Twin EVA experiment

by Stepanova Anastasiya

Mars 160 mission is unusual in many ways and Twin EVA experiment proves it again. Our Principal Investigator Shannon Rupert came out with an interesting idea. How does the simulation affeсt science return work? For the first time at Mars Desert Research Station Shannon implemented a strategy to actually test it on the field. The plan is to have two EVAs in the spacesuits and two EVA without space suits doing the same science exploration at the same site.

The day has come and five of us drove ATVs following Shannon to the specific location. Jon (geologist), Annalea (artist), Anushree (microbiologist) and Yusuke (cross trained for lichen exploration) dressed in the space suits and were waiting for further directions. Shannon gave two hours to the crew of research time on the field. Jon was examining the geology structure, Annalea drew lichens, Anushree and Yusuke scouted for lichens and took samples. I was there as camera person recording their work. The video footage will help in the analysis of Twin EVA experiment. The next day crew was unsuited and performed the same field work for the same amount of time.  

For the second part, several changes were made: the site, the crew, the subject of sampling. Jon and Annalea proceeded with their research but Anushree had now a new trainee with new data to collect. New person to be cross trained was me. I switched my camera to a hammer! We had to scout for gypsum and collect samples. Why gypsum? It is the most likely place to find a salt loving microorganism called “halophiles”. 

We started our first trial day unsuited. I never would think that gypsum can be so beautiful. Broken pieces of glass scattered all over the ground – no this is transparent gypsum. Snowflakes in the layers of soil – no this is fluffy white gypsum. The amber trapped in the sandstone rock cracks – no this is again the gypsum! Two hours pass slowly and tiring! I was expecting that the next day in space suit will be more difficult, but it turned out to be easier. I don’t know how to explain this paradox, but in the space suit I felt more strength and time flew faster. Maybe it is in my subconscious that the space suit gives you the super power. Also the helmet made me more concentrated and careful. Even though it was a little bit harder to climb the rocks, the bulky gloves intervene in a smooth sample collection, the spacesuit increased the sweating, we operated as good as unsuited or maybe even better! 

Do we really believe in super power? Does the mind seek extra support from suits, instruments, vehicles? That is another research topic for human factors, which one day might be studied at Mars Desert Research Station.

Sol # 47

Person filling out report: Annalea Beattie

Summary Title: The moon rose early today.

Mission Status: on track

Sol Activity Summary:

The sun came up like it did yesterday.

This morning we cleaned and did the routine hab jobs that needed to be done. Yusuke fixed the tunnel, we wrote reports, I wrote my space.com blog and we prepared for our EVA this afternoon with the U.K .Rover Field Trials mob.

Our EVA was very successful. We all went. Jon Clarke worked with Peter Edwards on the Ramen collecting rock spectra. John Holt trialed the geological tool SPLIT in robot mode. Several of the UK Rover team tried out the space suits and their drone. For us, there was a focus on lichens with quite a bit of discussion with Shannon. Yusuke and Anushree sampled and I drew lichen distribution and patterning on sandstone boulders.

MDRS lessons:

1. If you want to throw a rock further you need more momentum.

2. If you want to photograph the moon, choose the right time of day.

Plans: Science meeting, writing field notes and sample processing tomorrow.

Crew Physical Status: very well.

Weather: Another gorgeous day in the desert.

Anomalies: We found a flower made of rocks on a cliff and thought it was a miracle of nature until Shannon told us some one had made it. (still great)

Potatoes on potatoes and potatoes: (for all your potatoes lovers )

Ingredients:
The soup:
1 pack of Beer Creek, creamy potatoes soup.(any other brand will do; might need different amount of water)
8 cups of water.

The chips
1 bag of nature Lays potato chips

Mashed potatoes
4 cups of potato flakes..
4 cups of water
2 cups of milk
6 Tbsp. Of olive oil or butter / margarine.
A pinch of salt

Note:

The soup
Step 1-1: Boil 8 cups of water, in a pan.

Step 1-2: Add the soup mix in the boiling water, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer.

Th chips:
Step 2-1: Open the bag of chips

Step 2-2: Try not to eat them all before the meal is ready

Mashed Potatoes
Step 3-1: Heat 4 cup of water in a pan

Step 3-2: Once heated, remove from heat and add 2 cups of milk

Step 3-3 Stir the mix until you have the wanted consistency.

Making the dream come true
Step 4-1: Serve the soup in a bowl.
Step 4-2: In a plate, serve the mashed potatoes and add some chip on the side.

Step 4-3: serve to your hungry potatoes lover.