Expedition 70 Thread

[ddspaceman]

ISS Daily Summary Report – 11/15/2023

Bill Keeter Posted on November 15, 2023

Payloads:

Boeing Environment Responding Antimicrobial Coatings (Antimicrobial Coatings): The crew deployed the six experiment placards in various locations throughout the ISS. These placards will remain deployed for approximately four months and will be touched regularly by the crew as part of the investigation. Boeing Environment Responding Antimicrobial Coatings tests an antimicrobial coating on several different materials that represent high-touch surfaces. Some microbes change characteristics in microgravity, which could create new risks to crew health and spacecraft systems as well as creating the possibility of contaminating other planetary bodies. The samples remain in space approximately six months before return to Earth for analysis.

Cell Gravisensing-2 (CGS-2): Sample observations and fixations were continued for the CGS-2 six-day experiment session. Fixation refers to a group of techniques which are used to preserve various aspects of the samples for later analysis. Recent spaceflight experiments have revealed that individual animal cells can feel the effects of gravity. However, how cells can sense gravity is largely unknown, thus understanding this mechanism emerges as one of the most important problems to be solved in space biology. Elucidation of Gravisensing Mechanism in Single Cells (Cell Gravisensing) investigation challenges this problem through the analysis of the substrate-rigidity sensing capability of cells during spaceflight.

Circadian Light: A Circadian Light end-of-day assessment was performed. The Circadian Light investigation tests a new lighting system, to help astronauts maintain an acceptable circadian rhythm. This can help enhance cognitive performance during a long-duration mission and help combat monotony through automated, varied, and gradually changing lighting sequences and settings.

Sleep in Orbit: The crew participated in an overnight recording session for the Sleep in Orbit experiment. The Long-term Sleep Monitoring Before, During and After Extended Spaceflight (Sleep in Orbit) investigation studies the physiological differences between sleep on Earth and in space using ear- Electroencephalography (EEG) based sleep monitoring.

Space Age: The crew performed sample collections and cell culture media exchanges for each of the habitats. Cell culture media contains nutrients and a pH buffer to sustain cells, and needs to be exchanged periodically as the nutrients are used up and waste products accumulate. Many changes to the human body seen in microgravity resemble those associated with aging on Earth. Aging-like changes to human immune cells are reversed after return to Earth. Tissue Engineered Liver Immune Chips in Microgravity as a Novel Platform to Study the Effect of Aged Immune Cells on Behavior and Regenerative Capacity of Liver Stem Cells (Space AGE) studies how microgravity-induced aging-like changes in immune cells affect the regenerative capabilities of liver cells and their postflight recovery. Results could improve understanding of the biology of aging and its effects on disease mechanisms.

Systems:

Mobile Servicing System (MSS) SpaceX-29 (SpX-29) External Cargo Operations: The MSS was powered up and used to extract the ILLUMA-T payload from the SpX-29 Trunk. Once removed from the SpX-29 Trunk, the MSS then handed off the cargo to the JEMRMS. The JEMRMS then grappled the payload and successfully berthed it to the Exposed Facility Unit-3 (EFU-3).

Station Support Computer (SSC) Loading Preparation: The crew reloaded wired laptops using the Load Image Server (LIS). This was done in preparation for updates from the ground team later today. SSCs are used by the crew and are associated with non-command activities onboard the International Space Station.

Environmental Health System (EHS) – Formaldehyde Monitoring Kit (FMK) Stow Operations: The crew retrieved monitors from the LAB and the SM and detached monitors from the location. Additionally, the crew applied stickers to stop the monitoring process and properly stowed the FMKs in a bag for return. FMKs are single gas analyzers which provide near real-time data to the ground on Formaldehyde levels on ISS.

Completed Task List Activities:

    RR Hab Restock [GMT 318]
    WHC KTO Replace

Today’s Ground Activities:
All activities are complete unless otherwise noted.

