MDRS Crew 68
March 2, 2008 - March 15, 2008
Daily Crew Reports

Mission Duration: 14 days
Landing Site: Mars Desert Research Station
Landing Coordinates: N38°24, W110°47

F.L.A.M.E.'s specific Mars analogue research focuses on: geologic, astrobiologic, engineering, remote sensing, and human factors studies. Geologic studies will encompass that of sampling, geologic mapping, photogeology, and determining analogue investigation sites at or near MDRS that resemble what we have observed from orbiter and lander missions to the Red Planet. Sampling of concretions near MDRS will help provide answers to observations made from the Mars Exploration Rovers at both the Opportunity and Spirit landing sites to finally determine what planetary scientists are observing are either that of concretions, impact spherules, accretionary lapilli or a combination of the above said. Remote sensing will help aid in studies and define what is currently being observed by crew at MDRS.

Purpose

To provide objective assessment that of field investigations analogous to the Moon and Mars. To provide recommendations for actions to further study of the following specific areas:

1. Health and safety evaluation of Crew members
2. Professional and non-professional qualifications of Crew members
3. Quality and adequacy of Crew actions relative to expected standards, and
4. Evaluation of Crew members being able to adhere to protocols including:
   1. Mission archiving
   2. Communication and reporting
   3. Privacy considerations
   4. Medical conditions related to psychosocial health of Crew members which address human factors in selection, training and support for human spaceflight and settlement
   5. Can Commanding Officers predict disordered conduct especially in the presences of a family environment within a restrictive regime?
   6. Conduct field investigations simulating an extended martian Sol
   7. Determine the best sampling methodologies and determine geological regimes surrounding the Mars Desert Research Station
   8. Fuse science and technology together to conduct a productive mission

Name	Speciality
Veronica Ann "GeoBum" Zabala-Aliberto	Commander / Planetary Scientist
Stacy Sklar	Executive Officer / Exopaleontologist
Eric Harkleroad	Chief Engineer
Jared "Hot Rod" Szymanoski	HSO / F.L.A.M.E. Educator
Angelina "Andro" Amanda Zabala	Executive Officer in Training / Mission Specialist
Madeline "Mad Dog" Marie Zabala	HSO Assistant / Spacesuit Technician
Gino "Pilot" Vincenzo Zabala	Security Officer / Assistant Engineer

Veronica Ann Zabala-Aliberto	CDR V.A. Zabala-Aliberto has over five mission years experience in commanding crews at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS). The Family Living Analysis on Mars Expedition (F.L.A.M.E.) was conceived under the notion that there will come a day when children will have to learn kinesthetically how to live, play and work on the Moon and Mars. Zabala-Aliberto is currently a senior undergraduate student within the School of Earth and Space Exploration at Arizona State University. She is the educational outreach coordinator for the Arizona State University NASA Space Photography laboratory and caters to educators, students and members of the general public. She provides educational outreach pertaining to human and robotic space exploration. She recently was assigned to work on the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter mission which launches in October 2008. Zabala-Aliberto has presented at invited talks and gives lectures to schools and space related venues. She enjoys hiking, camping, aviation, and Clive Cussler's novels.
Stacy Sklar	Stacy Sklar is currently transferring to Arizona State University studying Geology with an emphasis in Paleontology. Stacy has been an active member of the Mars Society since the second convention in Denver (1999). She was apart of the scouting group looking for Mars analog sites for MDRS in the American Southwest. Stacy scouted locations in Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah in 2000/2001. She has served as a MDRS crew member on the shakedown crew during the Christmas break 2001, Crew 3, 36, 46, and 59. She also served as an FMARS 10 crew member in 2005. Stacy also served as a member of the RST and CapCom for various crews over the last five years. Stacy's other interest include archeology, rock climbing, hiking, and spending time with her family and friends. Stacy is also a Star Trek and Harry Potter fan and in her spare time enjoys reading and writing and is attempting to write her first science fiction novel.
Eric Harkleroad	Eric Harkleroad is a long-time advocate of human spaceflight, exploration, and technological advancement. He has been a proud member of the Mars Society for several years and is very excited to be taking part in his first MDRS crew. While an undergraduate, Eric majored in Physics with a certificate in Computer Science. He was also active as a writer for the campus newspaper and worked as a tutor in various subjects (he continues to tutor students from ages 5 to 55 today). After graduation, he began his career at ZS Associates, where he provides management consulting and data analysis for pharmaceutical and biotech clients. While enjoying his current role, he still harbors childhood aspirations of becoming an astronaut, video game designer, or chocolate taster (or some combination thereof). To this end, he has applied and been accepted to a Master's program in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. He plans to eventually get involved with an organization working to bring affordable spaceflight to everyone (Elon Musk, Richard Branson, and Burt Rutan may contact him anytime, day or night).
Jared Szymanoski	Jared Szymanoski is currently serving his second year rotation as the Family Living Analysis on Mars Expedition (F.L.A.M.E.) Educator to the younger Crew Members while at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS). Mr. Szymanoski is a trained Para-Professional and will maintain close contact with the F.L.A.M.E. students' Educators back home on Earth to ensure that they are keep on track with their coursework while taking up residence at the Mars Desert Research Station. When not working, he enjoys endurance sports, and working on cars. He has also started his own Photography business. He also enjoys playing ice hockey, but his biggest pass time is spending time with his very loving family and friends! Mr. Szymanoski will also be carrying out the duties of the Health and Safety Officer (HSO) to aide in the study of Human Factors, behavioral, and health issues that may arise as the F.L.A.M.E. Crew conducts their mission under strict martian conditions of simulated daylight and adhere to the added time of a martian SOL.
Angelina Zabala	Angelina Zabala is serving her fourth rotation at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS). Angelina will continue her training as Executive Officer in Training to prepare for the day for when she will command her own Crew. Angelina, now a Freshman in High School, is on her school's track team and continues to play her flute, write stories and draws Anime. She has high hopes of becoming a writer and winning the Nobel Peace prize and Pulitzer Prize in Literature.
Madeline Zabala	Madeline Zabala is also serving her fourth rotation at the Mars Desert Research Station and will assist the Chief HSO in his duties. She will also be in charge of EVA spacesuit preparation. Currently a 7th grader, Madeline has participated in her school's volleyball tournaments and is now training for her school's softball team tryouts. She enjoys watching Discovery Health, studying to be an RN (Registered Nurse), and spending time with her friends and family.
Gino Zabala	Gino Zabala will continue to conduct his duties as F.L.A.M.E.'s Chief Security Officer and assist the Chief Engineer with his duties. As a 5th grader, Gino enjoys soccer, playing with his electronic games. He is an avid enthusiast of Flight Simulator and has high aspirations of becoming a military pilot.

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