmembers work on the repeater and myself, to pursue my research.

Biology Report

One aspect of human biology to which we have, as a crew, devoted a large part of our time is hygiene. When we first arrived, there was a problem with the Biolet (a composting toilet). Although it had only recently been installed, the compost holding area had overflowed and it took more than three hours to empty and clean up the problem. The result was a fully functioning toilet and a delightful change in the fragrance of the Hab. Today we removed the old ventilation pipe and replaced it with a type recommended by the manufacturer and have high hopes for the remainder of our rotation being Biolet problem free. The result of our attempts to keep a standard of cleanliness was an increase in water use; an increase that we felt was necessary for our health.

Then there is the shower situation. Despite all our attempts to operate the hot water heater, we have never successfully heated a tank of water. As a result, only two of us have showered or even sponge bathed since we arrived. We have a plan for tomorrow morning that seems promising, however, and hope to shower soon.

In addition to these challenges, each day the temperature rises and EVAs become more uncomfortable due to the heat build up in our suits. Today, for example, we planned an early morning EVA that was postponed due to some logistical problems, and we decided to execute our EVA later in the afternoon.

I write this because we often get so caught up in the search for life outside the Hab that we forgot to focus on life inside the Hab and its implications to human biology. Finding ways to keep the balance between living harmoniously with the microorganisms that inhabit our living space can be challenging in such confined quarters. It will be even more challenging on Mars.

Engineering Report

Jennifer Knowles and Matt Lowry

Water Systems: We refilled the water tank starting at 2:15pm and ending at 3:05pm; a total of 40 gallons was put into the tank. In addition, we fixed the leak by jerry-rigging an o-ring onto the water pump hookup, and it worked quite well. No leaking was noted this afternoon.

Power and Fuel: Nominal. We are down to one barrel of fuel, and Lamont has been notified of this. Generator maintenance and refueling is progressing normally.

EVA Equipment (including ATVs): This afternoon, Lamont came to base to take the large yellow ATV for the weekend. He also plans to come by tomorrow to pick up the other two as well. We figured out the problem with the Fourtrax-300; apparently, the air vent on top of the gas tank was closed, and this was easily rectified by opening the valve. Before this afternoon's ATV EVA, both ATVs were topped off with gas, and the Foreman-400's oil level was checked.

At the beginning of the ATV EVA, a crewmember's water mouthpiece and inner piping came off inside her helmet, with the result being that water spewed from her tank all over the inside of her helmet.

Three EVA suits (numbers 4,5, and 6) were experiencing trouble with their fans starting up. These three suits had their fuses replaced, and all but one appear to be functioning nominally now; the exception is suit #4. Options for repairing this suit will be investigated in the near future.

Safety: During entry into the Hab, the wind blew the airlock door into a crewmember's helmet. All is well.

Computers and Communications: Computers nominal.

During the afternoon pedestrian EVA, the two-way radio communication between the EVA team members was non-functional. However, com-link with HabCom was established and worked well.

We think the repeater is non-functional, and we plan to investigate in the near future.

General Maintenance & Waste Management: The trash was gathered from inside the Hab and removed. The trash pile outside must be removed soon, as it is reaching capacity.

Much work was performed on the Biolet system today. The hole at the base of the Biolet going to the outside has been plugged with a Styrofoam plug and duct-tape. Also, we replaced the ventilation tubing attached to the back of the Biolet, and this new tubing was attached to the appropriate ventilation pipe with duct-tape. It should also be noted that the Biolet is now fully functional for women.

The leach-field was rotated earlier today, and that seemed to stop the leakage of waste onto the ground. However, by mid-afternoon the leaking had begun again. It has also been noted that no waste is exiting through the designated outlet pipe, probably because it is all draining from the leach-field drum.

GreenHab: Plants in the Hab have been watered.

Maximum Outside Temperature: 93 degrees F

Minimum Outside Temperature: 29 degrees F

Geology Report

Mid-Rotation GeoSciences Report

The "shakedown" field research conducted by the first several MDRS crews is complete and the geology of the Skyline Rim region surrounding the Habitat is well characterized. However, we have found that it is difficult for a new crew to take full advantage of the research conducted by previous crews and to build on their work. There are four factors which contribute to this circumstance:

  1. The Habitat has lacked certain basic field and laboratory geological equipment, including such items as Jacob staffs and aerial photographs.
  2. There are no published geological maps of Skyline Rim at useful scales (nothing under 1:500,000) according to USGS, so there is no refined source of reference data for all crews to use as their common baseline for field research and terminology.
  3. Data collected to date by each field team has inconsistencies in location reporting methodologies, sample nomenclature, etc., which make it difficult for a crew in the field to compare its data to data from other crews with confidence.
  4. Outstanding research data and analyses are difficult for other crews to access efficiently, especially while in the Field, because relevant information is scattered among different sources and is often difficult to correlate with a team's specific location in the field. For example, a photograph of a particular strata might be online and in the HabCom computer hard drive in the Hab, while a single map with pen and pencil marks showing waypoints and the route of EVAs hangs on the wall in the Hab, and aerial photos of the region are limited to single copies that have not been referenced to the unique Waypoint/EVA map and cannot be marked up or taken into the field because they are the only copies in the Hab.

This combination of limited resources and limited dissemination and coordination different types of data limits the ability of a new field crew to effectively extend the work carried out by previous crews, and to begin work efficiently as soon as they arrive on site. A good deal of time is necessarily spent trying to figure out what previous crews accomplished and familiarizing oneself with the region, but the process of integrating and leveraging knowledge accrued by previous crews and of the study area can be vastly more efficient and effective.

As a result of these observations, as well as the current Geology crew's experience with remote sensing and geographic information systems, a major project during crew 3's rotation will be to upgrade the resources available to support the research of future crews and also the research of remote researchers continuing their work after they leave the study area, or who never get the opportunity to work at MDRS at all and can only work remotely. The progress of this effort will be reported under the auspices of a GeoSciences report periodically.

This effort has two major components:

  1. To inventory and identify basic field and laboratory geology supplies and equipment at the Hab and identify missing assets, and where possible, to acquire those assets. To this end, we have already acquired some basic equipment that was previously missing at the Hab, including a Jacob Staff, hand lenses mineralogical immersion oils and a 5 foot tube coring kit.
  2. To create a digital geographic information system (GIS) which can serve as a dynamic archive for many types of geological and biological data collected at the Hab and from remote sources such as satellite imagery, and to produce basic initial maps that make use of the new GIS combined with field data collected by crews 1-4. A GIS and the maps it can produce will provide a consistent, accessible and intuitive reference data set that will allow new crews to familiarize themselves with previous research and the study area even before they arrive at the Hab, work more efficiently while at the Hab, and continue their research and coordinate with future crews after they leave the Hab. There are myriad components to the GIS effort, and all of them may not be completed during our rotation. These components envisioned are, in sequential order:
    1. Acquiring public-domain (packages under consideration include MapMaker Gratis, TNT Lite, and FreeView), affordable (already have DeLorme 3-D Topo Quads at the Hab but not in active use yet), or donated GIS software (have calls into ESRI).
    2. Acquiring requisite hardware to allow the GIS and its underlying data to be readily accessible to MDRS crews (at first this will take the form of a 10 gigabyte portable external hard disk that the current crew will be donating which can be added to the MDRS LAN).
    3. Acquiring raw digital geographic data such as topographic maps and digital aerial photography and using it to build the underlying structure for the GIS (already have acquired 8 meter digital orthoquads aerial photography, 1:24k DEM, 1:24k Digital Topo Quads for Skyline Rim Quad, and have identified 15m panchromatic ASTER satellite imagery free for download).
    4. Integrating existing digital data collected by Crews 1-4 (primarily GPS waypoints and associated data currently in Excel Spreadsheet) into the GIS.
    5. Establishing consistent procedures for the collection and categorization of "metadata" categories that will allow basic field data sets (both geological and biological) to have meaning relative to one another in digital form and in geographic relationship to one another.
    6. Creating intuitive instructions for future MDRS crews and others unfamiliar with GIS technology to access and make effective use of the GIS, and to collect waypoints in a such a way that they can easily be integrated into the GIS.
    7. Using the GIS populated with data collected by MDRS crews to support and in some cases direct new research opportunities around the Station.

This effort is intended to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the field research being done at MDRS. While empirically attractive, this result is particularly desirable given the propensity of the media outlets that cover MDRS to focus on the "fun" and "campy" nature of life here, rather than the hard scientific research that is being conducted at MDRS-- more effective research work may yield more accurate coverage of the aims and activities underway at MDRS. In particular, the GIS may assist in this effort because it yields the ability to share in intuitive compelling visual formats the fruits of the research conducted at MDRS, in the form of new original customized maps. The public relations value of such tangible visual products may be great.

In addition to these digital mapping efforts, the Geo team continues to conduct EVAs to enhance the density and extent of geology samples and waypoints collected, and to support the biology research program with geology context where appropriate.

EVA 50 Report

  • EVA Cmdr: Shannon Rupert
  • EVA MDRS1: Jennifer Knowles

DATE: 03-29-02

This, the Golden EVA at MDRS, was first planned as a morning trip to Candor Chasm. With the loss of one ATV, the proposed EVA was rescheduled for next week and an alternate trip was planned to Tank Wash. The temperature was rising rapidly and we opted to execute the EVA later in the afternoon. This proved a wise move, as the wind increased and the EVA was completed without overheating the EVA team.

This was the first ATV EVA for both Jennifer and I (the first two being cancelled for circumstances beyond our control) and it was wonderful to finally get away from the Hab to see the landscape we had been studying for days via maps and prior EVA reports. The route was a simple one, north on Lowell Highway to the spectacular Tank Wash area. Our destination was Waypoint 25 to collect samples for my project but because of time limitations, we scouted for possibly escarpments and regolith areas but did no sampling. It is our intention to return to the area this weekend and complete the sampling. This may be accomplished via the first EVA in a pressurized rover--due to our ATVs being unavailable this weekend, we are planning to use my Pathfinder in SIM.

One of the things that made this EVA so enjoyable was that communications were working. In prior EVAs, our comm links to each other and to the Hab have been very bad. Jennifer and I had clear communications the entire time for this EVA and it made travelling across the unknown terrain as a team enjoyable.

EVA 51 Report

  • EVA Cmdr: Joel McKinnon
  • EVA MDRS1: Matt Lowry

DATE: 03-29-02

Objectives:

To compare a daytime EVA to a nightime EVA revisiting the same terrain. Comparisons should be noted of navigational ability, suit operational efficacy, general ability to make scientific observations. Additional objectives are to further categorize geology of Phobos Peak, wind-blown formations in the flats, and possible dry lake bed.

Summary: A repeat of the journey out to "Phobos Peak" to compare a day and night EVA over the same route. Additional geological observations recorded: windblown, lakebed, sapping features. This, the Golden EVA at MDRS, was first planned as a morning trip to Candor Chasm. With the loss of one ATV, the proposed EVA was rescheduled for next week and an alternate trip was planned to Tank Wash. The temperature was rising rapidly and we opted to execute the EVA later in the afternoon. This proved a wise move, as the wind increased and the EVA was completed without overheating the EVA team.

Commander's narrative (Joel McKinnon):

Today's second EVA was a two person pedestrian excursion to the hill we visited the previous night by moonlight which we have dubbed "Phobos Peak." This EVA was notable in two other respects in that it was the first EVA I have commanded and was the final EVA for Matt before he departs on the weekend Mars-Earth shuttle.

Objectives of the EVA included an attempt to get an idea of how a day and night EVA compare, over the same terrain, in terms of ability to navigate, visually analyze the features observed, and how the suits constrain our ability to perform in the field. Geological features of interest included the apparently windblown formations we had observed in the wash on the way to the hill, the wash itself which had been possibly interpreted as a dry lake bed, the blocky lithology of Phobos Peak which contrasts strongly with the smoothed features nearby, and an apparently fluvial feature at the base of the peak which I suspected might exhibit some evidence of groundwater sapping.

Straight out of the airlock (time 5:25pm) we discovered a communications difficulty. The radio I was using was communicating fine with HabCom, but I could not communicate with Matt because he was hearing my transmissions only out of my radio's external speaker. Also, he noted that my battery was low. We decided to use my radio only for communications with HabCom and to use close proximity "loud voice" protocol to talk to each other.

The first evident difference from the nocturnal EVA, besides, the fact that it was daylight, was that the wind had picked up considerably from the previous night's perfect calm. I found this enhanced the effect of the suit being a useful protector from the environment rather than just an encumbrance. Though the day was fairly hot, the wind seemed to take the heat away from us so that my long pants and long sleeves didn't make me uncomfortably hot as I had expected.

As we walked out toward Phobos Peak I noted the terrain was spectacularly beautiful. We crossed several stream-carved washes and gullies and each seemed to have it's own unique textures and colors- all of them beautiful in the low angle sunlight. About 0.7 km to the peak we came across the odd formations we had investigated by moonlight that appear to be wind eroded. Matt noted they are mushroom-like in appearance. We took a waypoint here on our way back and I'll comment further on this later in the report.

There is a particularly wide wash that Andrew had commented appeared to be a dry lake bed when we had seen it by night. I had agreed noncommittally at the time, but by day it seemed clear to me that it was a was a wash that may have pooled briefly, but was unlikely to have been an established lake. This seemed to me a good example of how perceptions can be fooled by the low light at night.

We established a good comm check with HabCom and proceeded to climb the hill. Low down, the footing was soft and hard going on the loose talus, but got firmer and easier as we went up. We had to pause for breath a couple of times, but soon reached the top. The ascent seemed much easier by day and I think the difference was largely psychological. By night we didn't know exactly what we were getting into and anxiety level was consequently increased significantly

At the peak we had a fantastic view of the surrounding terrain and I decided to make a 360 degree photographic panorama. To do so I had to stand erect in high winds on top of a large rock, significantly alarming Matt, who prepared to grab me by the leg if the wind decided to pick me up and send me flying over the precipice on the other side. No such event occurred and I completed the task successfully. We took a waypoint at the peak (#100) and took a sample of a course grained conglomeritic sandstone that comprised the resistant blocky material that lay all over the mountain.

After descending the mountain we took another waypoint (#101) at the base where there was an interesting gully I thought might be partially formed by groundwater sapping. A resistant sandstone had been undercut by fluvial activity and I propose that this may be enhanced by groundwater sapping. Photographs and a geological sample were taken of the resistant layer. The undercut material proved very difficult to sample without a rock hammer. I tried using nearby rocks for this material without much success. Nearby I took a photograph of what appeared to be cyptogamic soil. This dark blotchy material is apparently of biological origin and was evident at much of the base of the peak but rarely seen in the open area between the peak and the hab.

Our last two waypoints were taken near the windblown formations. The first (#102), was a section corner we shot for navigational purposes, the second (#103) was taken at the site of the formations only about 50 meters to the northwest. The windblown formations occur at several places in the wide wash that Andrew has dubbed "Pedestal Flats." I found the resistant capping material too strong to get a decent sample without a rock hammer. Nearby one of the pedestals I found a sample of a dark, fine grained rock free floating on the wash that appeared to be transported from some distance because it bore no resemblance to any nearby lithology.

Last but not least, my camera failed due to dust getting into the telescoping mechanism. I had kept it out and unprotected in the wind for quite awhile so wasn't surprised. Fortunately, I was able to extricate the sand grain or whatever it was and the camera regained full functionality.

Secondary narrative (Matt Lowry):

Joel and I went out on my last EVA (Shannon's suggestion - thanks girl), which was to Phobos Peak. Phobos Peak is an incredible jumbling hill of rock directly to the East of the Hab across the road, and its name hails from the fact that each night we see the moon (i.e., 'Phobos') rise over this hill. The distances here are deceiving, and what looked to be a small hill only 10 minutes walk away ended up being about 40 minutes away by foot.

On the way we encountered a very interesting set of rock formations that I dubbed 'mushroom rocks' due to their flat, toadstool like appearance. Joel and Andrew seem to think that these features are windblown in origin, since the area beneath the harder rock is eroded. The end result is a very alien looking set of stones, and it helped to add to the overall feel of being on another planet. It kind of makes one think that if we find things this exotic and interesting here on Earth, just imagine what treasures Mars and other worlds hold for us. Of course, we'll never know unless we look.

After noting the mushroom formations, Joel and I made our way to the base of Phobos Peak. It was a very large pile of rock! I felt dwarfed next to it, but Phobos Peak itself is puny compared to the much larger and more distant Henry mountains to our South. I could only imagine what the first human explorers on the Tharsis Bulge of Mars would feel at the sight of Olympus Mons looming ever larger for days and days.

Joel and I then hiked to the very top; the ascent was both tiring (it would be a challenge even without wearing the EVA suit and backpack) and a bit treacherous. We got there just in time to see the beginning of the sunset… absolutely astounding and terribly beautiful at the same time. While at the top Joel and I took some photos, and the wind was whipping at us quite strongly (we guess that the gusts were roughly 30-35mph). At one point I was concerned that Joel was going to be blown off the edge of the ridge because the helmets & backpacks act almost like sails. If he had been blown off, the drop and steep down slope before him wouldn't have stopped for about 300-400 feet at least (maybe more). I was also prepared to grip onto him and hold him back from the edge, but at the same time I wasn't sure that his inertia wouldn't have also carried me over the edge. This and the hard climb up Phobos Peak served again to remind me of the foreboding beauty that nature possesses; I have been, time and again, stunned at the glory and danger I have encountered here at the hands of the environment.

Our descent was much faster and easier (gravity was helping us this time), and on the hike back to the Hab we were treated to a wonderful sunset. At one point, I remarked to Joel that the lower light levels during the sunset were very Martian because of Mars' greater distance from the Sun. A combination of the lighting and terrain gave us a very fond memory of our excursion to Phobos Peak. As a momento, I picked up a very pretty pink-white rock that is translucent when held up to strong light. I figured that it would be a nice reminder of my last EVA during this simulation.

I hope that my experiences here (I leave tomorrow) will contribute to form the foundation for others - perhaps some of my students - to actually go to Mars in the future. Let us hope that it will be sooner rather than later.

On to Mars!

Airlock timeline:

  • Departure ingress: 17:25
  • Departure egress: 17:30
  • Return ingress: 19:03
  • Return egress:19:08

Waypoints: New:

  • #100, UTM 425.0175N, 051.9391E
  • #101, UTM 425.0213N, 051.9289E
  • #102, UTM 425.0435N, 051.8695E
  • #103, UTM 425.0485N, 051.8682E

Revisted: (none)

Communication checks:

Check time: 17:54

  • EVA team location: Under Phobos Peak
  • Status: OK
  • Additional notes: none

Check time: 18:05

  • EVA team location: Ascending Phobos Peak
  • Status: OK
  • Additional notes: none

Check time: 18:19

  • EVA team location: At summit
  • Status: OK
  • Additional notes: none

Check time: 18:49

  • EVA team location: Pedestal flats (windblown formations)
  • Status: OK
  • Additional notes: none

Special circumstances: Winds gusting to about 30mph from the west. Radio communication failed at start of EVA between EVA personnel but Commander to HabCom was successful throughout.

