Awesome. The first blog entry of Cygnus III! Hm...I should probably ask everyone if we want to use "code names" on this blog or our real names. For the time being, I'll use our real names because we haven't exactly focused on creating "code names."

Cygnus III is our simulation of a landing on Mars, and an exploration of the environment around us. We're using Lego Mindstorms kits to build a small rover to "go to Mars." The site we're "going to" is Nili Fossae.

Our team comprises of six members (forgive me if I spell your names wrong, guys). Nathan (who is also the Project Manager) and Collin are on the Rover Team. They build the main rover, obviously, and design a way for us to take samples and drive around...and so on. Joe and Ravi are on the Lander Team. They're responsible for designing something that will ensure a safe landing on Mars. And finally, Aaron and Jenny are responsible for Public Relations. We make movies and such to show to the public and we also communicate with the public as well, providing information and the like. It's pretty self explanitory, really.

Now, to my real entry, past all the formal information.

Alright. So. It's the first week of Cygnus and things are going pretty well.

Nathan and Collin have really pulled out a great design already. Collin had some nice designs for the arm, and had the idea to put treads additionally onto tires. I'm pretty sure they're still working with the idea though, because it makes turning harder. Nathan brought in a book about building, and knows more about building with the legos than any of us do, so the body design is really coming along nicely. They've tested it in a sand and rock-filled box Mr. D put out already, and it's worked pretty well. Obviously there are some tweaks to be made, but I've no complaints.

I'm really impressed with Joe and Ravi so far. I didn't think they'd have the Lander built that fast. It's not just them really, everything has gone faster than I expected...well except for my part...but we'll get to that later. So far the Lander has worked well. It's a lot of consideration of weight, center of gravity, etc.  It's still being worked on, but I really am in awe on the lander. Awesome job, guys. :)

As for PR...I don't think it's going as well in the grand scale of things. I think I'm a tad overwhelmed right now, and I feel a little alone in my efforts, truthfully. I also think I'm a little jealous because I don't get to be..."in on the action" I guess as much as the other guys are (not the mention being the only female member of the team, ha). And we already have a video due this Friday, added to the fact that I'll be gone that day due to being on the Newspaper staff, and all my other classes, which really stresses me out. This week seems a lot more hectic to me, at least. I just hope we can do as good a job as the other teams. I hate to dissapoint the other guys when they're working so hard.

That's really all I have to say for now. All I wanted to do was introduce the project and skim over stuff, but instead I went on a whole ramble about all of us. Haha.

Entry may be edited later, depending on if we decide to use code names or real names.

-Jenny/  Agent and/or codename.....*yet to be decided*