Expedition 72 thread

[ddspaceman]

ISS Research
@ISS_Research
Recently installed outside @Space_Station, SEAQUE tests new technology that could progress the field of quantum communications. The tech demonstrates a method to “self-heal” against radiation damage, prolonging the life of these quantum tools in space. http://go.nasa.gov/4g2SuPn

Don Pettit
@astro_Pettit
Payload package deployment from the JAXA airlock using the Canadarm2 with the Special Purpose Dexterious Manipulator (SPDM). This timelapse shows the two smaller arms on SPDM grappling a materials exposure payload (MISSE) and moving it away. I especially like the sun angles moving around the window frame like a 16-hour sundial. This time exposure represents about 10 hours.

Nikon Z9, Nikon 8mm f2.8 fisheye, timelapse assembled by Chris Getteau, NASA JSC.

https://twitter.com/ISS_Research/status/1861127347862430112

[ddspaceman]

ISS National Lab
@ISS_CASIS
Recently published #research results from a collaboration between the ISS National Lab and the @NSF show how space-based #transportphenomena investigations "enable groundbreaking fundamental scientific research on the ISS in ways unattainable on Earth.": https://ow.ly/kUxm50UeNM1

https://twitter.com/ISS_CASIS/status/1861108011512598939

[ddspaceman]

Nick Hague
@AstroHague
For haircuts in space, we use the same tools as on the ground, but we add a vacuum cleaner to collect all the trimmings. Giving someone a haircut is probably the only thing we do up here that NASA gives us zero training on.  Luckily, my hometown stylist gave me a crash course!

https://twitter.com/AstroHague/status/1861127394226020745

[rdale]

Later reports claim the smell was "toxic" but wonder if that was just a translation issue... There was absolutely no mention of the smell in today's comms.

[ddspaceman]

Space Biology, Tech Studies Fill Day as Station Boosts Orbit

Mark Garcia Posted on November 25, 2024

The Expedition 72 crew kicked off Thanksgiving week with a multitude of advanced biology and technology studies to improve human health and industry on and off the Earth. The orbital residents also focused on spacesuits and space cargo rounding out Monday aboard the International Space Station.

Keeping humans healthy on Earth and during space missions is a key research objective for NASA and its international partners. Scientists use the weightless environment of the orbital outpost to gain unique insights impossible to achieve on Earth’s surface supporting the medicine, commercial, and space industries.

NASA Flight Engineers Nick Hague and Butch Wilmore started their day wrapping up a biology experiment seeking ways to prevent space-caused stress effects and overcome age-related diseases on Earth. The duo processed samples in an artificial gravity-generating incubator, then stowed the research hardware, and disconnected a laptop computer closing out the investigation. During the experiment operations the astronauts used a fluorescence microscope to observe the samples and understand how microgravity impacts inflammation and the immunity system.

Hague then moved on and set up the Kibo laboratory module’s Life Science Glovebox to begin exploring the feasibility of manufacturing nanomaterials that mimic DNA and design advanced therapies enhancing quality of life. Wilmore collected station water samples for microbial analysis then swapped samples for a physics study exploring ways to separate viruses from biological fluids and improve disease detection methods.

NASA Flight Engineer Don Pettit started his day loading items inside the SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft for return to Earth following its undocking on Thursday, Dec. 5. Next, he serviced the Additive Manufacturing Facility, a 3D printer, then collected a variety of seed samples that will be returned to Earth for growing in school classrooms. At the end of his shift, Pettit turned on the SphereCam-1 to test its ability to capture ultra-high-resolution video for detailed imagery of spacecraft systems.

Working in the Quest airlock, station Commander Suni Williams spent all day configuring spacesuit systems. She first serviced airlock oxygen and nitrogen tanks, then filtered and inspected suit cooling loops, and finally installed shields protecting suit life support systems.

Roscosmos cosmonauts Ivan Vagner and Aleksandr Gorbunov worked together on Monday and continued unpacking the Progress 90 resupply ship that arrived on Saturday loaded with nearly three tons of food, fuel, and supplies. After the hatch to Progress 90 was first opened, crew members reported an unusual odor from the spacecraft. Flight controllers on the ground activated air scrubbing equipment as part of normal procedures, indicating that the odor likely was outgassing from materials inside the cargo spacecraft. The crew reported the odor dissipated quickly and cargo transfer operations are proceeding on schedule.

