Author Topic: Expedition 68 Thread (Read 181939 times)

Targeteer · « **Reply #900 on:** 01/01/2023 06:34 pm »

Update, possible PDAM approximately 0630Z. Decision/exact timing pending overnight tracking update...

ddspaceman · « **Reply #901 on:** 01/02/2023 07:39 pm »

https://twitter.com/thePrimalSpace/status/1609851415727308803

ddspaceman · « **Reply #902 on:** 01/02/2023 10:19 pm »

GT: Kakizome was done at the ISS Kibo Japanese Experiment Module. I wrote "Wa" (harmony) to express my determination to create solid mission results through the power of teamwork with the crew in orbit and the control stations around the world.

https://twitter.com/Astro_Wakata/status/1610044111666700289

ddspaceman · « **Reply #903 on:** 01/02/2023 10:19 pm »

https://twitter.com/Astro_Wakata/status/1610044585132101632

ddspaceman · « **Reply #904 on:** 01/02/2023 10:20 pm »

https://twitter.com/Astro_Wakata/status/1610045118576463872

ddspaceman · « **Reply #905 on:** 01/02/2023 10:46 pm »

https://twitter.com/nkknspace/status/1609913076400427008

ddspaceman · « **Reply #906 on:** 01/03/2023 04:25 pm »

ISS Daily Summary Report – 12/30/2022

Bill Keeter Posted on December 30, 2022

Payloads:

Causal Analysis of Cardiorespiratory Coupling on the ISS (CARDIOBREATH): The crew donned the Bio-Monitor Garment and Headband. The crew then connected the equipment to both the Data Unit and the Bio-Monitor App for a 1.5 hr data collection during a CEVIS exercise session. Astronauts experience changes in their cardiovascular, respiratory, and musculoskeletal systems during spaceflight, which can affect their capacity to exercise and to maintain blood pressure when standing after return to Earth. CARDIOBREATH studies the combined effects of cardiovascular and respiratory adaptations on blood pressure regulation during spaceflight. Results could provide a better understanding of the mechanisms of these adaptations on long-duration missions and support the development of methods for assessing cardiovascular and respiratory effects on blood pressure before and after spaceflight.

Space Automated Bioproduct Laboratory (SABL): SABL-4 Unit was removed and prepared for return on SpX-26. The CO2 Incubator Controller was removed from SABL-1. The SABL unit supports a wide variety of investigations in life, physical, and material sciences with a focus on supporting research of biological systems and processes. It has over 23 liters of temperature-controlled volume with LED lighting for scientific hardware and investigations. SABL can be fitted to provide any required concentration of CO2 for cell cultures or other types of investigations. The SABL unit also has two USB 2.0 ports, two Ethernet LAN connections, switchable 28VDC and 5VDC power supplies for investigation use.

Spaceborne Computer-2: The Spaceborne Computer-2 units were removed and prepared for return. Spaceborne Computer-2 High Performance Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) Computer System on the ISS builds upon the successes of Spaceborne Computer, exploring how it can advance exploration by processing data significantly faster in space with cutting edge computing and Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities. Spaceborne Computer-2 further tests additional techniques for recovering or mitigating errors in the extreme environment of unprotected solar radiation, Galactic Cosmic Radiation (GCR) and other events. Additionally, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) works with the space community and the ISS-National Laboratory (ISS-NL) to test and demonstrate that current Earth-based data processing of ISS experimental data can be performed onboard during the anticipated 24 to 36 month mission of Spaceborne Computer-2.

Sphere Camera-1: Sphere Cam-1 was repositioned and setup in the Window Observational Research Facility (WORF). SphereCam-1 uses COTS ultra-high resolution digital movie camera with a wide-angle lens to collect footage in microgravity and evaluate technical performance of the camera. Investigators plan to use results to design and develop subsequent cameras for testing and, ultimately, provide a product that could support groundbreaking imaging of space with greater resolution, detail, and sharpness than anything currently available commercially.

