Crew 179 XO Report: 04.25.2017 SOL 2
It was an early start for the crew after a somewhat chilly night (with Ben downstairs suffering the brunt of it.) After breakfast, we assembled at approximately 09:00 for lectures on Decompression Syndromes and Urological Problems in Space. After which we were briefed for our second EVA. It was a complex mission with three main objections and one ‘get-ahead’ task. The first mission was to locate the crash site of a Chinese satellite and retrieve the remains of the canine passenger that was launched aboard it. The second objective was to locate the satellite relay station and test its function. The third objective was to collect geological samples of three rock types from a rock fall drainage. The ‘get-ahead’ task was to test comms from Ambush Alley and a nearby hill. (We had also one conservation ‘too-cute’ task of releasing the resident martian life form which was live trapped in the Hab last night-a.k.a. pack rat- back into the desert.) Kevin was lead and took the team through this complex mission which overall went well. (EVA start 11:30). The first three objectives were achieved and the ‘get-ahead’ task was aborted due to medical issues with the team doctor, Alicia. She had experienced progressive back and hip pain.
Despite the absence of an obvious leak in her suit, decompression illness could not be out-ruled so a delta evacuation was called and the ‘get ahead’ task was aborted. We returned to the Hab at approximately 13:20 with the patient and she was evaluated in-suit after repress and then in sick bay. Graded opening of her suit was performed and full physical exam done after suit was doffed. Ultrasound ultimately showed a left kidney stone and the diagnosis of renal colic eventually given. A treatment plan of oral NSAID and IM opiod was prescribed. The EVA (sim) was concluded and we debriefed over ‘breakfast-as-lunch’ which consisted of blueberry pancakes, eggs, Spam, and hashbrowns courtesy of ‘chef de mission’- Rick Cole. Gastronomic delight aside, we were able identify several issues with our EVA today from the debrief, namely: communication etiquette, adherence to tasks, off-nominal ops (i.e. hard landing of drone today in high winds making it non-functional and unavailable for further use), and visual identification of crew members by role while on EVAs. We made a team decision to revisit these issues in a separate meeting this evening after dinner.
(By the way, in case anyone is interested: our conservation mission was successful. The mouse was returned safely to the wild.)
At 15:00 hours, we were treated to a few more lectures: Capsule Landing in Water, Atmospheric Conditions and Toxicology, Study on Congestion and Headache Correlates in Space.
The Hab water situation was discussed after lecture as we appear to be pretty close to our last indoor tank full. The plan is to pump the outside tank to max out the indoor tank and try to press Sharon to expedite the water delivery. Failing this we will need to decide whether or not to slowly dry up like prunes and be buried under piles of our own festering dishes (true to sim) or possibly break sim and collect water from Hanksville. If we learned nothing else from today, space if full of complex decisions.
Crew physical training is scheduled before dinner to be led by Sarah, crew fitness trainer.
Submitted by Dana Levin, Crew 179 XO