Mission Overview:
Lealem Mulugeta

Expedition Three (ExThree) was the Mars Society Canada's (MSC) and the Mars Expedition Research Council's (MERC) third research-class mission of the Expedition Mars Analogue Research Series (ExMARS) program. On ExThree, two research projects involving regolith-landform mapping and a local microbial survey were merged to produce a single research project on "Microbial Niche Mapping". In addition, ExThree continued works initiated on previous ExMARS and MDRS missions in the areas of field documentation methodology, WiFi testing and expedition psychology. ExThree also worked to develop a relational database and data cataloguing methodology for consolidating and archiving all scientific data acquired at MDRS, FMARS, EuroMARS, MARS-Oz and other Mars analogue facilities. Furthermore, a survey of crewmember satisfaction with respect to quantity and quality of a selected brand of freeze dried food was under taken to assist future crews in meal planning for extended expeditions such as FMARS2007. Finally, ExThree was the first ExMARS mission to demonstrate the high effectiveness of structured training programs such as MSC's Expedition Mars Analogue Training Series program for training new recruits for research-class expeditions.

Biology and Geology: Microbial Niche Mapping (MNM):
Melissa Battler & Olathe Clark

Introduction: On this rotation Crew Geologist, Melissa Battler, and Crew Biologist, Olathe Clark, worked on a cross-over between the Regolith-Landform Mapping and Microbial Survey projects. This project is called "Microbial Niche Mapping" and is focused on site-scale mapping of regolith-landforms (after Clarke and Pain) at Mars-analog sites for microbial communities (after Rupert et al.). Microbes of interest in this study are halophiles and endoliths. The ultimate goal is to determine a method of using remote sensing data to choose sample locations on Mars, based on analogous landforms and environments found to contain microorganisms adapted to Mars-like conditions found on Earth.

Materials and Methods: We visited previous halophile sample sites, documented them using Sklar FDM (Field Documentation Methodology) and performed regolith-landform characterization. At these sites we collected samples of rocks, minerals, or soil for geological analysis, and aseptically sampled evaporites and sandstone for biology lab analysis (using sterile spoons and Whirl-Pac bags). Dilute (3.5%) HCl was used in the field to test for calcite. In the lab, the samples were taste-tested for halite content and examined microscopically. Host rock and evaporite samples and cells were photographed and filmed microscopically using a reflected light dissecting Omano microscope and a transmitted light microscope at 10Í and 40Í magnification. Both microscopes are in the Hab lab, and a personal digital camera (Optio S50) was used to record images through the eyepieces. Evaporites and sandstones in and around the Jurassic Summerville Formation and the Saltwash Member of the overlying Morrison Formation, located in Candor Chasma, were the focus for this rotation, though evaporites from Mancos shale at Salt Wash, near Factory Butte, and sandstones from the Saltwash Member of the Morrison Formation, at the North-facing base of Phobos Peak were also sampled.

Conclusions: Sites of microbial colonization can be recognized on a macroscopic level in the field, within specific geologic units; therefore the microbial/regolith-landform mapping could be continued at an accelerated rate through remotes sensing data and field observations alone. Halite mixed with calcite and gypsum is present in Candor Chasma, however near-pure halite has not been found. Colonies of photosynthetic endoliths are common within the first 3–4 mm of sandstones within the Saltwash Member of the Jurassic Morrison Formation, in the area around the North-facing base of Phobos Peak, on the ledges West of Candor Chasma, and at the mouth of Candor Chasma.

Discussion and Future Work: This project has the potential to be carried on by future crews at MDRS with a minimal amount of equipment, as long at the crewmembers are trained in geology and biology. It is critical that the Sklar FDM protocol is followed so that the data collected can be used to develop a microbial sample-site selection methodology for Mars missions. Danielle Cormier is developing an online database to manage this data and other future MDRS science projects. In the mean time, an example EVA log spread-sheet and the photo data collected have been saved on WebDav in the "Microbial Niche Mapping" folder for Crew 57. If future crews collect data for this project, it can be uploaded to a dedicated "Microbial Niche Mapping" folder in each crew's WebDAV folder. WebDAV files can be accessed via chapters.marssociety.org/webdav from off-site. A digital map will be created, using the data collected. The base map will likely be at the 1:25,000 scale, and will be created in a format such that future researchers will be able to add to it. Microbes from the mapped sites should be isolated for genetic analysis and to determine their hardiness in terms of surviving in a Mars-like environment. It is also hoped that this same methodology can be followed to carry out a similar MNM project at the Flashline Mars Arctic Research Station (FMARS).

WiFi Field Information & Navigational System:
Olathe Clark

One successful range test of the WiFi system was completed. The signal was picked-up on Radio Ridge, 450 m from Hab.

Expedition Psychology:
Olathe Clark

Olathe Clark answered questions regarding group dynamics and personal stress via email with Matthew Allner (Crew 52).

Relational Database for Archiving Scientific Data:
Danielle Cormier

Post-mission, a database will be prepared to archive all data gathered using the FDM protocol. This database will be coded using Microsoft Access with an html user interface. The goal of this relational database is to make easy and efficient the data entry and subsequent retrieval of voice notes, photos and sample information taken at different worksites in the field. In its final envisioned form, the tool would allow users to view and search through text transliterations of voice notes, to view all worksites on a map of the area and have access to all worksite information through this map, to stitch from within the tool any panoramas taken and to be able to add comments on all photos and samples taken in the field. The tool would also handle, according to developed FDM protocols, the renaming and archival of all files. It is hoped that a first version of this tool will be available for this year's FMARS expedition.

Field Documentation Methodology:
Randall Shelaga

Crew 57/ExThree exercised the Sklar Field Documentation Methodology (FDM), practicing the existing protocol and refining the process. Through this rotation, the FDM has proven to be an effective method for gathering field data, while representing minimal burden to EVA crew.

One major issue throughout the Expedition Mars Series (both training and research) was the cataloguing and processing of data (audio, video, photographs, GPS waypoints/tracklogs, maps, samples, etc.). This issue was recognized on Expedition Alpha and addressed early in ExThree, resulting in the development of a file naming structure, for the cataloguing of mission data.

While a standardized file naming structure addresses one of the issues associated with managing a large volume of data, another is the management of the types and formats of data collected. It is essential that future Expeditions identify the types of data, which they will be collecting well in advance of launch in order to ensure that the appropriate software and hardware are identified, available and familiar to crewmembers. Because of the diverse nature of crew compositions, the tools available and preferences, this becomes even more critical. While many applications exist, the cost often precludes having multiple installations and creates crewmember specialists. To avoid this potential bottleneck, it is preferable to use public domain/open source software whenever possible and subject to capability limitations.

Building on the model which evolved during ExThree, it is essential that a crewmember be assigned the secondary duties of Data Manager and be trained in the standardized protocols for "on-station" data management.

A Paper discussing the ExThree experience with data management in an analogue research environment, defining a protocol for use on future missions and recommending standardized software tools for common file types will be prepared.

Freeze-Dried Food Survey:
Randall Shelaga

During the "sim" phase of ExThree, crew meals consisted of Mountain House freeze-dried foods supplemented by fresh vegetables from the GreenHab. Standard 72-hour "Just in Case" meal packs were used for nine of the twelve days of "sim" food requirements, with the remaining three days consisting of other items selected from the Mountain House™ product line.

Throughout the "sim" phase, each crewmembers menu preferences, supplemental items (including multi-vitamins) and ratings for quantity of food (based on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is totally inadequate, 3 is sufficient and 5 is excessive) and quality of food (based on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is poor, 3 is acceptable and 5 is superior) were tracked. This information will be compiled and provided to future crews to assist them in menu planning (selecting menu items, portion sizes, supplements and condiments) when freeze dried food is used, and to the supplier (Oregon Freeze Dried) to provide feedback on the use of their product in an exploration environment.

The data obtained from this survey will be compiled in a database and a Paper summarizing the results prepared.

Testing the Pre-trained Crew Theory:
Melissa Battler

Expedition Three (ExThree) is the third mission in the Expedition Mars (ExMars) program. It is unique in that it is the first ExMars crew to be composed almost entirely of MDRS veterans. During Expedition One and Expedition Two, it became apparent that a lot of time was required at the beginning of the mission to train everyone on the relevant systems, science, and environment/safety. It was then decided that a lot of time could be saved on future ExMars research-class missions if crew members had already gone through an intense cross-training mission before joining a research-class mission. Hence, the Expedition Mars Analog Training Series (ExMATS) was born.

One major goal of Expedition Three was to test the theory that a crew of pre-trained MDRS veterans will operate much more efficiently and effectively than an otherwise equal crew who is new to MDRS. The principle behind this theory being, training missions produce potential crew members with appropriate skill sets and attitudes for longer-during ExMars rotations, ultimately maximizing precious research time.

ExThree was composed of crew members who had been trained on Expedition Alpha, Expedition Beta, Spaceward Bound, one crew member who developed the program, and one crew member with no previous MDRS experience, who acted as a control.

It was clear from the beginning of ExThree that this crew knew their way around MDRS, and was very comfortable in their environment, and around each other, and therefore was able to quickly jump into the routine without wasting any time. The crew was comparatively very productive and successful at completing in their science and engineering goals, and team spirit and morale were high from the beginning, and remained so throughout the mission.

In conclusion, we have proven through ExThree that training missions are an effective way of preparing crewmembers for thorough and efficient work on a research-class expedition. We have thereby validated the need to continue on with a dedicated series of training missions.

Engineering Summary:
Jon Pineau

In addition to many other projects and repairs, the ExThree engineering team spent the majority of their mission repairing the ATVs and maintaining the Habitat life support and waste recycling systems. The mission began with two of three ATVs running, which promptly broke down during the first motorized EVA: leaving us with no ATVs. Over the course of several days, efforts were focused on fixing ATV-1 and 2, ATV-3 repairs being beyond our capabilities. Among other repairs, the layers of mud, dust, and oil were cleaned out of the fuel and air systems. Additionally, the gas tanks were drained after finding that they contained a large amount of mud and water. After the ATVs were reassembled and tuned, ATV-1 is functioning properly; however ATV-2 is not reaching normal speeds, indicating possible lingering carburetor problems.

The GreenHab also received a lot of attention, resulting in healthy crops, which were harvested regularly for fresh salads, and water hyacinths that helped produce clear odorless water for flushing the toilets. Much time was spent in making the waste water systems hands-off. A float valve, several pumps, and filters were replaced, enabling the crew to cleanly make use of the gray water recycling system with very limited intervention.

Several Habitat improvement projects were also accomplished. To improve morale the Habitat bathroom received an overhaul. This included installing a shelf for more toiletry storage, moving the vanity mirror to a more useful location, patching and painting the wall, and re-attaching the cabinet door. A wall mounted rack was also constructed for mounting a set of DC/DC converters for the Hab power system.