There is a lot to learn in order to work effectively as part of a small, self sufficient group performing complex tasks in a strange environment -- even in a simulation. Consequently today I asked the crew to delay the routine, non-urgent maintenance tasks around the hab to allow time for some training in core hab crew skills.

The first of these was a continuation of the basic navigation revision that was started yesterday. This involved moving from plotting routes on a map, and navigating with map and compass, to the necessary skill of navigating using a GPS unit. Once mastered, there devices make accurate navigation much easier, but the learning curve is a lot higher. This was made considerably more challenging by the fact that nearly every GPS unit here is different, and many of the crew had brought borrowed units with which they were not familiar. However with a little perseverance we were able to program way points into all of the units, and worked out how to operate the function to allow navigation to a nominated way point. We also worked out some communication protocols to streamline our communications traffic while on EVA.

Finally, after an early lunch we embarked on pedestrian EVA (EVA-4) to follow the route we had plotted and entered into our GPS's, with each of the four crew members that had not previously had a chance to try their hand at GPS navigation taking charge for one of the legs, practicing both navigation and efficient reporting of position and status back to the hab. On second last leg I authorized a diversion to investigate a mast on a nearby hill which was thought to be one of our communications repeaters, but it was determined that it was found to be some form of iron spike of unidentified purpose. I then had to urge the team to make their way back to the hab as there was more work waiting.

I had planned to follow EVA-4 immediately with an ATV EVA for the three crew members that had not taken part in EVA-3 yesterday, but when the returning EVA-4 members attempted to start the ATVs in preparation for this, it was reported to me that the ignition lock on ATV-3 had come adrift and was suspected of having fallen into the engine.

My engineer, who was due to go out on EVA-5 wanted to start work on the ATV to attempt to repair it, but he indicated that he had no idea how long this would take, so I decided that we would postpone the repair attempt till tomorrow and instead replace the three person EVA-5 with a two person EVA-5 and a two person EVA-6 so that the objective of having each member of the crew having some experience navigating on an ATV would be achieved. This necessitated the shortening of the route originally planned from six to four legs, and even then, it was dark by the time EVA-6 returned. But our goals were accomplished in spite of the ATV problems, and the crew was able to sit down to a hearty dinner and well deserved sense of accomplishment.