Since todays EVAs we are doing limited measurements of vital parameters. Our engineering team back in Austria constructed small data devices which should be able to provide Heart rate, temperature of the body core and in the helmet as well as CO2 concentration. Unfortunately, due to a problem with the controllers we are only able to obtain the heart rate at this point until we have jury rigged replacement parts and get additional input from our MedMars engineering back-seat team.

On the upside, we have one operational clinical capnometer which is working just fine; during EVA 4/5 yours truly measured the expiratory CO2-content which varies from 31 mmHg during the cycling of the airlock at egress (= minimum physical stress) and 45 mmHg when rushing up a hill with a heart rate of 145 bpm. It seems, the airflow of our PLSS is sufficient for non-exhaustive activities. This leads to an engineering suggestion: for limited times, such as steep hill ascents etc..., the analog astronaut should be able to boost the fan power to allow a higher oxygen flow.

We are very happy about the cooling vests from Draeger with the phase change compartments which work flawlessly, although our longer EVA times in the near future might exceed the workload of the vests.

As for the crew: everyone is in excellent condition, maybe a little bit exhausted when returning from the EVA's, but otherwise we are enjoying regular sleep periods compared to the preparatory week.

On a side note, we all realize that we have small scratches and micro-wounds on our skin from the day-to-day work in the hab, but no infections so far.