Vagner also cleaned ventilation systems and conducted photography inspections. Gorbunov downloaded radiation data then installed Earth observation hardware to image Earth’s nighttime atmosphere in near-ultraviolet wavelengths. Flight Engineer Alexey Ovchinin began his day exploring futuristic spacecraft and robotic piloting techniques, then transferred water from the newly arrived Progress 90, before finishing up in the Nauka science module cleaning fans.

The International Space Station is orbiting slightly higher today after the docked Progress 89 cargo craft fired its engines for three-and-a-half minutes early Monday. The debris avoidance maneuver positioned the orbital outpost farther away from a satellite fragment nearing the station’s flight path.

https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2024/11/25/space-biology-tech-studies-fill-day-as-station-boosts-orbit/

The International Space Station soars into an orbital sunset above the Pacific Ocean with the Soyuz MS-26 crew ship in the foreground and the Prichal docking module in the rear.

[ddspaceman]

ISS Research
@ISS_Research
This experiment is HOT TO GO!

@NASAAstronauts installed MaRVIn-TABOOS, which measures how particles migrate from hot to cold regions in a fluid in space.  This tech could be used to understand how viruses move through temperature fields in biological fluids. http://go.nasa.gov/4hVDVPb

https://twitter.com/ISS_Research/status/1861444806289039782

[ddspaceman]

Bio Tech Dominates Research Schedule to Advance Space, Earth Industries

Mark Garcia Posted on November 26, 2024

The Expedition 72 crew studied micro-algae and DNA-like nanomaterials on Tuesday to improve health in space and on Earth. The orbital residents also worked on cargo transfers and lab maintenance aboard the International Space Station.

NASA Flight Engineer Nick Hague began his day processing radiation-resistant samples of Arthrospira C micro-algae and stowing them in an incubator for analysis. The samples will be exposed to different light intensities to observe how they affect the micro-algae’s cell growth and oxygen production. Results may advance the development of spacecraft life support systems and fresh food production in space.

Afterward, Hague joined Commander Suni Williams of NASA for a different research session mixing water with samples of messenger RNA, or mRNA, and protein to create DNA-like nanomaterial products inside the Kibo laboratory module’s Life Science Glovebox. Flight Engineer Butch Wilmore then transferred the samples, exposed them to ultrasonic waves, and imaged them with a spectrophotometer to measure the intensity of light at different wavelengths and evaluate the quality of the nanomaterials. The samples will also be returned to Earth for further evaluation. Results may lead to improved therapies for Earth and space health conditions as well as advance the space economy.

Wilmore joined NASA Flight Engineer Don Pettit and removed external research hardware from inside Kibo’s airlock. The hardware housed a variety of samples exposed to the vacuum of space such as polymers, photovoltaic devices, and more. The samples will be returned to Earth and examined to understand how space radiation, the extreme thermal environment, micrometeoroids, and more affect materials possibly benefitting the space industry.

Afterward, Pettit pedaled on an exercise cycle wearing breathing gear that measured his aerobic output in microgravity. He wrapped up his shift packing gear for return to Earth inside the SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft due to undock from the Harmony module’s forward port on Thursday, Dec. 5.

Roscosmos Flight Engineers Alexey Ovchinin and Ivan Vagner worked inside the Progress 89 resupply spacecraft on Tuesday that has been docked to the Zvezda service module’s rear port since Aug. 17. The duo first serviced the spacecraft’s docking mechanism then unpacked cargo for stowing inside the Nauka science module. Cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov had a light duty day primarily focusing on exercise inside the Tranquility module, jogging on the treadmill and working out on the advanced resistive exercise device.

https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2024/11/26/bio-tech-dominates-research-schedule-to-advance-space-earth-industries/

As the International Space Station soared 257 miles above, NASA astronaut Suni Williams captured this image of Florida at night. City lights illuminate the state and both the Gulf and Atlantic coasts are visible in this image.

[ddspaceman]

International Space Station
@Space_Station
This week on #SpaceToGround, take some time to enjoy a glimpse of Earth’s beauty this holiday season. 🌎🤩

https://twitter.com/Space_Station/status/1861787061323194603

[ddspaceman]

NASA
@NASA
"We have much to be thankful for."

From the @Space_Station, our crew of @NASA_Astronauts share their #Thanksgiving greetings—and show off the menu for their holiday meal.

NASA's Johnson Space Center
@NASA_Johnson
Happy #Thanksgiving from our crew to yours!

