Fresh Update from MDRS

By Lisa Thornsberry, Georgia Tech MDRS Crew 115

Today, Kyle, Jenny, and Jackie went on a three-hour EVA to make a map of the dirt roads surrounding the hab. They did this using an automatic packet reporting system (APRS), which connects our radio to a global positioning system (GPS) unit. The radio sends latitude and longitude information to a computer, which shows the location on a map. By updating their location several times a minute, the crew members were able to trace out their path on the map.

Question of the day: How long is a day on Mars?
Answer: 24 hours, 39 minutes, 35 seconds. A day on Mars is referred to as a "sol."

And don't forget to sign up for tonight's (Thursday March 22) LiveChat and hear from me and my crew! Go to the OLC Discussion Board and find the sign up topic folder. See you then!