Author Topic: Expedition 54 Thread  (Read 49012 times)

Offline jacqmans

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Re: Expedition 54 Thread
« Reply #60 on: 01/09/2018 08:15 am »
ISS Daily Summary Report – 1/5/2018

Amyloid: Today the crew retrieved the final set of Amyloid samples from the measurement experiment unit on the Cell Biology Experiment Facility (CBEF) and placed them in a Minus Eighty Degree Celsius Laboratory Freezer for ISS (MELFI) where they will remain until they are returned on SpaceX-13. Amyloid fibrils prepared in the microgravity environment of the ISS are returned to Earth for analysis through Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and electron microscopy. Amyloid fibrils are the peptide or protein aggregates known to be associated with various diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes.  It is expected that this study will provide additional insight into the mechanism of amyloid fibril formation.

Microbial Tracking-2 (MT-2):  A 52S crewmember collected surface and air samples to characterize the different types of microbial locations on the ISS. The samples were placed inside a MELFI in support of the Microbial Tracking-2 investigation.  MT-2 monitors the different types of microbes that are present on ISS over a 1 year period.  After the samples are returned to Earth, a molecular analysis of the RNA and DNA will be conducted to identify the specific microbes that are present on ISS in order to understand the microbial flora diversity on the ISS and how it changes over time.

Circadian Rhythms: The 53S subject removed and stowed the Double Sensors and Thermolab Unit equipment that was used to complete a 36-hour Circadian Rhythms session that began on Wednesday. Circadian Rhythms investigates the role of synchronized circadian rhythms, or the “biological clock,” and how it changes during long-duration spaceflight. Researchers hypothesize that a non-24-hour cycle of light and dark affects crewmembers’ circadian clocks. The investigation also addresses the effects of reduced physical activity, microgravity and an artificially controlled environment. Changes in body composition and body temperature, which also occur in microgravity, can affect crewmembers’ circadian rhythms as well. Understanding how these phenomena affect the biological clock will improve performance and health for future crewmembers.

Human Research Program (HRP) Collections (Biochemical Profile, Repository): A 52S subject conducted his Flight Day (FD) 120 blood sample collections to support the Biochemical Profile and Repository experiments. The samples were placed in MELFI.
•The Biochemical Profile experiment tests blood and urine samples obtained from astronauts before, during, and after spaceflight. Specific proteins and chemicals in the samples are used as biomarkers, or indicators of health. Post-flight analysis yields a database of samples and test results, which scientists can use to study the effects of spaceflight on the body.
•Repository is a storage bank used to maintain biological specimens over extended periods of time and under well-controlled conditions. This repository supports scientific discovery that contributes to our fundamental knowledge in the area of human physiological changes and adaptation to a microgravity environment and provides unique opportunities to study longitudinal changes in human physiology spanning many missions.

At Home in Space:  A 53S crewmember completed an At Home in Space questionnaire this morning. This Canadian Space Agency experiment assesses culture, values, and psychosocial adaptation of astronauts to a space environment shared by multinational crews on long-duration missions. It is hypothesized that astronauts develop a shared space culture that is an adaptive strategy for handling cultural differences and they deal with the isolated confined environment of the spacecraft by creating a home in space. At Home in Space uses a questionnaire to investigate individual and culturally related differences, family functioning, values, coping with stress, and post-experience growth.

Combustion Integrated Rack (CIR) Igniter Tip Alignment for Advanced Combustion via Microgravity Experiments (ACME) Operations: To properly align the ACME igniter tip with the ACME coflow burner, the crew removed the chamber insert from the CIR combustion chamber and restrained it to the maintenance work area, before aligning the igniter tip to the coflow burner. The crew then reinstalled and connected the chamber insert into the CIR combustion chamber.  The ACME investigation is a set of five independent studies of gaseous flames to be conducted in the CIR. ACME’s primary goal is to improved fuel efficiency and reduced pollutant production in practical combustion on Earth. Its secondary goal is to improve spacecraft fire prevention through innovative research focused on materials flammability.

Transparent Alloys Cartridge Installation: After the installation of the cartridge into the Transparent Alloys hardware in the Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG), there was poor contact between the Transparent Alloys hardware and the cold plate in the MSG that resulted in the inability to properly control the heating of the cartridge. Ground teams are working a plan to resolve this configuration issue.  The experiment run for this investigation will be deferred until after the configuration is corrected next week and then will run for a month. The aim of this experiment is to study the morphological instabilities of directional solidified, transparent binary eutectic alloys under purely diffusive conditions. It is planned to observe real-time the dynamics of eutectic front structures with a micron-scale resolution, over a large (centimetric) space scale, and over long periods of time. Such observations would be strongly sensitive to convective motions in the liquid, which, in ordinary conditions on earth, entail a detrimental redistribution of the solute on a scale comparable to the container size. Such convective motions are suppressed in microgravity. The specific goals of the experiment is: to study the formation and the relaxation of topological defects in rod-like structures, to study the rod-to-lamellar transition of eutectic growth patterns, to study the forcing effects of the distortions of the thermal gradient.

Space Headaches:  The crew completed the weekly questionnaire for the ESA Space Headaches investigation. The Space Headaches investigation collects information that may help in the development of methods to alleviate associated symptoms and improvement in the well-being and performance of crewmembers in space. Headaches during space flight can negatively affect mental and physical capacities of crewmembers that can influence performance during a space mission.

ZBook Transitions:  Today the crew finished the transition of laptops in the Russian segment from the T61P model to the newer ZBook model.