Aboard the @Space_Station, NASA Expedition 72 crew members Suni Williams, Nick Hague, Butch Wilmore, and Don Pettit shared their best wishes during the holiday season and the feast they plan to enjoy while in space! 🦃

https://twitter.com/NASA/status/1861802502334628166

[ddspaceman]

Nick Hague
@AstroHague
Because of the way the @space_station orbits, there are long stretches when we only see the U.S. at night. This makes for amazing views of places I’ve gone to school (Boston), lived (DC), and where I summed up the courage to ask my future father-in-law to marry his daughter (NY).

https://twitter.com/AstroHague/status/1861832270941716833

[ddspaceman]

Advanced Tech Research Tops Crew Schedule Day Before Thanksgiving

Mark Garcia Posted on November 27, 2024

Advanced technology research into DNA-like nanomaterials, bacterial genetic analysis, and 3D printing kept the Expedition 72 crew busy the day before Thanksgiving. The International Space Station residents also sent down a Thanksgiving message, checked out a Roscosmos cargo craft, and continued their standard orbital maintenance duties.

Commander Suni Williams kicked off her day with Flight Engineer Nick Hague, both NASA astronauts, in the Kibo laboratory module mixing samples of messenger RNA, or mRNA, and protein with water to manufacture nanomaterials that mimic DNA. Williams then imaged the samples using light intensity measurements to evaluate the quality of the nanomaterials. Results may benefit space manufacturing and lead to advanced therapies for Earthbound and space-caused health conditions.

NASA Flight Engineer Butch Wilmore spent all day Wednesday collecting microbe samples throughout the station to analyze their genetic characteristics. Wilmore first swabbed areas the crew touches frequently then transferred those samples to genetic research hardware for analysis. The samples will be incubated for a few days before undergoing a DNA extraction process for identification. Doctors want to understand how antibiotic-resistant bacteria evolve in the microgravity environment in an effort reduce the risk of crew infection aboard spacecraft.

NASA Flight Engineer Don Pettit worked in the Columbus laboratory module configuring the Metal 3D Printer that may be able to manufacture spare parts during space missions reducing the need for resupply missions launched from Earth. Williams assisted Pettit removing a printed specimen from the 3D printer and replacing components inside the device.

The four NASA astronauts sent down a Thanksgiving message video highlighting their upcoming meal and expressing their gratitude for their families and living and working in space. The quartet along with the three Roscosmos cosmonauts aboard the space station will take the day off on Thursday enjoying a hearty meal, talking to family members on the ground, and relaxing aboard the orbital outpost.

Roscosmos Flight Engineers Alexey Ovchinin and Ivan Vagner worked throughout Wednesday checking ventilation systems and docking hardware inside the Progress 89 cargo craft docked to the Zvezda service module’s rear port. The cosmonaut duo also took turns attaching electrodes to themselves recording their heart activity and measuring their blood pressure. Flight Engineer Aleksandr Gorbunov updated laptop computer software and continued unpacking the Progress 90 cargo craft.

https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2024/11/27/advanced-tech-research-tops-crew-schedule-day-before-thanksgiving/

NASA astronauts (clockwise from bottom left) Nick Hague, Suni Williams, Butch Wilmore, and Don Pettit wish a Happy Thanksgiving in this from the International Space Station. Credit: NASA/YouTube

[ddspaceman]

Don Pettit
@astro_Pettit
Four thumbs up!  My crew mates, Nick and Suni working  @Space_Station  on a bio-experiment in a glove box built for two.

https://twitter.com/astro_Pettit/status/1862077817342529854

[ddspaceman]

ISS Research
@ISS_Research
NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore installs PIL-BOX-07, an experiment that crystalizes molecules from a novel drug targeting bone cell renewal. The results could lead to better medicine to treat arthritis and some bone cancers. http://go.nasa.gov/3CEF5id

https://twitter.com/ISS_Research/status/1862171846428487680

[ddspaceman]

ISS Research
@ISS_Research
For over 20 years, @Space_Station has provided the chance to conduct innovative research. Microgravity, exposure to space, unique orbit—these  features allow astronauts to do cutting-edge research at 250 miles above Earth. More: https://www.nasa.gov/international-space-station/space-station-research-and-technology/space-station-science-101/

https://twitter.com/ISS_Research/status/1862504539133550629

[ddspaceman]

Crew Preps Space Botany Experiment, Packs Dragon for Return to Earth

Abby Graf Posted on November 29, 2024

The Expedition 72 crew is back to work following a day off yesterday to observe the Thanksgiving holiday. Space botany experiment prep and cargo operations topped Friday’s schedule aboard the International Space Station as three NASA astronauts prepped the SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft for return and another installed science gear that will assess how plants respond to different levels of water.