Conclusions/lessons learned Commanders radio battery was low resulting in decision to abandon attept at intercommunication between EVA personnel. This must be checked before entering airlock. Lack of rock hammer inhibited ability to take geological samples. See narrative for geological observations.

One of the things that made this EVA so enjoyable was that communications were working. In prior EVAs, our comm links to each other and to the Hab have been very bad. Jennifer and I had clear communications the entire time for this EVA and it made travelling across the unknown terrain as a team enjoyable.

Culinary Report

Shannon Rupert Reporting

"Martian Duck" recipe

In honor of Matt Lowry's departure (ask us about the duck reference)

In the crock pot (slow cooker), place one cleaned whole chicken. Surround and top it with:

  • one medium onion
  • 6-8 cloves garlic, cut up
  • baby carrots
  • small red potatoes, halved
  • and other fresh vegetables as desired

Season with adobo, lemon pepper and fresh lemon basal, oregano, cilandro and rosemary from the greenhouse.

Cook on high 4-6 hours or low all day.

Serve over rice with corn:

In a saucepan, add two cups rice to two tablespoons hot olive oil. Stir to mix oil and rice, add 2-2.5 cups water and a can of corn. Bring to a boil, then simmer 20 minutes.

Do not serve with fruit cocktail (Jennifer thinks that would "just be too weird".)

March 30, 2002

MDRS Log Book

Dr. Judith Lapierre Reporting

This weekend started with having to say goodbye to one of us. Before he left, we all were very excited about the approval we received from Mission Support Denver to test our pressurized exploration vehicle (PEV), a space version of Shannon’s Nissan Pathfinder. We needed a name for that first mission and vehicle. We got the two Mars Globes with several identified sites on it and selected one that suited all of us.

Aonia was selected and represents a terra in the Southern hemisphere of Mars. Then, we all worked on proper Mars Rover identification and plates (check that out…). That mission was one to exclusively test feasibility, advantages over ATV, constraints and requirements and included Rover pilot Andrew and Crew Shannon.

That allowed to include another member that was not in sim (therefore not wearing a spacesuit) to accompany the space crew and document all pertinent information, to insure safety and assist in any way. Crew returned after a short hour to insure Matt’s Earth return through Green River by Shannon’s Pathfinder.

This successful first half sim operational PEV Aonia mission led to a full scientific sim on Sunday with the same pilot and crew Joel. Aiming for Muddy Creek across Big Wild Horse Mesa, the Rover crew were targeting new waypoints identification and sampling of 10 biological samples in wet areas.

On another mission, off sim, a trip to Skyline Rim was necessary to assess MDRS Voice Communication System repeater, 900 feet west of the Hab. Jennifer, Shannon and myself found our way to the specific site and assessed the solar panels, checked the repeater and tested radio communication with the Hab.

What started as off sim maintenance activity turned out to be an extraordinary scenic hike in the desert and to the top of that rim. An incredible silence was surrounding us through which nature’s presence could confirm its superiority! One of those memorable moment where you feel on top of the world but so very small… On our way back, a desert rabbit ran away from us, reminding us to get back to the Hab for our Easter’s celebration.

This was a wonderful weekend of exploration: discovery of our abilities to create occasions for more knowledge development and recognition of our nature’s strength and fragility!

Transformer des problèmes en occasions: Les journées Aonia et le sommet de la ceinture Skyline

La fin de semaine a commencé avec l’obligation de se séparer de notre collègue Matt. Il participa cependant à l’organisation des deux journées qui suivirent son départ. Nous obtinrent la permission de procéder à l’évaluation d’un véhicule routier pressurisé pour nos déplacements et expéditions d’exploration au lieu des habituels V.T.T.(non disponibles).

Quelques idées, quelques modifications, quelques efforts et nous transformèrent le Pathfinder de Shannon en véhicule spatial motorisé. Sélectionner un nom pour notre mission et notre nouveau véhicule devint une activité collective : un globe martien avec plusieurs sites identifiés nous amena à sélectionner Aonia (terre australe de Mars).

Puis, Aonia devait arborer les couleurs de Mars et avoir une plaque d’immatriculation pertinente ( faut voir les photos!). Les objectifs de cette mission se résument en vérifier la pertinence d’un véhicule pressurisé, identifier les avantages (comparativement à l’exploration par V.T.T.), identifier les contraintes qui y sont liées et finalement, analyser les conditions préalables.

Le pilot de mission était Andrew et notre collègue Shannon. Les objectifs ci haut ont permis d’inclure un membre de notre équipage dans cette mission sans être en simulation. Jennifer devait alors documenter les informations pertinentes, assurer la sécurité et procurer de l’assistance au besoin. L’équipage revint à la station une heure après permettant à Matt de rejoindre la Terre via Green River (par le Pathfinder de Shannon).

Le succès de la mission de samedi permit, dimanche, de préparer et de mettre en œuvre la seconde mission du PEV (« pressurized exploration vehicle »), celle-ci scientifique et en mode de simulation complet! Notre pilote Andrew, accompagné de Joel se rendit à « Muddy Creek » de l’autre côté de la « Big Wild Horse Mesa » afin de procéder à l’identification de cette zone par satellite et à la collecte d’échantillons biologiques en milieux humides.

Nous avons aussi atteint le sommet de la ceinture Skyline afin de procéder à une analyse du système de communication de la station. Shannon, Jennifer et moi-même partirent pour environ de 3 heures à la recherche de l’antenne et de l’instrument de répétition situé à 900 pieds à l’Ouest de la Station afin de l’analyser et de la réparer au besoin. Les panneaux solaires, l’antenne et l’instrument de répétition étaient en place.

Nous avons aussi vérifié la clarté des signaux envoyés à la station. Ce qui avait commencé comme une activité de maintenance hors simulation (plutôt ennuyante) s’est transformé en randonnée pédestre extraordinaire dans le désert. Cette région nous offrait des panoramas absolument magnifiques et pittoresques. Il y avait un silence incroyable autour de nous qui laissait cependant régner une présence naturelle plus grande que tout!

Un peu comme ces moments où l’on se sent au sommet du monde mais à la fois très très petit… Sur le chemin du retour, tout près nous, le lapin du désert prit sa course et nous rappela de rentrer pour un dîner de festivités pascales. En somme, un week-end d’exploration : découvertes de notre capacité à créer des occasions pour développer et augmenter le savoir qui nous permettra un jour de poser les pieds sur Mars et reconnaissance de la grandiose force de la nature et de sa fragilité.

Commander's Report

Dr. Judith Lapierre Reporting

One major activity today of which one scientific/operational breakthrough. Our crew had its first half sim PEV (pressurized exploration vehicle) test to collect data on challenges, advantages and requirements for such transportation during a mission. We named our PEV Aonia and used it for a short EVA towards Tank wash (see reports). Rocks were collected for analysis. Planning, implementing and evaluating this mission was a very much-appreciated collective and creative task.

Everyone's input was included. The energy that was felt was amazing. We are planning to further test this rover and use it for our scientific objectives again on a full sim. While a crew of three went on that EVA with Shannon commanding, Andrew, piloting and Jennifer documenting the experiment, the rest of the crew stayed inside. Joel and I shared Habcom as we had to complete both our research with Matt, before he left.

Matt fulfilled his task, functions and roles like an exemplar crewmate – we will miss him. One non-urgent medical issue was addressed to our flight surgeon and quickly answered. Net2phone use was proved successful after HSO Jennfier had initially addressed the issue by regular e-mail. New EVA template completed today by Joel to make technical reports more searchable in the future (metatags), to make them more engaging to the general public and to facilitate webmasters work.

General Hab maintenance today- regular activities in addition to further personalizing our habitat. Our post-EVA meeting looked into better managing generator power in order to have to break sim less often during the day for the generator fuses. Also, there is definitely that need to better adapt suits simulators to desert conditions (summer gloves, helmet heat sun visor, t-shirts): heat becomes a health and safety issue.

Furthermore, suits should be exposed to the sun once a month as a radiation treatment to kill any microbes and deodorized and disinfect. Special Chinese dinner tonight prepared by Andrew (secret recipe, sorry!) and entertainment by Andrew and Jennifer. Easter eggs preparation to end the night.

Plans for tomorrow : Scientific: 1) Full sim of a dual EVA including a crew of two on the PEV (pressurized exploration vehicle) and of two on ATV`s – destination to be determined tonight according to geological observation and biological sampling; 2) Compile data from leaving crewmember on psychosocial research and human factor research 3) Geological digital mapping (configuring imagery and testing different softwares).

Hab maintenance: Other: 1) MDRS voice communication system verification reported to Sunday because of late departure of leaving crewmember Matt at Green River – drivers returned to Hab at 18H30. Verifying repeater status at Skyline Rim (off sim- because of distance, highway and 2 mile walk to the repeater); 2) PEV operations; 3) public outreach: send e-mail bulletin for Mars Society for our 1-day interactive communication with the public and plan the activity.

Engineering Report

Jennifer Knowles

Water Systems: Nothing to report.

Power and Fuel: Nominal operation. Oiled the generator in the morning.

EVA Equipment (including ATVs and PEV): Nominal. Lamont came by to inform us that he is only taking one of the three ATVs for the weekend.

The Pressured Exploration Vehicle (PEV) was tested this afternoon in half-sim. Refer to EVA 52 Report for more details.

Safety: During the afternoon's refueling of the generator, the gas tanks were refilled. When unplugging the large gas drum, the plug popped into the air when loosened due to air pressure that had built up within the drum.

An alarm on the Weather Wizard system has been set to notify crew when outside wind speeds reach 48 km/hr or higher. At these speeds the outside Mars flagpole must be taken down. Notes on the Weather Wizard windspeed alarm have been written for a later update to the MDRS Operations Manual.

Computers and Communications: Nominal operation.

General Maintenance & Waste Management: The trash was gathered from inside the Hab and removed.

GreenHab: Plants in the Hab have been reorganized and watered.

Maximum Outside Temperature: Unknown*.

Minimum Outside Temperature: 49 degrees F*

*An update to the MDRS Operations Manual has been written about how to obtain the daily max/min outside temperatures.

EVA 52 Report

  • EVA Date: 3/30/02
  • EVA Cmdr: Shannon Rupert
  • EVA Pilot: Andrew Hoppin
  • EVA Mission Support: Jennifer Knowles
  • EVA HabCom: Judith Lapierre

Operational Test of MDRS Pressurized Rover 01 "Aonia"

This was the first test for the use of a pressurized rover in a simulation. Because it had never before been attempted, it was executed in half-SIM and a mission support crewmember accompanied the EVA team. The rover, christened "AONIA" by the crew, was a four-wheel drive SUV (now changed to PEV--pressurized exploration vehicle). All mission objectives were accomplished and successful.

Commander’s narrative (Shannon Rupert):

Our crew was very excited about this EVA. Yesterday we had been informed that our use of the ATV's would be restricted until Monday, 4-1-02. During a planning meeting to assess the situation, we came up with the idea to use my Nissan Pathfinder as a pressurized rover in SIM, something that had never been done in the MARS Program. After many suggestions of names for our PEV, we all agreed on Aonia, named for Aonia Terra, in the Southern Hemisphere of Mars.

We had decided to first approach ingress using the front doors, because it was the most direct way to get into the PEV. However, we were unsure whether we would be able to sit in the front seats in our backpacks. If we were not able to get in through the front doors, we would have to enter the PEV through the rear hatch and remove our backpacks in the cargo area, and that would have been a definite challenge. After a few awkward attempts and more than a little laughter at our predicament, both Andrew and I were able to get through the front doors and into the seats. Both seats were as far to the rear as possible and in a reclining position. Once inside, we were both quite comfortable,

Getting the doors closed was our second challenge. Since the helmets and backpacks severely limited our movement, I was unable to reach the door to close it. A frustrating struggle followed, until finally I had to ask Jennifer to attach a rope to the handle that could be hooked to the interior and pulled to close the door. We decided to forego normal pressurization time because we were extremely hot in the closed vehicle. Starting the vehicle, we took off our gloves and turned on the air conditioner, a welcome relief.

Andrew was pilot and we drove to Tank Wash at a comfortable pace. I enjoyed the trip in the cooled air and wished for a quickly removable helmet or faceplate. Andrew's voice was muffled inside his suit but communication without the radios was possible.

Once at Tank Wash, I discovered exiting the PEV was very easy. I swung my legs out first and then just slid out of the door. We stayed at Tank Wash only long enough to test the accessibility of the PEV (the back hatch and cargo area was easily accessible, the rack on the PEV's top could only be accessed from the side while stepping up on the back door floorboards).

I guess that first ingress, although silly and awkward, taught us more than we thought, because getting into the PEV was very easy at Tank Wash. The return trip was uneventful, we were able to make contact with HabCom much easier with our bare hands, and it was a cool, comfortable ride.

There was no time to celebrate our success when we arrived at the Hab, as we had to drive a crewmember to Green River for the return trip to Earth.

Secondary narrative (Andrew Hoppin):

The first pressurized rover EVA (brought to you by Nissan) by an MDRS crew was very instructive &emdash; as the pilot, I learned that: 1) extending what we learned on ATVs, we proved that it is feasible to operate sensitive machinery that requires small motor muscle control reliably in the EVA suits 2) we will be able to extend the length (and therefore the range) and field research capability of our EVAs considerably using a pressurized rover due to climate control (air conditioning) and storage (for carrying additional field equipment and collecting a greater number of samples 3) the pressurized rover, contrary to my expectations, does NOT enable more RAPID transportation in the field area than ATVs due to the rough condition of the tracks and 4) the rover has a distinct disadvantage for some field work in remote areas because it cannot readily go off established wheel-tracks.

Technical Log

Objective(s):

  1. Testing range of movement within PEV
  2. Identifying the advantages and disadvantages of the PEV
  3. Identifying equipment requirements for a PEV
  4. Identifying adaptations needed for optimal PEV functioning in the field
  5. Testing overall PEV feasibility

This was the first test for the use of a pressurized rover in a simulation. Because it had never before been attempted, it was executed in half-SIM and a mission support crewmember accompanied the EVA team. The rover, christened "AONIA" by the crew, was a four-wheel drive SUV (now changed to PEV--pressurized exploration vehicle). All mission objectives were accomplished and successful.

Personnel:

  • Shannon Rupert (Commander)
  • Andrew Hoppin (Pilot)
  • Jennifer Knowles (Mission Support)
  • Judith Lapierre (HabCom)

Airlock timeline:

  • Departure ingress: 13:10
  • Departure egress: 13:15
  • Return ingress: 14:00
  • Return egress:14:00
  • *see Special Circumstances

Waypoints:

New: none

Revisted: 25

Communication checks:

Check time: 13:46

  • EVA team location: Lowell Highway
  • Status: OK
  • Additional notes: none

Special circumstances:

Because this was a half-SIM and because we needed to get a crewmember to Green River, the EVA team did not depressurize in the PEV or airlock.

Conclusions/lessons learned

Range of movement within PEV

  • Able to enter and leave the PEV with more ease than originally thought possible
  • Pilot (Andrew) felt that he could have driven the PEV had it been a stick shift, he felt that having an automatic transmission was a definite plus.
  • Much easier to manuveur once PEV is pressured and gloves, helmet can be removed

Advantages and disadvantages of the PEV

  • Advantages:
    • Plenty of space for samples, computers, communications equipment
    • Can attach samples, equipment to roof of PEV
    • Can go far distances
    • Possibility of overnights (might test later)
    • Can carry ATV in a trailer
    • Flat tires can be repaired by crew
    • Good weather protection
    • Can transport up to 4 crew members
    • Can set the interior temperature
    • Can have food supplies inside
    • Easier to record data in PEV with gloves off
    • Night travel is safer
    • Extra supplies can be carried such as gas, air
    • Tire pump/patch kit for emergencies can be easily carried
  • Disadvantages:
    • Not as fast as ATVs
    • Cannot travel in restricted areas
    • Due to size, PEV cannot travel through overly narrow passageways or steeps trails
    • Vehicle interior can get very hot when sitting
    • ***Air conditioning is important when outside temperatures are warm. If possible, start the PEV prior to ingress—once the doors close on a hot day, it is miserable inside an enclosed vehicle in the suits.***
    • Helmets bump ceiling in rough terrain
    • Parts of spacesuit (ie. Air tubes, zipper string) can get caught of parts of the PEV when entering and leaving
    • Difficult for shorter individuals to close an open door from inside the PEV

Equipment requirements for a PEV

  • All emergency equipment must be easily accessible
  • Ropes attached to the inside door handles for easier closing of them

Adaptations needed for optimal PEV functioning in the field

  • Computer station in PEV
  • Removable face plate on helmets
  • Cooler for food/water
  • Easily accessible toilet
  • Doors need to be engineered so can be opened/closed by people of all sizes

Overall PEV feasibility

A PEV opens new possibilities for longer EVAs and greater capacity for data collection and exploration.

March 31, 2002

MDRS Log Book

MDRS Log, Commander Judith Lapierre

Transforming problem into opportunities:

Aonia days and Skyline Rim summit

This weekend started with having to say goodbye to one of us. Before he left, we all were very excited about the approval we received from Mission Support Denver to test our pressurized exploration vehicle (PEV), a space version of Shannon’s Nissan Pathfinder. We needed a name for that first mission and vehicle. We got the two Mars Globes with several identified sites on it and selected one that suited all of us. Aonia was selected and represents a terra in the Southern hemisphere of Mars. Then, we all worked on proper Mars Rover identification and plates (check that out…). That mission was one to exclusively test feasibility, advantages over ATV, constraints and requirements and included Rover pilot Andrew and Crew Shannon.

That allowed to include another member that was not in sim (therefore not wearing a spacesuit) to accompany the space crew and document all pertinent information, to insure safety and assist in any way. Crew returned after a short hour to insure Matt’s Earth return through Green River by Shannon’s Pathfinder.

This successful first half sim operational PEV Aonia mission led to a full scientific sim on Sunday with the same pilot and crew Joel. Aiming for Muddy Creek across Big Wild Horse Mesa, the Rover crew were targeting new waypoints identification and sampling of 10 biological samples in wet areas.

On another mission, off sim, a trip to Skyline Rim was necessary to assess MDRS Voice Communication System repeater, 900 feet west of the Hab. Jennifer, Shannon and myself found our way to the specific site and assessed the solar panels, checked the repeater and tested radio communication with the Hab.

What started as off sim maintenance activity turned out to be an extraordinary scenic hike in the desert and to the top of that rim. An incredible silence was surrounding us through which nature’s presence could confirm its superiority! One of those memorable moment where you feel on top of the world but so very small… On our way back, a desert rabbit ran away from us, reminding us to get back to the Hab for our Easter’s celebration.

This was a wonderful weekend of exploration: discovery of our abilities to create occasions for more knowledge development and recognition of our nature’s strength and fragility!

Transformer des problèmes en occasions:

Les journées Aonia et le sommet de la ceinture Skyline

La fin de semaine a commencé avec l’obligation de se séparer de notre collègue Matt. Il participa cependant à l’organisation des deux journées qui suivirent son départ. Nous obtinrent la permission de procéder à l’évaluation d’un véhicule routier pressurisé pour nos déplacements et expéditions d’exploration au lieu des habituels V.T.T.(non disponibles).

