Author Topic: Expedition 66 Thread (Read 280131 times)

Rondaz · « **Reply #1980 on:** 02/26/2022 11:03 am »

The #Nanoracks trash disposal concept was launched to the #spacestation on #CRS17 It is designed to be used with our #BishopAirlock to remove unneeded items from #ISS - Here are some additional ground testing pictures.

https://twitter.com/Nanoracks/status/1497317226575118339

Rondaz · « **Reply #1981 on:** 02/27/2022 11:03 am »

From fueling spacecraft to understanding ocean currents, studying the behaviour of fluid in weightlessness is shedding light on Earth. Meet me in Columbus for this weekend's 360° ft. @CNESexperiment Fluidics & a cameo [email protected]_Raja.

https://twitter.com/astro_matthias/status/1497855150542626819

Rondaz · « **Reply #1982 on:** 02/28/2022 09:38 am »

TODAY: the PASTA experiment to study emulsions in #microgravity is being installed on the #ISS by astronaut @astro_matthias
under supervision of the Belgian control centre @Busoc_official..

https://twitter.com/BIRA_IASB/status/1498192267642822657

Rondaz · « **Reply #1983 on:** 02/28/2022 09:43 am »

PASTA: understanding how emulsions like mayonnaise work through microgravity research.

Credit: NASA

2022-02-28

On Monday February 28, 2022, a new experiment called PASTA will be installed on the International Space Station by ESA astronaut Matthias Maurer, under the guidance of the Belgian control centre B.USOC. The B.USOC operators will then control PASTA from the ground, in order to collect data on the formation of emulsions in weightlessness for transfer to the experiment’s science team. This will enable the development of better theoretical modelling of emulsions, with a wide array of applications in the food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical and manufacturing industries.

What are emulsions?

The inventor(s) of mayonnaise - whoever it may be - probably knew very little about the physics that makes this tasty sauce even possible, for mayonnaise is actually an emulsion. This is what we call a mixture of two liquids that normally do not mix and for which you need to add things like surface-active agents and emulsifiers in order to keep them happy together. Other examples of emulsions are to be found in food (milk, dough, candy…), cosmetics, pharmaceutics (including vaccines), as well as many types of industry (oil, chemicals…).

Like the cooks who discovered the first recipe for mayonnaise, modern industrial processes are generally based on trial and error. It is only with the better understanding of science and the development of computer technology that more advanced and complex theoretical models can be created. However, theoretical models need to be tested in the real world, and for this, calibration and validation is necessary as part of extensive experimental research.

Emulsifying liquids in microgravity

In-depth studies of physical mechanisms are often very difficult to do here on Earth, because of a dominating force called “gravity”. Many phenomena at play are hidden by this force, both in amplitude (the phenomena are so small they are invisible) and time (the phenomena are extremely short-lived). Here is where microgravity research platforms, such as the International Space Station (ISS), prove their value by allowing us to focus on these phenomena with more accuracy and for extended periods of time.

The PArticle STAbilised emulsions experiment - PASTA for short – placed inside the Fluid Science Laboratory (FSL) in the European Columbus module of the ISS, will be studying the stability of different emulsion compositions in microgravity. Previously, FSL already allowed for the study of phenomena such as:

the geological mantle-crust interaction in a miniature model of Earth in the Geoflow experiment
the dynamics of granular material in the CompGran experiment
the boiling processes in microgravity with the RUBI experiment
and the ageing of wet foams in FOAM-C

Technical details of the mission

Launch and installation

On February 19, 2022, an Antares rocket launched the Cygnus NG-17 cargo mission to the ISS, carrying a retrofitted Soft Matter Dynamics (SMD) experiment container and about 16 PASTA sample cells, containing a variety of mixtures of oil and water with different surfactants (compounds that lower the surface tension between two liquids to allow them to mix more easily). It was decided to retrofit the engineering model of SMD that was used on the ground for operations support and make it flight ready, because the flight model of SMD that has been used successfully since 2018 for CompGran and FOAM-C started showing signs of ageing, making it difficult to fulfill scientific requirements.