Veg-05: Plants were checked, watered if necessary, and any detached tomatoes collected were weighed. The Pick-and-Eat Salad-Crop Productivity, Nutritional Value, and Acceptability to Supplement the ISS Food System (Veg-05) investigation is the next step in efforts to address the need for a continuous fresh-food production system in space.

Systems:

Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) Hard Upper Torso (HUT) On-Orbit Replaceable Unit (ORU) Remove and Replace (R&R): The crew performed an on-orbit change out of the HUT on the EMU with a spare standalone HUT. This R&R was performed to downsize the HUT on EMU 3004 from a Large to a Medium HUT in preparation for future EVAs. The EMU is an independent anthropomorphic system that provides environmental protection, mobility, life support, and communications for the crewmember to perform an EVA in Earth orbit.

Mobile Servicing System (MSS) Remote Power Controller Module (RPCM) R&R: Ground teams continued R&R operations from yesterday by removing the failed P34B-E and installing it into the empty S04B-C slot using the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator (SPDM) on the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS). Following that, the S04B-C RPCM will be removed from the temporary stowed location at the S04B-H slot and installed into the P34B-E slot. Later today, the Mobile Transporter (MT), SSRMS, and SPDM will be safed and stowed in their final locations. The RPCM is the workhorse of the secondary power distribution system, containing solid-state or electromechanical switches, known as Remote Power Controllers (RPCs). RPCs can be remotely commanded to control the flow of power through the distribution network and to the users.

Completed Task List Activities:

NanoRacks Module-9 Ops Session 4 Alternate

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

MSS RPCM R&R
PRO TSIS Commanding
PRO STP-H5 Deactivation Commanding for EXPA2

ddspaceman · « **Reply #907 on:** 01/03/2023 06:13 pm »

Station Science Kicks Off New Year Promoting Deep Space Exploration

Mark Garcia Posted on January 3, 2023

The Expedition 68 crew kicked off the new year with an array of microgravity research aboard the International Space Station aimed at sustaining future crews farther away from Earth. The seven orbital residents from the United States, Japan, and Russia explored a wide variety of phenomena including space nutrition, dexterous manipulation, and microbe samples collected from inside the orbiting lab.

Providing adequate nutrition for crews is critical as NASA and its international partners plan expeditions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. The BioNutrients-2 investigation is using genetically engineered microbes to provide nutrients, and potentially other compounds and pharmaceuticals, on demand in space. NASA Flight Engineer Nicole Mann nourished and incubated genetically engineered yeast samples for the study in the Space Automated Bioproduct Laboratory on Tuesday.

The way humans adapt to the lack of an up-and-down reference in weightlessness is also important as researchers study how astronauts grip and manipulate objects. NASA Flight Engineer Josh Cassada seated himself in a specialized chair in the Columbus laboratory module and performed different tasks using a controller device. Scientists may gain insights and use the observations to design intelligent spacecraft interfaces benefitting future astronauts as they venture into deep space visiting planets, moons, and asteroids.

Understanding the microbial environment on the space station is another vital activity to ensure healthy crews and safe, successful missions. NASA Flight Engineer Frank Rubio analyzed microbe samples on Tuesday morning that were collected from the station’s atmosphere and surfaces and grown in an incubator. Those samples will be returned to Earth next week on the SpaceX Dragon cargo craft for additional analysis. Roscosmos Flight Engineers Dmitri Petelin and Anna Kikina performed their own analysis of a separate set of microbe samples adding to the knowledge of how bacteria and fungi adapt and thrive in microgravity.