Cargo operations:  Today, the crew continued working to pack cargo into the SpX-13 Dragon capsule for return to Earth.  Hatch closure is planned for January 12th.
Jacques :-)

Offline jacqmans

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Re: Expedition 54 Thread
« Reply #61 on: 01/10/2018 07:30 am »

ISS Daily Summary Report – 1/8/2018
 

Human Research Program (HRP) Collections (Biochemical Profile, Repository): Over the weekend, a 52S subject completed his Flight Day (FD) 120 urine sample collections to support the Biochemical Profile and Repository experiments. The samples were placed in the Minus Eighty Degree Celsius Laboratory Freezer for ISS (MELFI).
•The Biochemical Profile experiment tests blood and urine samples obtained from astronauts before, during, and after spaceflight. Specific proteins and chemicals in the samples are used as biomarkers, or indicators of health. Post-flight analysis yields a database of samples and test results, which scientists can use to study the effects of spaceflight on the body.
•Repository is a storage bank used to maintain biological specimens over extended periods of time and under well-controlled conditions. This repository supports scientific discovery that contributes to our fundamental knowledge in the area of human physiological changes and adaptation to a microgravity environment and provides unique opportunities to study longitudinal changes in human physiology spanning many missions.

Spaceflight-induced Hypoxic/ROS Signaling (APEX-05) Operations:  Today the crew photographed the APEX-05 petri plates growing in the Veggie facility. Before installing the Light Microscopy Module (LMM) for imaging, the crew checked that the inside of the petri plates were free of condensation and the outside of the plate was dry. When plants are grown in the confines of the International Space Station (ISS), they do not seem to get enough air and as a result, exhibit a stress response in their genes and proteins. The APEX-05 experiment grows different wild and mutant varieties of Arabidopsis thaliana, in order to understand how their genetic and molecular stress response systems work in space. The plants grow from seeds in the Veggie plant growth facility aboard the ISS, are frozen, and returned to Earth for detailed laboratory analysis.

Transparent Alloys Operation: During the installation of the cartridge last week, there was poor contact between the Transparent Alloys hardware and the cold plate in the Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG), which resulted in the inability to properly control the heating of the cartridge. Results from the analysis of the MSG configuration determined that the MSG cold plate still had some M6 plugs installed that prevented good contact and heat transfer between the Transparent Alloys payload and the MSG cold plate. Today the crew removed the plugs, and after activation, the temperature readings are now in the nominal and expected range. This experiment run has started, and will last for a month. The aim of this experiment is to study the morphological instabilities of directional solidified, transparent binary eutectic alloys under purely diffusive conditions. It is planned to observe real-time the dynamics of eutectic front structures with a micron-scale resolution, over a large (centimetric) space scale, and over long periods of time. Such observations would be strongly sensitive to convective motions in the liquid, which, in ordinary conditions on earth, entail a detrimental redistribution of the solute on a scale comparable to the container size. Such convective motions are suppressed in microgravity. The specific goals of the experiment are: to study the formation and the relaxation of topological defects in rod-like structures, to study the rod-to-lamellar transition of eutectic growth patterns, to study the forcing effects of the distortions of the thermal gradient.

Airway Monitoring Overview and Hardware Gather: The crew reviewed reference material and gathered hardware to support the upcoming Airway Monitoring session this week.  With dust particles present in the International Space Station atmosphere, Airway Monitoring studies the occurrence and indicators of airway inflammation in crewmembers, using ultra-sensitive gas analyzers to analyze exhaled air. This helps to highlight any health impacts and to maintain crewmember well-being on future human spaceflight missions, especially longer-duration missions to the Moon and Mars for example, where crewmembers will have to be more self-sufficient in highlighting and avoiding such conditions.   

Dragon Operations: The crew continued with Dragon cargo loading operations.  They installed a Lithium Hydroxide (LiOH) filter into the Dragon vehicle to scrub CO2 after hatch closure and completed a checkout of the Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) Ultra High Frequency (UHF) Communication Unit (CUCU) Crew Command Panel (CCP) in preparation for Dragon release operations.  Dragon hatch closure and unberth is scheduled for January 12 with release scheduled on January 13.

Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Preparations: The crew set up a Station Support Computer (SSC) and relocated items out of the airlock.  They completed 1 of 2 training sessions on using the Simplified Aid for EVA Rescue (SAFER) and Enhanced Caution and Warning System (ECWS).  The crew also performed a checkout of Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU 3004) that was delivered on Dragon SpaceX-13.  The two planned EVA crewmembers also took EMU sizing measurements for the On-Orbit Fitcheck.
Jacques :-)

Offline Zakrah

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Re: Expedition 54 Thread
« Reply #62 on: 01/11/2018 01:10 pm »

ISS Daily Summary Report – 1/8/2018
 
...
Spaceflight-induced Hypoxic/ROS Signaling (APEX-05) Operations:  Today the crew photographed the APEX-05 petri plates growing in the Veggie facility. Before installing the Light Microscopy Module (LMM) for imaging, the crew checked that the inside of the petri plates were free of condensation and the outside of the plate was dry. When plants are grown in the confines of the International Space Station (ISS), they do not seem to get enough air and as a result, exhibit a stress response in their genes and proteins. The APEX-05 experiment grows different wild and mutant varieties of Arabidopsis thaliana, in order to understand how their genetic and molecular stress response systems work in space. The plants grow from seeds in the Veggie plant growth facility aboard the ISS, are frozen, and returned to Earth for detailed laboratory analysis.
...

Expedition 54 astronaut Scott Tingle working at the Light Microscopy Module getting ready to remove our APEX-05 petri plate on Tuesday.


Offline centaurinasa

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Re: Expedition 54 Thread
« Reply #63 on: 01/11/2018 03:00 pm »
"Spheres Zero Robotics" right now, by Joe Acaba and Alexander Misurkin, Kibo lab...
To boldly go where no human has gone before !

Offline jacqmans

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Re: Expedition 54 Thread
« Reply #64 on: 01/12/2018 06:23 am »

ISS Daily Summary Report – 1/10/2018
 

Airway Monitoring Measurement Operations: Using the Portable Pulmonary Function System (PPFS) for guidance, today two crewmembers performed two different measurement protocols; the low Nitric Oxide (NO) protocol which determines how much NO is exhaled with the respiration, and the high NO protocol, which determines how much NO is diffused into the blood. The protocols were initially performed in the Airlock at an ambient pressure and then repeated at a low pressure (10.2 psi). At the low pressure, oxygen concentration in the Airlock is increased to 27.5%. The primary goal of the Airway Monitoring experiment is to determine how gravity and microgravity influences the turnover of Nitric Oxide in the lungs. During future manned missions to the Moon and to Mars, airway inflammation due to toxic dust inhalation is a risk factor. Since dust may cause airway inflammation and since such inflammation can be monitored by exhaled Nitric Oxide analysis, the present study is highly relevant for astronaut health in future space programs. The US Airlock, for this experiment is used as a hypobaric facility for performing science. Utilizing the US Airlock will allow unique opportunities for the study of gravity, ambient pressure interactions, and their effect on the human body.