    MSS SpX-29 External Cargo Operations
    Space AGE Media Exchange and Effluent Sampling Operations Support
    Dragon Trunk Camera Support
    PRO LSG, CIR, and STPH7 Commanding
    ESA PL PC – Files Uplink

[ddspaceman]

ISS Daily Summary Report – 11/16/2023

Bill Keeter Posted on November 16, 2023

Payloads:

Cell Gravisensing-2 (CGS-2): Confocal Space Microscope sample observations were continued for the CGS-2 six-day experiment session. Recent spaceflight experiments have revealed that individual animal cells can feel the effects of gravity. However, how cells can sense gravity is largely unknown, thus understanding this mechanism emerges as one of the most important problems to be solved in space biology. The Elucidation of Gravisensing Mechanism in Single Cells (Cell Gravisensing) investigation challenges this problem through the analysis of the substrate-rigidity sensing capability of cells during spaceflight.

Earthshine from ISS: The experiment hardware was set up and photos were taken of the Moon. The Earthshine from ISS investigation involves the thorough analysis of photos taken of the Moon from the ISS at specific points in the lunar cycle to study changes in the Earth’s reflectance of light, or albedo. Activities consist of in-flight sessions comprised of photography of the Moon by the crew using a handheld digital camera and lens available aboard the ISS.

Melanized Microbes for Multiple Uses in Space (MELSP): Two Biological Research in Canisters (BRICs) Petri Dish Fixation Units (PDFUs) were placed in a Microgravity Experiment Research Locker Incubator (MERLIN) to incubate, and 2 other BRIC PDFUs were inserted into -80°C cold stowage. MELSP investigates how microgravity and cosmic radiation alter microbial melanin production and the role that melanin plays in fungal adaptation to the space environment. Melanin may help protect organisms in space conditions by providing physical shielding and by scavenging free radicals. Synthesis and production of melanin in microgravity could lead to new variants with novel properties and inspire development of new protective materials that are renewable and biodegradable.

NanoRacks Module-9 (NR Mod-9): The crew gained access to the NR Mod-9 experiment containers, opened a subset of the mixture tube clamps, and/or shook the tubes. Experiments in the tubes include biological samples, crystals, and materials testing. NR Mod-9 is a module containing a complement of Mixture Tubes. These Mixture Tubes each contain a separate experiment that can be activated and deactivated while in zero-G. Tubes are a low-cost, high-return science opportunity for students to send experiments to ISS and encompass a wide range of science/disciplines. Mixture Tubes are very popular with middle and high school science programs and have also been used by private company research, technical schools, and individual research.

NanoRacks External Platform (NREP): The crew removed External Module-14, also known as LEO-TM N-REP ISS Demonstration Advanced Sensor (LEONIDAS), from the NREP and packed it for return. The NREP provides a platform that provides communication, power, and operations to hosted payloads mounted on the outside of the ISS. LEONIDAS collects data on various backgrounds (local time of day, glint, clouds, etc.) to support development of a machine learning algorithm.

Virtual Reality for Exercise (VR for Exercise): Experiment batteries were charged in preparation for upcoming science activities. The VR for Exercise investigation focuses on the development of a VR environment for biking sessions aboard the ISS. The VR equipment is interfaced with the current exercise bicycle aboard the space station, known as the Cycle Ergometer with Vibration Isolation and Stabilization (CEVIS).

Systems:

Mobile Servicing System (MSS) SpaceX-29 External Cargo Operations: The MSS was powered up and used to extract the Atmospheric Waves Experiment (AWE) payload from the SpX-29 Trunk. Once removed from the SpX-29 Trunk, the MSS then proceeded to stow it on the Enhanced ORU Temporary Platform (EOTP). Following that, the ground team performed a Mobile Transporter (MT) Pre-Translation Check Out and Survey.

Nanorack Airlock (NRAL) Operations: The crew cleared the Node 3 Port Endcone, opened the Node 3 Port hatch, cleared stowage from NRAL, and reconfigured the NRAL bungee jail. This was done in preparation to stow NREP in NRAL. The crew then removed Module-14 (LEONIDAS), reconfigured NREP, and stowed it in NRAL. Finally, the crew restowed additional items in the NRAL post NREP operations.