Flight Engineer Koichi Wakata of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) tended to research samples being observed to understand bone regeneration on Earth and in space. Wakata later took a robotics test on a computer measuring his performance, behavior, and cognition while living in space. Station Commander Sergey Prokopyev from Roscosmos set up an experimental 3-D printer to demonstrate the ability to print parts and tools supporting spacecraft and space habitat maintenance.

https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2023/01/03/station-science-kicks-off-new-year-promoting-deep-space-exploration/

ddspaceman · « **Reply #908 on:** 01/03/2023 06:14 pm »

https://twitter.com/Space_Station/status/1610341407839117317

ddspaceman · « **Reply #909 on:** 01/04/2023 03:56 pm »

https://twitter.com/ISS_Research/status/1610677767850569729

https://twitter.com/ISS_Research/status/1610677776453111810

https://twitter.com/ISS_Research/status/1610677784694882304

https://twitter.com/ISS_Research/status/1610677795545559040

https://twitter.com/ISS_Research/status/1610677802898190336

ddspaceman · « **Reply #910 on:** 01/04/2023 06:55 pm »

Humans, Tomatoes, Tiny Satellites Top Station Research Schedule

Mark Garcia Posted on January 4, 2023

Human research, space botany, and tiny satellites filled the research schedule aboard the International Space Station on Wednesday. The seven Expedition 68 crew members also split their day on maintaining lab systems and packing a U.S. cargo craft for departure.

It was the second day of operations for the GRIP study as NASA Flight Engineer Josh Cassada explored how dexterous manipulation is affected by living and working in weightlessness. He was seated once again inside the Columbus laboratory module performing computerized scientific tasks with a controller device. Researchers will use the data to help design intelligent spacecraft interfaces enabling human missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

NASA Flight Engineer Frank Rubio watered and photographed tomatoes growing for the Veg-05 space agriculture experiment. The main purpose of the botany investigation is to create a continuous fresh food production system to sustain astronauts traveling far beyond low-Earth orbit and decrease reliance on visiting cargo missions.

Science also takes place outside the orbiting lab with experiments attached to external platforms or small research satellites deployed from the station into Earth orbit. Flight Engineer Koichi Wakata of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) spent the day installing a set of CubeSats into the Kibo laboratory module’s airlock. The nanosatellites will be staged outside in space then deployed into orbit on Friday to demonstrate a variety of technologies such as communications, propulsion systems, and Earth observations.

NASA Flight Engineer Nicole Mann partnered with Rubio during the afternoon continuing to load the SpaceX Dragon resupply ship with cargo ahead of its return to Earth next week. The duo, along with Cassada and Wakata, will accelerate its cargo activities going into the weekend finally loading sensitive research samples for analysis on Earth into Dragon before it undocks on Monday at 5:05 p.m. EST.

All four astronauts also had time set aside on Wednesday for vision tests using a standard eye chart commonly seen in an optometrist’s office. Doctors on Earth monitored the tests real-time checking the crew’s visual acuity, visual field, and contrast sensitivity.

Working in the Zvezda service module, cosmonauts Sergey Prokopyev and Dmitri Petelin checked out the audio system’s low frequency and very high frequency receivers. Roscosmos Flight Engineer Anna Kikina cleaned the Nauka multipurpose laboratory module’s ventilation system in the morning then studied futuristic planetary and robotic piloting techniques during the afternoon.

https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2023/01/04/humans-tomatoes-tiny-satellites-top-station-research-schedule/

ddspaceman · « **Reply #911 on:** 01/04/2023 06:56 pm »

https://twitter.com/Space_Station/status/1610722933667950592

ddspaceman · « **Reply #912 on:** 01/04/2023 06:58 pm »

ISS Daily Summary Report – 1/03/2023

Bill Keeter Posted on January 3, 2023

Payloads:

BioNutrients-2: BioNutrients-2 Production Bags were hydrated, agitated, and incubated. BioNutrients demonstrates a technology that enables on-demand production of human nutrients during long-duration space missions. The process uses engineered microbes, like yeast, to generate carotenoids from an edible media to supplement potential vitamin losses from food that is stored for very long periods. Specially designed storage/growth packets are intermittently activated by astronauts over a five-year period, then frozen and returned to Earth for examination.

Faraday Research Facility-2: The Faraday facility was removed from the EXpedite the PRocessing of Experiments to Space Station (EXPRESS) Rack and prepared for return. Faraday Research Facility-2 is a multipurpose, standalone research facility that loads into the EXPRESS Racks. EXPRESS Racks provide structural interfaces, power, data, cooling, water, and other items needed to operate science experiments in space.