Quelques idées, quelques modifications, quelques efforts et nous transformèrent le Pathfinder de Shannon en véhicule spatial motorisé. Sélectionner un nom pour notre mission et notre nouveau véhicule devint une activité collective : un globe martien avec plusieurs sites identifiés nous amena à sélectionner Aonia (terre australe de Mars).

Puis, Aonia devait arborer les couleurs de Mars et avoir une plaque d’immatriculation pertinente ( faut voir les photos!). Les objectifs de cette mission se résument en vérifier la pertinence d’un véhicule pressurisé, identifier les avantages (comparativement à l’exploration par V.T.T.), identifier les contraintes qui y sont liées et finalement, analyser les conditions préalables.

Le pilot de mission était Andrew et notre collègue Shannon. Les objectifs ci haut ont permis d’inclure un membre de notre équipage dans cette mission sans être en simulation. Jennifer devait alors documenter les informations pertinentes, assurer la sécurité et procurer de l’assistance au besoin. L’équipage revint à la station une heure après permettant à Matt de rejoindre la Terre via Green River (par le Pathfinder de Shannon).

Le succès de la mission de samedi permit, dimanche, de préparer et de mettre en œuvre la seconde mission du PEV (« pressurized exploration vehicle »), celle-ci scientifique et en mode de simulation complet! Notre pilote Andrew, accompagné de Joel se rendit à « Muddy Creek » de l’autre côté de la « Big Wild Horse Mesa » afin de procéder à l’identification de cette zone par satellite et à la collecte d’échantillons biologiques en milieux humides.

Nous avons aussi atteint le sommet de la ceinture Skyline afin de procéder à une analyse du système de communication de la station. Shannon, Jennifer et moi-même partirent pour environ de 3 heures à la recherche de l’antenne et de l’instrument de répétition situé à 900 pieds à l’Ouest de la Station afin de l’analyser et de la réparer au besoin. Les panneaux solaires, l’antenne et l’instrument de répétition étaient en place.

Nous avons aussi vérifié la clarté des signaux envoyés à la station. Ce qui avait commencé comme une activité de maintenance hors simulation (plutôt ennuyante) s’est transformé en randonnée pédestre extraordinaire dans le désert. Cette région nous offrait des panoramas absolument magnifiques et pittoresques. Il y avait un silence incroyable autour de nous qui laissait cependant régner une présence naturelle plus grande que tout!

Un peu comme ces moments où l’on se sent au sommet du monde mais à la fois très très petit… Sur le chemin du retour, tout près nous, le lapin du désert prit sa course et nous rappela de rentrer pour un dîner de festivités pascales. En somme, un week-end d’exploration : découvertes de notre capacité à créer des occasions pour développer et augmenter le savoir qui nous permettra un jour de poser les pieds sur Mars et reconnaissance de la grandiose force de la nature et de sa fragilité.

Commander's Report

Dr. Judith Lapierre reporting

Our day was among the most exciting ones of the week. We started with our operational mission of that day - getting to Skyline Rim to assess the repeater condition of MDRS Voice Communication System. The whole activity took us (Shannon, Jennifer and I) three hours and included checking solar panels, assessing antenna and repeater box. We tested radio communication with Hab: clear and loud messages reached both ends. Skyline Rim is extremely scenic and now among my "out of this world" views. We used GPS to find the site: from the parking area (that we identified) to the site is about 2.5 km each way. Once we reached back the Hab after writing up directions to get there (see engineering report and Hab operations manual), our second PEV mission (but first in full sim) was being prepared by pilot Andrew and Joel as crew. Two scientific goals had been planned in Muddy Creek area: waypoint identification and geological survey. However, after our trip to Skyline Rim, Shannon, our biologist, assessed the PEV crew destination and decided that that site would provide her with more interesting scientific data than Tank wash that could be collected tomorrow Monday on our way to Lithe Canyon. Shannon and I decided to abort our mission and have PEV crew collect wet samples on their way. PEV crew agreed and left with that third goal in mind. Minor problems had the PEV crew returned after 20 minutes to gather essential equipment needed for geological survey and biological equipment. However, PEV crew noticed, at their destination, that biological sample box had been left into the airlock room. Unable to reach Habcom due to bad readings, they pursued geological surveys. This is a realistic situation: astronauts on long term ISS missions and those going to Mars will have several hundreds experiments to complete and such incidents will happen and can threaten one's science research goals. Major lessons learned from my side were of both orders, primary and secondary. First, our planning of EVAs must be improved. Although it is currently being done twice pre-mission (night before and early morning), something can be done minutes before spacesuiting. Crew commander should go over all of the scientific goals with EVA commander, making sure that with all the activities going around the station (especially at EVA time), we are all clear on was is to be accomplished during that specific EVA. EVA commander has the responsibility to accomplish all of those goals equally. Secondly, the EVA buddy system in place should also focus on the scientific goals of that crew EVA- (EVAs are not simply individuals going on a EVA but it must be considered a "crew EVA") and not solely on the safety issues related to EVA's. Secondary issues are related to radio communication between Hab and PEV crew: PEV crew had tried to reach Hab to inform of that incident. Habcrew would then have identified a plan B (for example ATV drive to area) but message did not reach Hab. In our case, when crew returned to gather equipment, although the biological box was left their to be taken at the same time by returning PEV crew, Habcom should have confirmed the reception of both items by PEV crew. This situation had us collectively revised our modes of functioning to insure that all crews going on EVA's also perform other's research of which they have a responsibility. Great data (waypoints and geological images) was gathered on that full sim PEV EVA (see Andrew's report). Joel, as always, contributed to our being able to share our exploration expeditions and you should check our photos! Today's PEV crew contributed also seriously to collect significant data on depressurization/pressurization issues of PEV utilization. Habcom was performed by Jennifer this pm and some report writing by Shannon and myself. Regular Hab maintenance activities done (water refill, generator and biolet monitoring). See engineering report for a problem with the generator drums. Joel also worked on his paper for New Mars - keep an eye for that.

Two thoughts came to me today related to a mission to Mars after our full week on Mars analogue: crew number and gender of crewmembers. A crew of six is a good number. However, I have found so far, that of crew of 7 or 8 might be better. You would need to have people assigned to Hab maintenance specifically. There has been absolutely no time where crew could work at a relaxed speed, leading maybe to better informed knowledge and further hypothesis testing. While there is crew on EVAs, Hab crew is full time working of other operational issues, most of the time, and R&D; (research/development) gets a second priority. Having more crewmembers fully dedicated to those technical and operational essential tasks is something to think about. Secondly, I have found that having crewmembers of both genders in equal number to work out very well. In position to compare with other mission where I have been the only female crewmember, I fully recommend such a balanced crew in terms of gender.

Our crew decided not to take some leisure time this Sunday because of our exciting experiments. However, Tuesday afternoon will be a time where strictly inside-Hab-work will be performed, including personal work. Our crew launches tomorrow an outreach project where crewmembers will be available on-line (with Mars-time delay) to answer questions from the public. Message will be posted on Mars Society website, Mars Society Canada, Mars Society France and other space-related groups (ISU, Nasa Academy, etc.).

Here is our message: (hoping to hear from you!)

Mars Desert Research Station crew invites questions from the public

On Tuesday, April 2, from 10am to 7pm MST, the MDRS crew welcomes questions from the public sent straight to the Mars Habitat via email at mdrs@starband.net. Questions are welcome for the whole crew or to individual members of the crew currently at the station. Crew #4 is involved with conceptual testing of a Pressurized Exploration Vehicle (PEV), has completed the first full simulation nocturnal EVA, and is engaged in ongoing biological, psychological and geological research.

Please send your questions and expect a brief delay due to the extreme distance of the crew being located on the planet Mars. See the Crew 4 - Crew Bio page for more information about the background and work of the individual members of the crew.

Shannon Rupert, Andrew Hoppin, Jennifer Knowles, Joel McKinnon, Alex Kazerooni, and Judith Lapierre (Commander). Messages can also be relayed to troubleshooter extraordinaire, Matt Lowry, who departed the crew this past weekend.

Plans for tomorrow: Scientific: 1) psychosocial research (Lapierre) and human factor research (Clancey/McKinnon) - crew received Matt's answers tonight and will be starting analysis tomorrow. 2) One plan (+ back up plan) for an full female ATV (our first since the one planned last week was cancelled due to 2 ATV's not running). Three sites are to be used for sample collection along the way (Tank Wash, Muddy Creek and Lithe Canyon (depending on whether or not we received ATV from Earth owner). Joel will pick up Alex, our last crewmember to join and Andrew will work as Habcom during this ATV and also be working on digital mapping.

GeoSciences Report

Andrew Hoppin

Mid-Rotation GeoSciences Report

I have been hard at work on developing a digital Geographic Information System (GIS) for MDRS science data and on creating new geographic data sets to support current and future research. Work over the past few days has consisted of:

  1. researching, acquiring, and processing digital data sets of the Skyline Rim Quad, the region around the Hab: we now have in hand and processed 15m panchromatic ASTER Level 1B satellite imagery, USGS Digital Orthoquad aerial photography, USGS Digital Raster Graphics (digital equivalent of Skyline Rim topo quad), and a 10m 1:24,000 Digital Elevation Model.
  2. researching and acquiring free or low-cost image processing, GIS and mapping software; we now have installed and tested on Hab computer assets the following software: ERViewer2.0c, Geomatica Freeview v8.2, dlgv32Pro (GlobalMapper), Shapeview, Shapeview, ArcExplorer 3.1, DeLorme 3-D TopoQuads (Utah data set), HDF Explorer, Idrisi 2.0, SIGIS, MicroImages TNTLite, Microdem, MapMaker 3 (Gratis), AGIS, 3DEM, and Multispec.
  3. Collecting field data (see EVA Report 53) to verify accurate orthorectification of digital imagery, and to investigate whether it is possible to produce an accurate of a digital land-cover classification map of Skyline Rim from the satellite imagery and aerial photography we have in hand. USGS does not have a land-cover map at a scale better than 1:250,000, which provides almost no detail for the region of the Hab, and does not provide any detail within land cover types (e.g.: "bare rock"). A detailed digital (~15m resolution) land-cover classification map of Skyline Quad would be very useful for EVA planning and verifying field observations after returning to the Hab among other uses.
  4. Producing initial new digital map products from the digital data sets we now have in hand. Below, I have used our digital elevation model to produce a 3 dimensional rendering of the fascinating "Half-Pipe Canyon" region of Skyline Rim that we investigated earlier in our rotation (see March 26 Geology Report)
    Crew4eva35a.jpg

Engineering Report

Jennifer Knowles

Water Systems: Approximately 50 gallons of water was pumped into the water tank. The task began at 16:50 and ended at 17:30.

Power and Fuel: Nominal operation. The low oil indicator light on the generator will not turn off.

EVA Equipment (including ATVs and PEV): Nominal.

Safety: During the morning refueling of the generator, crew members noticed the gas drum is now bulgging. The structural integrity has been compromised. We advise that a new drum be found as soon as possible.

Computers and Communications: Nominal operation. Judith, Shannon, and I took a trip to the repeater today, as communications between HabCom and EVA teams have been sporadic and attempts to ping the repeater have failed. We found the repeater operational so only checked the connections, cleaned the solar cells and removed dirt and dust from the small box at the base. In addition, we assigned waypoints to the repeater (WP104--recorded as #122 on the Hab's GPS) and to the parking area before the walk to the repeater (WP105-- recorded as #123 on the Hab's GPS). The coordinates of the waypoints as well as detailed directions to the site have been written up and will be included as updates to the MDRS Operations Manual.

General Maintenance & Waste Management: The trash was gathered from inside the Hab and removed. The Biolet flaps were not closing properly. Upon investigation of the problem it was determined that the button which controls this had become sticky and was stuck in the open position.

GreenHab: Plants in the Hab have been watered.

Maximum Outside Temperature: 98 degrees F / 37 degrees C

Minimum Outside Temperature: 28 degrees F / -2 degrees C

EVA 53 Report

  • EVA Date: 3/31/02
  • EVA Cmdr: Andrew Hoppin
  • EVA Pilot: Joel McKinnon
  • EVA HabCom: Jennifer Knowles

PEV is The Only Way to Get Around on Mars

On its second mission of all-time, the PEV (Pressurized Exploration Vehicle) "Rover" proved its utility beyond a shadow of a doubt. It whisked us rapidly all the way to Muddy Creek in a time-pressured early-evening EVA and enabled us to collect copious amounts of "training data" for the Geo team's digital land-cover classification work en route without even stopping the vehicle.

Commander’s narrative (Andrew Hoppin):

This was an EVA of great highs and lows-our mission was two-fold: to collect 20 biological samples from "wet" and "dry" areas far from the Hab in an area not yet visited by our biology team near Muddy Creek to the North, and to cover a lot as much ground as possible while recording "training data" all the way for the land-cover maps that our Geo team is making from satellite imagery and aerial photography. We succeeded in spades in this latter mission, having the most productive Geo EVA of our entire rotation thanks in no small part to the PEV, but this excitement also contributed to a miserable failure on the Biology mission-the team neglected to stow critical biology core sample tools in the PEV prior to departure, and didn't realize its egregious error until it was preparing to begin taking biological samples in the failing evening light at the far end of its EVA route more than 6.5 kilometers from the Hab! BIG note to selves: do a verbal checklist of all equipment required for each EVA mission with each EVA team members immediately before exiting the airlock.

The mission began inauspiciously on the Geo side as well, as the first attempt to use the digital camera in the field found that the data card was damaged. We were relatively close to the Hab however, and returned to pick up a new card. The Hab crew was kind enough to deposit the card in the airlock themselves and then depressurize it while we drove back, so that we wouldn't have to wait through pressurization and depressurization in the airlock.

We then proceeded on a thrilling 6 ˝ kilometer jaunt out to Muddy Creek practically without stopping-but successfully gathering research data all the way! In order to construct a land-cover map of our home here on "Mars," we are using sophisticated image processing software that takes reflected light and analyzes it to determine what is rock, what is mud, what is dirt, what is scrubgrass, etc. A critical part of this process is collecting "training data" to "train" the image processing program to recognize what dirt, rock, scrub, etc. actually "look like" here on Mars. We do this by going on EVA and finding representative areas of each major type of land cover all over the local region, visually determining what land cover is there, recording it in note form and in a digital photograph (in case we need to recheck it later), and collecting GPS points that will be used to "tie" the location we were looking at on EVA to the same specific location in the imagery the computer is going to analyze.

By it's nature the Geo mission called for us therefore to rapidly characterize and record land cover along a 6 ˝ kilometer route, and the mission could not have been completed efficiently without aid of the PEV. Picture this-on an ATV, each "training site" required us to drive (more slowly than in the PEV) to a specific location, park the ATV, get off (and perpetually worry about it stalling with a weak battery), dig out a field notebook, pen, GPS, and digital camera of pockets with bulky Mars Suit glove fingers and try to punch the series requisite buttons and write the requisite words to record the requisite data, then get back on the ATV and get it going again and drive off to the next waypoint. This could all take 5 minutes or more per point not including travel time between points. Since good land cover classifications over a large study area often require dozens of geographically dispersed training areas for EACH land cover class, this can really add up.

Contrast this with our experience in the PEV; while our pilot Joel was driving slowly, I was able to remove my gloves inside the pressurized vehicle, have a camera in one hand, GPS on the dashboard, field notebook in my lap, and pen in my other hand. We could literally drive STRAIGHT to our ultimate destination almost without stopping. Five minutes+ per point outside of travel time turns into ZERO minutes before you know it. The PEV let us get more work done in a tight timeframe-a lot more. So, while ATVs are outstanding for traveling over rough terrain, and are perhaps the ideal vehicle for going to specific locations to perform detail work at a specific location, the PEV is far superior for "survey" type research that places a premium on efficiency and is tolerant of accessing certain TYPES of locations rather than certain unique SPECIFIC locations.

Secondary narrative (Joel McKinnon):

I must admit I felt a bit silly at first crawling awkwardly into the PEV in a spacesuit, but I soon got into the spirit of the simulation and found that situating myself in the craft and piloting it was not particularly difficult. The most refreshing aspect of the entire EVA is when the cabin becomes sufficiently pressurized to allow the removal of bulky (and hot) gloves so that the hands can be used to grasp recording devices and push buttons with relative ease. It also gives you a clear sense of what a good thing pressure is. I only wish we could have taken it to the next step and found it practical to remove our helmets within the pressurized cabin. While this would clearly be allowable under the constraints of the simulation, the close quarters made it prohibitively impractical. This became a bit of an issue late in the EVA when sunglasses became an issue.

I had been told that sunglasses are unnecessary and inadvisable within the space helmets because the helmets do adequately block UV radiation and it's conceivable that the sunglasses could become displaced and cause problems. I found I couldn't leave my sunglasses behind, however, knowing I would be driving in bright, late afternoon sunshine, and knowing how invaluable they'd been on previous EVAs at cutting down glare. What I failed to anticipate was how they would become a problem as the sunset gave way to evening. It seems that here in the desert- I mean on Mars- the sunset is followed very quickly by nightfall. We got to our final field destination- a spectacular canyon- as the sun was setting and I soon found I couldn't see very well wearing my shades. Of course, there was no option of removing them, and by the time we got back to the PEV for our return drive I was seriously handicapped by the depleted light. I had to wait a full five minutes for cabin pressurization before I could unclasp the helmet and remove the sunglasses. This solved the immediate problem, but upon arrival at the hab I had to get the helmet back on before the cabin could be depressurized. This proved to be quite difficult, even with Andrew's assistance.

The lesson learned from this experience is not that sunglasses shouldn't be allowed on EVA but that techniques should be developed for allowing the light shielding for EVA astronauts to be varied as necessary. Until some type of visor is developed for the helmets themselves, sunglasses are the best option, but should be avoided in situations where the team expects to get back in low light- especially if critical functions like riding an ATV or piloting a PEV are involved.

Technical Log

Objective(s):

  1. To collect 20 biological samples from "wet" and "dry" areas far from the Hab in an area not yet visited by our biology team near Muddy Creek to the North.
  2. To cover as much ground as possible while recording "training data" all the way for the digital land-cover maps that our Geo team is constructing from satellite imagery and aerial photography.

This was the first test for the use of a pressurized rover in a simulation. Because it had never before been attempted, it was executed in half-SIM and a mission support crewmember accompanied the EVA team. The rover, christened "AONIA" by the crew, was a four-wheel drive SUV (now changed to PEV--pressurized exploration vehicle). All mission objectives were accomplished and successful.

Personnel:

  • Andrew Hoppin (Commander)
  • Joel McKinnon
  • Jennifer Knowles (HabCom)

Airlock timeline:

  • Hab airlock departure ingress: 16:20
  • Hab airlock departure egress: 16:27
  • PEV pressurized: 16:35 (while driving in suits)
  • PEV depressurized: 17:30 (to leave vehicle to enter Hab airlock)
  • Hab airlock return ingress: 17:35 (to pick up equipment)
  • Hab airlock return egress back outside Hab: 17:38 (re-pressurization/depressurization unnecessary)
  • PEV pressurized: 17:45 (while driving in suits)
  • PEV depressurized: 18:20 (for field work at Muddy Creek)
  • PEV pressurized: 18:55 (while driving in suits)
  • PEV depressurized: 19:40
  • Hab airlock return ingress: 19:42
  • Hab airlock return egress: 19:47

Waypoints:

New:

106: elev. 1406; 0520502, 4256381

107: elev. 1384; 05020417, 4256728

Revisted: Close to 15.

