Crew Physical Status: Everyone in perfect shape, however a bit tired (physically...).

Brief Narrative of Today's Results: The crew is slowly getting used to wake up around 0600 (after yesterday's discovery of two Hobo spiders in the Hab, going-to-bed-procedures were slightly altered including now a bed-check using torches). Main activities during the morning included the second BioMars EVA covering a total distance of 16km and collecting 10 samples, media activities (switch-x videoconference system in superior quality), another Rover test (the crew does not give up and chases two electronic problems, one in the power distribution system, another in the Telecommand Unit) and EVA planning for tomorrow. The afternoon was intensively packed with diverse tests, including, as every day, the Myograph, FAMOS, Object Tracker, urine samples and others, as well as a new psychological test (CogHealth). Furthermore, primary cultures were procured from todays biological samples in the GloveBox. Power issues have stabilised. Everything is on track.

EVAs: 1. EVA #8. Crew: A. Soucek (XO, EVA CDR), M. Spiss (MSL) and Ch. Kandler (MSP). HabCom Ch. Hutsteiner (FE). Main activity was the second BioMars "LiMa" (Life on Mars experiment) sample collection. Crew took ten samples (8/1/1-3, 8/2/1-3, 8/3/1-3 and 8/4) from four different sites, ending at WPT 14252500N 523000E at 1356m alt. The maximum distance from the Hab was 6km, with a total distance of 16 km covered during this four hour EVA (making it the longest crew extra-vehicular activity so far). At return of EVA crew, A. Soucek and M. Spiss were commanded by HabCom / MCC to extend EVA for another 30min and check radio connection at Repeater Hill. EVA started at 0902, ended for Ch. Kandler at 1219 and for rest of EVA crew at 1247. All three ATVs used. When returning to hab, check belt light of ATV#2 activated, OSS will take care. No anomalies.

Plans for Tomorrow: Revised Flight Plan of Day 5 will be received by MCC Salzburg later this evening. First MedMars EVA is planned.

Report Transmission Schedule:

• Today's engineering report will be transmitted at 2000.
• The CDR report will be transmitted at 2000.

Anomalies: none.

Miscellaneous: Crew shot a Yuris Night video to greet all participants of tomorrow's world space parties.

Support Requested: none.

More to follow.

Alexander Soucek
Commander, MDRS Crew 48 "AustroMars," on behalf of CDR