GRIP: GRIP science in the seated configuration (1 out of 3) was completed. The GRIP experiment studies long-duration spaceflight effects on the abilities of human subjects to regulate grip force and upper limbs trajectories when manipulating objects during different kinds of movements such as oscillatory movements, rapid discrete movements and tapping gestures.

NanoRacks Module-51: NanoRacks Module-51 S/N 1005 was observed and photographed as part of Ops-4 protocol. NanoRacks Modules allow experimenters and students to perform extended on-orbit operations using space-proven hardware. Each individual module houses a unique experiment. Anything approved for transport to ISS can be incorporated into a module experiment, representing any field of science.

NanoRacks Module-98-Novel Methods of Antibiotic Discovery in Space (NoMADS): Photos were taken of the NanoRacks Module-98 hardware in a free-floating condition in the Cupola with the lit Earth in the background. The contents were then placed into Cold Stowage for return. NoMADS assesses the effects of space on bacterial communities by identifying mutations and chemical metabolite secretions using a technology called the ichip. This technology makes it possible to process bacteria as well as extract and analyze genetic material to identify individual species and potential differences caused by space exposure.

Particle Vibration: The Particle Vibration Array contents inside Cell Array Stowage Bag were shaken to prevent the particles located inside the fluid containers from sticking to the container walls. Thermovibrationally-driven Particle self-Assembly and Ordering mechanisms in Low grAvity (Particle Vibration) project aims to investigate the self-organization mechanisms of particles in fluids. The outcomes of the project have various implications in the science of materials (development of novel manufacturing techniques) and astrophysics (understanding of the mechanisms responsible for the formation of asteroids and planets).

Veg-05: Plants were checked, watered if necessary, and any detached tomatoes were collected and weighed. The Pick-and-Eat Salad-Crop Productivity, Nutritional Value, and Acceptability to Supplement the ISS Food System (Veg-05) investigation is the next step in efforts to address the need for a continuous fresh-food production system in space.

Veggie Monitoring: Crew photographed a crewmember performing Veggie Monitoring Surface Sample Analysis operations. Culture-based Environmental Monitoring of Crop-based Space Food Systems (Veggie Monitoring) collects microbial samples from the surface of the station’s Veggie plant production system in conjunction with quarterly Environmental Health System (EHS) sample collection. Longer exploration missions require space-based systems for growth of plants, and this investigation is expected to help establish requirements to protect these systems, plants, and crew from contamination.

Systems:

Environmental Health System (EHS) – Surface Sampler Kit (SSK) and Microbial Air Sampler (MAS) Analysis T + 5: Today the crew visually analyzed media slides and Petri dishes after incubation and sorted for return. These samples will give medical personnel a gauge of microbial growth in the air and on surfaces of ISS. The EHS monitors the atmosphere for gaseous contaminants from nonmetallic materials off-gassing, combustion products, propellants, microbial contaminants from crew members and Station activities, water quality, acoustics, and radiation levels.

Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) Recycle Tank Drain/Fill: The crew set up the recycle tank 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 verified the recycle tank was empty, terminated the drain, repositioned the fill/drain valve to force fill the recycle tank using UTS, and configured for nominal processing operations.

Completed Task List Activities:

IPAD-FE10-DEPLOY

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

VDS EHDC Survey of Dragon at N2Z Before Undock [Active]
IONET Preventative Maintenance
Maintenance on Router NR-ATL-ISO-1 [Active]
ECLSS Recycle Tank Drain Support

ddspaceman · « **Reply #913 on:** 01/05/2023 01:57 am »

GT: We installed the CubeSat Deployer in the airlock of the Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo". I'm looking forward to the satellite launch the day after tomorrow! We would like to thank the Tsukuba Operations and Control Team for their support during the on-orbit work.

