Soyuz-2.1a - Soyuz MS-27 - March 20, 2025

[Satori]

Thread for the Soyuz MS-27 launch presently schedule for March 2025 to carry new crew members for Expedition 72/73 on ISS

Prime crew:

- Sergei Viktorovich Ryzhikov (Commander, Russia)
- Alexei Vitalyevich Zubritsky (Flight Engineer 1, Russia)
- Jonathan Yong Kim (Flight Engineer 2, USA)

Back-up crew

- Sergei Vladimirovich Kud-Sverchkov (Commander, Russia)
- Sergei Nikolayevich Mikayev (Flight Engineer 1, Russia)
- Christopher Leigh Williams (Flight Engineer 2, USA)

[Satori]

The train with the Soyuz-2.1 launcher for Soyuz MS-27 arrived at Baikonur on October 8.

[ddspaceman]

https://www.gctc.ru/main.php?id=6910
GT:
Sergei Ryzhikov and Alexey Zubritsky completed their training at the Space Center. L. Johnson
| Crews
October 30, 2024

The astronauts studied the systems of the American segment of the International Space Station, underwent training on typical operations, and also practiced actions in case of emergency situations.

During the session, training was carried out both as part of the crew of the manned transport spacecraft Soyuz MS-27 (Sergei Ryzhikov, Alexey Zubritsky and Jonathan Kim), and as part of the entire ISS-73 expedition, which also includes Crew-10 crew members Anne McClain , Nicole Ayres, Takuya Onishi and Kirill Peskov.

“In the absence of the Dragon crew on board the ISS, if an emergency situation arises on the American segment of the station, our crew will counter it in full. Also, if necessary, cosmonaut Sergei Ryzhikov and astronaut Jonathan Kim will be able to perform a spacewalk in EMU spacesuits, and they also practiced these actions, so at NASA we had serious training,” Alexey Zubritsky explained the need for such training.

At the end of the preparation, the crew of the Soyuz MS-27 spacecraft took part in a traditional cake ceremony, for which they baked a sponge cake with the symbols of the upcoming long expedition.

“A group gathered: instructors, teachers - everyone who participated in our training at the Center. Johnson in the USA. Then there was an official presentation of the crew, in a response speech we thanked the specialists for their joint work, after which the cake was cut. After the refreshment, everyone had the opportunity to take a photo, ask questions and say warm parting words,” Alexey Zubritsky told the details of this ceremony.

[ddspaceman]

https://www.gctc.ru/main.php?id=6911
GT:
A wardrobe is being prepared for the cosmonauts: Alexey Zubritsky tried on flight clothes
| Crews
October 30, 2024

Like preparing for any long journey, preparing for an orbital expedition requires a competent selection of clothing sets that the astronauts will wear during the flight to the ISS.

No mass market, only individual tailoring, taking into account the characteristics of the figure and the personal wishes of the astronauts. For example, a chevron with the initials and surname of the owner can be sewn onto a jumpsuit or T-shirt, and the emblem of the crew or expedition, hometown or region can be placed on it.

“During practical classes, in addition to the assortment, we inform you about the wearing time of flight clothing. When preparing things, the convenience of the astronaut is put first. This takes into account the texture of the fabric, cut, for example, long or short sleeves, fastening elements: zippers, buttons. Experts can tailor any model to the individual wishes of the astronaut, the main thing is that he feels comfortable wearing these clothes. In addition, crews can choose personal hygiene products,” said Natalya Pekarskaya, teacher at the training center.

In everyday life at the station, astronauts wear T-shirts, polos, shorts, trousers, and overalls. Separate sets of clothing are provided for sports activities, as well as sneakers and cycling shoes for exercise.

“I chose light colors: blue, blue, white.  But I ordered T-shirts, polos, and shorts in different colors, because on Earth there are the same preferences, but there (in space), perhaps they will change so that you can choose. In terms of functionality, clothing requires additional devices, for example, on overalls, shorts, trousers there are many pockets, Velcro stripes (in colloquial language they are often called “Velcro” - editor’s note), which will allow you to attach things necessary for work to clothing: a tablet, pen, tools, etc. On Earth, you can simply put them next to you, and there they will fly away, so objects need to be attached,” explained Alexey Zubritsky.