Health Maintenance System (HMS) Spaceflight Cognitive Assessment Tool for Windows (WinSCAT) Test: The crew performed a monthly WinSCAT test. The test is a screen tool developed by NASA to monitor astronauts and their neuro-cognitive status while in space and alert NASA flight surgeons to any accuracy or reaction time changes in an astronaut’s performance. WinSCAT tests working memory, computational skills, attention, visual tracking, and spatial processing.

HMS Venous Thromboembolism Scan: The crew used the ultrasound device to perform a Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) scan. This routine medical exam utilizes existing on-orbit eye exam ultrasound hardware for imaging of the neck, clavicle, shoulder, and behind the knee. VTE scans utilize a different frequency than the eye exams.

CWC-I (Iodinated Contingency Water Container) Operations: The crew initiated a CWC-I Fill to help

prepare a water bag for the operations next week. The CWC-I was filled by the WPA Waste Water tank via Process Line B. Immediately following the CWC-I Fill the crew performed a degas of two CWC-Is. The CWC-I Assembly is a water bag which has the ability to store up to 50 lbs of iodinated water.

Completed Task List Activities:

    None

Today’s Ground Activities:
All activities are complete unless otherwise noted.

    VDS EHDC P1 Radiator Survey
    MSS Powerup
    JEMAL Pressurization
    JEMAL ST Operations Support
    HRF Rack 1 Rack Power Up Commanding

[ddspaceman]

Space Biology Research Wraps Up Crew’s Work Week

Mark Garcia Posted on November 17, 2023

Bacteria, brain aging, and gravity-sensing cells were the main research subjects aboard the International Space Station on Friday. The seven Expedition 70 crew members also worked on computers, communications gear, and life support maintenance to wrap up the work week.

NASA Flight Engineer Loral O’Hara explored how microorganisms grow in microgravity, the potential damage they cause to spacecraft, and ways to disinfect the harmful bacteria. She inoculated microbe samples inside the Life Science Glovebox that will be compared to uninoculated samples. The NASA-sponsored Bacteria Adhesion and Corrosion study takes place in the Kibo laboratory module and aims to keep space crews and humans on Earth healthy.

Commander Andreas Mogensen from ESA (European Space Agency) viewed cell samples under a microscope for the Cerebral Ageing experiment. The study looks at brain cell-like samples to understand accelerated aging symptoms seen in patients on Earth and observed in astronauts on long-term space missions.

Astronaut Satoshi Furukawa from JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) prepared different cell samples for observation inside the Confocal Microscope then closed out the Cell Gravisensing biology Investigation. Earlier in the day, he swapped hard drives on a laptop computer then assisted O’Hara continuing to unpack the SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft.

NASA Flight Engineer Jasmin Moghbeli spent her day in the Harmony module configuring a variety of NASA and Roscosmos hardware. She first calibrated an ultrasonic inspection device that uses high-frequency sound waves to analyze materials, Afterward, Moghbeli checked space-to-ground, VHF, and inter-module communication systems.

Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko researched 3D printing techniques to learn how to manufacture tools and supplies in space and reduce dependence on cargo missions from Earth. Cosmonaut Nikolai Chub spent his day on life support and electronics maintenance. Cosmonaut Konstantin Borisov configured Soyuz crew ship and Progress resupply ship laptop computers then continued his photographic analysis of the station’s Roscosmos modules.

https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2023/11/17/space-biology-research-wraps-up-crews-work-week/

The sun's first rays and the city lights of the U.S.

iss070e022671 (Nov. 10, 2023) --- The sun's first rays begin illuminating Earth's atmosphere in this photograph from the International Space Station as it orbited 260 miles above the central United States. At far left, the city lights of Chicago, Illinois, are outlined by Lake Michigan. At far right, the city lights of the Dallas/Forth Worth metropolitan area shine through the clouds.

