Explorer 0613 initiating Status Report. Day one.

After a long and tedious journey through the vast distance of space between us and our Sun-ward neighbor, I have entered Earth's atmosphere safely and without incident. The impact was incredibly jarring, and I fear some of my equipment may have been damaged in the crash. After recovering from the landing, I had initiated the opening of my capsule and as I moved towards the outside to behold my new surroundings, I felt the air being pulled from my lungs.

It is difficult to draw breath in this dense atmosphere, and with my noticeably heavier weight pushing down against my lungs; thankfully, my body is able to cope and extract enough oxygen to keep me alive and conscious, although I feel this is just by a margin. The temperature is much higher than that of Mars, although the daylight hours are dying. Gravity is much more powerful than expected, even by my own calculations, although this may have been due to my over-estimation of what my body can handle. Movement is difficult and uncomfortable, but not impossible. I cannot help but muse how this planet is so quick to humble me. It promises plenty of hardship, and I shall overcome such trials.

I have landed a ways off from what was estimated, but this should not prove problematic. I am still in a remote area, a safe distance from Human civilization. The impact has created a vast crater around me, and lining the lip of this depression are tall mysterious foliage standing silhouetted by the darkening sky. The density at which these plants grow around me is very unlike the barren deserts of our home world. It is an exotic place, and although I am eager to examine further, I know there's still much work to be done.

With my isolation, I should be able to safely begin construction of my Handling Machine. The Heat Ray has been activated as sentinel to protect my vulnerable being from hostile forces in the meantime. Upon completing construction, I shall scout the area and secure the perimeter. I will re-stock on my provisions using the native life-forms, as the Selenites I brought have all been bled dry during my journey here. When the essential tasks are complete, I will proceed in collecting samples of the soil and surrounding life for study, and I will make my way to the closest Human village.

I will study the Humans unseen and withhold contact with them to the best of my ability. I shall send another report of my progress in twenty-four hours.

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