Clothes and shoes will be delivered on board by cargo ship; the weight of the cargo is limited, so for the entire duration of the expedition they take a calculated number of sets, guided by the service life of the items. Underwear (T-shirt, shorts and terry socks) is designed for three days, polo should be worn for no more than 7 days, and shorts - no more than two weeks. The space wardrobe includes two types of overalls: “crew” (for congratulatory video conferences) and personal (for video recording of work processes and experiments). The trousers are sewn with straps so that they do not ride up in zero gravity.

When making clothes, they try to use more natural materials. Thus, the composition of the linen fabric includes 95% cotton and 5% elastane. For overalls, cotton and polyester are used in a 50/50 ratio - the mixed fabric will not wrinkle as much. But to sew sports kits, you will already need synthetics - it more easily releases the liquid that cotton retains, so the astronauts will be comfortable while exercising on the bike path.

The range of flight clothing was developed taking into account the opinions of cosmonauts and specialists from the Cosmonaut Training Center, on orders from RSC Energia, with the participation of the Institute of Medical and Biological Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

[ddspaceman]

The Space Pirate🏴‍☠️🥷🏻🚀
@TheSpacePirateX
🚨 Cosmonauts Sergei Ryzhikov, Alexei Zubritsky, Kirill Peskov & astronaut Jonathan Kim just completed a simulated emergency drill. They practiced ammonia leak response, air purification, & evacuation protocols to stay sharp for any scenario in @Space_Station 🛰️

https://twitter.com/TheSpacePirateX/status/1852368825414517061

[ddspaceman]

Jonny Kim
@JonnyKimUSA
T+19 (9.15.23): There is a lot of work that occurs before performing real operations in space. Meticulous planning, rehearsing, and development are the costs of business. On this day, I got to work with my classmates, @Astro_FarmerBob and @Astro_Raja to aid in the development of an experiment NASA hopes to do soon, which is to sample the exterior of the space station for microorganisms during a spacewalk. The idea is pretty straightforward - swab suspected areas around the space station, namely areas where microbes could have been deposited (e.g., near vents, handrail surfaces, near the airlock) to see if life could survive at vacuum. It's difficult to imagine life could survive in such an environment, but humans have been surprised before by finding life in extreme environments (e.g., hot springs, hydrothermal vents at the bottom of the ocean, etc). These organisms are called extremophiles because they live in extreme environmental conditions that are normally thought impossible for life to adapt to.

One of the coolest parts of this operation is how NASA repurposed an old piece of hardware from Shuttle into a canister caddy to house 6 sterile swabs. Hopefully, we get to see this experiment soon on the @Space_Station .

T+23 (9.19.23): After rehearsing the sequence of events and familiarizing ourselves with the equipment, the day came for Farmer and I to practice in the NBL. I got to practice my "aseptic technique," employed in medical settings to prevent cross-contamination leading to infection. Except in this setting, it's to ensure we get good science.

In our ear is our "TC" (training conductor), Drew Burr, who is an instrumental member of the EVA team responsible for preparing us for EVA missions during flight.

https://twitter.com/JonnyKimUSA/status/1853047032551796764

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https://www.gctc.ru/main.php?id=6916
GT:
The crew left the “station” due to an accident: the cosmonauts and astronaut worked through several emergency situations
| Crews
November 01, 2024

According to the training scenario, Sergei Ryzhikov, Alexey Zubritsky, Jonathan Kim (crew of the Soyuz MS-27 spacecraft) and Kirill Peskov (crew member of Crew-10), while on the International Space Station, encountered a number of emergency situations. These cosmonauts and the astronaut would soon be working together on the ISS, so it was very important for the instructors to practice team coordination.

The crew carried out a number of scenarios: a “fire” at the station, its depressurization and the release of ammonia on the American segment.