[ddspaceman]

International Space Station
@Space_Station
This week on #SpaceToGround, Dragon docked to the station and the Exp 70 crew kept busy with science that could benefit life on Earth. 🐉🚀🌎

https://twitter.com/Space_Station/status/1725631144644018584

[ddspaceman]

Humans in Space/JAXA
@HumanSpace_JAXA

GT: Initial checkout of the International Space Station's onboard drone robot Int-Ball2 ✨ It will soon become an astronaut's cute companion ❓❗️

https://twitter.com/HumanSpace_JAXA/status/1725375711295263072

[ddspaceman]

Apaiss
@Apaiss1
Robotics operations on the ISS from yesterday to today. I don't know exactly what they will do, but this timelapse shows Canadarn (SSRMS) leaving DEXTRE (SPDM) on the MT (mobile transporter) and "playing worm" around. Then he picked up DEXTRE again. Very nice views of earth in a kind of rare angles. I believe it is a repositioning to install a new payload from Dragon cargo. Edit speed between 16x and 64x. LOS (loss of signal) time and maaaany time without moving I did cut. I edit the speed of the clips depending on the beauty and interest of the view. Enjoy. What happened very quickly was because Xtwitter didn't allow me to make a longer clip. If it's of interest, I'll make one on YouTube later. Enjoy!
I like it a little slower, but it wouldn't fit here.

https://twitter.com/Apaiss1/status/1725615621268701454

[Yellowstone10]

No pictures since I'm on a flight, but about an hour ago Dextre removed STP-H5 from ELC-1 to free up a slot for AWE.

Still no pictures because I was only briefly able to take a look at the feed this morning, but it appears that Dextre moved STP-H5 up to the empty slot on ELC-3 that RRM3 used to be in (FRAM 3 to be specific). No AWE placement yet.

Update from November 22 - that was bad info, I just missed it when trying to scrub through 12 hours of ISS video feed on my cell phone. AWE must have been placed shortly after STP-H5 was removed.

[ddspaceman]

Expedition 70 Astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli Answers Pensacola, FL Student Questions - Nov. 15, 2023

[ddspaceman]

Andreas Mogensen
@Astro_Andreas
Today is World Toilet day, which celebrate and highlights the throne that we all sit on every day. And if you have ever wondered how going to the toilet works on the International @Space_Station, I have made a little video explaining the procedure that is needed to go number 1 and 2 on the toilet up here.

Having a functioning toilet in space reminds me that not all are fortunate enough in the world to have access to such a luxury or even clean water. One of the upcoming technology demonstrations I will do is with Aquamembrane-3 from which will test an updated version of the same technology that I tested on my first mission in 2015. By using proteins in the membrane, it creates clean water from waste water and could hopefully find use in areas on Earth where clean water is scarce.

https://twitter.com/Astro_Andreas/status/1726193244415938654

[Yellowstone10]

Getting some unusual internal views from Crew Dragon of Loral O'Hara working with a large syringe-like object. (They've been mentioning CWC-I, Contingency Water Container-Iodinated.)

Also earlier today, the JEM RMS picked up the Small Fine Arm, but I didn't see if it did anything with it, since SSRMS is kind of in the way.

[ddspaceman]

International Space Station
@Space_Station
Working in space to improve life on Earth.

Daily operations on the space station fuel research in plant growth, medical science, and life support technology that improves life on Earth.

https://twitter.com/Space_Station/status/1726631488257663218

[ddspaceman]

Loral O'Hara
@lunarloral
When you turn the corner and see your friend working on the wall…

https://twitter.com/lunarloral/status/1726669788867612962

[ddspaceman]

Crew Studies Biology and Works in Dragon as Station Turns 25

Mark Garcia Posted on November 20, 2023

Space biology and Dragon work were the top duties at the beginning of the week for the Expedition 70 crew. The International Space Station also turned 25 years old today with its first module having orbited Earth since 1998.

Eye scans were on the biomedical research schedule for four astronauts on Monday afternoon. Commander Andreas Mogensen kicked off the exams activating the Ultrasound 2 device then setting up communications gear allowing doctors on the ground to remotely monitor the activities. Mogensen from ESA (European Space Agency) then took turns with flight engineers Loral O’Hara, Jasmin Moghbeli, and Satoshi Furukawa in the Columbus laboratory module participating in the regularly scheduled eye exams.

Mogensen partnered with Moghbeli from NASA at the end of the day and practiced SpaceX Dragon Endurance undocking and landing procedures on the crew spacecraft’s computers. Mogensen earlier unpacked medical supply kits from Endurance and stowed them inside the orbital outpost. O’Hara from NASA and Furukawa from JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) worked inside Endurance as well configuring orbital plumbing gear in the vehicle that has been docked to the station since Aug. 27.