Matthias Maurer, the German ESA astronaut currently onboard the ISS will be installing SMD and the PASTA sample cells in FSL on rack on February 28, 2022, starting at 10:00 (GMT+1), before handing over control to the Belgian User Support and Operations Centre (B.USOC) for the day-to-day science operations. The complex crew activity will be live-streamed on the B.USOC YouTube channel. You can also follow B.USOC on Twitter.

The PASTA experiment

Each PASTA sample cell is fitted with a piston that allows us to agitate the mixture within the cell at various frequencies and durations to emulsify the mixture. The sample cells are grouped four by four in sample cell units that can be fitted on a carousel inside SMD. This carousel allows us to place each individual sample cell in the diagnostics position of SMD, where it can be observed with the SMD sensors.

An overview camera takes microscope image sequences in black and white of the sample cell, while a combination of a laser, a line camera and 2 CorrTectors allow for novel diagnostic methods such as Diffusing-Wave Spectroscopy (both transmission and backscattering) and Speckle-Visibility Spectroscopy (allowing Time Resolved Correlation). FSL provides power and data resources to SMD for tele-operations and transmits the images and scientific data to the ground.

The teams & funding

The PASTA science research is made possible through selection and financing of the European Space Agency. The Science Team is led by the Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (CNR) in Genoa, Italy, with support teams from the University of Parma and several other universities in Italy, France, Germany, Greece, USA, Russia, Japan and several commercial entities.

Part of the science team is Dr. James Ferri, a chemical engineering professor at Virginia Commonwealth University College of Engineering. Ferri has been working since 2010 on formulations to improve the stability of emulsions, which is essential to developing pharmaceuticals, agricultural chemicals and a world of consumer products.
The SMD and sample cell hardware was developed and built by Airbus Friedrichshafen in Germany. Thales Alenia Space Italy in Turin was prime contractor for FSL.

The Belgian User Support and Operations Centre (B.USOC), hosted by the Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy in Brussels and supported by Space Applications Services, is responsible for the implementation of select European payloads on board the International Space Station (among them FSL, SMD and PASTA), on behalf of the European Space Agency (ESA). It acts as the link between scientists and the ISS environment, and is responsible for preparing and operating those experiments as well as distributing the raw science data from the experiment to the Science Team. B.USOC operators are in contact with other ground control stations across Europe in order to make sure that these experiments are executed as expected, and according to the needs of the scientists.

https://www.aeronomie.be/en/news/2022/pasta-understanding-how-emulsions-mayonnaise-work-through-microgravity-research

Rondaz · « **Reply #1984 on:** 02/28/2022 01:51 pm »

ISS Daily Summary Report – 2/25/2022

Payloads:

Colgate Skin Aging: Media for specified BioCells were changed out and skin tissues samples were preserved. Deterioration of skin tissue is a normal part of aging but occurs over decades. Microgravity leads to changes in the human body very similar to aging, but these changes happen much more quickly. Microgravity Effects on Skin Aging and Health (Colgate Skin Aging) uses a 3D model of engineered human skin cells to evaluate cellular and molecular changes in microgravity. These cells may serve as a valid model to rapidly assess products aimed at protecting skin from the aging process.

MicroQuin 3D Tumor: A crewmember setup the MicroQuin 3D Tumor hardware into the LSG and performed fixations of Habitat B BioCells. Investigation of Key Signaling Cascades Involved in Tumorigenesis and Their Responsiveness to a New Therapeutic Using a 3D In Vitro Tumor Model (MicroQuin 3D Tumor) examines the effects of a drug on breast and prostate cancer cells. In microgravity, the cells can grow in a three-dimensional model, which makes it easier to characterize their structure, gene expression, and cell signaling and response to the drug. Results could provide new insight into the role of a protein in the cells that is targeted by the drug.