“During training on crew actions in emergency situations, we try to work out various scenarios. It is very important that the crew does not know which emergency situation will occur, which brings its work closer to real conditions. In the final scenario of this training, there was no opportunity to clear the atmosphere of the Russian segment of the ISS and the Soyuz spacecraft, so the crew left the station. And to practice the procedure for putting on spacesuits and descending to Earth, I went to the Soyuz simulator room,” said Ksenia Kakushina, leading cosmonaut training specialist at the Cosmonaut Training Center.

Ammonia is the most toxic substance at the station, negatively affecting the respiratory system, mucous membranes and human skin. In a liquid state, it is present in the external thermal control loops of the American segment; it is not present on the ISS RS. But in the event of an emergency release of a substance, the atmosphere of the entire station is at risk, and the crew must know the procedure for countering such an emergency situation.

After detecting a leak, everyone puts on masks with filters, turns on the station’s atmosphere purification cartridge and, half an hour later, uses special equipment to measure the content of dangerous gas in the air. If the maximum permissible concentration standards are exceeded, the crew must put on spacesuits wearing masks, move to the Soyuz and begin urgent undocking and descent to Earth.

According to the training scenario, Kirill Peskov left the station on the Dragon ship along with his fellow Crew-10 crew members. Meanwhile, Sergei Ryzhikov, Alexey Zubritsky and Jonathan Kim went to the Soyuz spacecraft simulator room and performed a number of operations wearing new emergency masks. The advantage of these protective equipment is that the viewing window does not fog up in them, and it is convenient for the crew to work in them.

When the astronaut is wearing a mask, a certain difficulty arises when putting on a spacesuit: it is impossible to put it on completely. Therefore, each crew member takes turns holding their breath, taking off their mask, putting on the full spacesuit and the same mask, and then preparing for descent. The commander, as a more experienced person, alternately helps the flight engineers and controls their actions, then one of them, in turn, helps the commander.

During training, these actions are practiced to the point of automaticity, so that in the event of a real accident, crew members can perform them “by touch,” maintaining their health, and successfully return to Earth.

“The crew had no questions about putting on new masks; everything was done the first time. The cosmonauts also noted that working in these protective equipment is much more comfortable than in the previous ones. Alexei Zubritsky and Jonathan Kim will be on their first flight, so this training is especially important for them,” summed up Igor Karyukin, leading cosmonaut training specialist at the Cosmonaut Training Center.


The crew left the “station” due to an accident: the cosmonauts and astronaut worked through several emergency situations
https://rutube.ru/video/3fd764c4cb730c25e1cb71c3eb767333

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More photos from above source:

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More photos from above source:

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Jonny Kim
@JonnyKimUSA
T+23 (9.19.23): A requirement that all aspiring NASA spacewalkers have is to be able to conduct a rescue of their teammate within a specific time. Our EMU spacesuits offer the means for mobility and work in the vacuum of space and provide our life support. In the rare possibility anything off-nominal occurs to prevent a spacewalker from returning safely to the airlock on their own, they must rely on their partner to bring them safely back to the airlock. It's no different from many other lines of work relying on teammates in emergencies.

To train for this, we rehearse numerous scenarios of incapacitated crew members. We also have a lot of help, such as a cuff checklist of emergency action responses, the memorized portion of which we call "boldface," and dedicated experts in MCC-Houston feeding us data and recommendations on the next steps. The initial steps for a rescue involve assessing the situation and communicating with both the partner and MCC-H as able. Working with MCC, the rescuer develops and executes a rescue plan. The priority is always the crew first, followed by the station and the mission.

On this day, Farmer simulated an "incapacitated" crew member (we switch places throughout the day). After assessment, I translated to my partner, Farmer, quickly and safely completed any remaining action steps to put his spacesuit in as safe a condition as possible, and then safely and methodically translated him back to the airlock, ensuring that he has a safe load-path to station at all times and is not going to bump into anything along the way (especially his visor). Once at the airlock, it's a carefully coordinated ballad of actions to connect the "incapacitated crew member" and myself to the internal airlock tether point and then unhook ourselves to the external tether points (the external airlock hatch will not close if there is a tether line in the way). In some situations, connecting the incapacitated member to a service umbilical for resources (air, water, electrons) may be appropriate. Finally, we close the external airlock hatch and begin repressurizing the airlock to get our crew member the medical attention they may need inside the International Space Station.

