This EVA on the afternoon of March 10th was a science focussed mission to the head reaches of Tank Wash. The primary goal was to collect samples for water mapping and biological richness survey. The secondary goal was characterisation of the regolith in the area.

Four crew members took part in this EVA. The science party consisted of Jonathan Butler (biologist) and Jonathan Clarke (geologist) in the Ares rover. Nishi Rawat and Steve Dawson accompanied the EVA as assistants on ATV 2 and 3.

Jonathan Butler selected and sampled two different sites while Jonathan Clarke described the geology. Sampling was expedited by the assistance of both Nishi and Steve. The complex nature of the water mapping and biological richness sampling, which involves soil coring, photography, sample removal from the core and placing in a sterile container, field cleaning of the corer, measurement of the soil temperature, and recording of voluminous notes, means that three people are able to record the data most efficently.

A most successful and enjoyable EVA for all crew members.