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Grant and James assembling the drill on the tower. Things are slowly coming together. Now we are, among others, waiting for the winch control which should arrive on the next flight. (Photo by Julien).

June 11: “Progress all around”

Another day of nice weather, means another busy day here at GRIP. The GEUS Twin Otter thus took fuel and loaded up equipment in the morning, and headed off to the NASA-E automatic weather station NE of GRIP. They managed to get the AWS serviced and be back in camp right for dinner time. In camp, the solar panel work continued, with Chantal assisted by Julien finalizing the new anchor system around the cupola, and instructing Charlotte, Jonathan and Rahul in how to use it. This system turned out to work out nicely, and thus 6 more panels were mounted by the end of the day. Carlos was also busy using the sunny day for a long intense sequence of luminescence measurements in the radiation trench, with Anders supplying him with warm refreshments to make sure he could carry on! Thomas was also busy, using the good contrast to do one more complete grooming skiway, only interrupted by the departure and arrival of the Twin Otter. And Sepp was getting the retro cargo pallets ready, while Bo was taking care of weather-observations and paperwork for the upcoming 109th flights in coordination with Thomas B., our FOM in Kangerlussuaq. In the drill tent progress was also marked, with the drill now getting assembled on the tower, as well as other tasks still at hand (see below). The day was rounded off with everybody enjoying Anders excellent dinner, and each other’s company in the dome.

 

What we did this Thursday:

  1. Groomed entire skiway.
  2. Fueled the GEUS Twin Otter, and received it after today’s mission to the NASA-E AWS.
  3. Partially assembled drill on tower.
  4. Removed and inspected winch slip-ring.
  5. Programmed wiring and programming of tower control box.
  6. Sharpened core dogs and cutters, one drill head ready for use.
  7. Completed routing of power cable to drillers workshop.
  8. Started assembling drill.
  9. Instructed solar panel team on use of anchor around the cupula.
  10. Mounted 6 solar panels on the dome, 65 panels are now in place.

 

Re 3-6: Drillers’ report:

Grant and James placed the partially assembled drill on the tower – aligning drill rests. Removed and inspected the slip-ring – some repairs are necessary. Kevin has developed a few possible solutions to make the float sensor fuctional again. Kevin has completed wiring and programing of the tower control box. Collected for the first drums of drill fluid and staged them by the drill berm. James, Chantal, and Grant sharpened core dogs and cutters. One head is assembled and ready for use.

 

Weather: Thursday was mainly sunny with a few high clouds. Temp. from -22C to -10C. Wind 0-8kts, decreasing in the evening, turning from NE to E during the day.

 

FL, Bo Vinther

Exactly what you want: bystanders commenting on your work. Jonathan installing geoblocks on the stairs to the main dome, making them less slippery. And the drillers are on their way to the afternoon break. (Photo by Julien).
Kiddi, Anne and Chris maintaining the automatic weather station at the NASA-E site (photo by Nanna).