Arthrospira-B (Batch Culture) Assembly: The crew removed four Arthrospira experiment containers from the Biolab Incubator to exchange the reservoirs inside the Biolab. Following the exchange of the reservoirs, the ECs were reinstalled back onto Biolab Incubator. The Arthrospira B experiment is an important step in making improvements in the area of closed regenerative life support systems in space which will help in making future human exploration missions beyond low Earth orbit become a reality.

Human Research Program (HRP) Collections (Biochemical Profile, Repository): Today a 53S subject concluded his Flight Day (FD) 30 urine sample collection that began yesterday to support the Biochemical Profile and Repository experiments. The samples were placed in the Minus Eighty Degree Celsius Laboratory Freezer for ISS (MELFI).

Spaceflight-induced Hypoxic/ROS Signaling (APEX-05) Operations:  The crew inserted two APEX-05 RNAlater Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Fixation Tubes (KFT)s into the Minus Eighty Degree Celsius Laboratory Freezer for ISS (MELFI) prior to return on SpaceX-13 (SpX-13). The APEX-05 experiment grows different wild and mutant varieties of Arabidopsis thaliana, in order to understand how their genetic and molecular stress response systems work in space. The plants grow from seeds in the Veggie plant growth facility aboard the ISS, are frozen, and returned to Earth for detailed laboratory analysis.

Rodent Research 6 (RR-6) Transporter Setup: To prepare for the return of two of the four animal transporters on SpaceX-13, the crew reviewed reference material and participated in a conference about live animal return operations. The crew also set up and conducted checkout activities on the live animal transporter. The Rodent Research-6 (RR-6) mission uses mice flown aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and maintained on Earth to test drug delivery systems for combatting muscular breakdown in space or during disuse conditions. RR-6 includes several groups of mice selectively treated with a placebo or implanted with a nanochannel drug delivery chip that administers compounds meant to maintain muscle in low gravity/disuse conditions.

NanoRacks External Platform (NREP) Operations:  Ground teams maneuvered the Japanese Experiment Module) Remote Manipulator System (JEMRMS) to transfer NREP from the Japanese Experiment Module Airlock (JEMAL) slide table to the Exposed Facility Unit (EFU)-4. After transfer operations were complete, the JEMRMS was maneuvered back to a stowed position and NREP was activated via ground command.  NREP represents the first external commercial research capability for testing in support of scientific investigations, sensors, and electronic components in space.

Dragon Release On Board Training (OBT):  This morning, the crew performed onboard training for this weekend’s upcoming release of the SpaceX-13 Dragon capsule.  The training included the use of the Robotics On-Board Trainer (ROBoT) and a private conference with ground-based trainers.
Jacques :-)

Offline jacqmans

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Re: Expedition 54 Thread
« Reply #65 on: 01/12/2018 02:27 pm »
January 12, 2018
MEDIA ADVISORY M18-010

Idaho Students to Speak with NASA Astronaut on International Space Station

Students from 10 schools in Idaho will speak with a NASA astronaut living and working aboard the International Space Station at 11:25 a.m. EST Tuesday, Jan. 17. The 20-minute, Earth-to-space call will air live on NASA Television and the agency’s website.

Approximately 400 students will travel to Boise State University for the call to Expedition 54 astronaut Joe Acaba, who arrived at the orbiting laboratory Sept. 12. They will have an opportunity to ask him questions about life aboard the space station, NASA’s deep space exploration plans, and doing science in space.

Media interested in attending the event should contact Brady Moore at [email protected] or 208-426-1586. The location of the event is 1910 University Dr.

Boise State University was selected through a competitive process to host a downlink with the space station. Students in the participating districts have been preparing for the event by studying the space station, astronaut biographies, and current research and activities aboard the space station.

Linking students directly to astronauts in space provides unique, authentic experiences designed to enhance student learning, performance and interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). This in-flight education downlink is an integral component of NASA’s Year of Education on Station, which provides extensive space station-related resources and opportunities to students and educators.

Follow the astronauts on social media:

https://www.twitter.com/NASA_astronauts

See videos and lesson plans highlighting research on the International Space Station at:

 https://www.nasa.gov/stemonstation
Jacques :-)

Offline centaurinasa

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Re: Expedition 54 Thread
« Reply #66 on: 01/12/2018 04:00 pm »
ISS Expedition 54 In-Flight Educational Event with the Puerto Rico Institute of Robotics in San Juan, Puerto Rico and Flight Engineer Joe Acaba.
To boldly go where no human has gone before !

Offline centaurinasa

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Re: Expedition 54 Thread
« Reply #67 on: 01/13/2018 09:43 am »
ISS configuration updated after Dragon CRS-13 departure at 09.58 UTC
To boldly go where no human has gone before !

Offline Targeteer

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Re: Expedition 54 Thread
« Reply #68 on: 01/16/2018 08:48 pm »
The evening DPC was conducted by the Flight Director because of reduced manning due to weather.  He joked about an unknown solid substance present outside that had been submitted for analysis :)  Marshall also is impacted cancelling an experiment tomorrow due to ground support unavailability.
Best quote heard during an inspection, "I was unaware that I was the only one who was aware."

Offline jacqmans

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Re: Expedition 54 Thread
« Reply #69 on: 01/17/2018 10:30 am »
January 16, 2018
MEDIA ADVISORY M18-012
Massachusetts Students to Speak with Astronauts on Space Station


Students at Framingham State University (FSU) in Massachusetts will speak with astronauts living, working, and doing research aboard the International Space Station at 12:15 p.m. EST Friday, Jan. 19. The 20-minute, Earth-to-space call will air live on NASA Television and the agency’s website.

