Day 2 Mission Report
Morning Operations
The crew started the day at around 0730 CST. After breakfast and completion of daily surveys, the crew of ILMAS-2I immediately began preparations for the first operational Extra Vehicular Activity (EVA) of the mission. This earlier start time was to take advantage of the cooler morning weather, which logged in at 57 degrees F. The crew then complete the second round of cognition testing and Video Logs after the EVA.
Plant Module Operations
Today in the astrobiology plant module, Mission Commander Trevino set up the NASA plant pods. Trevino states that NASA is keen to test out harvesting applications, so he planted several types of micro greens in their prototype pods, and plans on harvesting in 10 days, accelerating growth through a higher wavelength light wave of both red and blue.
Trevino also set up 100 pods of micro basil and other micro greens, again playing with light setup. Finally, Trevino arranged the ExoLab for Lori Waters from UND and her previous group, Magnitude.io. Plant module continues to be monitored and regulated for heat and air flow.
EVA Operations
The ILMAH crew tested equipment and procedures in three separate areas of EVA operations that included; mobility, medical, and communications.
Mission Specialist Pierce conducted the first phase of testing for the weight distribution system. This first phase, named MOB-1, consisted of a baseline suit test measuring the time, distance, speed, metabolic demand, CO2 buildup and temperature. The next phase, named MOB-2 will include the same metrics and utilization of the harness portion of the weight distribution system.
Mission Specialist Guthrie performed an EVA focused on preliminary research evaluations with assistive medical devices. Observed suit interface with three separate devices for challenges and performance limitations to prepare for research EVA study. Investigation detected several conflicts with equipment-suit interface:
Investigation detected several conflicts with equipment-suit interface:
The all terrain transport chair performed well on surface with smooth contact between the wheels and terrain.
The chair was able to overcome variations in the ground while still providing control to the user. Additionally, chair was able to accommodate weight and width of the EVA suit, as well as minimal interference with life support system (LSS).
Negative interactions with the transport of the chair from the habitat to the surface was caused by cumbersome design and lack of proper egress methods from the pressurized airlock.
Future habitat suggestions would require more compact design for the user to carry or improved egress structure (ramp v. stairs).
The lack of handrail increased the risk for injury to the user having to carry the chair from the habitat to the surface and upon return.
Telescoping dolly compact lightweight structure is ideal for the user. Limitations with the large boot on the EVA suit produced negative interaction with dolly’s platform which required manual retraction by hand. This method was increasingly difficult with the EVA suit due to lack of range of motion. The telescoping mechanism interfaced well with the EVA gloves; however, the rails were not as high as desired.
The Medical Sled is stowed in a rolled-up format. In preparation for the EVA, the sled was unrolled 24 hours prior to allow it to expand. the sled material is stiff and could cause delays to get an incapacitated astronaut into the sled as it involuntarily rolls up. Sled operated well on the surface with smooth contact with the surface. It was tested with no weight and still rolled up slightly. Drag of the sled operated as desired.
It is noted the EVA glove did not allow for the user to hold the D-clip tightly which could cause loss of positive control of the sled once weight is applied. Desired transport method is to attach the sled to the rescuer via belt and D-clip combination to relieve the rescuer from having to hold the D-clip and pull from behind. This method will allow the rescuer to transport from the hip keeping the incapacitated astronaut beside the rescuer while elevating the stress and fatigue from having to grip and pull on the sled strap.
The research EVA study is scheduled for Day 3 which will test the performance of the equipment with a 30lb dummy to simulate an incapacitated astronaut. Observations will elevate the rescuer’s ability to interface with the devices to perform a rescue and return to the safe haven. Interaction between the user and equipment intends to provide feedback for equipment recommendations and enhancement to perform contingency EVAs and astronaut survivability on surface activities.
Mission Specialist Lojek began testing of the cellular communications system. Each EVA suit was fitted with two cellular devices, one inside the helmet for communication and astronaut monitoring, and one on the outside of the suit for IVA situational awareness. The entire communications network was managed by the Mission Commander Trevino and Mission Specialist Lojek from inside the habitat.
Evening Operation
Evening activities started with maintenance on a clogged toilet. The crew will now be implementing new restroom standard operating procedures moving forward. Once the toilet was repaired, the crew sat down for dinner consisting of potato flakes, canned beef and green beans.
Following dinner, the crew conducted a review of the day's activities including discussion about the EVA procedures and checklist improvements. Finally, crew members conducted preparations for tomorrow's 1st EVA of the assisted medical devices research study. Lights out will once again be at 1100 CST.
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