PK-4 (Plasma Krystall-4): Data hard drives were removed and packed for return. Plasma Krystall-4 (PK-4) is a scientific collaboration between the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos), performing research in the field of Complex Plasmas: low temperature gaseous mixtures composed of ionized gas, neutral gas, and micron-sized particles. The micro-particles become highly charged in the plasma and interact strongly with each other, which can lead to a self-organized structure of the micro-particles: so-called plasma crystals. Experiments in the facility aim to study Transport Properties, Thermodynamics, Kinetics and Statistical Physics, and Non-linear waves and Instabilities in the plasmas.

Plant Habitat-05: A crewmember gathered hardware for the upcoming Media exchange activities and reviewed procedures. Unlocking the Cotton Genome to Precision Genetics (Plant Habitat-05) cultivates several cotton genotypes that differ in their ability to regenerate into whole plants from undifferentiated masses of cells known as a calli. Cotton is highly resistant to the process of plant regeneration, making it difficult to engineer stable, reproducing plants that have specific or enhanced traits such as drought resistance. The investigation could provide a better understanding of this behavior and a pathway to avert this problem.

Rodent Research-18 (RR-18): The Rodent Access Unit was cleaned. Astronauts returning from space can experience eye problems, along with headaches and blurred vision. Scientists suspect environmental conditions during spaceflight lead to oxidative stress that adversely affects the eye structure and function. Space Flight Environment Induces Remodeling of Vascular Network and Glia-vascular Communication in Mouse Retina (Rodent Research-18) investigates how spaceflight affects visual function, examining changes in the vascular system of the retina, tissue remodeling and cell-cell interactions in mice.

SABL (Space Automated Bioproduct Laboratory): The CO2 Incubator Controller for SABL-2 was removed. The SABL supports a wide variety of investigations in the 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. It can be fitted to provide 5% CO2 (or any required concentration of CO2) for cell cultures or other types of investigations and has two USB 2.0 ports and two Ethernet LAN connections. It also has switchable 28V D/C and 5V D/C power supplies for investigation use.

Systems:

Treadmill 2 (T2) Rack Operations: As part of ongoing troubleshooting efforts on the T2 rack, the crew rotated the rack out of its overnight stowage configuration and performed rack alignment activities. More alignment challenges were discovered during these efforts. Snubber pin alignment, rack centering, and Activation and Checkout (ACO) were deferred due to time constraints.

Emergency Simulation On-Board Training (OBT): Today, the crew participated in a training exercise for ISS fire and rapid depressurization emergency scenarios. The emergency training involved crew and ground teams working together to practice communication and coordination while the crew physically translated through ISS to the appropriate response locations to visualize the use of equipment and interfaces. A post-simulation crew conference took place to discuss and evaluate the crew/ground control responses during the training event.

Transfer Cygnus Cargo Operations: The crew continued offloading science experiments, crew provisions, and hardware from the recently berthed Cygnus cargo vehicle. The Cygnus will remain at the space station until the end of May, and the crew has begun filling it with items for disposal.

Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) Recycle Tank Operations: Today the crew inspected and demated/remated the air lines from the Urine Transfer Compressor to the Urine Processor Assembly (UPA) Recycle Tank. Compressor data had been indicating there may be an air leak or kink in one of the lines, and the crew reconfigured the line to allow for better flow. The crew used the hose to connect the drain of the installed Recycle Tank to a Brine EDV container. The ground then controlled the drain process remotely using the Urine Transfer System (UTS). The brine in the filled EDV will be pumped into the Brine Processor Assembly (BPA) within the next few days. Once this is completed, the crew will reconfigure the Recycle Tank for daily operations.

Air Quality Monitor (AQM) Sieve Cartridge Remove and Replace: During long duration space flight, air quality monitoring in real-time instead of using return samples is especially important to ensure the safety of the crew and the health of the vehicle systems. Crew and ground teams must pay special attention to perform regular maintenance to make sure AQM sensors are not blocked by particulates. During today’s inspection, the crew vacuumed and observed no dust accumulation in the system.

In Flight Maintenance (IFM) Hatch Seal Cleaning: Food stains were discovered during a hatch seal inspection that took place earlier this week. The crew took full photo surveys before cleaning, after cleaning, and after the braycote application. The crew used a wet towel to remove stains.

