EVA-12 Report
Kevin Sloan Reporting

Purpose: Geo 6 -- Coal Mine Wash

Duration: 11:43 - 15:46 (4 hours 3 minutes)

Participants: Dennis Creamer, Ryan Kobrick, Kevin Sloan

Equipment: digital camera, tripod, height marker, sample bags, GPS, ruler, compass, PEV, light lunch (left in PEV)

Route: (note that all coordinates for this mission use the NAD27 Central GPS coordinate system)

1. 12S 0518165E 4250931N to 12S 0507434E 4258151N [PEV, Hab to Coal Mine Wash entrance]
2. to 12S 0508514E 4258354N [PED, to overlook of pool. Note that this does not correspond with the coordinates specified by the RST]
3. to 12S 0507434E 4258151N [PED, return to PEV]
4. to 12S 0518165E 4250931N [PEV, return to Hab]

Objectives/Work Done: EVA 12 was the 6th geology mission directed by RST. The 5th mission was temporarily skipped over due to confusion with its location and objectives. The crew also completed its first PEV EVA. After driving approximately 35.4 kilometers, the sample collection and PED EVA began. The first sample taken was coal, and was taken at coordinates 12S 0507445E 4258148N, just off of the road. The crew then began its 1.6 kilometer hike in to the pool. Although at first the route seemed to be quite confusing, due to the many options for which section of the wash to hike in to, it did seem that they all ended up flowing into the same larger channel that led to our destination. When the crew did arrive at the pool, it was noted that there was roughly a 220 meter discrepancy between the coordinates of this crew and Crew 4 for the same location. Kevin proceeded to hike to Crew 4's coordinates (12S 0508581E 4258135N, based on the NAD27 coordinate system). This involved climbing out of the wash, and onto the table located approximately 40-50 meters higher. At that location, no other canyons were visible within a reasonable area.

After returning to the site of the pool, Kevin joined up with Dennis and Ryan who had begun the geological sampling. More details on that process, as well as photos from the sampling sites, can be found in the Geology 6 report, prepared by Ryan Kobrick. After the sampling, the crew preceded back to the PEV, using both the GPS and footprints from the way in to navigate. After returning to the PEV, the crew awkwardly removed their helmets and packs, and had a quick lunch to help recover from the intense heat. The three then drove the 35 kilometers back to the Hab.

Weather: Very clear, very sunny, and very hot

Distance Traversed: 71 kilometers by PEV, 3.2 kilometers by PED

Lessons Learned:

1. It is advisable to ensure that all mission objectives have been confirmed with the RST before the crew starts getting ready for the EVA.
2. The GPS coordinate system being used (WGS84, NAD27, etc.) in previous EVAs should be confirmed during planning, and the system used for current EVAs should always be noted in reports. Ideally, MDRS will adopt a standard system that will be used exclusively here.
3. If there are any available, and clean, water bladders are a good idea on extended EVAs in intense heat.
4. Even in intense heat, a hat or sweat band of some sort should be worn. As Kevin learned today, there are few things more painful than sweat pouring into the eyes. For those with sensitive eyes this should be a serious consideration.
5. When hiking in canyons or washes, if it is absolutely necessary to climb up and over the ridge/wall, extreme caution should be taken. Before climbing up a path, always consider how difficult it will be to climb down, as that is the hardest part. Also, if multiple traverses are required to get over multiple tiers, it may be advisable to mark many points in the GPS unit. If this is not done, one may have to find a new route on the way down, and routes are much harder to find when looking from the top. Overall, always remember that routes are harder to locate, analyze and traverse when going down.

---

EVA-13 Report
Daniel Hegeman Reporting

Purpose: Emergency Evacuation

Duration: 9:50 AM, lasted 3 minutes and 49 seconds

Participants: Jason Schwier, Amy Blank, Daniel Hegeman, Dennis Creamer, Ryan Kobrick. Kevin Sloan, the commander, chose to "go down with the ship" since there are only 5 working suits available.

Equipment: suit essentials -- suit, boots, oxygen pack, gloves, helmets

Objectives/Work Done: Being prepared in any situation is essential for the support and development of any long term Mars mission. The crew wanted to test their ability to get suited up quickly and simulated an emergency where they must evacuate the Hab in as little time as possible. There was also a desire to practice safety procedures and work while in a state of heightened awareness. We all started on the second floor (living quarters) and someone yelled "Fire!" and started a timer. The crew then moved as quickly as possible downstairs and suited up. We just wore the essential life support systems which included the suit, boots, oxygen pack, gloves, and helmet. Emphasis was placed on safety and cooperation. Everyone helped each other put their suits on and there was a true sense of emergency, especially since we had never had to hurry to put the suits on before. In fact, it usually takes a crew of 3 about 30 minutes to suit up, but of course they have additional items such as dust guards, radio equipment, duct tape, and EVA gear. Once everyone was safely in the air lock, the timer was stopped. A total time of 3 minutes and 49 seconds was great (in our opinion) and could only be improved upon with greater preparation and a clearer sense of who does what. In any case, the simulation was fun!

Lessons Learned:

1. If roles such as suit-reacher (they're up high) or helmet-affixer were defined ahead of time, people would know exactly what was expected of them.
2. There would be more space to suit up if the airlock were used in addition to the suit room.
3. The crew believes that future space suits would be compartmental and utilize twist-locks, which would eliminate the need to lace our boots up and zipper the suits up.