Students will make the call to Expedition 54 astronauts Joe Acaba, Scott Tingle, of NASA, and Norishige Kanai, of Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), aboard the space station, posing questions about life aboard the space station, NASA’s deep space exploration plans, and doing science in space.

Acaba arrived at the station Sept. 12 on his third space mission, and is scheduled to return to Earth in February. Tingle and Kanai arrived Dec. 19 and are scheduled to return to Earth in June.

FSU is the alma mater of Christa McAuliffe, a payload specialist on space shuttle Challenger’s STS 51-L, which was lost during launch in 1986. McAuliffe was going to be the world’s first teacher in space, and FSU is the home of the McAuliffe Center, one of Challenger Center’s more than 40 learning centers. The McAuliffe Center received more than 200 questions from 83 students from a wide range of majors at FSU, and chose 25 questions to be asked during the downlink. Some 250 students are expected to attend.

Media interested in attending the event should contact Lisa Vernal via email at [email protected] or phone at 412-337-3880. The event will take place at the McCarthy Center Forum at Framingham State University 93 State Street, Framingham.

Linking students directly to astronauts aboard the space station provides unique, authentic experiences designed to enhance student learning, performance and interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). This in-flight education downlink is an integral component of NASA’s Year of Education on Station, which provides extensive space station-related resources and opportunities to students and educators.


Follow the astronauts on social media:

https://www.twitter.com/NASA_astronauts/

See videos and lesson plans highlighting research on the International Space Station at:

 https://www.nasa.gov/stemonstation/
Jacques :-)

Offline jacqmans

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Re: Expedition 54 Thread
« Reply #70 on: 01/17/2018 10:32 am »
ISS Daily Summary Report – 1/11/2018

Synchronized Position Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites (SPHERES) Zero Robotics (ZR):  Today the crew provided support for a SPHERES ZR Challenge competition between students from High Schools around the world. The SPHERES-Zero-Robotics investigation establishes an opportunity for high school students to design research for the International Space Station (ISS). As part of a competition, students write algorithms for the SPHERES satellites to accomplish tasks relevant to future space missions. The algorithms are tested by the SPHERES team and the best designs are selected for the competition to operate the SPHERES satellites on board the ISS.

Probiotics Operations: Today a crewmember initiated the first of four sampling phases of the JAXA Probiotic investigation by collecting fecal samples and immediately stowing the samples into the Minus Eighty Degree Celsius Laboratory Freezer for ISS (MELFI). This sampling phase includes fecal and saliva sample collections and a questionnaire. The saliva sample collection and questionnaire for this phase will be conducted this weekend. Some species of harmful bacteria such as Salmonella grow stronger and more virulent in the microgravity environment of space. At the same time, the human immune system is weaker in space, leading to increased health risks. The objective of the Probiotics investigation is to study the impact of continuous consumption of probiotics on immune function and intestinal microbiota in astronauts under closed microgravity environment This investigation studies the effects of beneficial bacteria (Probiotics) to improve crew members’ intestinal microbiota as well as their immune function on long-duration space missions.

Rodent Research 6 (RR-6) Transporter Setup: To prepare for return on SpaceX-13, the crew activated the lixit water bottles, installed food bars, and transferred the rodents from habitats 1 and 2 to the animal transporter. After the rodents were transferred, the transporter were moved from the US Lab to the SpaceX vehicle. The rodents in habitats 3 and 4 will remain on the International Space Station (ISS).  The RR-6 mission uses mice flown aboard the ISS and maintained on Earth to test drug delivery systems for combatting muscular breakdown in space or during disuse conditions. RR-6 includes several groups of mice selectively treated with a placebo or implanted with a nanochannel drug delivery chip that administers compounds meant to maintain muscle in low gravity/disuse conditions.

Earth Imagery from ISS Target (EIISS): Using the Nikon camera, the crew took images of Seattle and the Pacific Northwest.  The crew also used the Red camera to take images of Fitz Roy, Patagonia. EIISS is used to support creation of a series of videos showcasing Earth views taken from space. The videos are taken with cameras on the ISS in 6K hi-resolution and are integrated into videos for screensavers for public enjoyment, exploration, and engagement.

Made in Space Removal and Stow: To create space for the crew to reach the Made in Space Fiber Optics’ bolts in the back of EXPRESS Rack (ER7), the crew removed Manufacturing Device from ER7 locker 6.  After the Made in Space Fiber Optics was removed and stowed, the crew reinstalled the Manufacturing Device back into ER7.  The Optical Fiber Production in Microgravity (Made in Space Fiber Optics) investigation demonstrates the merits of manufacturing fiber optic filaments in microgravity. The fiber optic material chosen for this demonstration is ZBLAN. Research indicates this material has the potential for better optical qualities than the silica used in most fiber optic cable. This demonstration of the scientific and commercial merits of manufacturing exotic optical fiber in microgravity could set the stage for large scale manufacture of high-quality fiber optic fiber in orbit.

Airway Monitoring US Airlock Reconfiguration: Following yesterday’s successful Airway Monitoring session in the Airlock, today the crew will disconnect and stow the experiment hardware and reconfigure the Airlock back to its nominal configuration. Airway Monitoring is the first experiment to use the US Airlock as a hypobaric facility for performing science. Utilizing the US Airlock will allow unique opportunities for the study of gravity, ambient pressure interactions, and their effect on the human body. This investigation studies the occurrence and indicators of airway inflammation in crewmembers, using ultra-sensitive gas analyzers to analyze exhaled air. This helps to highlight any health impacts and to maintain crewmember well-being on future human spaceflight missions, especially longer-duration missions to the Moon and Mars for example, where crewmembers will have to be more self-sufficient in highlighting and avoiding such conditions.