Environmental Health System (EHS) Total Organic Carbon Analyzer (TOCA) Water Recovery System (WRS) Sample Analysis & Data Record: The TOCA primarily serves as a 3rd level of redundancy safety control for the Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) Water Processor Assembly (WPA) for potable water by monitoring total organic carbon (TOC) concentration levels, a general indication of overall water quality. The crew used the TOCA Water Sample Hose to perform the water analysis and record data, while minimizing the possibility of contamination. This sample analysis is performed on a weekly basis.

Completed Task List Activities:

None

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

Training for Emergency Response On-Board ISS

Rondaz · « **Reply #1985 on:** 02/28/2022 02:08 pm »

Report on the work of the Russian crew for February 25–27:

The planned work program of Roscosmos cosmonauts Anton Shkaplerov and Pyotr Dubrov for the period February 25–27 was completed in full..

https://twitter.com/roscosmos/status/1498312328076533761

Rondaz · « **Reply #1986 on:** 02/28/2022 04:27 pm »

Crew Works Robotics, Spacesuits as Station Orbits Higher for Crew Swap

Mark Garcia Posted on February 28, 2022

The Expedition 66 crew kicked off the week working on robotics, spacesuits, and advanced research equipment. The International Space Station is also orbiting higher to get ready for a crew swap at the end of March.

Flight Engineers Raja Chari of NASA and Matthias Maurer of ESA (European Space Agency) started Monday collecting their blood samples then stowing them for future analysis. The duo then split up, as Chari spent the afternoon studying robotics mobility using the cube-shaped, toaster-sized Astrobee free-flyer. The Astrobatics investigation explores using hopping maneuvers to minimize propellant to inform future robotic missions. Maurer set up the Fluid Science Laboratory for the PASTA experiment that has implications for commercial applications such as pharmaceuticals, oil and fuels, paints and coatings, and more.

The crew is also revving up for a pair of spacewalks in mid-March to continue modifying the orbiting lab’s power systems. Maurer and NASA Flight Engineer Thomas Marshburn worked on U.S. spacesuit jet packs that an astronaut could use to maneuver to safety in the unlikely event of becoming untethered from the station. Marshburn also reviewed plans to assist spacewalkers from inside the space station including suit up procedures, hardware checks and a communications gear overview.

Orbital maintenance is key in space ensuring the station’s multitude of systems, including research and life support, operate safely and continuously. Astronaut Kayla Barron of NASA worked on payload components that support science experiments outside the space station’s Kibo laboratory module on its exposed facility unit. NASA Flight Engineer Mark Vande Hei spent some time unpacking cargo from the Cygnus space freighter before swapping out gear inside the U.S. oxygen generation assembly.

The space station is orbiting slightly higher after Russia’s ISS Progress 79 cargo craft fired its engines for eight minutes on Friday evening. The orbital reboost maneuver puts the station at the proper altitude for the Soyuz MS-21 crew ship launch on March 18 and Vande Hei’s return to Earth on March 30 with cosmonauts Anton Shkaplerov and Pyotr Dubrov inside the Soyuz MS-19 crew ship.

https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2022/02/28/crew-works-robotics-spacesuits-as-station-orbits-higher-for-crew-swap/

Rondaz · « **Reply #1987 on:** 02/28/2022 04:27 pm »

The Exp 66 crew worked on robotics and spacesuits as the station orbits higher to get ready for a March crew swap.

https://twitter.com/Space_Station/status/1498345102120570883

Rondaz · « **Reply #1988 on:** 02/28/2022 04:38 pm »

#Altai is not in vain called "the land of 1000 lakes and 1000 waterfalls"! Every year more than 2 million tourists come here to see all this beauty with their own eyes. One of the most visited places is #TeletskoeLake .

https://twitter.com/Anton_Astrey/status/1498316306277351424

Rondaz · « **Reply #1989 on:** 02/28/2022 04:38 pm »

#Kamchatka is a unique region of Russia, unlike any other place on the territory of our country.

