While we had to remain in orbit for two weeks waiting for the dust storm to settle, FP2 caught up and was in orbit before we landed. Since we hit right on the mark and were in control of the FP2, we could land it wherever we wanted. With 1000 km roundtrip range, we picked a spot we could drive to, check it out, and drive back on a single tank of fuel. Although, to play it safe we tapped FP2 for several kilos of fuel before we headed back to Bolo One.
The fuel processor is working perfectly and will have made 14 tons of methane and 28 tons of oxygen by the time the next crew arrives. Once they do, they will still need another several tons of oxygen for the proper fuel ratio (3.2 parts O2 to 1 part CH4). But, there’s no rush as they will be here for a year and a half and have plenty of time to make oxygen.
On the way over to FP2, we passed several rather unusual looking rock formations and set out flags so that the geologists can inspect them later. They may turn out to be nothing special, but they sure looked interesting to us.
Ok, let’s see, what else has been happening? Oh, big news flash!! Tom and Sally are engaged! Do you recall how Tom’s wife died and Sally’s husband divorced her by way of an email? We’ve suspected for some time now that Tom and Sally were getting sweet on one another. About two weeks ago they let us all know they were a couple, but the engagement was announced last night. Isn’t that exciting!?!? I’ve always thought New Year’s Eve was a magical time, with many a special happening at the stroke of midnight.
Also, Valerie just shared the email message her husband sent. A while back she wistfully mentioned wanting to stay on Mars, if only Steve could join her. Well, come to find out he’s all for it! How about them apples! Yeah, he’s ready to pack up and immigrate to Mars. Val said if she does stay here, we’d be able to transport the equivalent of her weight in diamonds back to Earth, in fact, we’d just about have to since the fuel in the spacecraft is calculated based on a certain amount of mass. If she stays here and we DON’T haul diamonds, we’ll have to haul rocks, just so the weight is right. The Sponsors would go for that, for sure. No doubt in my mind. ;~}
Oh well, I’ve got to go and work on a few reports before dinner. I’ll write more a little later this evening.
Love ya and miss ya, Jackie
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