TSO-C Day 3: Storm Hits Base Site, Spacecraft Destroyed

Tinkerers arrived at their build sites Tuesday morning only to find that their spacecraft had been destroyed by a sneaker storm the night before. More now than ever, Tinkerers knew they had to build their shelters, gondolas and rovers in anticipation of a more severe storm due Friday.

Collaborators, Julie and Max, assess the storm damage that decimated the TSO space shuttle while Tinkerer, Brody, works to clean up the mess.

In the junior camp, the rover team worked to fine tune their rover bodies enough to support the wheels they will eventually install. The shelter team added support bracing, installed a skylight and a partial door, and began enclosing the space with heavy duty plastic walls and tarp for the floor.

Collaborator, Maddy, and Tinkerer, Emily, hold up a skylight for their shelter while their teammates work to secure it by rope.

In leaps and bounds of progress, the junior team’s gondola builders had a tremendous day. Equipped with four working tires, two benches to seat four, improved alignment, and additional structural support, the crew tested their work by day’s end.

“It works!” the team cheered in celebration.

“I’m happy… and tired… and tired,” Annibeth said. “Hashtag wrists are asleep don’t wake them or else.”

Tinkerers, Bob, Cookie, Joe and Annibeth enjoy a celebratory moment in their gondola after test driving the gondola wheels successfully.

At the senior camp, Tinkerers plugged along with improvements to their respective builds. The gondola team added a door that moves horizontally along a track, added more structural support and installed floor joists and a landing.

“We were awesome the whole time,” Evan said as he sat back looking over their work.

“We really braced ourselves for a storm,” added Ally.

The senior rover team progressed as well. They added more structure to their rover’s hatch framing, installed wheels, added steering mechanisms and built their own seating for the rover. Inspired by their advancements, the rover team regrouped to discuss some improvements they could tackle next. They discovered that they will need to improve their steering and resolve the low clearance of the rover if they are going to travel the unforgiving Mars terrain.

Tinkerers, Cole, Max, Daniel and Tom test the compartment spacing of their rover while sitting on chairs they installed for themselves.

Lastly, as if a win for all Tinkerers and mankind, the seniors’ shelter team was assisted by all other hands on deck as they raised their two story shelter to it’s upright position. With a roof, flooring and a ladder, Tinkerers knew they would soon have a safe haven to call home on Mars.

Senior Tinkerers and collaborators worked together to raise a two-story shelter frame.

Check out our photo slideshow of our Tinkerers’ progress.