EVA Report
Date: 13 Dec 2012
Written by: Paula Crock, Dan Wilcox
(NOTE: Names of features are crew specific)
EVA Sol 13 A
Transit Mode: Walking
Distance: 4.9 km
Duration: 1 h 43 m
Crew & Equipment
Leader: Paula Crock, Suit 2
Nav & Steno: Lisa Stewart, Suit 6
Waypoints
1. TEETERING ROCK 12S 0519381E 4250173N
Points of Interest
1. BRAIN ROCK FORMATION 1 12S 0519375E 4250061N
2. BRAIN ROCK FORMATION 2 12S 0519418E 4250111N
3. BRAIN ROCK FORMATION 3 12S 0519520E 4250199N
4. PETRIFIED STUMP 12S 0518733E 4250721N
5. BRAIN ROCK FORMATION 4 12S 0518476E 4250734N
Objectives
1. Relocate petrified tree and interesting, brain-like rock formation near the western base of Teetering Rock at 12S 0519381E 4250173N first noticed during EVA Sol 5 A
Results
We circumnavigated the hill with the teetering rock, identifying several brain-like rock formations. We did not located the petrified tree discovered during EVA on Sol 5 but did find another petrified tree-like objects. Waypoints were made for each interesting formation.
Lessons Learned
Bigger temperature difference between outside air and helmet seems to increase fogging. Regular re-application of soap on inside of helmet is necessary.
EVA Sol 13 B
Transit Mode: ATV
Distance: 13.35 km
Duration: 2 h 40 m
Note: The destination of this EVA was changed from the crescent-shaped box canyon to the SW of the Hab to the area above the large canyon E of the Hab. THe original route plan was too long for the amount of time required and of less significance than a closer EVA.
Crew & Equipment
Leader: Dan Wilcox, Suit 3
Nav & Steno: Habib Palenfo, Suit 4
Waypoints
1. N FORK 12S 0519148E 4251961N
2. NE FORK 12S 0519914E 4252040N
3. PINTO PK 12S 0521394E 4249954N
Points of Interest
1. FLOW STONE EROSION 12S 0521066E 4250112N
Objectives
1. Double check road fork to the W at 12S 0519914E 4252040N
2. Summit Pinto Peak and survey surrounding area
3. Enter and explore Canyon at 12S 0522190E 4250539N
Additional Objectives
4. Check probable site of Petrified Tree W of the Hab at 12S 0519425E 4250501N
Results
As with the last 2 times we’ve been through the area, we were not able to locate the roadbed between 12S 0519914E 4252040N and 12S 0520805E 4251956N. We went on foot about 100m to the west, but there was only the slightest trace of where the road might be.
Next, we took the road North from the Hab, then E, then S and parked the ATVs at 12S 0520118E 4250881N. We continued on foot to Pinto Peak.
The distance from the ATVs to Pinto was 1.59 km but took much longer then expected due to the sandy terrain which made for slower going. We simply slogged through and up to the summit. The surrounding area is mainly blown sand with few major landmarks. Unfortunately, we did not locate any new minerals beyond the aforementioned silica.
Time was getting short and, before deciding whether to descend into the canyon, Habib’s backpack began to malfunction. The fans began to work intermittently but we were able to provide a little “manual adjustment” to bring them back online. We immediately began the return trip at double time on foot, making it to the ATVs and the emergency life support system. We then returned to the Hab.
The return to the Petrified Tree area was cancelled.
Lessons Learned
Longer EVAs require a planned window of time for suit failure.