Communication checks:

Check time: 17:20

  • EVA team location: n/a
  • Status: Returning to Hab to retrieve additional data card for digital camera
  • Additional notes: none

Check time: 18:35

  • EVA team location: n/a (Marse Code used)
  • Status: Ok.
  • Additional notes: n/a

Check time: 18:35

  • EVA team location: unintelligible
  • Status: Returning to Hab
  • Additional notes: n/a

Special circumstances:

  1. Didn't test digital camera until at first field study point; data card was damaged, and we had to return to the Hab.
  2. Forgot tube coring kit to retrieve biological samples in Hab airlock; didn't realize this until we were at the furthest point of the mission from the Hab, and due to the late hour a return to retrieve it was impossible; the biology mission for the EVA had to be scrubbed.

Conclusions/lessons learned

  • The PEV makes "survey" type field work extremely efficient
  • ALWAYS test all field equipment prior to egress from the Hab
  • ALWAYS do a verbal checklist with crew members of all field equipment required for the mission prior to ingress to the airlock for departure, and briefly again prior to egress from the airlock

April 1, 2002

Commander's Report

Dr. Judith Lapierre Reporting

We had our first morning yoga session at the station led by our own yoga teacher Jennifer!. As a health promotion doctor, I strongly recommend that a training program be an obligation for crewmembers. Currently, on all space missions, crewmembers have a very specific training program to prevent bone decalcification and muscle atrophy among other things. To offer crewmembers the possibility to train on an exercise bike would be a great opportunity for further knowledge development and not a luxury. EVAs performed after two days inside without much movement can be somewhat demanding One could be put at the first level of the Hab- it does not require much space but can do a lot to improve well-being and physical performance on pedestrian EVAs. Somewhat related to that, the crew recommends as well to identify other leisure/sport activities such as a ping pong table.

This morning Joel went to Green River to pick up our new crewmate, Alex. During that time, a crew of two commanded by Shannon, and myself as crew, went to collect biological samples at Tank Wash to make up for the research problems of yesterday. Although this was a rather short ATV EVA, it was a very productive sampling. Several samples collected in both wet and dry areas, allowing Shannon to pursue her analysis of that whole area. We returned to the Hab less than 2 hours after leaving. All operations during this EVA went smooth and fast. Second contact with Hab (Andrew as Capcom) was unsuccessful but reached the Hab, EVA crew did not get a reply back. Radio contacts are definitely more difficult, less loud and clear as we move away from the Hab (more than 2 km). Second tele medicine test with new flight surgeon unsuccessful. Tomorrow, HSO will perform another test and report on it. Generator problem increased with no possibilities for the crew to use several appliances or even warm water for dinner preparation. Crew tested second generator (see report) and used both for more than 5 hours, allowing for 4 crewmembers to shower. Crew went back to using original generator (see report) but more testing of the second generator will be done tomorrow. Water tank had to re-fill today following our increased use of water. Planned all female ATV EVA had to be cancelled a second time due to a lack of available ATV's. There is still only two here at the station, the third has not returned. Alex (new crewmember) and Joel then went on an introductory ATV EVA also to Wash Tank for supplemental sample collection for Shannon. Personal research work was performed as planned.

We had another great dinner by Shannon, meals are among our usual most appreciated moments! Following our dinner, we pursued orientation with Alex and had a special meeting to plan the next 48 hours. Alex will inform me of this needs in terms of research - we have a total of 8 possible EVAs before the end, one more night one and 1-2 PEV. Our outreach activity has been posted and we already started to receive questions. The first one was by Nathan from Australia interested into relations inside the Hab.

Another major activity for our crew is starting Wednesday at 14h00h until 8:00h Thursday. A crew of two is going on a PEV overnight exploration expedition. Eveyrone wanted to take part into that exciting mission! (except Shannon). Two were selected based on their motivation and "crew" research goals that were reinforced at our meeting (plus PEV space would not allow for more than two as we must also planned for security, for food, for computer space, etc.). This mission was called for, for several reasons. Technically, we are still in need of more data on the potential uses of our prototype PEV and scientifically, geological waypoints out of reach of a usual ATV site are required. Site selected was Skyline Rim for three reasons: 1) this site was visited off sim yesterday - it is the site of the MDRS repeater 2) radio communication from there is received loud and clear at the Hab and from the Hab and 3) This site has not been surveyed. Furthermore, that PEV full sim overnight exploration expedition will allow for 10 hours of research being done in a whole new area and we will maximize its use. Each one is expected to prepare a proposal tomorrow for that expedition. Although the primary goal may appear to be exclusively geological survey, it is not. Each proposal that will be accepted by 4 pm tomorrow for that intensive mission will be treated equally in terms of its significance. Living in such a small close space for 16 hours is probably equally challenging technically, scientifically and psychologically.

Two crewmembers are going to that site to do research for the crew, as a collective crew exploration mission. We have learned that EVAs done solely for the purpose of one scientist is a missed opportunity for many more knowledge development and we are trying to maximize those opportunities. I wanted both a male and one female on that mission. Each current MDRS crewmember is as able as any other to reach our crew objectives on that mission. Plus, two of the female crewmembers have not taken part on any of the most exciting EVAs so far in our rotation and should be given this opportunity (Lithe Canyon, PEV, below Skyline Rim: were all EVAs done by male crewmembers except one where I join). Our newer crewmember Alex has still several training to do before taking part on an overnight PEV missions, pedestrian EVAs, ATV EVAs, day PEV, etc., plus learning about our crew objectives. Therefore, crew supported Andrew as the male crewmember to take part in that mission. Joel will make a journalistic report about this from our Mars base. Jennifer was supported on our side. Inside the Hab, we will have a rotation for full time night Capcom. PEV crew will park overnight at the waypoint identified by crew yesterday on their mission to the repeater and sleep there. Previously to parking for the overnight, they will take the road closest to the Rim to mark waypoints, reducing long pedestrian EVAs. Specific check in times is planned to insure safety and confirming well being and achievement of objectives. Permission to sleep at that specific site was obtained from the BLM office in Hanskville earlier today. We are taking our lessons learned from the two past PEV to improve PEV efficacy as a transport and research vehicle and temporary short pressurized habitat. The only off sim allowed activity, considering that this is not a current parameter being studied and that no other alternatives are provided at this point, they will go to the virtual toilet (natural).

A crew of three ATV EVAs will follow the PEV up to the main road- highway 24 West. Myself as crew commander, Joel as journalist and Alex. At that point the crew inside PEV will be able to remove helmet and backpack before taking the road. This will be documented.

Plans for tomorrow:

Scientific:

  1. Proposal writing for PEV OE (overnight expedition)
  2. Psychosocial research- new crewmember

Operational:

  1. Technical Preparation for PEV OE
  2. HSO assessment
  3. Alex orientation to our Hab

Outreach:

  1. Interactive delayed communication with the public on Earth (10:00 to 19:00).

Engineering Report

Jennifer Knowles

Water Systems: Approximately 40 gallons of water was pumped into the water tank. The task began at 18:44 and ended at 19:45.

Power and Fuel: Due to continual problems with the circuit breakers tripping on the 7000 watt generator, we explored the option of using the backup 6000 watt generator, after having verified that the two plugs on the current generator go to different circuits in the Hab. At first we moved one of the plugs to the backup generator and ran both machines. With this arrangement we were able to use to hot water heater successfully, and even run other machines off of the same circuit. However, during the evening we were advised to put all plugs on the backup generator. The Hab power was lost immediately after being restored with this generator. A tripped breaker was not evident (both on the generator and in the Hab). We now think that the GFI circuit blew. Both plugs have since been plugged back into the original generator (7000 watt). And power is back to its original capacity.

It should be noted as well that the backup generator is not grounded, and that the low oil light on the 7000 watt generator is still on.

EVA Equipment (including ATVs and PEV): Nominal. Still only have two ATVs available.

Safety: Noticed that the gas pumped needs to be padded in the area that it touches the barrel opening. In its present condition the pump is not up to HazMat standards.

Computers and Communications: Nominal operation. Attempted Net2Phone Test. Was unable to get it to work properly. Will try again tomorrow.

General Maintenance & Waste Management: The trash was gathered from inside the Hab and removed.

GreenHab: Plants in the Hab have been watered.

Maximum Outside Temperature: 103 degrees F

Minimum Outside Temperature: 29 degrees F

EVA 54 Report

  • EVA Date: 4/1/02
  • EVA Cmdr: Shannon Rupert
  • EVA 2: Judith Lapierre
  • EVA HabCom: Jennifer Knowles

Summary

This was a short EVA to Tank Way via Lowell Highway for the express purpose of collecting soil samples.

Commander’s narrative (Shannon Rupert):

Due to a failed sample mission yesterday, it was imperative that the remaining biology soil samples be collected today. We collected 18 samples in dry (escarpment) and wet (wash) areas along the first 50 meters of Tank Wash east of Lowell Highway. A second EVA was planned for this afternoon to collect the remaining samples further down the Wash and to train our new crewmember, Alex Kazarooni, in EVA protocols.

Secondary narrative (Judith Lapierre):

This short EVA was very productive. Walking down Tank Wash and collecting samples was another fascinating experience. Experienting how biological sampling can be different when in a spacesuits using gloves and carrying a large backpack does prove that much more dexterity and efforts are required. Carrying the box with the individual samples proved also to be more demanding than on a usual Earth mission of biological sampling. This was my third contribution to field biology and I found that I could already perform my tasks much better and provide good assistance to the biologist.

Technical Log

Objective:

  • This was a short EVA to Tank Way via Lowell Highway for the express purpose of collecting soil samples.

Personnel:

  • Shannon Rupert (Commander)
  • Judith Lapierre
  • Jennifer Knowles (HabCom)

Airlock timeline:

  • Departure ingress: 10:07
  • Departure egress: 10:12
  • Return ingress: 11:30
  • Return egress: 11:35

Waypoints:

New: None

Revisted: 25

Communication checks:

Check time: 11:07

  • EVA team location: Tank Wash
  • Status: HabCom could hear EVA Team, EVA team could not hear HabCom, EVA Team could hear each other throughout the mission
  • Additional notes:
    • None.

Special circumstances:

  • None.

Conclusions/lessons learned

  • Mission went smoothly, no problems

EVA 55 Report

Tank Wash Biology Samples

  • EVA Date: 4/1/02
  • EVA Cmdr: Joel McKinnon
  • EVA 2: Alex Kazerooni
  • EVA HabCom: Andrew Hoppin

Summary

A fairly short EVA revisiting Tank Wash to procure biological samples for Shannon's CO2 expiration experiments and to introduce Alex Kazerooni to mobile EVAs

Commander’s narrative (Joel McKinnon):

Alex Kazerooni arrived today at the Green River train station to join the crew as a biomedical engineer and researcher. A few hours later he was fully suited up for EVA and out on an ATV proceeding up Lowell Highway.

We've had issues recently with forgetting important things for the field so I hoped this would not be the case for this EVA. Overall, we were successful in this except for one slight misunderstanding. I had asked Alex if he was carrying a timepiece, lacking one myself. I had forgotten to inform him that the watch must not be worn inside the suit as there is no way to check the time without violating the sim. I discovered this oversight while still in the HabCom and received authorization to proceed with radio time checks.

When we reached the ATVs I realized I didn't know how to shift these ones (I'd only ridden on "Big Yellow", the one with the button gear shifter on the handelbar). A call to habcom resolved the issue as Andrew explained the principle of the foot shift without difficulty.

A short way down the road I stopped to change channels to communicate with Alex. When I resumed travel down the road I heard in my radio that Alex was having trouble with his ATV. What had happened was that he had turned it off while in gear and it must be turned to neutral before it can be turned on again. I had forgotten to give a thorough orientation to ATV operation and explained this known problem. After that we proceeded uneventfully down up the road to Tank Wash. Our destination was 100 meters down stream from the dry waterfall at the road side, but as I explained to Alex, BLM doesn't permit off track travel so we left the ATVs by the road and started down the canyon. At the first sample site I became paranoid that someone would make off with the ATVs which still had keys in ignition, so I returned to the road and pocketed the keys.

Shannon had instructed us to get half as many dry as wet samples; wet samples being those taken from areas with past stream flow or pooling, and dry samples from escarpments or areas where water would tend to sheet off without penetrating the regolith. We first took a sample from the center of the stream bed about 100 meters below the waterfall. Shannon had instructed us to twist the tool in until it was at least ten centimeters deep, then extract the core. If the core was nothing but powder it was non-viable and another sample should be taken. The wet samples proved to be somewhat cooperative, but the dry samples were rarely coherent and were extremely difficult to procure. It took us significantly longer than I expected to get the samples, and as I had promised we would only be out a couple of hours at most, we stopped sampling after procuring 5 dry and 5 wet samples.

Alex suggested a method of indicating position of where we took the samples in which a little drawing on the cap of the specimen jar would indicated the distance downstream of the first sample. I explained that my understanding was that Shannon was not interested in specific placement information for her project. We compromised by indexing the samples downstream from the first site as in "A-W" being the first site with a wet sample, "A-E" being the dry sample taken nearby, and on through the alphabet.

After collection of 10 total samples we headed back to the Hab, having established good contact with HabCom and informed them of our intentions. Radio contact was fairly good throughout the EVA except for my attempts to contact HabCom at our arrival at Tank Wash. Throughout the EVA we had excellent radio communication between Alex and myself.

The return ride to the hab was a blast as we cranked it up a little bit and felt the breeze through our suits. I had always been fairly conservative on the ATVs but Alex was less so and pushed me to have a bit more fun. We arrived back at the hab a little over two hours into the EVA.

Secondary narrative (Alex Kazerooni):

The EVA was a very effective means for becoming immersed by the simulation.

This activity conducted with simulated suites, ATV's, limited field tools, and required ATM-At the Moment Training in lieu of mission debriefing with the commander and scientist regarding the excursion. The necessity for communication and planning before and after the activity emerges as to reduce time for questions and non-effective activities in the field. The EVA commander effectively communicated simulation guidelines, restrictions and requirements throughout the simulated EVA and reflects the importance of personnel to learn real-time, responsiveness to requests as well as the importance of a working relationship with teammates which permits anticipation of the others' responses and course of action. The capability to anticipate teammates behavior alleviates and prevents errors and equivocally permits spontaneous, innovative solutions to unrehearsed scenarios. Hence, the importance to assume a previous working knowledge and relationship with crewmembers sans prior work experience is important for enjoyment and simulation effectiveness.

From an engineering perspective, integration of hardware and software perceived to be unique to one scientific discipline or another will simplify operations, increase the level of redundancy of hardware and software performance and streamline data collection, data-mining and data analysis.

From a scientific perspective, the contamination of samples during collection, the capability to retrieve samples of interest and mission planning prior to excursion may provide for scientific standards that permit both qualitative and quantitative analysis, interpretation, and conclusion.

From a human perspective, one must adopt a simulation attitude. One could only imagine a sense of awe, extreme responsibility to perform tasks safely, with scientific integrity and engineering expertise. In addition the experience would be recorded through observation and reflection of one's emotions and most importantly in the context not of one individual, but the historical context and extrapolations of both ancient and contemporary human endeavors. ATVing in the middle of Utah is a difficult treat to beat during the simulation. It is difficult to imagine a more compatible simulation area than where we are located. Let's roll....!

Technical Log

Objective:

  • To procure wet and dry samples for Shannon's CO2 expiration project and to introduce Alex Kazerooni to his first EVA.

Personnel:

  • Shannon Rupert (Commander)
  • Judith Lapierre
  • Jennifer Knowles (HabCom)

Airlock timeline:

  • Departure ingress: 15:35
  • Departure egress: 15:40
  • Return ingress: 17:39
  • Return egress: 17:44

Waypoints:

New: None.

Revisted: None.

Communication checks:

Check time: 16:20

  • EVA team location: Tank Wash at road
  • Status: could not establish contact with Hab
  • Additional notes:
    • None.

Check time: 17:00

  • EVA team location: 200 meters down from dry falls in Tank Wash
  • Status: OK
  • Additional notes:
    • Almost completed sampling, ETA at Hab 18:00

Check time: 17:20

  • EVA team location: Tank Wash at road
  • Status: OK
  • Additional notes:
    • Heading home

Special circumstances:

  • No watch available within sim. Quite hot.

Conclusions/lessons learned

  • Always check that all necessary EVA materials are available and within sim. (Example: watch not worn inside suit)
  • Also, the incident with not knowing how to shift the gears on the ATVs could have been avoided with more thorough training.

April 2, 2002

Commander's Report

Dr. Judith Lapierre Reporting

Our outreach morning started with Joel's unique specialty (!): breakfast burritos now named Regolith wraps coming from one of our geologist. Our morning meeting was short; focus was on our proposal (goal, objectives and method) deadline for today for our PEV OE (overnight exploration), having crewmember Alex bio on our website and completing psychosocial research. Rotation plan and protocol for answering questions from the public were revised. At the start of our outreach program, 7 messages had been received already and one hour after, messages came from Australia, England, Hungary, USA and Venezuela (summary of the questions and answers are to be posted). In total, 21 messages were received. Some web-based problems with the address seemed to have impeded the reception of further mails during the afternoon. Better marketing strategies and official press release could have increased dramatically the numbers received, crew suggested. At this time (22:00), we still have 13 to answer. Our interactions were very stimulating and had us engaged in thought-provoking discussions over dinner: should we leave Mars as it is, should we terraform it, why should we go, what types of governmental managerial structure would be best, etc. Hab science and work were performed during the morning and although the afternoon was planned to be free, all worked on the mission, either the outreach project where Joel, Shannon, and Jennifer gave all they had to share their inspiration about space or our program of research for PEV OE. Even Shannon's Easter Egg Hunt was called off again…. For lack of time.

HSO officer performed another telemedicine test with new flight surgeon at 15h00. She also collected medications found in one tablet of the kitchen cupboard. These have been listed and put in another box that will be sealed and put in a place to be found by next HSO. No medications should be left out for anyone to take without advising HSO. Andrew prepared our PEV OE mission. Jennifer also worked on the operational/technical preparation for that and assessed some issues related to health and safety (prepared suits, first aid kit and list of required items). Alex prepared his proposal. Shannon worked in her lab and got interesting preliminary findings that support the need for further sampling tomorrow by our PEV EO Media crew arrived at 16:00 and spent time with everyone. By 17:30, 5 proposals (2 hour time of work for the crew / by proposal) were received from our crewmembers and make up the interdisciplinary POV OE mission and follow this report (Alex's proposal is not typed since he had no access to computer but will follow). At evening meeting, each one of us presented their proposal and crew tried to identify common objectives and joint methods (data collection items and points) to decrease the 12 hour-work load on our crewmates (joint journalist-psychology, joint biology-geology-physiology). Shannon prepared for tonight the most exquisite dinner- the Half-Moon Quesadilla, you can not imagine how well we eat here. Everyone knows it has nothing to do with me- I' m probably the worst cook in our crew but the one who will have gained the most pounds in 2 weeks J.