Fortunately, we have great trainers, fantastic divers, and ground support to assist us in the rare chance this occurs. NASA is a forward-thinking organization, and we prepare for various outcomes despite numerous fault tolerances. EVA rescue is one of the more fun, challenging, and exhausting things we train for! And it's a significant team effort.

https://twitter.com/JonnyKimUSA/status/1853545405541236889

[ddspaceman]

https://www.gctc.ru/main.php?id=6924
GT:
Cosmonaut Sergei Ryzhikov takes part in the “Virtual” experiment
| Crews
November 13, 2024

Specialists from the Cosmonaut Training Center, the Institute of Medical and Biological Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, TsNIIMash and RSC Energia are studying how human sensory systems adapt to microgravity conditions.

Under normal earthly conditions, information about the position and movement of the body in space, coming from the vestibular apparatus to the central nervous system, coincides with that received from other sensory organs, primarily from the organ of vision. In weightlessness, this evolutionarily developed interaction is disrupted, as a result of which a person may develop a cosmic form of motion sickness. Its symptoms: dizziness, nausea, difficulty visually following an object, illusions of the position or movement of the body in space, etc. They negatively affect the performance of astronauts. Adverse reactions can be especially pronounced during adaptation to microgravity (the first few days of space flight) and upon return to Earth.

During the second stage of the “Virtual” space experiment, specialists are studying visual tracking disorders in astronauts in conditions of weightlessness, how they are related to disturbances in vestibular function and the development of visually induced illusions (distorted perception of real objects) and vectations (sensations of the human body moving in space during observation behind a moving object).

In addition to training sessions, before a long expedition, cosmonauts undergo research twice (60 and 30 days before launch). Then the experiment is carried out on board the Russian segment of the ISS on days 2–3, 5–7, 15, 30 of the flight and then once a month. After landing, studies are performed on days 1–2, 4–5 and 9–10. The experiment is carried out in the first half of the day, no earlier than an hour after meals, before sports training, away from bright light sources.

During the lesson, Sergei Ryzhikov performed computer tests using virtual reality glasses, and attached sensors recorded the main forms of visual tracking of the stimulus target. The equipment recorded the astronaut's eye movements while smoothly tracking this object, as well as fast, coordinated movements behind a jumping target and holding his gaze after it stopped.

Testing was carried out in two modes: in the absence and against the background of additional visual interference - blurry ellipses moving across the entire screen. The whole procedure took about 100 minutes.

The first stage of the space experiment “Virtual” was completed in 2015. Unique data were obtained on the functioning of two subsystems of the vestibular apparatus (otoliths and semicircular canals) under conditions of long-term space flight. According to the observations of specialists, in the group of first-time cosmonauts, vestibular disorders after returning to Earth were more pronounced than among experienced colleagues, and the recovery period was longer.

Now Sergei Ryzhikov is preparing for his third flight. And the astronaut confirmed the conclusions of medical specialists:

“During dynamic influences at the start, during induction, and during sharp deviations, some slight vestibular disorders may be felt, which in no way affect the performance of functional duties, and the less experience the crew member has, the more pronounced these reactions are. After the 2nd flight it was much easier for me to deal with them.”

The results obtained during the “Virtual” experiment will make it possible to more accurately assess the risks of disorders of vestibular function and visual tracking, their impact on the well-being and work of astronauts during long-term space flights.

