Weather: clear; low .9c (33.6F), high 19.2c (66.6F), intense sun

Crew Physical Status: moving forward, good humor, but tired at end of the day

Brief Narrative of Today's Results: Continued progressing on two fronts -- Boudreaux behavior debugging (moving forward with obstacle avoidance) and the ATV driver simulating a robot with visual touch screen display showing commands directed to the robot.

Boudreaux has now made two runs to Pooh's Corner; now testing the laser obstacle avoidance system for the first time (Boudreaux is a bit too conservative about hills).

Also did two runs of the ATV/ERA display system; this is useful for several reasons: Testing Mobile Agents without a robot, showing use of an ATV with navigation advisor for an astronaut; showing use of display system to augment voice commanding with personal agent. Also changed cards in astronaut backpack computers to be more compatible with Tropos base station and relays.

Performed regular astronaut EVA late afternoon (see below).

Foster-Miller representatives started crew recording system again after morning briefing, this time using improvised shoulder attachment of Cricket to avoid wearing a hat (which causes overheating of the person).

Continued interviews with Greg Lavine, Health/Science Writer, Salt Lake Tribune. Joined by his photographer in the morning. NASA has issued a press release about our rotation at MDRS.

Lost power to workstation computers on upper deck with UPS system failed. Caused by plugging breadmaker into extension strip, which was plugged into the UPS. This in turn was done because the usual plug was being used by visitors for recharging batteries.

Diesel generator stopped about 1600h; determined that large tank was out of fuel (auto-feed does have it limits!). Unable to restart generator on fuel in internal tank because mount of left battery vibrated off. Sent Kevin Bass into Hanksville to get new battery and connectors; consulted with Don Foutz throughout. Batteries were reading 23.9 COMP VDC; turned off all unnecessary power bringing usage to 10 amps (continuing our work). Kevin crimped, soldered, and taped the copper lug to 000 gauge cable (about a foot long). New battery too large for generator tray; moved right battery over to left side of tray and mounted new battery on the sled. Restarted generator about 1830h without much problem, but it took 3-5 minutes for inverter system to recognize input. Load then read about 37 amps, with 30 amps recharging the batteries. After about 1.5 hr the inverter cut back to about 14 amps charging (makes a noticeably different sound).

At evening briefing, Boudreaux reported as ready to go for astronaut EVAs; many good results from simulated rover EVA; plus group pleased with Brent & Abby's late afternoon EVA. Yesterday's "hero of the day," John Ossenfort, awarded Jeff Graham (Boudreaux engineer) the hero award for today (a Mobile Agents 2005 badge with a flashing light).

The Schedule: briefing 0910h, ran EVA from 1600h (prep) to past 1900h. 1915h review briefing.

EVA: carried out remote science team's plan as follow-up to last week's survey of Pooh's Corner; about 1.5 hr, system performed very well.

Report Transmission Schedule: CDR Journal, EVA reports in day or so

Maintenance: Remounted new battery (see above); needs to be re-evaluated for vibration. Advised Don of need for water in next few days. Need to mount generator to the sled because it is sliding off. Need to redirect generator exhaust, which is burning the pole on which the main power switch is mounted.

Inventory: All agree that the rye bread is superb. Made a loaf of white-wheat.

Plans for Tomorrow: Move Mobile Agents experimentation into area beyond Pooh's Corner.

Miscellaneous: Regarding fully automated systems, you will become rich if you bet against them.

Support Requested: Full review of diesel generator mount, battery mount, big tank gauge, and refuel schedule.

Bill Clancey
Commander, MDRS Crew 38