Light Microscopy Module (LMM) Petri Plants Plate Installation: Using the light meter, the crew recorded the light intensity for the Petri Plates and took science photos of the plates before checking that inside of Petri Plate was free of condensation and the outside of the plate was dry to install the LMM for imaging.  The crew subsequently removed the LMM Petri base from the LMM Auxiliary Fluids Container (AFC) and installed the Petri Plate onto the LMM petri base before installing them into the LMM AFC. Plants cultivated in microgravity look mostly normal, but space-grown plants have a number of distinct features compared to plants grown in comparable habitats on Earth, most notably in the way their roots grow. The Characterizing Arabidopsis Root Attractions-2 (CARA-2) investigation studies the molecular signals that can cause these changes, including the genetic underpinnings of how a plant senses the direction of gravity. Results can improve efforts to grow plants in microgravity on future space missions, enabling crews to use plants for food and oxygen.

Waste & Hygiene Compartment (WHC) Pump Separator R&R:  After recent incidents of repeated annunciations of the “check separator” warning light on the WHC, the crew changed out the WHC Pump Separator.  This hardware had been approaching end of life.
« Last Edit: 01/17/2018 10:33 am by jacqmans »
Jacques :-)

Offline jacqmans

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Re: Expedition 54 Thread
« Reply #71 on: 01/17/2018 10:33 am »
ISS Daily Summary Report – 1/12/2018

SpaceX (SpX)-13 Dragon Unberth:  Today, the crew completed the final packing of critical items into the Dragon Spacecraft. They then egressed the vehicle and removed utility jumpers, followed by the depressurization of the Node 2 to Dragon vestibule.  Ground teams then utilized the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) to unberth and maneuver Dragon to an overnight park position.  Dragon release is scheduled for early Saturday morning at ~4:00 AM CST with splashdown occurring at ~9:36 AM CST the same day.

Lighting Effects Meter Readings: The crew setup and configured the Light Meter hardware and obtained the Light Meter readings before downloading the data, and stowing the hardware. The Lighting Effects investigation studies the impact of the change from fluorescent light bulbs to solid-state light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with adjustable intensity and color and aims to determine if the new lights can improve crew circadian rhythms, sleep, and cognitive performance.

Light Microscopy Module (LMM) Petri Plant Plate Removal: The LMM Petri Base with the Petri Plate was removed from the LMM Auxiliary Fluids Container (AFC).  The crew also removed the plate from the base, and re-installed the base into the LMM AFC. Plants cultivated in microgravity look mostly normal, but space-grown plants have a number of distinct features compared to plants grown in comparable habitats on Earth, most notably in the way their roots grow. The Characterizing Arabidopsis Root Attractions-2 (CARA-2) investigation studies the molecular signals that can cause these changes, including the genetic underpinnings of how a plant senses the direction of gravity. Results can improve efforts to grow plants in microgravity on future space missions, enabling crews to use plants for food and oxygen.

Human Research Program (HRP) Collections (Biochemical Profile, Repository): Today a 53S subject completed his Flight Day (FD) 30 blood sample collections to support the Biochemical Profile and Repository experiments. The samples were then placed in the Minus Eighty Degree Celsius Laboratory Freezer for ISS (MELFI).

The Biochemical Profile experiment tests blood and urine samples obtained from astronauts before, during, and after spaceflight. Specific proteins and chemicals in the samples are used as biomarkers, or indicators of health. Post-flight analysis yields a database of samples and test results, which scientists can use to study the effects of spaceflight on the body.
Repository is a storage bank used to maintain biological specimens over extended periods of time and under well-controlled conditions. This repository supports scientific discovery that contributes to our fundamental knowledge in the area of human physiological changes and adaptation to a microgravity environment and provides unique opportunities to study longitudinal changes in human physiology spanning many missions.
Cell Science Validation Locker (Bioculture System) Transfer for Return: The Bioculture System was removed from EXPRESS Rack 7 of the ISS and installed and powered on SpX-13 Dragon for return. The Bioculture System is space biological science incubator for use on the ISS, with the capability of transporting active and stored experiments. This incubator supports a wide diversity of tissue, cell, and microbiological cultures and experiment methods to meet any space flight research experiment goals and objectives.  The facility enables variable duration and long-duration cellular and microbiological experiments on ISS to meet the scientific needs of academic and biotechnology interests.

Earth Imagery from ISS Target (EIISS): Using the Red camera, the crew took images of South Florida to the Bahamas. EIISS is used to support creation of a series of videos showcasing Earth views taken from space. The videos are taken with cameras on the ISS in 6K hi-resolution and are integrated into videos for screensavers for public enjoyment, exploration, and engagement.

Space Headaches:  The crew completed the weekly questionnaire for the ESA Space Headaches investigation. The Space Headaches investigation collects information that may help in the development of methods to alleviate associated symptoms and improvement in the well-being and performance of crewmembers in space. Headaches during space flight can negatively affect mental and physical capacities of crewmembers that can influence performance during a space mission.
Jacques :-)

Offline jacqmans

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Re: Expedition 54 Thread
« Reply #72 on: 01/17/2018 10:34 am »
ISS Daily Summary Report – 1/15/2018

Vascular Echo: With ground team assistance, a 53S crewmember performed a Vascular Echo protocol, which included scans of his neck, thigh, portal vein, and heart. Following the scanning activity, the subject completed three consecutive blood pressure measurements using the Cardio-lab Holter Arterial blood pressure unit. Vascular Echo examines changes in blood vessels, and the heart, while the crew members are in space, and then follow their recovery on return to Earth. The results could provide insight into potential countermeasures to help maintain crewmember health, and quality of life for everyone.

Human Research Program (HRP) Collections (Biochemical Profile, Repository): Today a 52S subject began a 24-hour urine sample collection to support the Biochemical Profile and Repository experiments. The samples were placed in the Minus Eighty Degree Celsius Laboratory Freezer for ISS (MELFI).

