Commander Report
01/05/2013
Chelsea Iwig
The theme for Crew 121’s day today was problem solving. We faced many unexpected issues and
breakdowns for which we had to find a solution to be able to move forward. The morning started off
normally. The crew got up early to complete Carlos’ workout followed by Amy’s GreenHab study. We had
another delicious breakfast and then began preparing for today’s EVA. Carlos briefed the EVA team on
the route and the cold weather. The EVA team then got bundled up and began donning their EVA suits.
They were all excited because this would be their first time on the ATVs since they were unable to
go on the first ATV EVA. They headed out and made it to their destination without a hitch and set
out to explore an incredible quarry about 10km from the Hab.
After over an hour of exploring and collecting rock samples, the EVA team headed back to the
ATVs. However, when they attempted to start up one of the ATVs, it would not start. The team worked
on the ATV for about 15 minutes before they finally decided that it was not going to start and that
they needed to find another way to get it back to the Hab. Thankfully, the ATV was equipped with
towing rope, which the crew used to thoroughly attach the malfunctioning ATV to the Commander’s ATV.
The Commander then began slowly towing the unresponsive ATV back to the Hab while the third team
member followed at a distance to make sure nothing went wrong. However, less than 1km from the Hab,
the third EVA member’s ATV also failed. However, at this point, the team was back within COMM range
and was able to call for assistance. The crew Engineer quickly made her way to the stranded EVA team
with one of the other ATVs and the crew hooked up the second malfunctioning ATV up to the Engineers
ATV to be towed. Finally, the EVA team was able to make it the rest of the way back to the Hab to be
greeted by steaming pasta and freshly made bread already on the table. As it was late in the day,
the Engineer has not yet been able to identify the problem with the malfunctioning ATVs, but she
will continue working on it tomorrow. Despite the problems with the ATVs the crew was able get all
of them back safely and the crew still enjoyed the EVA overall.
Even though the ATV debacle was the most significant problem faced by the crew today, it was not
the only one. While the EVA crew was out, the power in the Hab went out briefly twice. The Engineer
checked on the generator, but all seemed fine and there have been no further issues with the power.
Today, the Hab had two guests. Jesse came out to work in the GreenHab and Curtis came out to
fix a few problems around the Hab. Now the pipes are no longer leaking, the toilet flushes properly,
and the heater is heating the Hab much more efficiently. Also, the GreenHab is looking great and
full of life, which is very exciting!
Overall, it has been a busy day full of challenges, but it was also a very successful day.
The crew was able to calmly address each challenge and find the best solution for each even if it
meant simply making sure that the problem was contained until it can be addressed further tomorrow.
Tonight, we hope to have time to sit back and relax with some popcorn and a movie before heading off
to bed. Tomorrow should be a much slower day, as no EVA is planned. Therefore, it is the perfect
opportunity to get caught up on some cleaning around the Hab and take some time to unwind before the
business of the next week begins.
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CommanderCheckIn Report
01/05/2013
Chelsea Iwig
Crew Physical Health:
The crew members are still experiencing watery eyes and runny noses,
but are otherwise well.
Eva Depart Time:
12:00
Eva Return Time:
3:34
Narrative Of Field Mission Results:
The EVA team took the ATVs to an old quarry. There were many signs of animal and
plant life and many interesting rocks. Also, there was a lot of petrified wood and incredible rock formations.
Narrative Of Field Mission Results:
Hab Maint:
Curtis passed by the hab today and stopped the leak in the hot water pipe. The fitting was not replaced, but the leak was stopped. Also, Curtis inspected the filter for the central air system and it was clogged with dust. There were replacement filters next to the system that he used. See attached picture in email to MST. It is recommend that these filters be replaced either once a month (assuming that the one taken out has been installed since the beginning of the season) or with each crew rotation. There was a power outage at 1:30pm today which lasted for approximately 30 seconds, this happened twice. Is it necessary to write a power outage report for this? When the power when out there was a beeping downstairs in the lab, could not locate the source of the beeping. Checked the generator room and did not notice anything unusual. Generator was running normally. Also, the water heater powered off. I pressed the power button and system started as normal. The flagpole is not installed on the MDRS hab! ATV #2 and #3 broke down today (at 3:10pm), they needed to be towed back to the hab. ATV #2 stalled when the throttle was released and would not restart. ATV#3 was running, but revving high, crew member lowered the choke and the engine stalled. Could not restart afterwards. Will investigate cause tomorrow. EVA packs #1, #2, and #6 are inop. Will inspect tomorrow.
Rep Sched:
Tonight’s reports include the Commander’s daily report, an EVA report, an HSO report, and the Engineering reports.
Tomorrow Plan:
Tomorrow we will be conducting data collection for Eric’s, Chelsea’s, Carolyn’s, and Noah’s studies. Since tomorrow is Sunday, we will not be having an EVA and will be taking it easy other than for our data collection and some cleaning. Since we have a Chinese film crew coming on Tuesday, we need to get this place all cleaned up. The crew has been doing an excellent job of keeping the upper floor clean, but downstairs needs some work.
Inventory:
None
Support Req:
None
Miscelleneous: