EVA-11 and 12 were scheduled for today. The goal of EVA-11 was to effect a day-long rover EVA to Capitol Reef. Three crew (Rémon, Mathias and Georg) drove to the site and performed a short EVA, but turned back as there were a too many tourists around, which spoiled the isolation and analogue simulation. EVA-12 was tasked in the afternoon, and was the first deployment of the MarsSkins by the Leonardo crew. The destination was Candor Chasma. The suits were lighter and more flexbile, but considerable difficulties were found with the radio and ventilation.

Firstly, the radio is normally used on VOX. This is fine for normal walking EVAs (which has been the sole EVA format to date), but on the ATVs the engine sound trips the VOX operation. This means that all radios are broadcasting the engine sound during movement, and radio comms is only possible when all ATV engines are at idling (i.e. stopped). The PTT buttons are too small on the radios, so maybe a new button will be installed.

Secondly, the ventilation system batteries died within an hour of EVA commencement. While the system (single PC fan) has operated for several hours at a time on previous deployments in South Australia, but for some reason the batteries have greatly reduced operation. Different batteries are being charged all night for trial tomorrow. More comprehensive reports will follow on MarsSkin as EVA trials are carried out through the remainder of Leonardo and also the Mona Lisa (C40) rotations.