O’Hara later worked on a space botany study to promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education among tribal members. Five varieties of seeds provided by the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma are exposed to microgravity for several months then returned to Earth and planted next to the same seeds left on Earth for comparison. Furukawa turned off a microscope in the Kibo laboratory module and removed samples for a study that was observing how cells sense gravity or the lack gravity. He then stayed in Kibo setting up research hardware and connecting an incubator for an upcoming experiment to observe stem cell growth that may support regenerative medicine technology.

In the Roscosmos segment of the space station, veteran cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko spent the day inside the Nauka science module checking its airlock, ventilation, and docking systems. Flight Engineer Nikolai Chub attached sensors to himself monitoring his cardiac activity then cleaned air ducts inside the Nauka and Poisk modules. Flight Engineer Konstantin Borisov wore a sensor-packed cap that recorded his responses while practicing futuristic planetary and robotic piloting techniques on a computer.

On Nov. 20, the International Space Station passes 25 years since the first module launched into orbit. The Zarya module lifted off in November 1998 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan and would shortly be joined by the Unity module less than a month later. Through this global endeavor, 273 people from 21 countries now have visited the unique microgravity laboratory that has hosted more than 3,000 research and educational investigations from people in 108 countries and areas.

https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2023/11/20/crew-studies-biology-and-works-in-dragon-as-station-turns-25/

The space station is pictured from the SpaceX Crew Dragon Endeavour during its departure and flyaround on Nov. 8, 2021.

[Targeteer]

Andreas Mogensen
@Astro_Andreas
Today is World Toilet day, which celebrate and highlights the throne that we all sit on every day. And if you have ever wondered how going to the toilet works on the International @Space_Station, I have made a little video explaining the procedure that is needed to go number 1 and 2 on the toilet up here.

Having a functioning toilet in space reminds me that not all are fortunate enough in the world to have access to such a luxury or even clean water. One of the upcoming technology demonstrations I will do is with Aquamembrane-3 from which will test an updated version of the same technology that I tested on my first mission in 2015. By using proteins in the membrane, it creates clean water from waste water and could hopefully find use in areas on Earth where clean water is scarce.

https://twitter.com/Astro_Andreas/status/1726193244415938654

Pretty sure that's the "waste hygiene compartment" which is the original, Russian built, toilet.  There is a second toilet, actually referred to as the toilet, that is testing technology intended for Orion.  As far as I can tell from monitoring ISS comms, it has never worked and is not being used.

[Yellowstone10]

Also earlier today, the JEM RMS picked up the Small Fine Arm, but I didn't see if it did anything with it, since SSRMS is kind of in the way.

The SFA removed the iSEEP 2 experiment platform from EFU-11 and is bringing it inside the station via the JEM Airlock.

[Nicolas PILLET]

On Nov. 10, the International Space Station’s Zvezda service module engines were fired for five minutes and 16 seconds

I hope they didn't ! Poor little Progress MS-24...

[ddspaceman]

On Nov. 10, the International Space Station’s Zvezda service module engines were fired for five minutes and 16 seconds

I hope they didn't ! Poor little Progress MS-24...

Yeah, the "ISS Daily Summary Report"s have much more reliable info but they don't publish them as regularly.  The "Space Station blog" has much less detail and accuracy but has names and pictures      If you look at the daily reports around the time you reference you will find more accurate info usually.

[ddspaceman]

ISS Daily Summary Report – 11/17/2023

Bill Keeter Posted on November 17, 2023

Payloads:

Bacterial Adhesion and Corrosion (BAC): The BioCell habitat was retrieved, two of the BioCells were inoculated with experiment bacteria, and then stowed in the Space Automated Laboratory Incubator (SALI) incubator. Polymicrobial Biofilm Growth and Control during Spaceflight (Bacterial Adhesion and Corrosion) explores the formation under microgravity conditions of multi-species biofilms, which may behave differently from single-species biofilms. This investigation identifies the bacterial genes used during biofilm growth, examines whether these biofilms can corrode stainless steel, and evaluates the effectiveness of a silver-based disinfectant. The microorganisms in biofilms can become resistant to traditional cleaning chemicals, leading to contamination of water treatment systems, damage to equipment, and potential health risks to astronauts.

