EVA-51
Jonathan Clarke Reporting

This was a complex EVA designed to evaluate the Ares rover as part of a larger comparative study of the Ares and Everest vehicles. It consisted of an excursion up to Lith Canyon and back. The rover was accompanied by a human factors team in a chase vehicle.

The Ares rover crew was composed of Nancy Wood, Stan Piechocinski, and Jon Clarke. The chase crew consisted of Garham Mann, Jennifer Laing, Matt Bamsey,and Steve Jordan. The EVA departed the airlock at at 09:00 and returned at 18:00.

EVA goals were to collect information on human factors associated with routine rover operation such as driving, pressurisation and depressurisation, sampling, stowing samples, documenting samples etc. Each participant had to fill out a questionnaire for every step of the process.

To provide a genuine science context for the study both geological and biological were was carried out. Biological goals of the EVA were to collect bulk samples for microbiology and lay out sample collectors for retrieval the following day. Three sites were visited: site 1 (sand dunes and scattered rock near the edge of Lith Canyon), site 2 (dissected clay and sandstone hills), and site 3 (edge of a small wash in clay). Bulk samples were collected at all three sites, one collector was laid out at site 2 and two at site 3.

The primary geological goals were to support the biologist in site selection, description, and sample selection. A secondary goal was to categories the regolith terrain units in an area not previously visited. These were all satisfactorarily achieved.

The EVA provided an opportunity to evaluate emergency procedures when the power supply to the back pack failed. Communications issues and traffic management led to development of a serious "emergency" in the simulated context when one member of the team (Jon) was stranded between pressurised airlocks with low consumable supply. This has led to a revision of the EVA traffic management in the vicinity of the hab.

EVA-52 - White Rock Canyon
Fathi Karouia Reporting

EVA 52 crewmembers were Nishi Rawat, Steve Dawson and Fathi Karouia. The main goals of this mission were to train new crewmembers in EVA procedures, and scout out new areas of interest using the GPS device. First, Nishi and Steve were shown how to wear the MarSkin suit, and issues related to the EVA safety were reviewed.

The crew then used the PEV to reach its final destination: White Rock Canyon. Using Steve's new skills with the GPS system, we were able to quickly locate a previous mapped site of interest.

We also marked new sites of interest for future soil and microbial characterization studies. The crew appreciated the view which resulted from the interference of the all optical spectrum with the regolith. A delight for the eyes!!!