Eva Report
01/22/2013
Oleg Abramov
Eva Number:
6
Eva Date:
01/22/2013
Time Slot:
earlyPM
Purpose:
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 (i) investigate previous reports of petrified wood at UTM coordinates 12 S 519096 4251558, 1.2 km northeast of the Hab, (ii) investigate prior reports of gypsum at UTM coordinates 12 S 516100 42543804, 4.2 km northwest of the Hab, and (iii) investigate exposed geologic strata at UTM coordinates 12 S 516285 4254650, 4.4 km northwest of the Hab. We also planned to examine the geology during the traverse, as well as collect samples of representative units.
Round-trip distance was estimated as 16 km, and a duration of approx. 2 hours was estimated. A departure time prior to 1400 was planned.
Narrative:
Radios, ATVs, and other equipment were tested prior to departure. It was noted that one of two battery connectors on ATV #1 was broken and soldered in place, and the soldering was partly melted. No other equipment issues were noted at the time. The EVA team entered the airlock on schedule at 13:52, and exited the Hab at 13:57.
After a quick familiarization session for the two crewmembers with no prior ATV experience, the team rolled out at 14:06. The team proceeded slowly and cautiously due to the relative inexperience of the two crewmembers, and reached the waypoint 1 at 14:13. A quick search for petrified wood was undertaken, which soon yielded an 8 cm x 1 cm x 1 cm specimen. A crewmember's radio stopped receiving at this location. The team leader was unable to restart the ATV, and examination of the battery compartment revealed that the soldered connector was completely separated from the battery lead. Ignition was achieved for this and all subsequent ATV #1 restarts by holding the connector in place manually. The team departed waypoint 1 at 14:30. Shortly thereafter, the EVA leader's radio battery died, leaving the team with one functional radio, which was used to make reports to HabCom.
Waypoint 2 (road fork at 12 S 517802 4254655) was reached at 14:44. The team turned off the main road onto a westbound dirt track, but it was soon judged too snowy and muddy to safely continue. A stop was made at 12 S 517669 4254611 at 14:52, where numerous specimens of platy gypsum were collected. One of the crewmembers had difficulty restarting ATV #4, and examination of the battery compartment revealed that the screw for one of the battery connectors came loose. The problem was solved by partly screwing in the screw with a gloved hand, and a restart was achieved. The EVA team retraced their route back to the Hab.
On the return route, a stop was made at 12 S 518618 4253130 at 15:24 to investigate a block of orange-brown sandstone perched atop a pillar of a much softer conglomerate layer. Investigation of surrounding area revealed additional younger strata that included reddish-brown and grayish-green mudstones, light-brown, poorly-sorted conglomerate with pebbles ranging from one to four mm, capped with yellowish-brown, coarse-grained cross-bedded sandstone.
The team returned to the Hab at 15:55. A brief photo opportunity was taken for one crewmember who wished to pose with her country's flag. The EVA team entered the airlock 16:02.
Eva Depart Time:
1457
Check In Time One:
1423
Check In One E:
519096
Check In One N:
4251558
Check In Note One:
Out of radio range after this check-in
Check In Time Two:
1555
Check In East Two:
518230
Eva Return Time:
1602
Wp1 E:
519096
Wp1 N:
4251558
Wp1 Find:
Petrified wood
Wp2 E:
517802
Wp2 N:
4254655
Wp2 Find:
Road fork
Wp3 E:
517669
Wp3 N:
4254611
Wp3 Find:
Platy gypsum
Wp4 E:
518618
Wp4 N:
4253130
Waypoint Four Finding:
Sandstone block / exposed strata