1201-JournalistsReport

Journalist Report

12/01/2014

Susan Jewell

“AN ANTICIPATED MARTIAN LANDING”

CREWMEMBER 144: “Commander, are we there yet???”

COMMANDER: “… Crew, EDL approximately at 2100 UTC time; make preparations for entry into

Martian Orbit…”

Just another extraordinary day in transit to the Red Planet Mars from Mother Earth in our

trusty “old faithful” Earth Ascent Vehicle. It has been our home and safety from solar flares

and cosmic radiation during this long, dark and treacherous journey.

The palpable juxtaposition of sheer excitement and anxious anticipation from

Martian Crew 144 team is truly sublime and indescribable. The adventure is about to start for the

“Martian 7 Analog Astronauts” and it will certainly be an unforgettable and life

changing experience for these space-faring travelers and emissaries for humanity.

Meanwhile, crew members had a very productive day prior to departure:

sharing and working together in many planned activities and taking time to cook and eat

together around the iconic multi-purpose table in the upper deck of the hab. During these special

moments of team sharing, we feel the trust and mutual respect developing and the sense of unity

forming over time. As the days pass, we gradually increase the awareness of our human

similarities and tolerance of our multi-cultural differences.

“…Looking forward to another Martian day…we will transmit our telecomms again at the same time

on the Martian soil tomorrow…”

THE MARTINI SHOT:

[End of transmission… crew image fades into the distant darkness of infinity.]