The Biochemical Profile experiment tests blood and urine samples obtained from astronauts before, during, and after spaceflight. Specific proteins and chemicals in the samples are used as biomarkers, or indicators of health. Post-flight analysis yields a database of samples and test results, which scientists can use to study the effects of spaceflight on the body.
Repository is a storage bank used to maintain biological specimens over extended periods of time and under well-controlled conditions. This repository supports scientific discovery that contributes to our fundamental knowledge in the area of human physiological changes and adaptation to a microgravity environment and provides unique opportunities to study longitudinal changes in human physiology spanning many missions.
Intracranial Pressure & Visual Impairment (IPVI): A 52S crewmember took both front and side view pictures to check for any facial edema, followed by a conference with ground experts.  The IPVI investigation studies changes to crewmembers’ eyes and optic nerves by analyzing arterial blood pressure and blood flow to the brain before and after spaceflight. This investigation uses non-invasive methods to measure intracranial pressure instead of the more common invasive methods.

Meteor Hard Drive Swap-out with Diffraction Grating Configuration: The crew removed and replaced the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) hard drive and changed the diffraction grating in the Meteor laptop located in the Window Observational Research Facility (WORF).  The Meteor payload is a visible spectroscopy instrument with the primary purpose of observing meteors in Earth orbit. Meteor uses image analysis to provide information on the physical and chemical properties of the meteoroid dust, such as size, density, and chemical composition. Since the parent comets or asteroids for most of the meteor showers are identified, the study of the meteoroid dust on orbit provides information about the parent comets and asteroids. 

Earth Imagery from ISS Target (EIISS): Using the Red camera, the crew took images of Fitz Roy, Patagonia. EIISS is used to support creation of a series of videos showcasing Earth views taken from space. The videos are taken with cameras on the ISS in 6K hi-resolution and are integrated into videos for screensavers for public enjoyment, exploration, and engagement.

SpaceX (SpX)-13 Dragon Departure: On Saturday at 4:00am CST, the ISS Crew released Dragon utilizing the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS). Following Dragon departure, Controllers maneuvered the SSRMS to a park position and provided video support of the Node 2 Nadir Active Common Berthing Mechanism (ACBM) petals closure. Dragon splashed down in the Pacific Ocean on Saturday at 9:38am CST.  Recovery forces then retrieved cargo, including human and animal science samples, biotechnology studies, and physical science and education investigations.

Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) Operations: The crew performed EMU 3004 suit maintenance, which included scrubbing and iodination of EMU and Airlock cooling water loops. A water sample was taken for subsequent conductivity testing in order to determine the effectiveness of the scrubbing.

Hatch Seal Inspection: The crew performed scheduled maintenance to clean the United States On-orbit Segment (USOS) hatch seals in Columbus, Node 2, Airlock, Node 3, Permanent Multipurpose Module (PMM), and the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM). They will also inspect the sealing surface and hatch handle mechanism for Foreign Object Debris (FOD) or damage.

Transition to (X2) R16 Software:  As part of the R16 software transition starting today, the crew will install hard drives containing the latest Portable Computer System (PCS) software (R19) onto 5 PCS laptops. Once installed, the ground will load the latest Command and Control software (R16) onto the Command and Control Multiplexer/Demultiplexer (MDM)s. The software transition is expected to be completed on January 18th.
Jacques :-)

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Re: Expedition 54 Thread
« Reply #73 on: 01/17/2018 08:34 pm »
Planned orbit correction on 17 January 2018, 20:15 UTC
https://www.roscosmos.ru/24570/
Google translate:
Quote
the orbital parameters of the ISS after the maneuver were:
• The minimum height above the Earth's surface is 402.8 km,
• the maximum height above the Earth's surface is 422.7 km,
• the circulation period is 92.60 minutes,
• inclination of the orbit - 51.625 degrees.

Offline jacqmans

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Re: Expedition 54 Thread
« Reply #74 on: 01/19/2018 09:17 am »

ISS Daily Summary Report – 1/16/2018
 
Rodent Research 6 (RR-6):  In support of the on-going RR-6 investigation, today the crew refilled the rodent habitat water supply using the water refill kit and later remove the mice and restocked the rodent habitats with new food bars in addition to cleaning the lids and interiors cages of the habitats. The Rodent Research-6 (RR-6) mission uses mice flown aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and maintained on Earth to test drug delivery systems for combatting muscular breakdown in space or during disuse conditions. RR-6 includes several groups of mice selectively treated with a placebo or implanted with a nano-channel drug delivery chip that administers compounds meant to maintain muscle in low gravity/disuse conditions.

Combustion Integrated Rack (CIR) Gas Chromatograph (GC) Supply Bottle Preparation for Testing: The crew removed the CIR helium burst disk from the CIR optics bench before replacing the CIR GC helium bottle, argon bottle, and the check gas bottle. The CIR is used to perform combustion experiments in microgravity. The CIR can be reconfigured easily on orbit to accommodate a variety of combustion experiments. It consists of an optics bench, a combustion chamber, a fuel and oxidizer management system, environmental management systems, and interfaces for science diagnostics and experiment specific equipment.

Human Research Program (HRP) Collections (Biochemical Profile, Repository): Today a 52S subject concluded his Flight Day (FD) 120 urine sample collection that began yesterday to support the Biochemical Profile and Repository experiments. The samples were placed in the Minus Eighty Degree Celsius Laboratory Freezer for ISS (MELFI).

Earth Imagery from ISS Target (EIISS): Using the Nikon camera, the crew captured images of Seattle and the Pacific Northwest and the Gulf of Thailand. The crew also used the Red camera to take images of S. Australia and Tasmania.  EIISS is used to support creation of a series of videos showcasing Earth views taken from space. The videos are taken with cameras on the ISS in 6K hi-resolution and are integrated into videos for screensavers for public enjoyment, exploration, and engagement.

Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Preparations:  In preparation for the US EVAs later this month, the crew utilized the Dynamic Onboard Ubiquitous Graphics (DOUG) Software to review translation paths during the upcoming EVA, followed by a conference with ground specialists to answer any questions. The first of the two EVAs to swap Latching End Effectors (LEEs) and bring a failed LEE inside is scheduled for Tuesday, January 23rd.

