Commander Report
01/22/2013
Angelo Vermeulen
Today the sixth EVA was carried out. The EVA team consisted of Oleg Abramov (leader), Sian Proctor
(navigator & stenographer) and Yajaira Sierra (scientist). The main objectives of this ATV EVA were
to (1) investigate previous reports of petrified wood at UTM coordinates 12 S 519096 4251558, 1.2
km northeast of the Hab, (2) investigate prior reports of gypsum at UTM coordinates 12 S 516100
42543804, 4.2 km northwest of the Hab, and (3) investigate exposed geologic strata at UTM
coordinates 12 S 516285 4254650, 4.4 km northwest of the Hab. Secondary objectives were examination
of the geology during the traverse, as well as sample collection of representative units. The EVA took about 2hrs.
For HI-SEAS nasal patency tests were carried out. We weighed and documented our dinner. And we
addressed another question from the list of HI-SEAS discussion topics. We discussed how we would
deal with interpersonal conflict, relationships, and the risk of cliques during HI-SEAS.
Yajaira Sierra-Sastre performed bacterial counts for new food samples, and total aerobic counts for
water samples of the hydroponic system in the GreenHab.
I continued my plant cultivating work at the GreenHab. A new tray with cress seeds was started and
placed on top of the heat mat. A layer of soil of 1.5” was used in this tray. The goal is to
compare seed growth in a thick layer of soil on a heat mat, with seed growth in an unheated thin
layer of soil. The hypothesis is that seeds will sprout and grow better on the heat mat. However if
seeds can be equally sprouted using less soil and no heating, that might be advantageous for space
applications. All pots and containers are being labeled for the next rotation, and a full inventory
is being compiled. The temperature is fluctuating less than last week because of the thermostat-
regulated fan. However, the current system is unsustainable: pumping in heat with propane burners,
and then immediately discharging the heat through the fan is not energy-efficient. It would be
better to regulate the propane burners first. This would save propane, electricity, and retain air
moisture.
More herbs came in today sent by Jean Hunter: basil, parsley, dill, thyme and mint. The basil
showed severe damage upon arrival, probably caused by low temperatures during transport. The other
herbs are in a medium condition. One problem with the herbs in the hab is the lack of space to put
them. I put most of the new herbs in the window sills of the kitchen (partially blocking the view).
More details about the plants in the Science Report.
Oleg Abramov made a time sequence of infrared photos of the observatory. He photographed both the
outside of the dome and the telescope using 5-minute interval around 5pm. He also tested the
replacement unit of the Omega wireless sensor receiver.
Simon Engler worked on robotic communication using the local WiFi network. He has now control over
the Clearpath Husky rover from within the hab, and is working on streaming video from the rover-
mounted camera.
Kate Greene finalized the second protocol for the lighting study. She collected and organized
observations of the first protocol. And she also continued the discussion about food logging at HI-
SEAS.
Sian Proctor made photos for the second HI-SEAS video created at MDRS. She also documented the EVA
of today, and started to organize her video archive as a preparation for a third video.
I spent a large part of my day plowing through emails. Even though I’m using a brand new email
address specifically set up for MDRS, I already had 115 unread emails accumulated in my inbox this
morning. Most of these have been dealt with. Tonight I’m planning to answer a series of questions
from Mission Support guests Alison Deatsch and Ross McFarland from Elon University.
Routine checks and hab maintenance were performed.