Journalist’s Report
Date: Dec 14 2013
Written by: Dan Wilcox
There is snow on the red planet.
Frozen water was falling from the sky this morning. We must be closer to the influence of the poles then we thought and some sort of unknown weather pattern has brought on just the right conditions. It seems the Red Planet has all sorts of surprises waiting for those who brave the long journey. Unfortunately this beautiful weather has kept us inside as the fine sands and clays in the area appear to be turning into a layer of sticky mud. Maybe the planet is sad that we blast off tomorrow and is trying to keep us from leaving.
As a result of staying in today, I’m slow. We’re all slow. There isn’t the excitement and adrenaline boost of going outside of the Hab. Sure we have plenty to do, but I’m finding it hard to concentrate. I’m both excited to head home but sad to leave when there’s so much left to do here. We’ll leave that up to the next crew and bring back all we have learned.
Now that humanity has walked on another planet, we will return. Soon there will be new Martians living here, ready to head on for the next world.
As I’m writing this, we are in the process of preparing for our flight in the ERV (Earth Return Vehicle). We’ve transferred over all of the samples and data we’ve collected and extra supplies we brought with us in the Hab or collected from the Martian environment. We’re also doing a little cleanup as we’ve lived here during the 6 month journey from Earth and the last 2 weeks. Why clean house? Well, the next crew is already on their way and nearby, within 800 km. The Hab can be used as a second base and further added onto when more crews made the trip. Our humble home will either be the nucleus of a new colony or some sort of museum piece that future Martian families will visit. Either way, I’m proud to have lived here, so it’s best to leave a tidy ship.
As part of our preparations, we’re writing our final reports to Mission Support and the maps and relevant scientific data are being collected to be sent off as a backup in case we don’t return. I’m sure we will. In any case, we’ve accomplished much during our short stay and I leave you with the opening to our Mission Summary report:
“The crew of the Phoenix One successfully landed the first manned mission to Mars. Over the course of our 2 week stay, we have explored and mapped our surrounding area, found water on the surface, discovered microbial life, and identified numerous sites for study by future crew, shaken down systems, and conducted several human factor’s and engineering studies. We’ve proven that both living and working are possible on another planet and that we are not alone in the universe.
As pioneers, every step we have taken at Mars Base One has paved the way for countless crews.”
Look up into the sky, we’re looking back. Join us.