Boeing Environment Responding Antimicrobial Coatings (Antimicrobial Coatings): Today, is day two of the experiment, where the crew performed routine periodic touching of the six experiment placards deployed in various locations throughout the ISS. These placards will remain deployed for approximately four months and will be touched regularly by the crew as part of the investigation. The Boeing Environment Responding Antimicrobial Coatings experiment tests an antimicrobial coating on several different materials that represent high-touch surfaces. Some microbes change characteristics in microgravity, which could create new risks to crew health and spacecraft systems as well as creating the possibility of contaminating other planetary bodies.

Cell Gravisensing-2 (CGS-2): Observations were performed for the final day of the six-day CGS-2 experiment. Recent spaceflight experiments have revealed that individual animal cells can feel the effects of gravity. However, how cells can sense gravity is largely unknown, thus understanding this mechanism emerges as one of the most important problems to be solved in space biology. Elucidation of Gravisensing Mechanism in Single Cells (Cell Gravisensing) investigation challenges this problem through the analysis of the substrate-rigidity sensing capability of cells during spaceflight.

Cerebral Ageing: Microscopy observations were performed on the science samples. The Impact of Spaceflight on Human Brain Ageing Using Cerebral Organoids (Cerebral Ageing) investigation studies the effect of spaceflight and the durability in space of cerebral organoids. Cerebral organoids are 3D human-derived structures that closely resemble a developing human brain at the molecular and cellular level. Also included for analysis in this investigation are markers of cell stress, metabolism, and ageing in healthy control samples, and cerebral organoids with mutations that lead to accelerated ageing. With this investigation, the research team seeks to establish and validate a pipeline that can be used for experiments with human cells in future long-duration spaceflight.

ISS Ham: An ISS Ham pass was supported with the New Heights School & Learning Services in Calgary, AB, Canada. Some of the questions asked by the students included how much power the ISS uses every day, if the crew exercises, and the strangest thing the crew has seen in space. Since the earliest space station expeditions, ISS Ham Radio has allowed groups of students in schools, camps, museums, and planetariums to hold a conversation with the people living in space. As the ISS passes overhead, students have about nine minutes to ask crewmembers 10 to 20 questions.

Virtual Reality (VR) for Exercise: The crew performed a checkout of the Virtual Reality for Exercise science hardware. VR for Exercise focuses on the development of a VR environment for biking sessions aboard the ISS. The VR equipment is interfaced with Cycle Ergometer with Vibration Isolation and Stabilization (CEVIS), the current bicycle exerciser aboard the space station, located in the United States Laboratory Module Destiny.

Systems:

Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) Recycle Tank Drain: The recycle tank was set up to drain via the Urine Processor Assembly (UPA) Fill Drain Valve into a Brine EDV using the Urine Transfer System (UTS). Following the setup, the ground performed the tank drain using the UTS. Once the ground specialists completed the transfer, the crew terminated the drain, repositioned the fill/drain valve to force fill the recycle tank using UTS, and configured for nominal processing operations.

Countermeasures Systems (CMS) CEVIS Pack: The crew removed the Integrated Vehicle Instrumentation System (IVIS) Boxes from the legacy CEVIS Ergometer and packed the ergometer in Acoustic Covers for return. CEVIS was replaced by an upgraded “Teal” unit, which is also called “CEVIS”. Teal CEVIS arrived on NG-19, with a spare arriving on NG-20.

Health Maintenance System (HMS) Vision Test: The crew performed eye exams with the support of the Station Support Computer (SSC) Client. Eye exams are performed regularly on board in order to test visual acuity, visual field, and contrast sensitivity. Eyesight is one of the many aspects of the human body that is affected by long-duration stays in a microgravity environment. The physical test was followed by a crew vision questionnaire.

SpX-29 Dragon Cargo Transfer Operations: Today, the crew continued transferring hardware and supplies from the SpX-29 Dragon cargo vehicle to the ISS. SpX-29 is scheduled to remain at the ISS until December before it undocks to return precious cargo and payloads to Earth.

