Day 3 Mission Report
Plant Module Operations
Mission Commander Trevino successfully set up all astrobiology experiments, which included the Magnitude.io experiment provided by Lori Waters, a recent UND Masters Graduate. The setup took a bit of time, and appears to be operational. It is a remotely monitored experiment.
Trevino finished setting up the new plant study, using Radish, which grows in 8 to 10 days, where he is testing the lights provided here in the plant module. The lights are running at a very low UVA and UVB spectrum with good red and blue light luminance.
We are seeing significant growth of Eruca sativa, known as Arugula, in the 50 pod tray under the lights of the plant module rated at 600 plus lumen.
The Omicum basilicum, or also known as Organic Genovese Basil, planted in a mix of 85% Exolab’s MGS-1s and 15% organic soil, seems dry and requires a significant amount of water. We shall see how things go along in the next day or two.
The UND provided a set of 5 plant pods, engineered and designed by NASA Astrobiology, in which Trevino planted Arugula, Mustard Greens, Daikon Radish, Cilantro and Red Russian Kale, from Northern California. The pods are proprietary and not much can be mentioned about what’s going on inside the pods, but it’s really cool! No photo provided due to NDA.
EVA Operations
Despite a high potential for inclement weather, the crew was able to modify the schedule in order to perform an Extra Vehicular Activity (EVA). Today’s EVA was the first EVA of a six part series of EVA missions dedicated to the study of assistive medical emergency equipment. In conjunction with this EVA, the personal cellular device communication system was further refined and tested.
One noticeable issue during the EVA was a friction point on the ventilation system, in the new internal support system, which this rubbing on the vent fan.
Mission Specialist Guthrie performed four scenario-based contingency EVAs utilizing new communication support via cell phone bridge. This EVA was approved by the APUS IRB for a research study and involves human participants.
Mission Commander Trevino performed a contingency rescue via the medical sled by loading a 30lbs dummy (K.U.R.T.) into the medical sled and hauled the incapacitated member approximately 30 feet from the incident site to the "safe-haven." EVA identified challenges with the buckle system as it interfaced with the space suit gloves. Future buckles should be made to accommodate limited dexterity. However, transport moved smoothly with minimal resistance as it made contact with the surface. MC Trevino attempted two methods of pulling the sled with the strap laced in front of the suit using forward momentum, which produced nominal results. Alternatively, Trevino utilized the D-Clip ring and used a hand-pull method to perform the drag, which revealed limited difficulty likely due the size of the wearer's hand fitting the glove more appropriately.
Mission Commander Trevino then performed a ground lift of K.U.R.T. to transport into the rescue chair. MC Trevino experienced difficulty placing K.U.R.T. into the chair, the dummy fell over the back of the chair. This result is likely due to weight displacement in the dummy's filling; however it should be noted an incapacitated astronaut would not likely have full control could fall out of any device.
Once K.U.R.T. was placed properly in the chair, MC Trevino transported the dummy approximately 30ft. Chair performed a smooth ride and was comfortable to the user. Future designs of this concept should account for proper surface contact with the lunar terrain and have larger wheels. Chair was able to support MS Guthrie plus her suit weight in the chair (~190lbs); however was not able to traverse the ground under the weight.
This EVA also represented the second EVA in which cellular devices were utilized for primary communication. The first of such EVA’s made use of google meet, while today’s EVA utilized zoom. Between the two platforms, google meet performed more reliably and resulted in less loss of audio video. MS Guthrie reported good comms throughout the EVA, while MC Trevino had an issue, in which he was unable to communicate directly with MS Guthrie. This communication lapse was overcome via a relay through the IVA team.
Both platforms however, proved to be highly effective in comparison to simple radio communication. The system also provides greater opportunities for communication and observation beyond the immediate crew, as Dr. Miller was able to patch in and interact with the Analog Astronauts during the EVA operation.
Human Stress Response Study
Mission Specialist Lojek states that he finally bit the bullet and began transcribing stress data, using his iPhone’s ability for text to Speech and commas separating between data points, creating CSV with data. Despite the technological challenges, Lojek was able to get heart rate (HR) data downloaded after contacting the company for input into why sleep data was not included. The summaries are now downloaded dating back to 9 May 2022.
Evening Operation
Tonight is the third night in the habitat, and the crew decided to eat the leftovers from the preceding two nights for dinner
The ILMAH crew will be closely monitoring the weather for any opportunity to conduct research tomorrow. In the event of inclement weather, the plan is to further refine the EVA Pre-Flight, Donning and Egress procedures, along with the accompanying checklists.