Commander's Check-in
Date: 10 Dec 2012
Written by: John Reynolds
Crew physical status: No issues, No colds reported today.
Time departed/returned from EVA: #1 14:44/16:08
Time departed/returned from EVA: #2 None
Brief Narrative of Field Mission Results:
EVA #1 Dan Wilcox and I attempted to retrace and locate this magnetic anomaly that a previous EVA reported. We used an analog compass and GPS handheld plus a digital compass, but found no conclusive evidence any magnetic variation after 45 minutes. We then climbed a small 80m high hill 200m north of that location to view any distinctive geologic landmark or other feature that would help in our endeavor. Nothing noticeable but beautiful surroundings.
EVA#2: None
Engineering/Hab maintenance: Daily engineering checks completed. Outside tank heater installed in static tank. Fresh water delivered.
Packages delivered to the Hab: 1 box/incubator
Plans for tomorrow: 1 EVA to log position
Support requests: Hab needs a backup 5 kw + Flat Rated minimum output generator.
Miscellaneous: We had a major power failure this morning at 05:57. This required OFF-Sim protocols to be implemented. A quick emergency email send to Mission Support and one to local support reference gen power failure. My engineer was sent to check the generator shed to check the status of the power system and reported the generator was off, no battery lights showing, all cables attached and the structure was not alight. We then lit the stove and oven for additional heat as the OAT was 20 degrees F in old money, -7 degrees Celsius in new money! Engineer and I then drove the Hab car to Hanksville, as we had no phone signal. Local support attended the hab sometime later and reported the fuel line had frozen as the fuel was summer mix, not winter mix which was to be the next refill. We were back in –sim by 12:30 pm. Situation normal.
Crew spirits remain high and looking forward to rest of the week, hopefully without incident, but who knows?