https://twitter.com/Astro_Wakata/status/1610757788816314381

ddspaceman · « **Reply #914 on:** 01/05/2023 07:16 pm »

https://twitter.com/ISS_Research/status/1611013451169804289

ddspaceman · « **Reply #915 on:** 01/05/2023 07:17 pm »

https://twitter.com/astro_josh/status/1611023212514607105

ddspaceman · « **Reply #916 on:** 01/05/2023 07:18 pm »

https://twitter.com/JAXA_Kiboriyo/status/1610910089682223104

ddspaceman · « **Reply #917 on:** 01/05/2023 08:00 pm »

ISS Daily Summary Report – 1/04/2023

Bill Keeter Posted on January 4, 2023

Payloads:

BioNutrients-2: BioNutrients-2 Production Bags were hydrated and inspected. BioNutrients demonstrates a technology that enables on-demand production of human nutrients during long-duration space missions. The process uses engineered microbes, like yeast, to generate carotenoids from an edible media to supplement potential vitamin losses from food that is stored for very long periods. Specially-designed storage/growth packets are intermittently activated by astronauts over a five-year period, then frozen and returned to Earth for examination.

GRIP: GRIP science in the seated and supine configurations were completed. The GRIP experiment studies long-duration spaceflight effects on the abilities of human subjects to regulate grip force and upper limbs trajectories when manipulating objects during different kind of movements such as oscillatory movements, rapid discrete movements and tapping gestures.

JEM Small Satellite Orbital Deployer-24 (J-SSOD-24): J-SSOD-24 deployer hardware was installed on the JEM slide table. J-SSOD provides a novel and safe small satellite launching capability to the ISS. The J-SSOD is a unique satellite launcher, handled by the Japanese Experiment Module Remote Manipulator System (JEMRMS), which provides containment and deployment mechanisms for several individual small satellites. Once J-SSOD, including satellite install cases with small satellites, is installed on the Multi-Purpose Experiment Platform (MPEP) by crew members, it is passed through the JEM airlock for retrieval, positioning, and deployment by the JEMRMS.

NanoRacks Module-9: NanoRacks Module-9 Mixing Tube assemblies were activated per OPS 4 protocols. NanoRacks Module-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 companies for research, technical schools, and individual research.

NanoRacks CubeSat Deployer Mission-24 (NRCSD-24): NRCSD-24 deployer hardware was removed from the JEM slidetable. NRCSD-24 is an external deployer that is installed in the JEM airlock and robotically placed in the deploy configuration using the JEMRMS. NRCSD-24 will be deploying eight different satellites: DanteSat which is a deorbiting drag sail study; TJREVERB, developed by Thomas Jefferson High school will measure the strength of iridium signals; MARIO is a Macro-Fiber Composite Actuator experiment; NUTSat uses an ADS-B receiver to demonstrate and enhance commercial aviation safety technology; LORIS will provide detailed views of the Nova Scotian peninsula and its surrounding shorelines; ORCASat will demonstrate technology to calibrate optical telescopes; SPORT will study the effects of space weather in the upper atmosphere and its effects on communication; PetitSat will study local plasma density enhancements and buoyancy waves in the 380-420 km altitude.

Pore Formation and Mobility Investigation-Asymmetric Sawtooth and Cavity-Enhanced Nucleation-Driven Transport (PFMI-ASCENT): The A4 PFMI Ampoule was removed from the PFMI Thermal Chamber and the A2 ampoule was installed. PFMI-ASCENT demonstrates a passive cooling system for electronic devices in microgravity using a microstructured surface. When fluids boil over flat heated surfaces in microgravity, vapor bubbles grow larger in size, causing poor heat transfer that can lead to damage of devices. Adding microscopic ratchets on the surface may passively enable mobility of vapor bubbles and prevent this damage.

Veg-05: Plants were checked, watered if necessary, and any detached tomatoes collected were weighed. The Pick-and-Eat Salad-Crop Productivity, Nutritional Value, and Acceptability to Supplement the ISS Food System (Veg-05) investigation is the next step in efforts to address the need for a continuous fresh-food production system in space.