Hatch Seal Inspection: Yesterday the crew performed hatch seal inspections on several of the hatch seals on the United States On-orbit Segment (USOS). Today, the crew continued this scheduled maintenance to clean the hatch seals in Node 1, Lab, Node 2, and Node 3. They also inspected the sealing surface and hatch handle mechanism for Foreign Object Debris (FOD) or damage.

Transition to (X2) R16 Software:  As part of the R16 software transition, the crew installed hard drives containing the latest Portable Computer System (PCS) software (R19) onto two remaining PCS laptops. The X2R16 software transition is expected to be completed on January 18th. Ground controllers then updated the software on the Payload Multiplexor-Demultiplexor (PL MDM), along with the last Command & Control (C&C) MDM.
Jacques :-)

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Re: Expedition 54 Thread
« Reply #75 on: 01/19/2018 02:19 pm »

ISS Daily Summary Report – 1/17/2018
 

CORRECTIONS TO TODAY’s REPORT:
•Circadian Rhythms activity was deferred due to conflicts with the OFV tomorrow.  It will be performed tomorrow.
•Added ISS Reboost with SM Main Engines

Circadian Rhythms [Deferred]:  Today a 53S crewmember instrumented themselves with Thermolab Double Sensors, mounted the Thermolab Unit to their belt, and began 36 hours of monitoring for the Circadian Rhythm investigation.  Circadian Rhythms investigates the role of synchronized circadian rhythms, or the “biological clock,” and how it changes during long-duration spaceflight. Researchers hypothesize that a non-24-hour cycle of light and dark affects crewmembers’ circadian clocks. The investigation also addresses the effects of reduced physical activity, microgravity and an artificially controlled environment. Changes in body composition and body temperature, which also occur in microgravity, can affect crewmembers’ circadian rhythms as well. Understanding how these phenomena affect the biological clock will improve performance and health for future crewmembers.

Arthrospira-B (Batch Culture) Assembly: This morning, the crew removed the Arthrospira experiment containers from the Biolab Incubator to exchange the reservoirs inside the Biolab. Following the exchange of the reservoirs, the ECs were reinstalled back onto Biolab Incubator for processing. The Arthrospira B experiment is an important step in making improvements in the area of closed regenerative life support systems in space, which will help in making future human exploration missions beyond low Earth orbit become a reality. The cyanobacterium Arthrospira sp. strain PCC8005 is a candidate for use in spacecraft biological life support systems, for CO2 and nitrate removal, and oxygen and biomass production. However, to ensure the reliability of such a biological life support system it is necessary to characterize the response of Arthrospira sp. PCC8005 to in situ spaceflight conditions.

Synchronized Position Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites (SPHERES) Tether Slosh: Today the crew set up the SPHERES Tether Slosh hardware and cameras and began executing the test sessions. SPHERES Tether Slosh combines fluid dynamics equipment with robotic capabilities aboard the International Space Station to investigate automated strategies for steering passive cargo that contain fluids. In space, the fluid fuels used by spacecraft can slosh around in unpredictable ways making space maneuvers difficult. This investigation uses two SPHERES robots tethered to a fluid-filled container covered in sensors to test strategies for safely steering spacecraft such as dead satellites that might still have fuel in the tank.

Light Microscopy Module (LMM) Petri Plants Plate Installation: Using the light meter in the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM), the crew took light intensity measurements before transporting the plates to the Lab to photograph the plates with and without lids.  Plants cultivated in microgravity look mostly normal, but space-grown plants have a number of distinct features compared to plants grown in comparable habitats on Earth, most notably in the way their roots grow. The Characterizing Arabidopsis Root Attractions-2 (CARA-2) investigation studies the molecular signals that can cause these changes, including the genetic underpinnings of how a plant senses the direction of gravity. Results can improve efforts to grow plants in microgravity on future space missions, enabling crews to use plants for food and oxygen.

Space Acceleration Measurement System (SAMS) sensor move: Today the crew moved a SAMS sensor drawer from EXPRESS Rack (ER) 4 to ER 5.  Space Acceleration Measurement System-II (SAMS-II) is an ongoing study of the small forces (vibrations and accelerations) on the International Space Station (ISS) resulting from the operation of hardware, crew activities, dockings and maneuvering. Results generalize the types of vibrations affecting vibration-sensitive experiments. Investigators seek to better understand the vibration environment on the ISS.

Lighting Effects:  A crewmember completed a Visual Performance Test by setting the light to the correct mode, turning all other light sources in the crew quarters off, and performing a Numerical Verification Test and a Color Discrimination Test. The Lighting Effects investigation studies the impact of the change from fluorescent light bulbs to solid-state light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with adjustable intensity and color and aims to determine if the new lights can improve crew circadian rhythms, sleep, and cognitive performance.

Transition to (X2) R16 Software:  As part of the R16 software transition, ground controllers configured the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) and Thermal Control System (TCS) equipment and then updated the software on the Hub Control Zone (HCZ) Multiplexor-Demultiplexor (MDM). After the HCZ MDM update was completed, the ground controllers returned the ECLSS and TCS equipment to the nominal configuration.  The software transition is expected to be completed on January 18th.

Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Operations: The crew performed tool gathering activities in support of the upcoming EVAs.  The crew then performed Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) 3003 and 3008 suit maintenance, including scrubbing and iodination of EMU and Airlock cooling water loops. A water sample was taken for subsequent conductivity testing in order to determine the effectiveness of the scrubbing.  The crew also performed checkout of the hardware powered by the Rechargeable EVA Battery Assembly (REBA) batteries.