Completed Task List Activities:

    N3 Endcone Restow [GMT 320]
    N3/NRAL Clear [GMT 320]
    NRAL Restow [GMT 320]
    WHC KTO Replace [GMT 320]

Today’s Ground Activities:
All activities are complete unless otherwise noted.

    Bacterial Adhesion and Corrosion Inoculation Support
    Cerebral Ageing Microscopy 1 Support
    VDS EHDC P1 Radiator Survey
    Recycle Tank Drain Support
    MSS Cargo Setup Operations
    MSS SpX-29 External Cargo Operations [Planned]
    JEMAL Depress Operations

[ddspaceman]

ISS Daily Summary Report – 11/20/2023

Bill Keeter Posted on November 20, 2023

Payloads:

Cell Gravisensing-2: Following the completion of the six-day experiment session last week, today the crew removed the observation chamber from the Confocal Space Microscope, and returned the microscope to its nominal configuration. Recent spaceflight experiments have revealed that individual animal cells can feel the effects of gravity. However, how cells can sense gravity is largely unknown, thus understanding this mechanism emerges as one of the most important problems to be solved in space biology. The Elucidation of Gravisensing Mechanism in Single Cells (Cell Gravisensing) investigation challenges this problem through the analysis of the substrate-rigidity sensing capability of cells during spaceflight.

Choctaw Heirloom Seeds: The crew reviewed the big picture words for the experiment and recorded a video giving details for each of the seed kits in the investigation. The Choctaw Heirloom Seeds investigation flies five varieties of Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma (CNO) heirloom seeds to the ISS as part of a cultural and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) study. Upon return, the seeds are planted in the Growing Hope Garden as part of the Jones Academy boarding school for Native Americans. Plant growth comparisons are then drawn between space-flown seeds and ground controls. This investigation intends to inspire Native American Youths to pursue careers in STEM.

Combustion Integrated Rack/Solid Fuel Ignition and Extinction (CIR/SoFIE): The crew gained access to the CIR, replaced the Fuel Oxidizer Management Assembly (FOMA) calibration unit.  The FOMA calibration is performed periodically and helps to verify accurate readings from the various measurement systems in the CIR.  The CIR facility includes an optics bench, combustion chamber, fuel, and oxidizer control, and five different cameras for performing combustion investigations in microgravity. SoFIE is a hardware insert for the CIR that enables a wide range of solid-material combustion and fire suppression studies.

Space Organogenesis-2: The base unit and organoid culture unit were installed into the Cell Biology Experiment Facility – Left (CBEF-L) incubator. This is part of the preparation and checkout activities for the upcoming experiment session. The Development of Advanced 3D Organ Culture System Utilizing the Microgravity Environment (Space Organogenesis) investigation demonstrates growth of organ buds from human stem cells in three-dimensional (3D) cultures in microgravity. Researchers plan to use these cultures to observe growth of the organ buds and analyze changes in gene expression. Cell culture on Earth is limited to two dimensions but in microgravity, cell cultures likely can expand into three dimensions.

Virtual Reality (VR) Mental Care: The VR Mental Care batteries were charged in preparation for upcoming science activities. The VR Mental Care investigation demonstrates the application of VR for mental relaxation, using 360° high quality (HQ) VR video and sound scenarios delivered via a VR headset. The overall aim is to use VR technology to provide a positive impact on the general mental health of astronauts during a space mission. Investigation activities consist of in-flight testing sessions comprised of VR video viewing and questionnaires (via the ESA EveryWear app).

Systems:

Health Maintenance System (HMS) Ultrasound 2 Ocular Scan: Today, the crew performed eye exams using ultrasound equipment. Eye exams are performed regularly on-board to monitor crewmembers’ eye health. Eyesight is one of the many aspects of the human body that is affected by long-duration stays in a microgravity environment.

Waste and Hygiene Compartment (WHC) Urine Receptacle (UR) and Insert Filer (IF) Remove and Replace (R&R): As part of routine maintenance, the crew R&Red the WHC UR and IF. After the R&R, the crew cleaned the power supply, reactivated WHC, and performed a functionality test to verify the WHC was operational following the maintenance activities.