Hab maintenance issues- generator and toilet. We will connect the second generator tomorrow daylight, our engineer has identified why it would not produce the power needed for the Hab yesterday. As per Mission Support Denver recommendation, we will cease our use of the old one (7000). Shannon's close monitoring of the biolet (not as close as Matt's monitoring though) was stopped today and we confirm that it's running as it should.

Plans for tomorrow:

Scientific:

  1. Shannon, Jennifer and I EVA ATV (the one always postponed) to Canyon Lithe in the morning if third ATV returns (biological sampling). If not, two ATVs will be used by either of two teams (to be determined tomorrow am);
  2. PEV EO starting in early afternoon (interdisciplinary research program)

Operational:

  1. Further testing of the PEV; 2) ADL- activities of daily living in PEV (food, sleep, etc.);
  2. Generator switch;
  3. All night-Hab mission support rotation.

List of PEV EO proposals (not in order of importance /Alex will present tomorrow)

1- PEV OE Psychosocial study - J. Lapierre

Goal As part of my current program of research, this study will allow for gathering of data on support needs of crews going on overnight EVA and mission support operations. Ultimate goal is to provide maximum support to crew's going on long EVAs out of site of their Habitat to contribute knowledge on safety issues and on optimal reaching of research objectives.

Objectives

Objectives are:

  1. Identify the specific needs of PEV OE crews in terms of conditions for maximum well-being and performance during missions;
  2. Develop mission support strategies to maximize crew's efficacy and well-being;
  3. Identify the potential interpersonal issues from the point of view of both genders;
  4. Identify the stressors/challenges/positive aspects specific to PEV OE missions;
  5. Contribute to the development of a protocol for such operations in the field.

Method

  1. Questionnaire for need identification to be completed at 22h00);
  2. On line direct over the clock support to the crew : documentation of all contacts (time, purpose, what, ); check in times : 15h00, 17h00, 19h00, 21h00, bedtime and 7:30. FEEL FREE t o contact us at anything during the whole period.
  3. Personal diaries from both members in the PEV OE to be completed on the morning of PEV EO (identifying feelings, challenges, best and worst moments, best ratio/gender combination, questions/reflexions on the future of those missions and the similarities/differences to a real planetary PEV EO);
  4. Digital recorder q : 30 min. on what becomes an element of stress, of challenge, of discomfort, of excitement or of new knowledge development due to the related conditions (between 17H30 and 23H00 included); 11 data point- quick (1-4 min. reports from pilot and engineer alternatively) - including the going to bed period...
  5. Description from the engineer/pilot on the mission as to their individual or common recommendations (free writing post mission Thursday) - can be used as EVA report narratives and lessons learned.

Questionnaires :

  1. Do you feel that this operation was worthwhile in terms of research and operational information? Why?
  2. Would you do it again, if so, why, if not why not? May depend on your night but you could add any night info on your am diary…
  3. What was missing in our preparation for the PEV OE do you think? What did we forget? What can you think of now being there?
  4. What are your needs at this time to make this a better satisfying mission? What needs could you imagine crews would have on that sort of thing?
  5. Have you at some point felt that that you were really isolated from your Hab and usual references? You were mentioning that not being able to go out as we pleased contributed to our experience of being on another planet,… During that PEV did you further experienced that sort of feelings- if so in what ways?
  6. What kind of support would you expect from Habsupport and from Earth support if any?
  7. Would you feel better (sense of more control and security) having an ATV on a trailer in case your PEV stops functioning and you are several kilometers away from your Hab and that there is no way for you to return.
  8. Where there moments where you wanted out of this specific sim and could have just gone out?
  9. How would you best describe that experience?
  10. What was most annoying in that little space?
  11. What are the required characteristics/attitudes of individuals, in your view, going on long PEVOE- do they differ from usual qualities required of space candidates or space MDRS missions?

2- Biology Proposal for PEV Overnight Mission- 4-2-02 - S Rupert

Preliminary results of Rotation 4's biology project suggest that soil samples collected where water remains after rain, either in pools or runoff channels, contain more microorganisms than soil where water does not remain after rains. This justifies the collection of additional soil samples in order to continue exploring whether the "McDaniels's Hypothesis" can be quantified. An additional 30 samples-- 15 from escarpments or regolith and 15 from an adjacent wash or ephemeral basin-- should be collected from an area surrounding a single waypoint and within a single EVA. These new samples will either be returned to Earth for analysis or will be left at the lab for data collection by the biologist in the next rotation.

I propose collecting these samples on the PEV overnight in order to assess the feasilbility of collecting a large number of biological samples in a single EVA using a pressurized rover.

3 - Journalistic Objectives of Overnight EVA Mission: J McKinnon

The overnight PEV expedition provides an opportunity to capture a significant aspect of the MDRS simulation in a way that could be highly engaging to the public and demonstrate the value of the PEV in facilitating effective fieldwork under simulation constraints. Journalistic objectives are broken into two main categories; photography and narrative description.

Photography:

High resolution photos should be taken at regular intervals throughout the expedition showing all aspects of the operation. This should include interior shots of the PEV in various stages of the EVA; i.e., fully suited depressurized cabin and & pressurized for mobile fieldwork, pressurized with helmets, backpacks removed, pressurized for computer work, etc. Exterior shots should be taken of the PEV in action as well as scenic shots indicating geographical progress of the EVA.

Narrative:

Participating crew persons should note observations throughout the mission pertaining to efficacy of fieldwork with the use of the PEV including limitations and advantages as well as personal observations of any physical and/or emotional distress during the mission resulting from conditions imposed by the conditions of the PEV and the duration of the mission.

In addition, post EVA interviews will be conducted by the crew journalist of participating crew persons.

Conclusion:

The crew journalist will write an engaging description of the EVA suitable for publication to a wide audience with the goal of conveying the adventurous spirit of the enterprise as well as illustrating the science goals and knowledge attained.

4 - Extended EVA GeoSciences Proposal - A. Hoppin

I propose to collect field data with a similar methodology as on EVA 53, through the Western portion of Skyline Rim Quadrangle, up on Skyline Rim. This effort is necessary to verify accurate orthorectification of digital imagery, and to investigate whether it is possible to produce an accurate of a digital land-cover classification map of Skyline Rim Quadrangle from the satellite imagery and aerial photography we have in hand. USGS does not have a land-cover map at a scale better than 1:250,000, which provides almost no detail for the region of the Hab, and does not provide any detail within land cover types (e.g.: "bare rock"). A detailed digital (~15m resolution) land-cover classification map of Skyline Quad would be very useful for EVA planning and verifying field observations after returning to the Hab among other uses.

In order to construct a land-cover map of our home here on "Mars," we are using sophisticated image processing software that takes reflected light and analyzes it to determine what is rock, what is mud, what is dirt, what is scrubgrass, etc. A critical part of this process is collecting "training data" to "train" the image processing program to recognize what dirt, rock, scrub, etc. actually "look like" here on Mars. We do this by going on EVA and finding representative areas of each major type of land cover all over the local region, visually determining what land cover is there, recording it in note form and in a digital photograph (in case we need to recheck it later), and collecting GPS points that will be used to "tie" the location we were looking at on EVA to the same specific location in the imagery the computer is going to analyze.

By it's nature this project calls for us therefore to rapidly characterize and record land cover over a large area, and it would not be possible to complete this project at this time without aid of an extended EVA in the PEV. This is because on an ATV, each "training site" requires us to drive (more slowly than in the PEV) to a specific location, park the ATV, get off (and perpetually worry about it stalling with a weak battery), dig out a field notebook, pen, GPS, and digital camera of pockets with bulky Mars Suit glove fingers and try to punch the series requisite buttons and write the requisite words to record the requisite data, then get back on the ATV and get it going again and drive off to the next waypoint. This could all take 5 minutes or more per point not including travel time between points. Since good land cover classifications over a large study area often require dozens of geographically dispersed training areas for EACH land cover class, this can really add up.

Contrast this with our experience in the PEV on EVA 53; while our pilot Joel was driving slowly, I was able to remove my gloves inside the pressurized vehicle, have a camera in one hand, GPS on the dashboard, field notebook in my lap, and pen in my other hand. We could literally drive STRAIGHT to our ultimate destination almost without stopping. Five minutes+ per point outside of travel time turns into ZERO minutes before you know it. The PEV let us get more work done in a tight timeframe-a lot more. So, while ATVs are outstanding for traveling over rough terrain, and are perhaps the ideal vehicle for going to specific locations to perform detail work at a specific location, the PEV is far superior for "survey" type research that places a premium on efficiency and is tolerant of accessing certain TYPES of locations rather than certain unique SPECIFIC locations.

Commander's Log

Dr. Judith Lapierre Reporting

Thoughts on our 7th crewmember landing

and on the power of crew's collective activities

The landing of our 7th astronaut on Mars analogue followed a busy exciting weekend here. We are reaching half way through our mission with several projects, activities and research programs to be completed during the next 5-6 days. Alex arrived in the middle of all this. His mission is a short-stay and will require, most probably, that additional efforts on his part will be necessary to insure he meets his goals but also adapt to our crew and collective life as we should also support his experiment. What we realized quickly after his arrival, is that our crew had already adopted several rules of functioning, many unwritten ones that only we knew, having lived together for already 7 days. The written rules were by now taken for granted by us and we consciously had to remind ourselves to explain them to Alex in order for him to understand our simulation modes.

Moreover, what I find most interesting in terms of research data on small confined teams of people living in isolation is the power that collective activities can have. Those missions that were spontaneously developed to further our knowledge of space exploration and settlements (that went beyond each individual's goals such as PEV, PEV OE, and interactive communication with the public), were the ones that contributed more to developing new ideas, to general mobilization of our crew and to the increasing knowledge that we have of each other. However, it is also those that required more management efforts, more negotiations and more discussions.

Communication with Earth was a stimulating experience. It was an occasion to share our experience and knowledge and to spread our vision about Mars exploration and settlement to people from Australia, England, Hungary, USA and Venezuela (see Public Outreach Event: Q & A report). As important for me, was also to learn about the thoughts and reflections of people who stayed on earth while we are given this chance to experiment life on Mars Analogue.

This crew has just been incredible in reaching our goal of maximizing our experiences, knowledge and opportunities on Mars Analogue. When asked if they want to have more (or some actually) leisure time, Andrew replied that what he was doing did not feel like work! Matt, who left us Saturday, even contacted us several times since then to try to assist us with our bulging generator drum… What drives us all in this crew, I think, is the shared passion, enthusiasm and sparkle, that enables us to move mountains and soon to explore new planets- who knows ... (Alex must be overwhelmed by this energy around him since 24 hours!)

Réflexions sur l'arrivée du 7ième spationaute au sein de notre équipage

ainsi que sur le pouvoir des activités collectives

Après une fin de semaine très active, l'équipage 4 de la station MDRS se préparait à sa dernière semaine avec un nombre important d'activités, de projets et de recherches à complétées. Alex allait arriver au milieu de projets déjà amorcés et devoir s'intégrer à notre équipage. Sa mission, de courte durée, implique probablement qu'il devra mettre une somme d'efforts importants au cours de sa mission en plus de contribuer aux tâches de la vie collective. Avec l'arrivée d'Alex, notre équipage a pris conscience que quelques règles de fonctionnement nous guidait au sein du groupe. Ces règles se sont développées au cours de la première semaine et bien qu'elles ne soient pas écrites, elles sont là pour assurer une certaine organisation à notre vie sur Mars. D'autres règles sont écrites et intégrées à notre mode de vie ici mais nous devions les réviser avec Alex afin de le situer dans l'expérience de simulation.

Par ailleurs, ce qui m'apparaît fort intéressant comme données de recherche sur les dynamiques d'équipages confinées est l'impact positif que peuvent avoir les fonctions et activités collectives. Les missions que nous avons développées spontanément en cours de mission sur les connaissances nécessaires à l'exploration et à la survie sur d'autres planètes (l'utilisation de PEV, son évaluation comme véhicule et habitation pour les longues distances, la communication interactive avec le public) et qui ont dépassé les intérêts des individus particuliers sont celles qui ont contribué le plus aux développement d'idées nouvelles, à la mobilisation générale de l'équipage et au renforcement des connaissances des uns sur les autres. Cependant, ce sont celles aussi qui ont exigé le plus d'efforts de gestion, de négociation et de discussion.

La communication avec la Terre fut une expérience stimulante pour chacun et une occasion de partager son expérience et ses connaissances. Pour moi, tout aussi important fut de prendre connaissance des pensées et des réflexions de ceux qui sont restés sur Terre et qui nous ont écrit de l'Australie, de l'Angleterre, de l'Amérique, du Vénézuela et de la Hongrie (voir le rapport : Public Outreach Event : Q & A). Un franc succès !

Les membres de notre équipage sont vraiment incroyables à mes yeux : l'équipage est parvenu à rencontrer son objectif collectif de maximisation de son expérience, de son savoir et des occasions qui lui ont été offertes à la station. Quand j'ai proposé au groupe aujourd'hui de prendre plus de temps libre (en fait, un moment même de temps libre aujourd'hui après 9 jours sans arrêt!), Andrew a répondu qu'il ne sentait pas que ce qu'il faisait constituait du travail, et chacun a ainsi poursuivi son travail. Matt, qui nous a quitté samedi, est entré en contact avec nous à plusieurs reprises depuis pour tenter de nous aider à solutionner notre problème de générateur et de bidon d'essence! Je pense que ce qui nous rend aussi énergique et entreprenant, c'est le partage d'une même passion, d'un même enthousiasme et d'une vivacité d'esprit, capable de déplacer des montagnes et bientôt d'explorer de nouvelles planètes- qui sait… (Alex est sûrement un peu étourdi par cette énergie autour de lui en 24 heures!)

Engineering Report

Jennifer Knowles Reporting

Water Systems: Nothing to report.

Power and Fuel: We have received much advise on how to test the generators, such as plugging a desk lamp directly into the machines to see how much power they are producing. Tomorrow we plan to test them. Due to our MDRS Crew 4 Outreach session we chose not to work on the generators today as we needed continual power for the computers.

EVA Equipment (including ATVs and PEV): Nominal. Still only have two ATVs available.

Safety: Performed a successful test of the Net2Phone system with our new flight surgeon, Dr. Chuidian.

Computers and Communications: The email server bounced messages during most of our MDRS Crew 4 Outreach Program. Resumed proper functioning later in the afternoon. Performed successful Net2Phone Test.

General Maintenance & Waste Management: The trash was gathered from inside the Hab and removed. The Biolet has been functionally properly since beginning full usage of it 4 days ago. The composter by the leech field has a leak in its tank. After rotating the tank 180 degrees, another leak has been discovered on the opposite side.

GreenHab: Plants in the Hab have been watered.

Maximum Outside Temperature: Unknown.

Minimum Outside Temperature: 55 degrees F / 13 degrees C

Human Factors Report

Joel McKinnon Reporting

This weekend a significant change occurred in the makeup of our crew through the departure of chief troubleshooter extraordinaire Matt Lowry and the arrival of our newest crewmember Alex Kazerooni, a biomedical engineer doing research into bioinformatics, exercise physiology, and field geology. There was a gap of almost two days from midday Saturday until midday Monday in which we had only five crewmembers. Socially, this effectively divided the mission into three segments; the starting six, the same crew minus Matt, and the final six members including Alex. Though detailed comparisons were not made between these phases, I observed distinct changes in social dynamics in each phase.

Matt's gregarious personality served as a social lubricant, injecting a sense of humor mixed with raw enthusiasm for the mission and a jack-of-all-trades capability to tackle any and all maintenance and life support issues that cropped up. In the second phase, the crew seemed to become more introspective and tended to become more intimate in sharing personal concerns and revealing philosophical beliefs and core passions. The third phase is just underway as I write and could be the most interesting. The original five members have bonded very closely, and integrating a new crewmember could be a significant challenge, given the natural human tendency to make compari.sons with a respected departing crewmate.

Beyond preparing and conducting a post-mission survey and interview for Matt, I have done very little since the last report in terms of systematic observation via video, snaplists and time-lapse photography, but intend to resume those studies this week. One problem is with the way this crew tends to operate. I've been intending to observe the crew under ordinary conditions but have finally come to the realization that for this crew there is no such thing as ordinary. If we're not doing night EVAs, we're experimenting with pressurized rovers or planning overnight field studies using the new Pressurized Exploration Vehicle. Another contribution to the difficulties with observing routine activity is that the crew's routine is skewed by highly variant work schedules and a pattern of unexpected and unscheduled maintenance tasks. One crew member quite often stays up doing research past 4am while another is up like clockwork at 6:30am. Our commander believes in a task-oriented approach to meeting mission objectives and does not discourage a variety of work modes among crew members if this makes them more efficient in meeting their objectives. It seems to keep morale high among this group of people, at least. It might be interesting to observe how various command styles work with different crews. Perhaps ours' is just a good fit of command style with the personalities involved.

Public Outreach Report

On Tuesday, April 2, 2002, the Mars Desert Research Station crew received questions from the public via email. Despite some connection difficulties due to problems with interplanetary communication hardware, the crew was deluged with an abundance of thoughtful questions from Australia, England, Hungary, USA, Venezuela and Germany. They all enjoyed taking time out from their research duties to provide thoughtful responses. A sampling of questions and answers is found below. The answers provided by the crew represent their own personal views and not necessarily those of the Mars Society or of the MDRS crew as a whole.


Hi there:

My name is Andres H. (from Venezuela).

I'm a fan and a supporter of the space program since a long time ago. Now, that the Mars exploration will be possible, in a near future, I'd like to know if, in the century 21 will be possible to establish a permanent base on the Mars' surface, I mean, not only for investigation, with all kind of people, if all of us would see it in the course of our lifes.

Thanks for your attention,

Andres

Hi Andres, I'm Joel McKinnon, serving a few different roles at the station such as Human Factors Reseacher, Geologist, and Journalist.

Your question is something I've thought about quite a few times as well. I assume, by a base "only for investigation" you mean an Antarctica type installation manned chiefly by scientists and support personnel versus a full fledged settlement where ordinary people could settle, raise families, and call home. I tend to be a little on the optimistic side, and hope that the latter type of settlement will at least be in the early stages by the end of this century. On the other hand, an Antarctica type base would be a huge step forward for the human race and if that's all we have by the end of this century I can live with that too. In my view the science base would be the foot in the door necessary to begin stoking the fires of the public imagination and settlement would inevitably follow before long. A lot could depend on the state of the Earth by that time as well. Current population projections and the potential for ecological catastrophe could very well make emigration to Mars an appealing prospect for many more people that at present.

On the other hand, Mars as an escape hatch from spaceship Earth is probably not the best perspective on how humanity should move forward into space. I'd much rather see the early Mars scientific settlements make breakthroughs in understanding of planetary science that could incidentally be applied to resolving some of Earth's budding crises. The ideal result would be for Mars derived science to make a big impact on improving the lives of humans on both planets.


Dear Crew 4.

