This shakedown crew accomplished quite a bit in the area of building the hab up and in the area of the new hab design. We were a bit nervous at first about this second sensitive subject but easily became friends and collogues, and fellow shipmates. It is easy in the hab to let your imagination go and see the crew on Mars. Although our stay was short it was productive and memorable.

The hab has become very comfortable to be in. We were at all times warm and, except for Sarah on the first night, slept well. Adding the carpet to the living area made such a difference. We started just wearing socks upstairs.

We talked late into the night about the next hab and habs in general. I felt that the Europeans really got a feel for the hab. Experiencing it first hand can not be replicated. The realities of having and maintaining a habitat in a remote location is often underestimated by those who have not been there.

It was also good to have Bob Pohl there. Bob has put in a lot of time working on this hab. As at KSC, he also was a great volunteer and as a construction helper.

I think that the Europeans were surprised by the way the locals have taken to this project. They have become fond and protective of the habitat.

We have come up with lots of ideas for the hab and we look forward to adding systems to the hab and making it better and better.

What we lacked in fidelity and science we made up for in enthusiasm and laughter.

On To Mars!