Final Mission Report

MDRS Crew 149 Mission Summary

Crew 149 brought together a diverse, professional crew of individuals from Belgium, Canada, Japan, Romania, and the United States. Each of the members of our crew is dedicated to supporting the exploration and colonization of Mars.

During our two-week rotation, we demonstrated that even a group of ordinary people can be capable of rising to meet the challenges presented by a Martian analogue simulation. Indeed, within the first 72 hours of our rotation, we experienced a propane leak, heavily degraded communications, loss of power for 24 hours, water rationing, heavy winds, and clogged plumbing. I am pleased with the matter-of-fact way that my crew reacted to these challenges. These were not problems: These were opportunities for us to demonstrate our resilience and resourcefulness.

Our main goal during our time at the MDRS, however, was to make a contribution to the growing body of knowledge that will one day make it possible to establish a permanent human presence on Mars. Crew 149 conducted the following research projects during our rotation:

EVA construction materials and techniques

Crew 149 constructed a 24' diameter dome structure with a trapezium framework and heavy-duty plastic sheeting exterior. The individual framing poles were connected to cross and “t” fittings by means of clevis pins and retaining pins. The dome held up very well to the wind, but the unseasonably warm weather was its undoing. The dome was very effective at retaining heat inside, and the internal temperature reached a point at which some of the PVC components softened and sagged. After the tensile balance of the dome was compromised, the wind pressure on the dome caused one side to slump inward. Crew 149 salvaged the dome by removing the outer covering and the lowest ring of vertical supports and relocating the dome to an area more sheltered from the wind. The dome framework survived several more days before Crew 149 took it down to make room for other projects.

The second construction project was a small geodesic dome of uniform framing poles connected by flexible wire segments and locking devices. This dome was much easier to construct in EVA, and we found that the locking devices that used wingnuts performed best with the thick EVA gloves.

The last project was a test of a compression fittings for connecting rebar segments. Of all of the tested systems, this one was the easiest to set up and tear down.

Ozone laundering system

Crew 149 tested a waterless, ozone-based laundering system on various articles of soiled clothing. The system performed well, but initial tests revealed that some crew found the scent of ozone to be almost as offensive as that of smelly socks. A refined protocol that added a secondary “airing” stage for both control and experimental test items produced more meaningful results. Our final finding is that an ozone laundering system can do a very effective job of removing aromatic biologicals from clothing articles. This particular systems uses only about 6 Watts per hour, and could be a useful means of cleaning clothing in environments in which water is an especially restricted resource.

Geological survey for construction grade materials and suitable building sites

We located a number of useful deposits of class 5 gravel, pea gravel, paving stones, medium sand, and fine sweeping sand that could be used by refit missions and future crews for capital plant improvements at the MDRS. We have documented the UTM coordinates for each deposit. We decided to focus on the resources that are located alongside the road infrastructure, since that will make them easier to exploit.

Public relations and media outreach

The Crew facilitated a number of visits by media. Our Crew Journalist also submitted numerous articles to print and online publications covering various aspects of our time here on Mars.

Low altitude, ballistic launched aerial imaging

Although our other projects were successful, this project could most charitably be described as “a useful failure.” The mechanical launching systems simply could not get the camera projectile moving fast enough for the fin-based flight stabilization to kick in. As a result, the camera projectile tumbled in flight, rendering the video footage useless. We will examine the results more closely, and may generate possible refinements to the design to test during a prospective future rotation.

Regolith plant growth study

This is the project about which Crew 149 is most excited. During our two weeks at the MDRS, we managed to force grow both hops rhizomes and sorghum in JSC-Mars-1a regolith simulant growth medium. Given that we already know that yeast can thrive in off-Earth environments, these new findings demonstrate that it should be possible for colonists on Mars to produce beer. Aside from its utility as a food preservation technique, brewing can enhance the quality of life for prospective colonists. While there are many compelling reasons for humans to go to Mars, we now have at least one good reason to stay!

Additive manufacturing

From this project, the most notable result was a 3D printed wrench that we used to tighten bolts on the ladder to the second level loft ladder in the Hab.

Evaluation of candidate foods for transitional/emergency use

Our crew tested a number of candidate foods intended for emergency/transitional use.

The first test was of a custom formulated, nutritionally complete, low-residue, powder-based food called Generic Lipo-enhanced Organic Paste (a.k.a. “GLOP”). Crew tested the GLOP both plain and with a few combinations of flavor extracts and artificial color. The combinations that met with the highest approval were mint and rum-chocolate. The general consensus of crew was that one could survive off of GLOP but, after more than a week, one might no longer want to survive.

The second test was of standard US military Meals-Ready-to-Eat (MREs). The universal opinion was that the meals were “not bad.” Not good, exactly, but not bad, either. All things considered, this is high praise for foodstuffs that are designed to maintain their nutrition and flavor profile in arctic cold, jungle heat, and after being airdropped from 10,000+ feet.

The final category for testing was insect protein. The raw cricket protein powder was inoffensive, and proved to be a fine addition to other dishes. We also tested commercially available cricket-based energy bars. These were very tasty, and changed a few minds about the acceptability of insect-derived protein. Crew 149 also sampled silk worm pupae and boiled zebra tarantulas.

Simulated random emergencies and response

Crew 149 performed a pilot study of random emergency generation software. We will use this experience to refine the design of the software for further testing in the future.

Lichen and microorganism study

The entire crew supported our two “bio” crew members by collecting lichen and other samples for analysis. Crew members Naganuma and Schreurs spent many hours in the lab area processing samples, and will continue their study beyond the time for our rotation. We look forward to seeing the results of their investigations.

Field test of airlock SCADA system

Crew 149 tested a prototype of an airlock system that monitors pressurization/de-pressurization cycles, keeps track of door status, and provides output regarding air pressure status. The crew found that this system added a lot to the verisimilitude of Sim.

In all, Crew 149 is pleased with the progress that we made on our scientific inquiries and the experience that we gained living in an Isolated, Confined, and Extreme (ICE) environment. We leave the MDRS tired from our labors, yet energized at the prospect of continuing our work in prospective future rotations.

The stars are ours, but we'll start with Mars!

Respectfully submitted,

Paul Bakken

Commander, MDRS Crew 149