I have just watched a program on the Mars habitat project on the National Geographic TV Channel here in the UK. It covered Crew 1 with the air drop, recovery and construction of the Habitat, the adherence to EVA rules and equipment check`s made the whole program "how can I phrase this" more real.

My question is, as regards the consumption of food and water how do you store your waste product`s. Do you use a system as here on Earth or are you experimenting on how you would do it on Mars. If you are using a Earth system, will future missions start to develop a Mars based disposal recycling system.

I wish you all a successfull mission.

Peter C.

Hello, Peter and greetings from Mars-- This is Shannon, Chief Biologist for Crew 4. Thank you for your email. We are currently using an Earth based system which differs slightly from the one used on Devon Island, which is more remote and in a much more fragile ecosystem. Our crew has identified many ways in which the current system, which results in a typical amount of waste for six people, could be modified to reduce the amount of waste generated. In addition, the Life Support and Technical Task Forces of the Mars Society are currently working on alternative waste disposal methods and in the future, those most promising will be tested here at the Desert Research Station. There are already a few steps in that direction. A GreenHab greenhouse with composter has been set up and from what I understand the next crew will test this prototype.

A water recycling project is underway by the Task Forces as well, with the developers hoping to implement their design here. Currently, water is shipped to the Hab from Hanksville, a nearby small town. We practice water conservation and document ways to save as much of this precious resource as possible. It is a challenge, but one that will be faced by any manned mission to Mars as well, at least in the beginning.

So, many of these resource issues will be addressed in future field seasons, and the results will give us better information on what works and what does not in waste management in a Hab.

Again, thanks for your question.


How do you get selected to be part of the crew? Any requirements, experience, etc...?

Frank

Frank,

Greetings from Mars and thanks for your question. I'm Jennifer Knowles, the crew's Chief Engineer and Health and Safety Officer.

Approximately 400 people applied to crew the MDRS and FMARS this year. Many of them are members of the Mars Society. All of them are enthusiastic individuals with a passion for space exploration; many of us have jobs in the space industry. All the members of Crew 4 have scientific backgrounds, including engineering, biology, geology, and psychology. Most of us have come with research proposals that would be similar those that will be done on Mars (looking for microorganisms, exploring the geology).

In addition to that we all have a sense of adventure. Being cooped up in a small Habitat for 2 weeks isn't a walk in the park and a crewmember needs to able to handle challenges, including scientific, operational and interpersonal. Our sense of higher purpose as well as personality traits such as having a sense of humor, being a team player and possessing a strong work ethic contributed to our being here.

Thanks for your question, Frank, and if you are interested in perhaps applying to crew next year, keep checking the MS website for the call for applications.


Why couldn't robots do just as good a job of exploring Mars as humans?

Will

Hi Will,

Thanks for the question! I'm Joel McKinnon and I'm studying Human Factors, Geology, and am the crew Journalist.

Robots can do a lot of very impressive work and can be expected to do even better and more detailed work as technologies are advanced. As impressive as robots are, human beings are also very impressive and adaptable machines. We're capable of taking in a large field of view in advance and identifying very detailed objectives for more detailed study. We can then walk up to an object pick it up, get a quick feel for its value as a specimen for study, and toss it away if it doesn't look promising. Then we can go grab another one. On the way, we may discover something entirely unexpected and change our whole approach or revise our objectives.

I'll give you an example. I intended to study sapping canyons while I was here; a form of feature that is prevalent in some parts of the southwest deserts and may provide significant insight into the formation of valley networks on Mars. I made several forays into the field based on analysis of aerial photography and topographic maps, only to find that structural conditions weren't appropriate at this location for the formation of these features. Right outside our hab I came across a dry basin that I hadn't intended to study. One of my colleagues noted, based on his analysis of sattelite photography, that the basin seems to drain into a canyon in a way that suggests the possibility that it is a flood channel resulting from a natural dam break. I now intend to venture out on pedestrian EVA to study the morphology of this feature, which could also be applicable to similar features on Mars.

The point is that I haven't been programmed exclusively to do a particular task and neither was my colleague. We're capable of using the full range of our senses in combination with the human capability for insight and we have the adaptability to change our research objectives to suit the subject of our study. That's a tough one for robots.

Joel


Hi, I'm Nathan in Australia. I was wondering if you all had encountered many interpersonal problems at this stage? We get info about the technology and activities but no psychological reports. Ta.

Nath.

Hi, Nathan-- This is Shannon, Chief Biologist for Crew 4. Greetings from Mars and thanks for being the first person to contact us. Regarding interpersonal problems, all of us have admitted that we arrived with some trepidation about how we would interact. Fortunately, our fears were soon gone as we all got along well. However, on Saturday one of our crewmates departed and yesterday his replacement arrived, and so we will just have to see how he fits into the structure we have created.

Things have not been without challenge. When we plan our EVA's, we often have conflicting goals and need to work out how to best meet all of our research needs with the resources available. We do not always have the luxury of sending a team out just to do their own research-- every EVA generally has three objectives and so we must work as a team on each other's projects. And sometimes, one of us will want badly to go on an interesting EVA, but another will have to go to better complete our objectives. How we compromise during these situations is to find a way to make the disappointed person get the next possible opportunity to do what they proposed. The worst conflict we have had to date was when an EVA team failed to collect some samples and the crewmember who needed the samples was upset. The crewmembers who were not involved supported both sides of the issue so it was quickly resolved and everyone felt better. We work very hard and sometimes do some really silly things to dissolve tension. As I write this, my fellow crewmembers are doing some yoga exercises (very badly I might add) that we found in a magazine. It has become a morning ritual, reminding us that while we're here to do some very important research, we need to enjoy our time with each other as well. On to Mars!

Judith here, our crew commander - Nathan, interpersonal challenges of this type are part of our daily lives, everywhere we live. I can only commend my crew for having been able to talk things out. Expressing how each one feels about a situation does help one another understand the other's view. Most important, in my view, is not this particular issue but how we solved it and kept having fun while working extremely hard. On a station like this here, we are not only work colleagues who leave at 5 pm (we can't!!). We live with each other- we are strangers living together- but the conditions move us quickly to a level of intimacy that entails respect and tolerance.

Stay tuned for part 2!

April 3, 2002

Commander's Report

MDRS Log, Commander Judith Lapierre

Morning EVA, the first one I commanded. Went to Tank Wash to finish Shannon's biological sampling. This was again a short EVA. We still had not received our 3rd ATV by the morning. Jennifer was relieved in a way not to join since she was preparing for their overnight expedition. OE prep went without incidents; our first and second PEV operations had prepared us well (many ATV EVAs lessons learned were integrated into this mission). Media crew here for the whole day following both EVAs. PEV OV went off the highway 24 as planned without helmet after using the safety belt. Backpacks were kept all the way to Coal mine and Skyline Rim where some pedestrian EVAs were performed. Radio contacts went as planned and fairly loud and clear. PEV team was informed of an off norm-situation at the Hab, taking place after 3 pm. No contacts through the night but both Shannon and I slept near the radio station in case of PEV team needing Hab Mission Support. Joel woke up to do his night rotation but we could manage the Habcom mission support mission of the night and even got to sleep a little.

EVA Report

  • EVA Date: 4/03/02
  • EVA Cmdr: Judith Lapierre
  • EVA Crew: Joel McKinnon

Summary:

This was an ATV EVA of two crewmembers. The goal was to lead the way, in front of the PEV team, to the highway 24. At that point, after more than 10 minutes of drive, the PEV team could remove helmet and backpack if necessary. We were there to insure safety. I could be able to give my last instruction to the PEV team on their exciting overnight exploration mission.

Commander’s narrative (Judith Lapierre):

That was a very special EVA. Joel and I were leading to way to let our chosen crewmembers go on their specific mission. That mission was surely the one with high chances of success but also the one with much more unpredictability. My main concern was how would that crew experience the closed and small environment for such a long period. A planned pedestrian EVA was surely going to alleviate the feeling of being in such a small place. During that EVA, Hab crew encountered a situation where we felt the PEV crew should be informed. Radio Communication allowed that. I could imagine having a crew on Mars leaving the Hab to go right to the other side of where the Mars Hab would be… and the feelings of leaving your crewmates for a first extended EVA.

I never thought for a single second that they could not make that mission a success but I was thinking of their comfort and tolerance for cramped conditions.

Secondary narrative (Joel McKinnon):

I was very pleased to be involved in the sendoff of this historic EVA as a journalist and even more so as a friend and crewman of the participants. Though our mission was fairly straightforward, the gravity of the larger mission made it seem very exciting. Judith and I led the way down the "Lowell Highway" with the TV camera truck and the PEV following behind. It felt a little like escorting a presidential motorcade.

When we got to the main road, the PEV crew, Andrew and Jennifer egressed in spacesuits so Andrew could exchange his faulty radio with Judith's healthy one. We took advantage of the opportunity to wish them well. I shook Andrew's hand and gave Jennifer a clumsy helmet-bumping hug. Our intrepid voyagers then ingressed and after five minutes of repressurization, they removed their helmets and gloves while the TV cameras rolled. While all this was going on a local in a pickup truck pulled up and must have been somewhat amused by all of this. The TV crew then went to get some of their reactions. We waved final goodbyes and the first, official full simulation overnight EVA was on its way.

Technical Log

Objective(s): The goal was to lead the way, in front of the PEV team, to the highway 24, by that insure security and safety to the PEV OE.

Personnel:

  • Judith Lapierre (Commander)
  • Joel McKinnon (Crew)

Airlock timeline:

  • Hab airlock departure ingress: 14:18
  • Hab airlock departure egress: 14:23
  • Hab airlock return ingress: 15:20
  • Hab airlock return egress: 15:25

Revisted: None.

Communication checks:

Check time: 15:13

EVA team location: returning

Check time: 15:20

EVA team location: Airlock

Special circumstances:

No scientific mission to this EVA. It was purely operational to support the scientific activities of EVA 47b.

Engineering Report

Jennifer Knowles & Alex Kazerooni

Water Systems: Refilling of water supply was rescheduled for 04/04/02 AM.

Power and Fuel: Nominal operation. Oiled the generator in the morning.

EVA Equipment (including ATVs and PEV): ATV's: Lamont informed the crew that he is unable to obtain the third ATV from the current customer. The crew will plan EVA operations with 2 ATV's and the PEV.

PEV: Jennifer Knowles and Andrew Hoppin implemented PEV for long duration, overnight EVA. The Pressured Exploration Vehicle (PEV) was tested this afternoon in half-sim. Refer to EVA 52 Report for more details.

Radios: Three radios perform nominally. A fourth radio did not operate nominally. This radio was unable to receive from another radio in close proximity. Overnight EVA group switched radios with Judith LaPierre and Joel McKinnon after media van was escorted to the Hwy 24. EVA Packs: Operate nominally.

Safety: During the afternoon's refueling of the generator, the gas tanks were refilled. When unplugging the large gas drum, the plug popped into the air when loosened due to air pressure that had built up within the drum.

Computers and Communications: Starband operation has required rebooting of the Hab Com computer. The rock pile radio will be inspected for 04/04/02.

General Maintenance & Waste Management: Empty oil containers were collected from the generator area and placed in the South entrance of the Hab, the designated trash collection area.

GreenHab: Plants in the Hab have been watered.

High Low
Outside Temp: 100 F / 37 C 38 F / 3.3 C
Inside Temp: 80 F / 26 C 67 F / 19 C
Wind speed: 53 kph
Windchill: 35 F / 1.6 C
Rain: None

April 4, 2002

Commander's Report

Dr. Judith Lapierre Reporting

Crew inside Hab woke up at 6:45, expecting a contact by PEV team. . Journalist and photographer from New York arrived 7h45. Crew invited them to join the Hab at 8:20, as crew was unprepared for such an early arrival. Water refill was going on, showers had to be taken and meeting preparation ongoing. Hab finally contacted PEV team. PEV team reported feeling well and getting ready to head for the Hab. Crew returned at 9:00. A private crew meeting took place without journalists for 20 minutes. Following this, a one and a half-hour post-EVA meeting took place. General overview of objectives both scientifically (5 fields) and operationally was done. Pilot confirms that mostly all work was performed. Early morning diary was not performed because of earlier return to the Hab, as requested and some far distance Skyline Rim waypoint not marked. Every research performed was briefly revised. PEV crew presented several recommendations and lessons learned (see reports). PEV overnight expedition provides clear advantages to long distance explorations. However; further rover testing is necessary that allows for a more accurate rover simulation. Second field geology EVA planned with media crew along Candor Chasma. Hubert, our first space tourist/journalist enjoyed his mission as one of the crew and was taught how to communicate with Habcom, to use the GPS and was introduced to field geology- he even discovered volcanic rock formation. Our PEV pilot Shannon drove Paul, the photographer so he could get an idea of what an exploration mission was by the three ATV EVAs (the third one had returned in the morning). They spent the whole day with us and it was an amazing feeling to be able to share our passion and knowledge about space exploration. They spent a day on Mars and left with that feeling of having experienced a unique journey "out of this world".

When crew was finally alone after two days of intense work, a meeting was held. Discussion had to be made re our mission, objectives and plans for the next 48 hours. Decisions were reached based on general consensus and best interests for the mission and for the Mars society. Each one expressed his/views and all options were considered. In that process, we revised MDRS 4 priorities of safety, sim, science and comfort. Each crewmember understood the issues at stake and finally felt comfortable with the decision reached.

Plans for tomorrow:

Scientific:

  1. ATV EVAs of three (Jennifer as EVA commander, Shannon and I as crew). Goal is to gather waypoints along Lowell highway up to Lithe Canyon where the geology changes dramatically. Fox media joining the crew.
  2. Report writing on the PEV OE.
  3. Some data analysis of PEV research program

Operational:

  1. Start planning our departure and the Hab operations manual update.

Biology Report

Shannon Rupert Reporting

Fieldwork has always been a challenge and a joy to me. The challenge is in executing a set of experimental protocols that I have designed and that have not yet been tested and the joy is in being out in the field. Ecology as a science is new enough that innovation in experimentation is still accepted and so there is a level of creativity not often found in the more established and elegant biological disciplines such as molecular and cellular biology or microbiology.

So I've been allowed a fair amount of creativity in my research that I've always found exciting. And it's a good thing, for here at the Mars Desert Research Station, the demands of doing research in SIM have sent my creativity soaring!

Here's an example of the differences in doing research as an Earthling and as a Martian:

When I was doing graduate work in the Rocky Mountains, a typical morning prep would be to check that I had refilled my backpack of any needed supplies, then put on sunscreen and grab my hat on the way out of my cabin to the dining hall for breakfast. After a quick meal, I would pack a lunch, refill my water bottle, shove both in the top of my pack be on my way. Total time: 45 minutes.

A typical morning prep here at the station involves having to refill the generator, cook for a crew of six on a single hot plate, then heat water for dishes. While it is heating, we have an EVA prep meeting with all crewmembers. We must work out a plan to accomplish all objectives identified for a specific EVA, which generally means focusing on one or more person's research and any accompanying operational considerations. Once the meeting and the dishes have both been completed, it's down to the EVA room for pre-EVA prep. Backpacks aren't checked for depleted supplies, instead they are checked to be certain life sustaining air and water will be available for the entire EVA. Then the EVA boxes are carefully checked for necessary supplies: a first aid kit, extra water, GPS, research tools, sample containers, extra sharpies and the Mars adapted tools used to change the channel on our radios. Helmets are cleaned and cameras and GPS units are checked for battery life and film/memory cards. Then we suit up-- first our suit itself, then boots and gaiters, next our backpacks, helmets, gloves and radios. We are checked and checked again, then we spend five minutes in the airlock before we can get our research underway. Total time: 2 1/2 hours.

I believe that the biggest advantage to doing science in SIM is that you are never without a partner. Research is often done in isolation, but here you are required to always have a partner with you any time you are outside the safe confines of the Hab. Collecting a sample in a bulky space suit becomes relatively easy when you have someone to help label containers and then hold them while you fill them with your soil samples. Problems are often more easily overcome when there are two people working to solve them. I will miss my crewmates' dedication to my work and my dedication to theirs. It was a benefit to doing science in SIM that I hadn't counted on, but I have thoroughly enjoyed.

Engineering Report

Jennifer Knowles Reporting

Water Systems: Pumped 30 gallons of water into the tank this at 8:00am. Crew took showers.

Power and Fuel: The gas drums are empty, have notified Mission Support of this. Ran power through both generators during the morning. In the evening, restored power to the 7000 watt generator.

EVA Equipment (including ATVs and PEV): Nominal. Lamont delivered a third ATV to the Hab this morning. The ATV has been taken on an EVA and seems to be working nominally.

Safety: The tool area of the downstairs was cleaned and arranged better.

Computers and Communications: A planned EVA to the rock pile to investigate our satellite connection has been postponed for later this week.

General Maintenance & Waste Management: The trash was gathered from inside the Hab and removed. Back airlock has been cleaned out of the trash.

GreenHab: Plants in the Hab have been watered.

High Low
Outside Temp: 105 F / 40 C 38 F / 3.3 C

April 5, 2002

Commander's Report

Dr. Judith Lapierre Reporting

We all felt like we could have slept longer this am. Joel was not feeling so well this am, a bit more rest would have helped. Fox television came early but the media crew was very professional. We requested that they wait until our morning meeting. We revised our plan for EVA 60. This was an EVA that we had been dreaming about since the first few days. Shannon, Jennifer and I went to Lithe Canyon for geological waypoint marking for Andrew. Shannon also made a reconnaissance mission further down the canyon for crew 5. Fox television crew followed us along the Lowell highway and through the Canyon. We also explored the surrounding and different rock formation although no geologists came with us. It's just the most "Mars views" there. Although it was my second time to that area, it felt like the first time again. Media crew returned quickly to the Hab while we stayed in the canyon. On our way back, we identified waypoints at specific interesting geological sites and collected two rocks for Andrew's work. Shannon used the GPS, Jennifer the digital camera and I was collecting samples and writing our observations. At the Hab, media crew interviewed Joel and Andrew. Joel was doing his snapshot research on human factors all day. Andrew was working on the PEV OE reports and his mapping system. After lunch and once media left, we all worked on our reports. Jennifer checked the water levels and our water container was filled up. Shannon inspected the water pump system and found a problem with the hose, preventing from maximum efficiency. We are trying to fix this. Grey water container seems to be without a leak at this time. Close monitoring is still recommended. Our gas drums were filled earlier and the 7000 generator is being used. Three crewmembers took shower this late pm and they were hot, very hot. A guest from Boulder arrived at the Hab at 19:00, unannounced but very interested in the Mars Society (he left at 19:36). The evening was spent on writing of reports and individual scientific program for some.

Plans for tomorrow:

  1. Personal final work on research objectives for this mission from 8h00-12h30
  2. 12h30-14h00: final research
  3. 14hH00-18h00: Habmaintenance, Spacesuits cleaning, operational manual update, HSO report, orientation plan for crew 5.
  4. 18h00: End of our sim - out to dinner to Hanksville famous steakhouse and hoping to spend some time with our Earth friends: Dewey, Brian and Frank.