ISS Reboost:  Today ground teams commanded an ISS reboost using the Service Module (SM) Main Engines. This maneuver, in combination with the next maneuver planned for GMT 30, will set up the proper conditions for the 69P 2-orbit rendezvous test on GMT 42 and 52S landing on GMT 59.
Jacques :-)

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Re: Expedition 54 Thread
« Reply #76 on: 01/19/2018 02:21 pm »

ISS Daily Summary Report – 1/18/2018
 

Plant Habitat Gaseous Nitrogen (GN2) Hose Connection: Today the crew removed and replaced the acoustic blanket and growth chamber door before retrieving the GN2 filter and connecting it to the EXpedite the PRocessing of Experiments to Space Station (EXPRESS) Rack nitrogen. The other end was connected to the GN2 hose in order to perform a GN2 leak check. Plant Habitat is a fully automated facility that will be used to conduct plant bioscience research on the International Space Station (ISS). It occupies the lower half of the EXPRESS Rack and two International Subrack Interface Standard (ISIS) drawers, providing a large, enclosed, environmentally controlled chamber.

Circadian Rhythms:  Today a 53S crewmember instrumented themselves with Thermolab Double Sensors, mounted the Thermolab Unit to their belt, and began 36 hours of monitoring for the Circadian Rhythm investigation.  Circadian Rhythms investigates the role of synchronized circadian rhythms, or the “biological clock,” and how it changes during long-duration spaceflight. Researchers hypothesize that a non-24-hour cycle of light and dark affects crewmembers’ circadian clocks. The investigation also addresses the effects of reduced physical activity, microgravity and an artificially controlled environment. Changes in body composition and body temperature, which also occur in microgravity, can affect crewmembers’ circadian rhythms as well. Understanding how these phenomena affect the biological clock will improve performance and health for future crewmembers.

Wireless Sensor Network (WiseNet) Hardware Installation:  Today the crew installed the WiseNet Base Station on MagVector rack front panel, inserted the USB Boot Stick, and installed WiseNet sensors at dedicated locations inside the US Lab, Node 2, and Columbus. The goal of the WiseNet technology demonstrator is to establish the functionality of low power Radio Frequency (RF) networks within the ISS environment using low power sensor-nodes. These sensors form a wireless network on board ISS to monitor environmental factors such as temperature, pressure, and humidity.

Earth Imagery from ISS Target (EIISS): The crew took images of Southern California using the Red camera. EIISS is used to support creation of a series of videos highlighting Earth views taken from space. The videos are taken with cameras on the ISS in 6K hi-resolution and are integrated into videos for screensavers for public enjoyment.

Transition to (X2) R16 Software:  In order to complete the R16 software transition, ground controllers configured the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) and Thermal Control System (TCS) equipment and then updated the software on the S0, LSYS, and LA-2 Multiplexor-Demultiplexors (MDMs). After the MDM updates were completed, the ground controllers returned the ECLSS and TCS equipment to the nominal configuration.

Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Operations: The crew performed on orbit fit verification (OFV) operations to configure Extravehicular Mobility Units (EMUs) 3003 and 3008 properly for the upcoming EVAs.  The crew also configured EVA tools for use outside the station.  Next Tuesday, two crewmembers will exit the station and perform maintenance on the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) by swapping a Latching End Effector (LEE) from the SSRMS with a spare.
Jacques :-)

Offline centaurinasa

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Re: Expedition 54 Thread
« Reply #77 on: 01/19/2018 08:44 pm »
Some interesting and spectacular views from SSRMS camera (The arm itself, being controlled by ROBO at MCC-H), a few moments ago....
« Last Edit: 01/19/2018 09:25 pm by centaurinasa »
To boldly go where no human has gone before !

Offline centaurinasa

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Re: Expedition 54 Thread
« Reply #78 on: 01/19/2018 09:08 pm »
Now SSRMS's LEE-A grapple the PDGF#1 on MBS
« Last Edit: 01/20/2018 11:35 am by centaurinasa »
To boldly go where no human has gone before !

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Re: Expedition 54 Thread
« Reply #79 on: 01/23/2018 02:19 pm »

ISS Daily Summary Report – 1/19/2018
 

Vascular Echo: After completing the Cardiolab (CDL) blood pressure measurement earlier this week, today the 53S subject performed the Vascular Echo Exercise Portable Doppler (PDOP) measurement with ground team assistance. Using the CDL PDOP, the crewmember donned the PDOP femoral probe and performed a 1-minute exercise followed by a resting period during which data was collected. The 1-minute exercise and data collection was repeated once more before the subject deactivated and stowed the hardware to conclude the activity. The Vascular Echo investigation examines changes in blood vessels and the heart, while the crew members are in space, and then follows their recovery on return to Earth. The results could provide insight into potential countermeasures to help maintain crew member health, and quality of life for everyone.

Rodent Research 6 (RR-6):  Following the rodent habitat water supply refill earlier this week, today the crew checked for obvious signs of water leakage from the rodent habitat water boxes and confirmed that the lights are functioning. The crew stow both habitats for return. The Rodent Research-6 (RR-6) mission uses mice flown aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and maintained on Earth to test drug delivery systems for combatting muscular breakdown in space or during disuse conditions. RR-6 includes several groups of mice selectively treated with a placebo or implanted with a nanochannel drug delivery chip that administers compounds meant to maintain muscle in low gravity/disuse conditions.

Space Headaches:  The crew completed the weekly questionnaires for the European Space Agency (ESA) Space Headaches investigation. The Space Headaches investigation collects information that may help in the development of methods to alleviate associated symptoms and bring improvement to the well-being and performance of crewmembers in space. Headaches during space flight can negatively affect mental and physical capacities of crewmembers that can influence performance during a space mission.

Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) Walkoff:  Later today, ground robotics controllers will command the SSRMS to perform three walkoff maneuvers to configure the SSRMS in preparation for the Extravehicular Activity (EVA) planned for this coming Tuesday.  A walkoff maneuver is one in which the SSRMS moves across the ISS like an inchworm, switching end over end.  The upcoming EVA has a primary goal of swapping Latching End Effector (LEE) B, so the SSRMS needs to be based on LEE A, and positioned where the crew can access it.  This set of triple walkoff maneuvers will position it accordingly.

EVA tool configuration and procedure reviews:  Today the crew configured tools and reviewed procedures for the EVA planned for next Tuesday.  They also participated in a conference with ground teams to address any questions and prepare for the EVA operations.
Jacques :-)

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