[ddspaceman]

https://www.gctc.ru/main.php?id=6931
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Cosmonauts Sergei Ryzhikov and Alexey Zubritsky carried 150 kg of scientific equipment into “zero gravity”: how did the training go in the hydro laboratory of the Cosmonaut Training Center?
| Crews
November 20, 2024

Today, November 20, 2024, the main crew of ISS-73 had the first of the planned training sessions to complete the target tasks that the cosmonauts will have to accomplish during their upcoming extravehicular activities. Prior to this, at the duplication stage, Sergey Ryzhikov and Alexey Zubritsky worked out typical EVA operations and actions in calculated emergency situations, including when working with the ERA manipulator. Now the cosmonauts have started training under the VKD-64 program:

“It includes the installation of scientific equipment for molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), other scientific equipment for the Phoenix experiment on the service module and dismantling the high-resolution camera with subsequent repulsion also from the service module, and removal of the removable cassette from MIM-2. The number of tasks is small, but in terms of volume they are quite serious and impressive,” said Sergei Ryzhikov.

Before this training, the Center’s specialists conducted three experiments in the hydro laboratory and developed a methodology for performing the target tasks of the upcoming spacewalk:

“The astronauts took out the molecular beam epitaxy unit assembled with a mechanical adapter from the airlock compartment. This is a large, heavy package weighing about 150 kg. Then they transported it manually along the outer surface of first the small research module (MIM-2) “Poisk”, then the multifunctional laboratory module (MLM) “Science”. The crew installed the mechanical adapter with the MLE unit at the base point on the surface of the MLE, connected the electrical cables and prepared it for work,” Igor Tarasov, head of the 1st laboratory of the 30th department of the Cosmonaut Training Center, explained the details of the training.

The molecular beam epitaxy unit, which is to be installed by Sergei Ryzhikov and Alexei Zubritsky during a real spacewalk, is intended to perform the Ekran-M experiment. This equipment is designed for growing semiconductor materials in the ultra-high vacuum of outer space. The essence of the technology is that a substance evaporated in a molecular source is deposited onto a crystalline substrate. MBE is already in demand on Earth in the field of solar energy and the production of various devices, including laser and microwave technology. In the future, this technology will be able to be introduced into pilot industrial production in space.

During training in the hydro laboratory, Sergei Ryzhikov and Alexey Zubritsky successfully completed all the tasks assigned to them and showed a high level of interaction. During the 73rd long-term expedition, two spacewalks are planned, so the crew will have one more training on the VKD-64 program and two on the VKD-65 tasks.

GT:
Training in the hydro laboratory of cosmonauts Sergei Ryzhikov and Alexei Zubritsky
https://rutube.ru/video/e1cfee3972b055bbe2973de6986bb3ae/

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https://www.gctc.ru/main.php?id=6933
GT:
Preparing for a marathon in orbit: cosmonaut Alexei Zubritsky had training on a treadmill
| Crews
November 25, 2024

The launch of the long-term ISS-73 expedition consisting of cosmonauts Sergei Ryzhikov, Alexei Zubritsky and astronaut Jonathan Kim is planned for March 2025. This will be Alexey’s first space flight, and in preparation for work at the station, he is now undergoing a series of training sessions on the BD-2 treadmill, which he will have to perform in orbit.

The state of weightlessness negatively affects human health. The skeletal and muscular systems are especially affected, since in microgravity conditions the body experiences neither axial loads (vertical pressure on the spine) nor support ones. Walking and running are not possible on board, except on the treadmill.  Therefore, locomotor training, which prevents bone and muscle degradation, is considered the main means of prevention, and all astronauts, without exception, perform them.

The regulations for such training are prescribed in the on-board documentation for three days; they differ in the modes of execution. After three days, the training is repeated, and this continues until the end of the flight: every day the astronaut spends 32 to 42 minutes on the treadmill.

“Today Alexey Zubritsky has training according to the regulations of the second day of on-board documentation.  All astronauts know that the second day is the most difficult. The fact is that the treadmill belt can move in active mode, due to the motor, and in passive mode - the astronaut pushes the belt with his feet, which, of course, increases the load on the body.

The first day, according to on-board documentation, is more aimed at maintaining speed, because there are intervals of fast running. The second day is to maintain strength qualities, because there is a lot of passive mode, and the third day is to maintain endurance,” said Natalya Lysova, senior researcher at the Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, leading researcher at the Center for Training.

