The power has been out all day. We've been struggling with several different kinds of resource limitations throughout this rotation (and still are), but this power outage seems to have had the most noticeable effect on the crew, and their energy level.

We still had a very productive day, most of which was accomplished before 10:00 am: assisting the NDX-1 team in their pressurized demonstration, completing our media visits, integrating our two students (Amanda and Myrnal) from State University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo, and performing our own Crew 61 Geology/Biology EVA.

On this mission, I have developed a keen appreciation for the sheer number of critical systems a mars astronaut will have to keep his eye on. It's mind-boggling. How will they ever get to sleep at night?

Off the top of my head, here's some of the key resources I and the Crew Engineer keep a watch on. Keep in mind, letting ANY of these go too high or too low results in consequences: fresh water levels (inside and outside), grey water levels, Greenhouse water levels, toilet water supply, Hab battery power, outside generator power, generator gasoline and oil levels, gasoline depot level, natural gas supply, water heater status, interior water pump status, web cam status, walkie talkie battery levels, battery depot supply, EVA backpack recharge status, ATV fuel and oil levels, food (quantity and how much space is left in the fridge), internet connection, and timeline (staying conscious of where we are in our activities relative to our next meal/report time).

Plus, you just have to keep your eyes open as you walk around. You never know when you'll come across something that has to be addressed right away or will quickly ruin your day (or worse). And this is not something you have to be taught in pre-mission training; after that first time you see water dripping down the wall for no apparent reason, it's just something you do from then on.

And the thing is, a REAL astronaut on Mars will have TONS more to monitor that we have never had to give a thought: air pressure, oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, trace atmoshperic contaminants, thermal conditioning, radiation levels, water and air purity, structural integrity, robotic systems, EVA suit integrity, food expiration dates, toilet function, etc. Like I said, mind-boggling.

The answer to this, of course, is trust. Trust in the people who put the systems together, the people who are monitoring and supporting the mission, and the crew serving with you, that are keeping their eyes open, too.

Be Safe, Have Fun, Get It Done - CREW 61!

Chip Shepherd
Commander, MDRS Crew 61