Commander Report
01/02/2013
Chelsea Iwig
Day 4 was another day full of collecting data and exploring the surface of Mars. The crew
was able to sleep in some this morning because neither Carlos nor Amy had experimental days today.
Therefore, the first study that had data collection scheduled was Carolyn’s music study. This time
we listened to rap music in the morning while making breakfast. At 11:30, we began getting suited up
for our second EVA out to a ridge northeast of the Hab. The EVA started out well, but soon after we
left the Hab, we began having difficulties with the GPS. We were still able to make it to our first
waypoint, but rather than heading to the second waypoint, we decided it would be best to return to
the Hab to regroup and try again. Another contributing factor to our decision to return to the Hab
resulted from difficulties with the EVA suit helmets fogging up and interfering with our vision.
Once we returned to the Hab, the EVA crew was switched up so that the crew member with the most
navigation experience went out to lead the EVA and determine what exactly the issue with the GPS
was. In the end, the second EVA was a success and the crewmembers were able to get better oriented
with the GPS and its quirks.
Upon returning from the second EVA, the crewmembers who stayed at the Hab had already made dinner and the crew sat down together to enjoy some delicious food. Carlos, the Breadmaster as he likes to call himself, made some more delicious bread today. This time we were delighted to have homemade cinnamon raisin bread with our dinner. Noah also proved that he is also an excellent baker by making some amazing, homemade, soft pretzels. We are definitely making good use of the Hab bread machine.While the crew includes many great cooks and each of them are enjoying the food here on Mars, many of them have mentioned how much they are already missing fresh fruit and vegetables, especially watermelon. On Mars, we are unable to bring fresh fruits and vegetables along and must therefore settle for freeze dried fruits and veggies, which just aren’t the same as biting into a fresh, juicy apple or steamed veggies. Nevertheless, it is all worth it to be here on Mars and get to explore this incredible planet.
Later tonight we plan to go out to the Observatory to view Earth’s moon, Jupiter, and a few stars such as Vega, Betelgeuse, and Aldebaran. Before turning in for the night we will be playing single player board and electronic games for an hour followed by completing four different questionnaires for Chelsea’s, Noah’s, Carlos’, and Carolyn’s studies. We are looking forward to getting back into the GreenHab tomorrow for Amy’s study and listening to more music for Carolyn’s study.
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CommanderCheckIn Report
01/02/2013
Chelsea Iwig
Crew Physical Health:
The crew members are still adjusting to the higher altitude, and
therefore are not at 100%. Also, many of the crew members are still
fighting colds. However, neither of these ailments has interfered with
the ability of the crew to complete their work.
Eva Depart Time:
1214
Eva Return Time:
1345
Narrative Of Field Mission Results:
Our first waypoint was at 0518092 4251467 and our second waypoint was at 0518418 4251448. We were having a little trouble with the GPS and the helmets getting fogged up so we ended up aborting this EVA before we reached the second waypoint.
Eva Depart Time:
1417
Eva Return Time:
1622
Narrative Of Field Mission Results:
We immediately went out on a second EVA after regrouping back at the Hab and reorienting ourselves with the GPS. We again went to the same waypoints, but were able to spend a little more time exploring the area this time.
Hab Maint:
This morning the pipes were frozen again and it took twice as long to unfreeze pipes them. Also, the crew engineer discovered that the leak in the pipes had gotten worse and was now leaking continuously. Therefore, the plumber came out this afternoon to work on the pipes and managed to slow the leak significantly. A complete repair will be done on Saturday. The plumber also installed shelves in the bathroom and sealed up a gap between the Hab wall and the engineering airlock with insulating tape, spray foam, and foam blocks. The crew engineer also relit both pilot lights in the GreenHab with the assistance of one of the crew scientists. Lastly, the trailer tank was returned today full of water and the engineer was able to refill the static tank.
Rep Sched:
Tonight the Commander will be sending in a report on the achievements of the crew today. The Engineer will be submitting her engineering reports, Eric will be sending in a journalist report, and Carlos will be sending in both his HSO report and his science report. Lastly, Carolyn will be sending in an EVA report.
Tomorrow Plan:
Tomorrow we have a lot of data collection to complete. Carlos will be leading the advanced workout for his study at 7:30 tomorrow morning. Following our morning workout, the crew will have a few minutes to get cleaned up and start cooking breakfast because immediately after breakfast, Amy will be conducting her horticulture study. During this time, those not participating in the study, will be cleaning up around the Hab. Carolyn will begin playing music for her study as soon as Amy’s experimental group returns from the GreenHab. Chelsea and Eric will also be collecting data for their studies throughout the day.
Inventory:
None completed today.
Support Req:
None