After 2 full days of preparations, MDRS Crew 18 is finally on Mars! Just as planned, the highest fidelity simulation feasible at MDRS began today at Noon. Elia and I almost missed the boat and had to sprint back to the Hab from out in the east where we were taking pictures of today's first EVA led by Dave Scott. Hey, a deadline is a deadline.

Now we are all hoping that the previous two days worth of work will result in a continuous, successful simulation until the end of our stay. The crew has adapted well to the change in operations. They are unbelievable!

After today's 2 hour 51 minute EVA by Dave, Mark and Joan, to deploy dust traps and retrieve biology experiments, Dave and Joan decided to give Elia a hand with GreenHab maintenance work in full simulation! This was not my idea but theirs, after hearing about Elia's concern for the sorry state of the GreenHab water system. 2 and a half hours later they returned, exhausted but successful. When Elia first approached me with his problem I tried to think of someway to stay within the simulation's guidelines but take care of the situation. Elia suggested a full blown EVA. And with two other willing participants singing the same tune, who could refuse?

Needless to say, tonight the crew is quite tired. Unfortunately 8 hour days are unheard of on Mars. Our EVA backpacks need to be charged so the EVA team has air tomorrow. Reports need to be sent into mission support. Human factors tests need to be completed. We need some sleep - perhaps tomorrow. I'll have to put it on the schedule.