One interesting issue in the human factors of Mars missions is whether or not the traditional rigid command structure with its military heritage is both relevant and suitable on a long duration space mission involving a small number of crew who have worked together and cross trained for several years before hand. Alternative paradigms of decision making should be investigated in places such as MDRS. This approach was recommended by researchers at the Australian National University's pyschology department and Dr Steve Dawson who is carrying out social pyschological research at MDRS.

With the full agreement of all phase 4 personnel, we have been carrying out such an experiment. In addition to trying to employ the consensus approach used by some other crews and phases, we have also rotated the position of "commander" to create a broader leadership base and to reduce the responsibilities placed on any one person. Rather than a traditional commander role this person (irreverently called the "hab nag") faciliates discussion and ensures that tasks are begun on time. The fact that So far the experiment has worked very well bodes well for the utility of this approach for future crews and expeditions.

Another issue on long duration missions is workload. Previous phases of expedition one, as have previous crews, experienced heavy workloads, with people working well into the small hours. This soon leads to reduced performance and irritability and can endanger not only performance but health and safety. Experience on a succession of space stations such as Skylab, the Salyut series, Mir and now the ISS has shown the importance of keeping workload within reasonable limits.

Because Phase 4 is a full simulation mission we have been endevouring to do likewise. We have endevoured - and generally managed, to rise by 7am and to complete work by 10pm each night, as well as schedule recreation time. Despite this we have been able to average two EVAs per day for science and engineering prposes. Less work can lead to more productivity, and we believe that this approach, which requires planning and self descipline, is worth following on future missions.

In the meantime the crew is in good spirits and enjoying the sim. We are a great bunch of people and I am priviledged to be part of Phase 4 of expedition one. Although the mission is approaching its end we still have a couple of days to go and several important tasks to achieve. Today we sadly farewelled our redoubtable MSC engineer Stan, who, in addition to being a hard worker and capable of electronic and software miracles, has been a truly fantastic person to live and work with. He left tonight to drive the Ares rover to its new home at Denver. Stan has been awarded the mug of honour in absentia.