On the first training day, the astronaut runs about three kilometers in orbit, on the second - about four, and on the third - five. The speed also depends on the day of training and the mode of the treadmill. For example, in the passive, more labor-intensive version, the required maximum speed is 8 km/h. And in active mode, maximum running speeds are 12–14 km/h, depending on the day of the training microcycle.

In order not to “fly away” from the simulator in zero gravity, you need the so-called “pull”: the workout is performed in a special training-load suit, which provides attraction to the treadmill. In the first month of the flight, the “pull” value is about 60% of the astronaut’s weight, then throughout the flight - 70%.

It is also important to run according to the pattern that is displayed on the screen of the simulator. Alexey Zubritsky successfully completed the second introductory stage of the training; the cosmonaut has a third day ahead, aimed at testing the body's endurance.

GT:
21.11.24. Zbts. Treadmill for the site
https://rutube.ru/video/618db20796afffb189e4eecefdb1e3bd/?r=plemwd

[ddspaceman]

To anyone who doesn't know who Jonny Kim is and where he came from you need to watch this.
It's quite long, like over 4 and a half hours so you might need to pause and restart a few times but watch it.
Very inspiring guy.   Very poor start in life but it doesn't need to continue on that path.

Jocko Podcast 221: Jonny Kim. Navy SEAL, Doctor, Astronaut. The Unimaginable Path.

[ddspaceman]

https://www.gctc.ru/main.php?id=6940
GT:
Cosmonaut Alexey Zubritsky successfully completed training at the European Space Agency (ESA)
| Crews
December 03, 2024

The International Space Station currently consists of 17 modules. Among them is the Columbus scientific laboratory, designed to conduct physical, materials science, biomedical and other experiments. In the city of Cologne (Germany), Alexey Zubritsky held a training session on this module.

Russian cosmonauts are studying Columbus equipment at the user level. For example, where are the cooling or power supply systems located, what racks are used for various experiments. In addition, Alexey became familiar with the placement of emergency equipment, its features and differences from American modules, and actions in emergency situations.

“As part of this session, there was an hour and a half final training session, during which I performed work with the video camera that is installed in this module and with the ESA control laptop.  The cyclogram also included working out an emergency situation. In my case, it was a fire that I needed to eliminate and demonstrate the knowledge and skills of how I would act in the event of a fire in this particular module,” Alexey Zubritsky shared details about the training.

Let us remind you that the cosmonaut is currently undergoing training as part of the ISS-73 crew. The start of the long-term expedition is scheduled for March 2025.

[ddspaceman]

https://www.gctc.ru/main.php?id=6941
GT:
Cosmonaut Sergei Ryzhikov is preparing for a biological experiment on growing spirulina on board the ISS
| Crews
04 December 2024

Spirulina is a blue-green microalgae that is used as a dietary supplement on Earth as a source of protein and vitamins. Scientists also conducted experiments that showed that this green mass, being in an ecosystem closed in gas and water, can provide humans with oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide.

The data obtained make spirulina a very promising “candidate” for food and for providing oxygen to crews during long-term flight conditions. Therefore, on board the Russian segment of the ISS, astronauts grow algae using special equipment.

Sergey Ryzhikov had already taken part in this biological experiment during previous flights, so in a practical lesson he honed his skills in working with a “photobioreactor” - equipment that studies the effect of microgravity conditions on the cultivation of spirulina.

The monoblock in which algae is grown is equipped with sensors, LED lighting, a pump and a thermostat. Three bioreactors are located inside, each of them is supplied with a nutrient medium from the capsule using a separate pump. These capsules, like the nutrient medium, require periodic replacement. To do this, the cosmonaut uses Glavbox-S special-purpose equipment, the main task of which is to ensure the sterility of the process and the biosafety of the crew.

In addition to the scientific significance of this bioexperiment, growing algae in zero gravity conditions also has a psychotherapeutic effect: in space conditions there is a lack of familiar earthly plants, and spirulina partly compensates for this. According to the experiment’s directors, space “gardeners” take this process very seriously.