Commander's Log

Dr. Judith Lapierre Reporting

Final words before our lasting memory of MDRS on a crew logo

Tonight Friday, the crew wishes to introduce to you its mission crest (tomorrow our crest prototype will appear on the final commander's log). At this time, our mission is getting close to an end. Soon, each one of us will be back on Earth, away from Mars Analogue and from our new friends. Although this mission will be over, it will remain with us forever. We wanted something to immortalize what our stay on Mars represented; we wanted something to represent our challenges and our most exciting moments; finally, we wanted something that we could share with those of you who have embarked with us on this unique journey. This will probably remind you of some of the things you read during the past 2 weeks in our reports. However, it is the daily little things, that we may not even have noticed among us or have not discussed with you, that have given the colors and the direction of our processes and finally, the resulting achieved scientific objectives of our mission.

It is our hope that our efforts, however small in the scope of the Mars Society larger programs of research, have pushed different limits of scientific, operational and human interaction knowledge. This accumulating knowledge from all the different FMARS, MDRS and other simulation experiments will contribute directly and indirectly to the first human mission to Mars. Travelling through space and landing on Mars should not only be considered as one of our objectives in this century, we should think of it as being our destiny. Our destiny is driven by our human nature that thrives on exploration of new places, on understanding ourselves, on increasingly knowing more about our environment, on experiencing through our senses, on broadening our horizons, on expanding our boundaries, on creating unique potential that will exponentially push our limits. Those of us who share that vision of human expansion into space have been transformed by such thoughts… imagine now, for one second, how the accomplishment of that bold endeavor will forever change our philosophies and our interactions with our Blue world and with each other.

The crest that you will see tomorrow commemorates the international Mars Society Mars Analogue Research Station Project in the UTAH Desert. The Aonia Mission, named for our Pressurized Exploration Vehicle (PEV) took place between March 24th until April 7th 2002. All Mars Desert Research Station 2002 missions contributed to the Mars Society effort to launch humanity towards the new world and to further the exploration and settlement of the planet Mars. The Aonia Mission served several scientific goals in different fields: digital mapping and remote sensing, biology, psychosociology and human factors. The innovative use of the first prototype PEV testing and use on short and long overnight EVA missions promoted the advancement of knowledge in all areas mentioned. The PEV allowed for travel to previously unexplored long distance sites on Mars Analogue, including Skyline Rim. Pre-testing of a full sim PEV overnight expedition (OE) contributed even more to furthering the goals of exploration, scientifically and operationally.

Our proposed crest design template for all MDRS 2002 missions would include the planet Mars with its Mars Habitat, a distant view of the planet Earth with its Moon. Specific to our crew are the other symbols included on the patch. Our Aonia mission included a full simulation night pedestria EVA to Phobos Peak which is represented in our logo. Our PEV is also shown and demonstrates the crew's most successful collective problem-solving strategy. Although not planned originally in our mission, PEV expanded knowledge in all fields by promoting new hypothesis testing, longer and farther exploration EVAs and created newly identified operational requirements. A multidisciplinary program of research including 5 studies was implemented in the 12 hour work period during the PEV OE. Three flags are identified on the logo. The MARS flag at the center top is red, green and blue in reference to the trilogy by Kim Stanley Robinson about Red Mars, Green Mars and Blue Mars. Red referring to the original planet, green to the terraforming process and blue as Mars gradually becomes filled with water and oceans. The other two flags represent the countries represented in our crew.

Crewmembers on the Aonia Mission:

  • Hoppin, Andrew
  • Knowles, Jennifer
  • Lowry, Matt
  • Mckinnon, Joel
  • Rupert, Shannon
  • Lapierre, Judith (Commander)

EVA Report

  • EVA Date: 4/05/02
  • EVA Cmdr: Jennifer Knowles
  • EVA 2: Judith Lapierre
  • EVA 3: Shannon Rupert
  • EVA HabCom: Andrew Hoppin

Summary:

This was an ATV EVA to Lithe Canyon to perform a survey of the area, including collecting waypoints on-route.

Commander’s narrative (Jennifer Knowles):

This EVA was long anticipated by Judith, Shannon, and myself. Ever since beginning our mission at the Hab, we had planned to do an all-female ATV EVA. Due to circumstance, today was the first chance we got to do that. At first we were disappointed that a television crew would be following, but as it turned out, they were very unobtrusive. The "girls" were even sent on a rescue mission halfway through our EVA to get their vehicle out of the sand where it had gotten stuck at Lithe Canyon. However, they freed themselves shortly before we could get to them.

The furthest I had ever gone on an ATV EVA was Tank Wash, which is about halfway between the Hab and Lithe Canyon. Not only was the ATV drive fun, but the walk at Lithe Canyon was fantastic. Albeit hot, the geology of the canyon, especially the numerous ravines and dry waterfalls, made one hardly notice how uncomfortable we were with the heat. Before heading back towards the Hab, we paused to rest and take in the view of "Mars".

During our drive back to the Hab, and after a near-rescue mission, we collected several waypoints for Andrew's research project. The mission was productive for Andrew as well as future crews. And for a final EVA, this could not have been topped.

Secondary Narrative (Shannon Rupert):

Judith and Jennifer are faster drivers that I am, but my defense is that I am taking in the scenery. With each EVA I have been on, I have been amazed by the diversity of the landscape. Today's EVA was a splendid example of that. The landscape between the Hab and Lithe Canyon changes in a dazzling display of color and texture. If I hadn't noticed that and appreciated it for its beauty, stopping to get waypoints and descriptions for Andrew with every change in the land cover would have drove it home. After a spectacular, but too short, exploration of Lithe Canyon (followed by a media crew), we headed back to the Hab but collected Andrew's data along the way. My last EVA of this rotation was with the two women who were my first EVA and it seemed a fitting end to two incredible.

Third Narrative (Judith Lapierre):

Our last EVA. We had planned this forever since we were on Mars and finally it came on that Friday- for the three of us. Although we had space tourists following us that somewhat altered our experience of that exploration of Lithe Canyon, it was my favorite one. We felt confident as Mars explorers by now, we know each other very well and enjoy working together, therefore, it all the key ingredients to make it a success. We had not multiple tasks to achieve on this EVA, it was devoted mainly to Andrew's work for MDRS. It gave us more time to experience that last EVA, in a more relaxed way. Plus the ATV's all worked perfectly. It was even us who were called to rescue the media crew in their van, as Jennifer just explained! As we were entering the airlock, we talked about the fact that it was our last EVA on this mission and it made it even more significant.

Technical Log

Objective(s): This was an ATV EVA to Lithe Canyon to perform a survey of the area, including collecting waypoints on-route.

Personnel:

  • Jennifer Knowles (Commander)
  • Judith Lapierre
  • Shannon Rupert
  • Andrew Hoppin (HabCom)

Airlock timeline:

  • Hab airlock departure ingress: 11:10
  • Hab airlock departure egress: 11:16
  • Hab airlock return ingress: 14:30
  • Hab airlock return egress: 14:35

Waypoints:

New: 229, 230, 231 , 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238

Revisited: 3

Communication Checks:

Check Time: 11:53

  • EVA team location: Lithe Canyon.
  • Status: HabCom could not hear EVA Team due to static, EVA Team could hear each other throughout the mission.
  • Additional notes: None.

Check Time: 13:11

  • EVA team location: On route.
  • Status: HabCom could not hear EVA Team due to static.
  • Additional notes: None.

Check Time: 13:31

  • EVA team location: On route.
  • Status: Television crew communicated to HabCom and EVA Team that their vehicle was stuck in the sand by Lithe Canyon.
  • Additional notes:
  • EVA team decided to return to Lithe Canyon to try to free the vehicle.

Check Time: 13:47

  • EVA team location: On route.
  • Status: EVA Team returning to Hab.
  • Additional notes: None.

Special circumstances:

Television crew's vehicle got stuck in sand at Lithe canyon. Jennifer, Judith, and Shannon returned to the canyon from Tank Wash, however vehicle was free by then.

Conclusions/lessons learned:

Mission went smoothly.

Engineering Report

Jennifer Knowles Reporting

Water Systems: Pumped 45 gallons of water into the tank this 17:00. Crew took showers. During refilling of the water tank, it was noticed that the inflow hose has a collapsed end closest to the pump. To pass water through, the hose has to be held manually so it will not collapse from the pressure of the pump.

Power and Fuel: Nominal.

EVA Equipment (including ATVs and PEV): 3 backpacks are not functioning. Problem cannot be determined.

Safety: Nominal.

Computers and Communications: Nominal.

General Maintenance & Waste Management: The trash was gathered from inside the Hab and removed.

GreenHab: Plants in the Hab have been watered.

Maximum Outside Temperature: Unknown.

Minimum Outside Temperature: Unknown.

April 6, 2002

Special Report - Pressurized Exploration Vehicle Overnight Expedition

PEV Overnight Expedition to Coal Mine Wash and Skyline Rim

This special report was prepared jointly by the five members of Crew #4 of the Mars Desert Research Station. Each member of the crew contributed content

pertaining to their field of expertise

Joel McKinnon, Mission Journalist & Hab Mission Support

                                                                               Andrew Hoppin had a problem. To complete the

                                                                               Geographical Information Systems project he had

                                                                               undertaken he needed waypoint data far away from the

                                                                               hab, farther than any EVA team had ever managed to

                                                                               travel in a single day. The MDRS crew came up with a

                                                                               solution; the Pressurized Exploration Vehicle (PEV).

                                                                                The PEV could travel dozens of kilometers away from

                                                                               the hab and provide air-conditioned shirt-sleeve comfort

                                                                               for ease of data collection. It could also carry a full suite

                                                                               of field tools; including Biologist Shannon

                                                                                Rupert’s sampling toolbox including the soil

                                                                               corer, enabling her to get the distant samples she needed

                                                                               from ephemeral basins.

Another great advantage of the PEV is that it could carry

a Mission Specialist. Engineer and Health and Safety

Officer Jennifer Knowles was happy to fill this role,

which required a sharp eye for photography, an ability to

mark waypoints on the fly with the GPS and good

navigational and note taking skills. This was made

considerably easier than on a typical EVA because the

PEV is a pressurized environment. Instead of staring

through a faceplate and fumbling around with bulky

gloves, her job was as simple as if she was back at the

hab. Her presence also helped Andrew feel like he

wasn’t alone in the universe on their distant

mission.                                                                

  There was one more great advantage of the PEV; it could stay out there! The PEV could be fully equipped for an extended overnight mission. This would provide  invaluable research data for two other members of the crew. Commander and Psychosocial Researcher Judith Lapierre could glean invaluable data from the  experience recorded by the two principles on this groundbreaking expedition while Journalist and Human Factors Researcher Joel McKinnon could get a good story  and even more data about how the participants would react to unprecedented simulation constraints.

  The PEV OE (Overnight Expedition) project was conceived and planned to combine the talents and the research goals of all five members of the crew in a way that  would provide valuable data on the required operational procedures to execute a field mission of this magnitude. Though only two were to venture out into the field  on this particular EVA, the entire crew joined in with orchestrating and executing a thoroughly successful mission.           

Andrew Hoppin, PEV OE Pilot & Geologist – Extended EVA Geosciences                        

  The Western end of Coal Mine Wash far West of Skyline Rim was previously unknown to and inaccessible to MDRS crews before the advent of the PEV, and it  proved to be a gold mine (ok perhaps somewhere between coal and gold) for our geological and biological researchÉ. and for the television crew that filmed our  expedition. While fairly mundane looking (by MDRS standards) here at its Western entrance, soon after exiting the PEV to begin biological sample collection down  the canyon to the East, we discovered coal, igneous dikes, dramatic erosion patterns, ancient waterfalls, and a pond!                                                                

  With a GPS, a Topo Map, and a PEV, we made rapid progress through our study area, collecting waypoint locations and digital photos to document the land-cover  that was present at each location. All this from the comfort of our climate controlled PEV! The pace of data collection was far and away beyond what we could  have achieved on ATV or on foot, both because of the higher travel speed of the PEV, but also because data collection could be carried out from inside the rover  without the encumbering Mars suit helmet and gloves.                                                                

  This end of the wash is comprised primarily of interbedded Mancos Shale strata of sandstone, shale, and coal. The canyon cuts deeper in a series of dry waterfalls  to the East. In the photograph above, I record the discovery of a dramatic dike (tabular igneous intrusive rock) cutting straight across the bed of the wash (waypoint  97).

Shannon Rupert, Biologist & Hab Mission Support - Comparative Biology of Regolith and Ephemeral Basins                                                                

  The tools of the biology research being done by Crew 4 are displayed on a rock awaiting use. What makes this photo unique is that these tools are at the western  edge of Coal Mine Wash, an area that so far has not been accessible by MDRS crews. The use of the PEV on an overnight mission to this area made it possible for  our crew to collect samples further afield than in previous missions.

                                                                               Andrew collecting samples for Crew 4’s biology

                                                                               program. Our crew had adopted a multidisciplinary

                                                                               approach to our EVA missions and as a result, we had

                                                                                all been involved in collecting data for other

                                                                               crewmembers. The PEV OE mission carried five

                                                                                different projects, in an effort to get as much data as

                                                                               possible about the area, and Jennifer and Andrew had to

                                                                               collect all of it.                                                                

  Andrew smiles during a successful biology sampling mission to Coal Mine Wash on day one of the PEV OE. Sampling in areas far removed from the Hab, coupled  with the GIS work done by Andrew, could result in the collection of ecological data that may be used to establish a long term monitoring program for microbial  distributions over a broad area and throughout many field seasons.

Jennifer Knowles, PEV OE Mission Specialist – Engineering and Photography        

  The PEV OE gave Andrew and me the opportunity to freely explore the geology of Coal Mine Wash, as we had no time constraints other than to return to the PEV  by sunset. This being the case we were able to get far within the wash. We made it to this point "Crater Pond" before having to turn around due to the setting sun.  The wash had been a spectacular site throughout the entire pedestrian portion of our EVA, but when Andrew and I came across this pond, I was awestruck. The  pond was about 100 meters below us. It had been formed over time from water running off of the level of rock above it. The point of the run-off had even been cut  down into the rock. The picture above shows me standing in that notch where the waterfall into the pond would be during a rain. I love that the picture also catches  both my shadow and Andrew’s against the rim of the pond.

  If we had not had the PEV as a means to do a long EVA (i.e. overnight), water would not have been discovered on "Mars".

The confines of the PEV were fairly constrictive, though after some arrangement of our supplies as well as some comfort adaptations (i.e. situating the PEV to face  a fantastic view, and placing rolled sleeping bags against the PEV walls) the PEV became quite comfortable. Perhaps knowing that this situation was only for one  night rather than a full week might have contributed to our content acceptance of the situation. Having a good working as well as personal relationship with the other  crew member (in my case, Andrew) is very important. The tight space in the PEV and the complete isolation necessitate a comfortable relationship between both  crew members.

  Andrew and I managed the PEV OE with ease; in fact we had been looking forward to it. Leaving the Hab for a night was a nice break of routine (while still being  in full sim). The PEV OE also gave me the opportunity to take in the scenery, which all too often I had been too busy to notice. Within the PEV, there was enough  space for us to sit. The roof was high enough that ducking our head down was unnecessary. I’m sure that had this not been the case, my opinion of this  overnight experience would not have been as positive. Come nighttime, we were able to move the supplies within the PEV to make room for both our sleeping bags.

  I could not fully stretch out, but still managed to sleep restfully.

Getting into the spacesuit within the confines of the PEV turned out to be a lot easier than I had anticipated it to be. Good preparation skills had to be executed to  achieve this ease though. After rearranging our supplies in the trunk of the PEV to make space for Andrew and I to maneuver in the front and back seats, we began  to lay out the parts of our suits in our seats: the backpacks were laid down on the seat backs, the suits were unzipped and placed so we could slide into them, the  boots were placed on the floor in front of our seats, the gloves, as well as other small items like cameras and GPS devices, were put on the dash board within  reaching distance, and the helmets were rested on the back seats. This preparation was an important step in making our resulting reasonably effortless.

  The order in which we put on the items of the full spacesuit is the following:

    1.Spacesuit

    2.Boots

    3.Gaiters

    4.Backpack

    5.Helmet

    6.Gloves

  However, the last two items we did not put on until we needed to depressurize so to leave the PEV.

  Much to my surprise the smoothest part of the procedure was donning the backpacks. Their positioning on the seatbacks turned out to be exactly where they rested  when we had first clambered into the PEV with them on. All we had to do was slip our arms through the straps, buckle all the belts, and lower the collar over our  heads. The boots and gaiters were tricky but manageable. When we did complete full suiting by putting on the helmets, we helped each other connect the various  buckles and tubes.

Judith Lapierre, Crew Commander & Hab Mission Support – Psychosocial research- preliminary analysis of some themes

                                                                               The PEV OE crew had to fill some of my research

                                                                                questionnaire on that night. Preliminary issues and

                                                                               themes that came out of their answer, is that

                                                                                interdisciplinary research requires massive team efforts

                                                                               but that it is worthwhile. PEV OE saved on crew time

                                                                               by diminishing the need for several EVAs to gather the

                                                                               same amount of data. In addition, the PEV OE has

                                                                               served other goals: it became a health promotion

                                                                               strategy by creating a change of scenery for those 2

                                                                               crewmembers (new unexplored areas) and a change of

                                                                               our usual Hab environment (including our "faces"!).

                                                                               Windows all over provided unique natural views that the

                                                                               Hab could not provide. Andrew reported that seeing a

                                                                               huge sky over them and around from the PEV was a

                                                                               counterbalance to the small space inside PEV. Getting

                                                                               away from an isolated collective life can become a

                                                                               positive process for allowing one to regroup and to

                                                                               collect his/her energy to pursue the crew mission. PEV

                                                                               OE team confirmed that radio communication with the

                                                                               Hab has to be reliable – they have experienced a

                                                                                feeling of isolation from our usual Mars world. Having

                                                                               been made aware of a situation developing at the Hab,

                                                                                where their input would be needed the next day, they

                                                                               wished they could have been there to support their

                                                                                crewmembers and felt down a little. This shows that

                                                                               both groups (Hab mission support and PEV OE team)

                                                                                felt a responsibility towards each other: crew cohesion

                                                                               was on its way. The most interesting thing as had been

                                                                               seen in other extreme mission in our human history,

                                                                               MDRS crew 4 being at a very much smaller scale of

                                                                               course, is that it was through our moments of adversity

                                                                               during our mission, that we pulled together

                                                                               constructively. Those moments brought intimacy, trust

                                                                               and dependence on our interrelations that which makes

                                                                               crews successfully performed tasks but also developed

                                                                               healthy relationships among crewmembers.                                                                

  This snapshot of life inside the PEV gives us another perception of what confinement is. Compared to Hab life, conditions are much more cramped. Crew reported  being capable and feeling comfortable with living is such a simple area but prolonged PEV expeditions will require a functional PEV: with separate areas for  sleeping, computer labwork, etc. (Rovers are built in such a way to maximize space and comfort). Structure and organization of the PEV will become a condition  upon which mission success will depend. Crew loss significant time when trying to organize its living quarters in such a small space with so many equipment,  spacesuits, computer, bags, food supply, etc. (reported in the digital q half hour reporting). What came out as positive aspects of inside-PEV life was the freedom  from the spacesuit, the cooling temperature and that PEV allowed for reaching newer sites. They had this feeling of always wanting to go a little bit further. The  discovery of unplanned sites like the water pond crater of about 16- meter diameter was one of those exceptional moments of that expedition. Of the planned tasks,  the crew reported that having specific tasks to complete at specific times was the best way to maximize their work efforts and made them feel busy and still part of  our own regular mission. They felt committed to each experiment. Listening to music during the evening, chatting and looking at the stars became their social PEV  activity. One to one discussions is almost rare in the Hab since we are always living as a crew, PEV OE allowed for more personal discussions and more relaxed  ambiance because of the window environment and of the change of routine. That picture shows us that Andrew and Jennifer also personalized their new  environment and brought with them valued items: computer (Andrew- he is always less than 60 cm away from it J) and Snuff (Jennifer has brought him all around  the world and he was also on Mars. About that expedition, he reported that the PEV’s available space was not a problem to him: it was rather spacious and  comfortable J)                                                                

  Our now famous PEV pilot and engineer at the beginning of their mission at Coal mine wash near a dry waterfall. Candidates for such mission must work well  together and be able to live "very" close for a short period of time. Our first week into the Hab was good training for such an expedition. Both were committed to the  mission and demonstrated a work ethic that proved without reproach. PEV crew contacted Hab and gave status reports on several studies and informed of some  minor changes that took place as they were going on. Those changes were justified and accepted by crew commander. Consensual problem solving by the two was  found to be an asset to them and to their objectives. Other than that, Hab mission support, according to Andrew and Jennifer had to be available 24/7 and should be  on any overnight expedition. Hab mission support provided that. Not only radio but video and computer monitoring would become a must on an extended PEV  mission. The PEV OE made us think of other significant research programs that could be included in the future of PEV missions: astronomy, geography, ecology,  computer sciences, astrobiology and direct monitoring of health parameters such as cardiac and muscle workloads could be performed in the future.

