MDRS Crew 122 (HI-SEAS)
Science Report #3
01/15/13
*Astronaut-Robotic Interaction*
*By: Simon Engler*
It is likely that a manned mission to Mars will bring robotic platforms to
assist in the exploration, collection, and analysis of the Martian planet.
This project aims to bring a number of robotic platforms into this study
for the purpose of determining the technical requirements for working with
robotic platforms and equipment on Mars.
For the upcoming mission in Hawaii at the Hawaii Space Exploration Analog
and Simulation (HI- SEAS), a four-month study of a variety of robotic
platforms will be conducted. The time at MDRS will be used to further
define and fine tune experiments that the robotic platforms will be put
through.
Tomorrow, for the first time, we will test a Husky robot from Clearpath
Robotics in the terrain surrounding the habitat. The robotic platform will
be utilized to explore the surrounding areas. We will evaluate the
technical challenges associated with physical maintenance and recovery of
the vehicle while wearing the spacesuits during EVAs.
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*Geology Report *
*By: Oleg Abramov*
During our EVA today, we covered a total of 3 km on foot and started walking bearing east from the Hab, reaching waypoints 1 and 2, and then
proceeded northwest, tracing a quarter-circle before returning in a
southwest direction.
The geology observed during this short EVA was consistent with a diverse sedimentary formation. Gently-sloping hills and distant steep-walled mesas
dominate the terrain. The predominant colors are browns, reds and grays,
with some very pale strata. Primary lithologies are mudstones and
siltstones, sometimes with caps of light-colored sandstone. The sandstones
observed close-up were eroded from the caprock, and were generally in an
advanced state of weathering and covered in dark desert varnish. Several
conglomerates were also noted. Silt and sand deposits are also common, and
the ubiquitous dry washes and gullies point to extensive fluvial erosion.
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*EVA Soil Sampling*
*By: Angelo Vermeulen and Yajaira Sierra-Sastre*
Soil samples for bacterial analysis were taken at three locations, each
with a different soil structure. Care was taken to use sterilized equipment
and avoid cross-contamination. For each sampling location a separate
sterilized spatula was used, and sterilized Falcon tubes were used to store
the samples. Locations and sampling spots were photographed. Location
coordinates were recorded by Kate Greene (EVA Navigator). The storage and
retrieval of lab equipment from the suit was not efficient. Sleeve mounted
pockets could for example improve things. Using thick gloves also made
things more time consuming.
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*Green Hab Activities*
*By: Angelo Vermeulen*
All plants were generally in a similar shape as yesterday. Greens such as
kale, collards, and chards seem doing well, as well as the strawberry
plants (which have ripening fruits). The herbs and water cress are having
difficulty surviving in the GreenHab. Adding improvised plastic covers to some of the pots had a clear positive effect on humidity. Throughout the
day moisture was present on the inside compensating for the continuous drying
of the air by the propane heaters. All plants except the trees were
watered, and dead leaves of the collards were trimmed. Bush beans that were
soaked in water overnight have been planted both in re-used soil and in
fresh (Azalea) planting.