Systems:

On-orbit Hearing Assessment (OOHA) with KUDUwave Software Setup and Test: The crew performed a hearing test using an OOHA Headset and KUDUwave software. The assessment measures hearing function while crewmembers are exposed to noise and microgravity during long-duration spaceflight.

In Flight Maintenance (IFM) Oxygen Generation Assembly (OGA) Avionics Air Assembly (AAA) Cleaning: Today, the crew cleaned the OGA AAA Muffler Filter and Manifold Inlet Screen. Additionally, the inlet components that reside behind the manifold were cleaned. The AAA provides cooling for equipment that is not cooled by cold plates. A fan and noncondensing heat exchanger provide cooling for rack equipment and circulation for operation of the smoke detectors.

US Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Retractable Equipment Tether (RET) Tether Inspection: The crew inspected tethers for damaged cords on mounted and unmounted RETs. Each RET must be inspected and then placed in a protective bag to isolate the RETs from potential damage until ready for EVA use. The RET has 6 feet of tether cord on a retractable take-up reel.

Completed Task List Activities:

Big Picture Words CrewNet Conferencing

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

Cargo Dragon C2V2 Checkout for Departure
ACS GNC DBCL Dump
ECLSS OGS Activation
ARS Node 3 CDRA 2 Half Cycles [Active]
CCS S-Band Telemetry Format Swap

ddspaceman · « **Reply #918 on:** 01/05/2023 08:51 pm »

Research Informing Deep Space Missions as Dragon Nears Departure

Mark Garcia Posted on January 5, 2023

Space science and spacesuits dominated the Expedition 68 crew’s work day aboard the International Space Station on Thursday. The orbital lab will also see the departure of a U.S. cargo ship early next week.

Sustaining crews farther away from Earth is a key objective as NASA and its international partners plan human missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. The BioNutrients-2 investigation taking place on the station seeks to provide nutrients in flight for astronauts to reduce reliance on visiting cargo missions. Food stowed for long periods of time also tends to lose its nutritional value. NASA astronauts Frank Rubio and Nicole Mann took turns today servicing and photographing genetically engineered yeast samples incubated in the Space Automated Bioproduct Laboratory for the study that could provide adequate nutrition on demand quickly using a minimal amount of equipment.

Mann also partnered with Flight Engineer Koichi Wakata of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) resizing a pair of spacesuits, also known as Extravehicular Mobility Units, or EMUs. Mann also installed lithium-ion batteries in the EMUs that power the spacesuit life support systems. The suits are being readied for an upcoming spacewalk planned to continue upgrading the station’s power generation system.

Wakata earlier joined NASA Flight Engineer Josh Cassada and continued packing the soon-to-depart SpaceX Dragon resupply ship. Dragon will complete a 43-day cargo mission and undock from the Harmony module’s space-facing port on Monday at 5:05 p.m. EST. It will splashdown off the coast of Florida packed with station hardware for inspection and finalized science experiments for analysis.

The orbiting lab’s three cosmonauts focused on their complement of microgravity research on Thursday benefiting humans on and off the Earth and providing insights on deep space exploration. Commander Sergey Prokopyev analyzed his blood samples using chromatography, a process for separating components of a mixture, then he studied how stress during a spaceflight may affect a cosmonaut’s immune system.

Roscosmos Flight Engineer Dmitri Petelin, wearing sensors, used a computer to explore how future crews may handle piloting spaceships or robots on planetary missions. Flight Engineer Anna Kikina pointed a camera outside a station window and photographed wildfires in South America. She then turned her attention to researching ways to improve communications between international crews and mission controllers from around the world.

https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2023/01/05/research-informing-deep-space-missions-as-dragon-nears-departure/

FutureSpaceTourist · « **Reply #919 on:** 01/05/2023 10:01 pm »

https://twitter.com/ajamesmccarthy/status/1611128761776492544

Quote

Last night I captured an incredibly difficult shot: ISS transiting the moon, while gently kissing Tycho crater as it flies by at 5 miles per second. That crater is 53 miles wide, so while the station almost looks like it's orbiting the moon it's actually 1000x closer to us.