Crew 54- Science StudiesCrew 54- Science Studies1. In situ measuring and mapping of soil bioload with life detection instrument. 2. Testing camera and UAV (helicopter) system for surveying feasibility.3. Demonstrating Earth tool feasibility and documenting modifications needed for Mars adaptation.4. Survey and collection of gypsum deposits from predetermined location for analysis by Crew 55.

Crew 54- Other Activities1. Apollo limited weight, volume, and a

vegetarian diet including holiday considerations.

2. Lunar Astronomy lab and monitoring of the Moon surface features and terminator as the phase changes.

3. Celebration of all holidays appropriate to the crew.

4. Placement of synthetic hypoliths for long term monitoring.

Crew 54- Other ActivitiesCrew 54- Other Activities

Measuring and Mapping soil bioload

We will use a "handheld" instrument to determine soil bioload in-situ and compare these with laboratory measurements.

We will also compare the instrument measurements (based on intrinsic fluorescence) with common microbial techniques.

Camera and UAV System We will test a newly built UAV and

camera system in the desert environment.

To determine the best trade off between flying speed and imaging.

To determine feasibility in a desert environment.

This experiment is analogous to a Mars airplane

Testing of Tools

We will use common Earth tools while wearing the spacesuit and document any changes in design that would be helpful for space suit considerations.

Modified tools will built for and tested during the March spaceward bound rotation.

Nutritional StudiesWe will be using the Apollo food requir. of

771 grams/person/day (Smith et al., 1974) dry weight while maintaining a diverse menu. (Sushi, Pad Thai, etc).

Meals will be prepared using as many dry ingredients as possible. Most meals will be a "Just add water" type of meals.

Holiday meals may include luxurious food, but will still remain within the total food allotment for the mission.

Crew 54- Other considerationsCelebration of Christmas, U.S. New

Year, and Chinese New Year while in simulation.

Thank you. Please check the quest website and the yahoo group often. Contact me if you have any questions or ideas that I have left off.