SpaceX Crew Dragon Urine Tank Capacity Test: Today, the crew setup and performed troubleshooting in preparation for the upcoming test sessions. The goal of this test is to find the exact maximum capacity of the Crew Dragon urine tank to help in increasing the amount of time the toilet is available to the crew while in free flight.

SpX-29 Cargo Transfer Operations: The crew continued transferring science and supplies from the SpaceX-29 cargo vehicle in support of science and ISS operations. SpaceX-29 will remain docked with the ISS until December.

Completed Task List Activities:

    ESA PAO Message STS-9 [GMT 323]

Today’s Ground Activities:
All activities are complete unless otherwise noted.

    CIR FOMA Cal Unit Replace Systems Support
    Video Distribution Subsystem (VDS) External High Definition Camera (EHDC) Survey of Soyuz
    Thermal Control System (TCS) S1 Thermal Radiator Rotary Joint (TRRJ) Reposition
    JAXA JEMRMS Operations

[ddspaceman]

Space Biology, Manufacturing Research Helping Plan Future Long-Term Missions

Mark Garcia Posted on November 21, 2023

Astronaut health, an aging study, and cargo operations kept the Expedition 70 crew busy on Tuesday. The International Space Station residents also explored space manufacturing and downloaded radiation data.

Scientists representing NASA and its international partners are collecting a multitude of physiological and psychological data from crew members living on the orbital outpost. The observations from the CIPHER suite of 14 human research experiments will help researchers and mission planners understand health issues astronauts may face on future missions. Insights from the space biology study will be especially useful when crews begin traveling longer and farther away from Earth toward the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

NASA astronaut Loral O’Hara spent most of Tuesday contributing to the CIPHER study processing blood and urine samples and participating in a cognition test. She processed the samples in a centrifuge and stowed them in a science freezer for later analysis. Results from the sample analyses and cognition tests will help doctors and astronauts prepare for long-term radiation exposure, isolation, extreme distances, and closed environments.

Aging is a key research topic aboard the space station as researchers study microgravity’s affect on brain cell-like samples. NASA Flight Engineer Jasmin Moghbeli was busy during the morning treating some of those samples inside the Kibo laboratory module’s Life Science Glovebox. The Cerebral Ageing study may provide insights unachievable on Earth into accelerated ageing symptoms, neurodegenerative diseases, and hypersensitivity to ultraviolet radiation on a molecular level. Results may promote advanced health treatments on Earth and in space.

Morale is also a very important characteristic to ensure mission success during long periods in deep space. Scientists are exploring the hypothesis that virtual reality experiences onboard a spacecraft may lead to less stress and greater mental relaxation. Commander Andreas Mogensen from ESA (European Space Agency) took part in that study today, VR Mental Care, wearing VR goggles and a controller, and watching a 360-degree movie to understand its stabilizing effect on the nervous system.

Astronaut Satoshi Furukawa from JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) worked inside the SpaceX Dragon Endurance crew spacecraft checking orbital plumbing gear with assistance from Mogensen. In the Harmony module’s port adjacent to Endurance, Moghbeli worked on cargo transfers inside the Dragon cargo spacecraft as O’Hara photographed some of the specially delivered gear.

3D printing in space is critical as crews traveling farther in space will be less dependent on cargo missions launched from Earth. Veteran cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko printed test samples in a 3D printer to learn how to manufacture tools and supplies on demand in microgravity. The five-time station resident also attached sensors to himself measuring his cardiac activity for a long-running Roscosmos experiment.

Roscosmos Flight Engineer Konstantin Borisov assisted Kononenko with the cardiac sensor attachments, checked camera hardware, then downloaded monthly radiation detection data. Flight Engineer Nikolai Chub explored how spaceflight conditions such as spacecraft vibrations, electric fields, and magnetic fields affect fluid systems.

https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2023/11/21/space-biology-manufacturing-research-helping-plan-future-long-term-missions/

Astronaut Andreas Mogensen operates a microscope to capture imagery of brain cell-like samples for the Cerebral Ageing space biology study.