MDRS Log, Commander Judith Lapierre

Crew inside Hab woke up at 6:45, expecting a contact by PEV team. . Journalist and photographer from New York arrived 7h45. Crew invited them to join the Hab at 8:20, as crew was unprepared for such an early arrival. Water refill was going on, showers had to be taken and meeting preparation ongoing. Hab finally contacted PEV team. PEV team reported feeling well and getting ready to head for the Hab. Crew returned at 9:00. A private crew meeting took place without journalists for 20 minutes. Following this, a one and a half-hour post-EVA meeting took place. General overview of objectives both scientifically (5 fields) and operationally was done. Pilot confirms that mostly all work was performed. Early morning diary was not performed because of earlier return to the Hab, as requested and some far distance Skyline Rim waypoint not marked. Every research performed was briefly revised. PEV crew presented several recommendations and lessons learned (see reports). PEV overnight expedition provides clear advantages to long distance explorations. However; further rover testing is necessary that allows for a more accurate rover simulation. Second field geology EVA planned with media crew along Candor Chasma. Hubert, our first space tourist/journalist enjoyed his mission as one of the crew and was taught how to communicate with Habcom, to use the GPS and was introduced to field geology- he even discovered volcanic rock formation. Our PEV pilot Shannon drove Paul, the photographer so he could get an idea of what an exploration mission was by the three ATV EVAs (the third one had returned in the morning). They spent the whole day with us and it was an amazing feeling to be able to share our passion and knowledge about space exploration. They spent a day on Mars and left with that feeling of having experienced a unique journey "out of this world".

When crew was finally alone after two days of intense work, a meeting was held. Discussion had to be made re our mission, objectives and plans for the next 48 hours. Decisions were reached based on general consensus and best interests for the mission and for the Mars society. Each one expressed his/views and all options were considered. In that process, we revised MDRS 4 priorities of safety, sim, science and comfort. Each crewmember understood the issues at stake and finally felt comfortable with the decision reached.

Plans for tomorrow:

Scientific:

1. ATV EVAs of three (Jennifer as EVA commander, Shannon and I as crew). Goal is to gather waypoints along Lowell highway up to Lithe Canyon where the geology changes dramatically. Fox media joining the crew.
2. Report writing on the PEV OE.
3. Some data analysis of PEV research program

1. Start planning our departure and the Hab operations manual update.