September 29, 2022
The crew awoke at 0800CST beginning their day with daily surveys and a focused-breathing session at 0900CST. The crew then ate a breakfast of oatmeal, mixed nuts, freeze-dried strawberries, and coffee.
EVA Operations
At 1000CST, the crew prepped for the first of a series of extra-vehicular activity (EVA) research projects beginning with a diagnostic test for mobility efficiency designed by Principal Investigator and former analog astronaut, Keith Pierce. The mobility study focuses on the use of adaptive equipment to improve the mobility of the astronaut on surface activities while reducing the load and stress of the spacesuit on the wearer. This test will show the physiological stress put on the astronaut by the spacesuit monitoring speed, gait, heart-rate, CO2, calories burned, comfort, and exertion.
Mission Specialists Ball and Loy performed the first “space-walk” of the mission, walking
approximately 2.5 miles in 60 minutes, each. The crew utilized a cellular network-based
communications infrastructure to maintain voice and video contact.
First Image: Mission Specialists Cody Ball and Noah Loy prepping for EVA.
Second Image: Ball and Loy at start of course line. Third Image: Ball on route
Stress Mitigation Study
AARG is participating in a series of stress mitigation studies over several analogs. ARG-3i will perform three scheduled focused-breathing sessions per day. This research aims to show that focused breathing can reduce stress imposed on analog astronauts who are experiencing isolation, confined quarters, and limited communication with the outside world, similar to long-term spaceflight and future interplanetary missions.
Humanure Plant Study
With various simulated Martian regolith and “wormcasting” ratio mixtures, four specifically chosen vegetables (hot peppers, sweet peppers, cucumbers, and squash) were planted in an isolated green house. Temperature, humidity, and NPK were measured daily. Plant water consumption is monitored and replenished daily through a capillary wicking system. Regolith is a crushed rock-based compound absent of microbes which cannot be used to grow life and is found on much of the surface of the Moon and Mars. Wormcasting is the byproduct of California red-wiggler digestive systems from a strictly human waste diet.
These materials were selected based on high nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) levels to assist the possibility of growing plants on Mars. Mission Specialist Ball planted the vegetable seeds into the ratio mixtures on MD-1, the plants so far have been given 180mL of water to facilitate growth. The crew is continuing to document and monitor the plants acceleration.
Water Electrolysis
Water electrolysis is the process of separating and isolating H2O into its chemical compounds, Hydrogen and Oxygen. This is done by running electric current through negative (cathodes) and positive (anodes), forcing the separation of chemical bonds. This process is vital to the operation sustainability of future lunar base camp missions, in which water ice will be mined and electrolyzed from the Moon’s South Pole. Once Hydrogen & Oxygen are collected and stored, these isolated gases will be used in a wide variety of operations such as: rocket propellant, cabin air pressure & breathability, Lunar agriculture, fuels for heating and cooking, etc. Today, Mission Specialist Loy finished assembling three electrolysis machines and ensured they were operational. The ARG-3i crew ended the day with a final focused-breathing session before bed.