NASA Flight Engineers Nick Hague, Don Pettit, and Butch Wilmore spent some of the day packing gear for return to Earth inside the SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft, which is set to undock from the Harmony module’s forward port on Thursday, Dec. 5. Dragon arrived to the orbiting lab on Nov. 5, delivering over 6,000 pounds of science and cargo to the crew.

Pettit also penciled in some time to answer questions about life in orbit during an amateur radio call with students in Caltanissetta, Italy. Meanwhile, after Wednesday’s processing of radiant-resistant Arthrospira C micro-algae samples, Hague removed the four sample containers and swapped in a new set to the BioLab Incubator. The samples will be exposed to different light intensities to observe how they affect the micro-algae’s cell growth, which could advance spacecraft life support system development and fresh food production on future space missions.

In the Harmony module, station Commander Suni Williams started her day by gathering hardware for future Advanced Plant Habitat operations. She then collected water samples from the device’s distribution reservoir before installing the Plant Habitat-07 science carrier. The science carrier will host “Outredgeous” romaine lettuce plants as they grow in microgravity for crew members to assess how different amounts of water affect the growth of the plants. Results could identify how different moisture environments alter the production and nutritional content of lettuce grown in space and could improve how food crops are grown on Earth.

Near the end of the day, Williams assisted Hague with an ultrasound exam as she scanned veins in his neck, shoulders, and behind the knees.

In the Nauka module, Roscosmos Flight Engineers Alexey Ovchinin and Ivan Vagner rerouted cables throughout the day. Vagner then moved into the Zarya module to assess lighting conditions and later continued to unpack the Progress 90 cargo spacecraft, which docked to the station’s Poisk module on Nov. 23. Flight Engineer Aleksandr Gorbunov completed some computer work before ending his day by practicing his piloting techniques during a Pilot-T session.

https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2024/11/29/crew-preps-space-botany-experiment-packs-dragon-for-return-to-earth/

NASA astronaut and Expedition 72 Flight Engineer Nick Hague services samples of the Arthrospira C micro-algae for incubation and analysis.

[FutureSpaceTourist]

Crosspost:

Another view on the ‘outgassing’ claimed with MS-29 docking smell:

https://twitter.com/russianspaceweb/status/1862518793404084574

EXCLUSIVE: Toxic propellant spill might have caused ISS interior contamination!
DETAILS: https://www.russianspaceweb.com/progress-ms-29.html#spill

In fact, the working hypothesis was that ground control failed to perform a routine purging of propellant lines between the station and Progress MS-27 before its undocking. As a result, highly toxic residue of hypergolic propellant remaining in the lines could easily spill into the main cavity of the docking mechanism on Poisk […]

[Nicolas PILLET]

It seems that nobody reported this here, but a second PDAM has been made on 25th November.

https://www.roscosmos.ru/41061/

[ddspaceman]

Nick Hague
@AstroHague
The weather doesn’t change inside the @Space_Station; it’s always 70° with no chance of rain. So it’s nice to see signs of the seasons changing on Earth below. I was taking a photo of White Sands when I saw signs of the first snowfall in Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico.

https://twitter.com/AstroHague/status/1862927293162659845

[ddspaceman]

A. Pettit
@PettitFrontier
I was watching in Mission Control when my father caught the first @SpaceX Dragon craft sent to the ISS 12 years ago.

And just yesterday I had a video call to the ISS with him doing weightless somersaults in the modern Crew Dragon.

Unreal have far both have come!

Don Pettit
@astro_Pettit
12 years ago the @SpaceX Dragon D1 became the first commercial cargo vehicle to visit @Space_Station, where my crewmates and I captured it with the Canada robotic arm in May 2012; Expedition 30.

https://twitter.com/PettitFrontier/status/1863002795583864961

[ddspaceman]

Don Pettit
@astro_Pettit
Cosmic fireflies. Actually, these are Starlink satellites momentarily flashing sunlight towards @Space_Station.

https://twitter.com/astro_Pettit/status/1863113416098873407