Conclusion

This expedition was the culmination of a series of projects that began with Jennifer commanding the first nocturnal EVA to Phobos Peak, followed by

Shannon conceiving of the PEV concept and taking it on its trial run, Joel piloting the PEV on its first full simulation long range EVA to Muddy Creek with

Andrew proving its merits in conducting geoscientific research. The last crucial step was when Judith got that characteristic gleam in her eye and suggested

we take it out for a real multidisciplinary overnight research expedition. The crew, of course, began planning the expedition at once.

Human Factors Summary Report

Joel McKinnon Reporting

Simulation Observations were undertaken through the use of several methods during the Crew #4 mission at MDRS. Snaplists, in which the crewmembers physical positions within the hab and momentary activities were recorded every 15 minutes throughout the day, time lapse photography of various activities such as EVA suitup, generator and water refill, surveys and interviews of crewmembers upon completion of their mission.

Snaplists

Snaplists were done on two occasions during the mission- on March 28, about four days into the mission, and on April 5th, two days prior to completion of the mission. The following table shows a comparison of a particular hour from early until late in the mission (note Matt was off rotation for second list):

3/38 snaplist

4/05 snaplist

4:00pm

Judith: email/habcom

commander’s report/habcom

Jennifer: relaxing/main table

with media/EVA room

Andrew: relaxing/main table

with media/EVA room

Matt: eating/main table

Shannon: relaxing/main table

on computer/stateroom

Joel: logging/workstation table

images/workstation table

4:15pm

Judith: refueling generator/outside

refueling generator/outside

Jennifer: logging/habcom

refueling generator/outside

Andrew: talking with Shannon/main table

entering waypoint data/workstation table

Matt: emailing/workstation table

Shannon: talking with Andrew/main table

planning dinner/main table

Joel: refueling generator/outside

time lapse of generator/outside

4:30pm

Judith: discussing EVA procedures/main table

mission support email/habcom

Jennifer: discussing EVA procedures/main table

helping Andrew/workstation table

Andrew: discussing EVA procedures/main table

entering waypoints/workstation table

Matt: napping/stateroom

Shannon: discussing EVA procedures/main table

working on lab notebook/main table

Joel: logging/workstation table

logging/workstation table

4:45pm

Judith: email/habcom

mission support email/habcom

Jennifer: watching movie/main table

helping Andrew/workstation table

Andrew: research on web/workstation table

entering waypoints/workstation table

Matt: napping/stateroom

Shannon: cooking and watching movie/main table

relaxing/main table

Joel: looking for quicktime info on web/workstation table

logging/workstation table

Time lapse

Time lapse photography was done early in the mission on EVA suitup and suitoff and I regret I wasn’t able to get a time lapse of similar activities late in the mission. Time lapses were also recorded for the acts of refueling the generator and refilling the water tank late in the mission.

Video recordings

In all, three meetings were videotaped in their entirety; a morning briefing and evening briefing from early in the mission, and a special morning briefing late in the mission on the occasion of the completion of the PEV Overnight Expedition. This meeting was notable for its occurrence during a period of high tension due to the incident with the new sixth crewmember discussed under ‘General observations’ below.

End of mission surveys

In the survey, the several questions were asked of each crewmember at the completion of their mission:

  1. Did you go anywhere to be alone or to seek quiet? Only one out of six crewpersons mentioned a need to find solitude and quiet. Most spoke of surprise at how comfortable they were to stay out in the public areas with the group.
  2. Did you use your stateroom during the day? For what purpose. One crewperson kept a workstation in the stateroom near the doorway to the common area. All others, with one exception, spoke of only using the stateroom to change clothes or sleep. The exception was the same crewperson who spoke of using it to find solitude.
  3. Was there sufficient work space? Generally, all crew persons felt the hab provided sufficient space to perform their work. One expressed a desire for an additional work bench or area devoted to hazardous materials. This was the person who had taken charge of a serious problem with the biolet earlier in the mission. Another crew person felt an exercise area and possibly a bike for this purpose would have been helpful.
  4. Did you ever work on the lower deck? For what purpose? Most crew persons spent little time on the lower deck except for EVA preparation, suitup, and suitoff procedures. Exceptions included the biologist and the general troubleshooter who spent a fair amount of time there. One geologist spent a slight amount of time in the lab, while the other never set foot there.
  5. Were you productive? In what way or why not? All crew persons felt highly productive with one exception, who expressed regret at not making better use of his time. Most found they were highly productive in pursuing intended research goals, while others found unexpected areas of productivity.

The following were rated for importance on a scale of 1 to 5, 1 being Not Important and 5 being Very Important (results are averaged).

  1. Clean drinking water (4.8)
  2. Sufficient and reliable electrical power (4.5)
  3. Unscheduled time for sleep and unscheduled activities (4.4)
  4. Reliable and effective toilet facilities (4.3)
  5. Capable and simulation realistic EVA suits and equipment (4.2)
  6. Wholesome and varied diet (3.7)
  7. Work areas with adjacent space for personal items (e.g., notes, drinks) (3.5)
  8. Entertainment (e.g., DVD movies) (3.3)
  9. Quiet and comfortable private space (3.2)
  10. Cleanliness (showers, hot water) (3.0)
  11. Personal storage areas (2.7)

End of mission interviews

Another series of questions was asked privately of each crewmember in the form of one-on-one interviews at the completion of the mission:

  1. What your most memorable positive moment (or moments)? This question was usually answered with emphasis on group interactions, particularly dinner, brainstorming, and especially the shared accomplishment of the PEV OE mission. What was your most memorable negative moment (or moments)? All crewmembers (except the one who’d left after one week) answered that the problems associated with the new sixth crewmember (see general observations below) were the most negative. When asked to go beyond this, some mentioned individual trials such as a scary EVA, exhaustion due to overwork, not enough free time, emotional overreactions, and for one, a crisis of not entirely understanding the role assigned. What is your assessment of the crew selection in terms of quality of knowledge, skills, and temperament? One crewperson suggested that a mechanic should have been included, but generally all were highly supportive of the crew selection (with the exception of the replacement sixth crewmember). Skills and knowledge got high marks, but personalities were ranked as a particularly good mix on the crew. Interestingly, a couple of crewmembers implied that crew selection was great except for them! Did you feel you got enough time for your research, i.e., sufficient field and lab time? Most crewmembers felt there was sufficient time for their research. One complained of insufficient free time; particularly in the instances in which a movie was promised but then forgotten. Another crewmember felt time and resources were short for accomplishing the intended research- would have preferred a small individual budget for additional expenses. Almost all found EVA time was sufficient. How would you feel about longer simulations… 4 weeks? 8 weeks? 12 weeks?

All were supportive of a longer simulation in principle given sufficient time to plan for it- many considered 4 weeks an ideal length. Longer than that would caused particular challenges for some crewmembers. One suggested that he’d consider it if arrangements could be made for closer contact with family through video conferencing, etc. Only one ruled out the 12 weeks as too long. Some even suggested they’d like to extend the current mission by two weeks.

General observations

This was a fascinating crew to observe in action. In an earlier report (4/02), I commented upon their tendency towards an erratic schedule and a wide variance in preferred modes of work. I commented that one person often stayed up until past 4am while others were up before 6am. In the closing days, the time awake actually overlapped, meaning that at all times someone was awake and working in the hab. This seemed to be partially due to the crew’s procedural innovations driving a non-routine work schedule, and partly just personal preference. There was also a general pattern of individuals overworking on the philosophy that this was a unique opportunity and one could rest afterwards. Obviously, this would not work on a longer mission, as individuals would not be able to sustain the pace. Even at the two week mission length, one crew person developed what was later diagnosed as pneumonia due largely to the work schedule.

In the 4/02 report I also alluded to the three distinct phases of the mission in terms of personnel; The original 6 person crew, the two days of a 5 person crew, and the final phase of a 6 person crew with one new crewmember. In practice, the final phase was much more complex as the new crewmember did not complete his stay due to various reasons. I also alluded to the anticipated challenge of integrating the new crew member. In general terms, the integration was not successful. The new crew member seemed to come in with strong preconceptions of what a proper simulation should consist of and was not accepting of the situation as he found it nor of the personnel involved. Early warning signals were arguments with particular crewmembers over such things as usage of workspace and hygienic considerations. For example, the new crew member expected a shower on his first full day in the hab while some of the original five crewmembers had yet to receive one after more than a week.

On Tuesday, April 2, the crew launched another innovativeproject, a public outreach day in which the public was invited to send email questions to anyone in the crew. While several of the original five crewmembersanswered emails with a high degree of professionalism and thoughtfulness, thenew crewmember handled one of the questions and betrayed a lack of interest inthe Mars Society and a low level of professionalism and respect for thesimulation. Over the next 48 hours, he continued to show a very poor level of cooperation with the commander and the rest of the crew. While consultation was attempted, eventually the commander decided that the situation was excessively disruptive, and with the unaminous agreement of the other crew members and Mars Society headquarters, had the new crew member returned home.

The most interesting observation I noted was that the original five crewmembers became bonded more tightly than ever in the face of this problem. There was significant anger over the disruption the events had caused, but a strong affection for the commander for handling the problem so well. Consequences of the disruption included a serious delay in generating reports and processing of data uploads that forced the crew to get even less sleep than before. Still, the general mood was much improved for the final two days of the mission in which the crew compliment had unexpectedly returned to the original five members.

The crew pulled together in the final days to complete the bulk of the backlogged reports, including a special report on the PEV Overnight Expedition which was co-authored by each of the crewmembers. One clear sign of their mutual respect was a proposal submitted by the commander requesting that this crew be selected en masse to participate in a future simulation- possibly at the new Iceland station. The original sixth member of the crew was also included in this proposal.

Comparative Biology of Regolith and Ephemeral Basins

Jonathan Butler (Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego, CA) and Shannon Rupert, MDRS Biologist Crew Four (on-site)

Abstract

The "McDaniel's Hypothesis" suggests that the ability to detect high concentrations of microbial life on the face of an escarpment might be a means of detecting high concentrations of subsurface water. Finding a way to quantify richness and distribution of microbes on Earth may have practical applications on Mars, should we find that the planet harbors surface-dwelling microscopic life. Soil samples taken in areas surrounding the Mars Desert Research Station were classified as either wet, meaning they were collected from areas where water persists, such are washes, run-off channels and ephemeral basins, or dry, meaning they were collected from escarpments and other areas where water does not persist. Incubation of samples using soda lime as a measure of respiration show a significant difference in CO2 output between treatments. Wet samples appeared to contain more microbial life than dry samples, based on this measure. This suggests that it is possible to quantify microbial richness across samples, and that more microorganisms persist during the dry season in areas where water lingered longest before disappearing.

Introduction

One of the most talked about aspects of Mars is whether the planet harbors life. In addition, almost every talk about life on Mars includes discussion on whether there is water, because on Earth, water is essential for all life forms. At the Second Biannual Astrobiology Conference, held in April 2002 at NASAÕs Ames Research Center in Mountain View, California, so many of the scientists spoke about water on Mars that Science magazineÕs story on the conference had this trend in its title (Irion, 2002). The "McDaniel's Hypothesis" suggests that the ability to detect high concentrations of microbial life on the face of an escarpment might be a means of detecting high concentrations of subsurface water (MDRS EVA VII and Biology Science Report, 16Feb2002). Finding a way to quantify richness and distribution of microbes on escarpments on Earth may have practical applications on Mars, should we find surface-dwelling microscopic life on the planet. This project had two objectives: to develop a simple protocol for quantification of biological richness in soil samples of interest and to determine if a correlation exists between biological richness and previous water content of soil samples. A simple way to detect the presence of soil microbes without microscopy is to seal the sample and measure the amount of microbial respiration in the sample by the uptake of CO2 in soda lime enclosed with the sample. The amount of CO2 incorporated into the soda lime is used as a measure of richness in each sample. We use CO2 output as a measure of biological richness in the arctic regions for Global Carbon Models, and utilization of this technique is also applicable in desert regions. Samples were taken from as many microhabitats as could be located along several separate escarpments and washes with the potential for harboring microbial life. The idea of combining biological and geological analysis in an attempt to locate water, whether on Mars or Earth, is an intriguing one. These simple experiments were designed to test that concept, but also to test a scientist's ability to collect field data in a simulation. Additionally, while we acknowledge that the "McDaniel's Hypothesis" stems from a discussion by MDRS Crew One, and so is not a formal hypothesis at all, investigating it is in keeping with the spirit and goals of the Mars Analog Research Station Project.

Materials and Methods

Eleven samples were collected on 27Mar2002 during EVA 47 (Waypoint 238), from an area several hundred meters south of the Hab. UTM coordinates were 4254025 N, 0517925 E, elevation 1366 m. An additional 6 samples were collected on 28Mar2002 at waypoints 162, 162, 166 and 167 during EVA 48, from sites along Lowell Highway. Twenty-nine samples were collected during EVAs 54 and 55, both executed on 01Apr2002. These samples were all taken in Tank Wash (Waypoint 234). UTM coordinates were 425402N, 0518197E, elevation 1365 m. During the PEV OE (03/04Apr2002), twenty new samples were collected at Coal Mine Wash (Waypoint 199) but these will be taken back to Earth for later analysis and so will not be discussed in this paper. Samples were classified as either wet or dry. Wet samples were those taken from anywhere water would persist after a heavy rain. These included washes, runoff channels and ephemeral basins. Dry samples included areas were water does not persist after rain, but instead drains quickly away, such as escarpments and small areas of higher ground. We used a soil corer at a depth of 10 cm to collect samples. My original plan was to collect samples from a depth of 30 cm but that proved difficult in the hard and rocky soils because the corer did not have an adequate tip. Soil samples were transferred in the field from the corer into labeled 120 mL plastic specimen containers. The average sample size was 40 g and both soil samples and soda lime were massed at all times along with the container that housed them. The average mass of the sample container was 16.43 g and the average mass of the soda lime vial was 4.07 g.

Collected samples were massed at the lab and a small glass vial containing approximately 4 g of soda lime was massed and placed into the sample container. Four mL of distilled water were added to each sample and the sample was then mixed with a toothpick. The water was added because all but one of the samples contained no apparent water. Soda lime does incorporate water as well as CO2 into its structure, but since the same amount of water was added to each sample, it will not affect my results. The containers were then sealed and placed in the incubator at 25 degrees C. After 6 days, the difference in mass of the soda lime vial was recorded. The data were analyzed using JMP-IN.

Results

After 6 days, the mean difference in the mass of soda lime between treatments was 0.104 g (n = 40), with the soda lime from samples from wet area being on average almost twice as heavy as their dry area counterparts. The mean was 0.142 g (SE = 0.027) for samples classified as being from dry areas and 0.246 g (SE = 0.023) for samples coming from wet areas. This was a significant difference (F = 8.746, df =1, p =0.005) between treatments. This difference is consistent, and remains significant, when data are analyzed across location using waypoints 234 (Tank Wash) and 238 (Hab site). ANOVA results of treatment across these two locations show the same trend of more microbial richness in water persistent areas (F = 5.086, df = 3, p = 0.0049).

The mean mass for dry samples was 56.48 g (SE = 2.29) (n = 18), while the mean for wet samples was 56.90 g (SE = 2.07) (n = 22). The majority of samples fell between 45 - 70 g and I feel confident that any variation in mass of samples did not affect my results.

Discussion

These results suggest that microbial life around MDRS is distributed in a manner that allows the organisms to maximize their use of water when it is available. This winter (2001-2002) has been a particularly dry one in Utah, and there is little soil moisture in areas where water is not available year round. The significant difference in CO2 released from the samples suggest that microbial life forms are distributed in a patchy manner over the landscape, and are richer in areas where water, once present, persists for greater time periods. This could be important in locating and identifying the microbial diversity of the area. However, it is important to note that these results are preliminary and are meant to represent the data as they were analyzed a few days after leaving MDRS. A more detailed analysis of the data will be presented, along with the results of the Coal Mine Wash samples, at a later date.

Originally, this project had three objectives: 1) develop a simple protocol for quantification of biological richness and water content in soil samples of interest, 2) determine if a correlation exists between biological richness and location of soil/rock samples (Life leading you to water), and 3) determine to what extent the level of water present in the sample has an influence on biological richness (Water leading you to life.) These objectives were identified as being necessary to test the McDanielÕs Hypothesis. However, with only a single two-week rotation to do fieldwork and the unexpected dryness of the soil samples, a narrowing of our objectives was required. The focus instead was to demonstrate that biological richness of samples could be quantified in a simple experiment, and to determine if there was a significant difference in richness between wet and dry treatments. Those objectives were met. However, there are a number of things that still need to be addressed. Foremost, no microscopy was done to conclusively determine the presence of microbes in the samples. Although the results were dramatic, and suggest that indeed there were microbes present in the sample, there is not definitive identification of organisms. Also, while the amount of water in each sample appeared to be negligible, no samples were conclusively tested for water content. And finally, future research should include finer classification of soil types. I mention these things for improvement in further investigations, as the research begun here warrants future investigation. -03May2002-

Literature Cited

MDRS EVA VII and Biology Science Report. http:www.marssociety.org. 16Feb2002.

JMP-IN. SAS Institute. 1997.

Irion, Robert. Astrobiologists Try to "Follow the Water to Life". Science. 26Apr2002: 647-648.