#Volcanoes are the visiting card of the Kamchatka Peninsula, the exact number of which scientists have not yet counted.

https://twitter.com/Anton_Astrey/status/1498316366117490698

Rondaz · « **Reply #1990 on:** 02/28/2022 04:39 pm »

https://twitter.com/Anton_Astrey/status/1498316658431115269

Rondaz · « **Reply #1991 on:** 02/28/2022 04:41 pm »

Recently @NASA_Astronauts Kayla Barron put on her crew medical officer hat & picked up an instrument called a tonometer. By gently tapping the surface of my eye, this instrument allows her to measure my eye pressure as part of regular medical testing in orbit..

https://twitter.com/astro_matthias/status/1498314586906316807

Rondaz · « **Reply #1992 on:** 03/01/2022 02:14 am »

Last Week on the International Space Station

Kathleen Ellis Posted on February 28, 2022

On Feb. 10, a Cygnus spacecraft carried a fresh supply of 8,300 pounds of scientific investigations and cargo to the orbiting laboratory.

Three NASA astronauts, Mark Vande Hei, Thomas Marshburn, and Kayla Barron, along with ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Matthias Maurer spent time last week unpacking research samples stowed in science freezers aboard the U.S. Cygnus space freighter. The quartet then loaded the frozen samples into research racks throughout the space station. Some of the new science samples delivered on Monday include skin cells and cancer cells being studied in the microgravity environment to improve human health on Earth and in space.

Two new biology experiments were also delivered by Cygnus. NASA Flight Engineer Thomas Marshburn set up the Microgravity Science Glovebox and began exploring the cellular and molecular alterations taking place in samples of skin cells. NASA Flight Engineer Mark Vande Hei is observing tumor cells in the Life Science Glovebox to better understand the onset and progression of cancer. Both investigations have the potential to inform space research techniques and improve therapies on Earth.

Astronauts Raja Chari of NASA and Matthias Maurer of ESA (European Space Agency) worked throughout Wednesday continuing to offload the 8,300 pounds of cargo delivered Monday inside Cygnus. NASA Flight Engineer Kayla Barron deactivated space botany hardware then photographed cotton cell samples being harvested for the Plant Habitat-05 space agriculture study.

The crew is also revving up for a pair of spacewalks in mid-March to continue modifying the orbiting lab’s power systems. Maurer and NASA Flight Engineer Thomas Marshburn worked on U.S. spacesuit jet packs that an astronaut could use to maneuver to safety in the unlikely event of becoming untethered from the station. Marshburn also reviewed plans to assist spacewalkers from inside the space station including suit up procedures, hardware checks and a communications gear overview.

https://blogs.nasa.gov/commercialcrew/2022/02/28/last-week-on-the-international-space-station/

Rondaz · « **Reply #1993 on:** 03/01/2022 02:20 am »

“The really cool thing about the experiments we do is each of those 300 things we are doing is some PhD or some scientist or some engineer’s crowning achievement for their life.” - @Astro_Raja

https://twitter.com/ISS_Research/status/1498357221041881097

jacqmans · « **Reply #1994 on:** 03/01/2022 09:31 am »

Cancelled: Orbital Q&A with ESA astronaut Matthias Maurer
ESA Press Release for Immediate Release

01.03.2022

Dear colleagues,

In view of the war in Ukraine, we ask for your understanding that the in-flight Q&A with ESA astronaut Matthias Maurer, scheduled to take place on Thursday, 3 March 2022, 15:10-15:30 CET (14:10-14:30 GMT) has been cancelled.

ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher’s statements can be followed via

https://twitter.com/AschbacherJosef

http://www.esa.int/newsroom

Rondaz · « **Reply #1995 on:** 03/01/2022 10:50 am »

Roscosmos skeptical about extending ISS service life after 2024 under sanctions.

The Russian space agency hopes that the US Department of State will soon stop its pressure on NASA and allow it to begin a dialogue with Russia.

1 MAR, 02:05

MOSCOW, March 1. /TASS/. The issue of using the International Space Station (ISS) after 2024 under sanctions causes skepticism, Russia’s State Space Corporation Roscosmos told TASS on Tuesday.

"Roscosmos currently has a government permission for operating the ISS only until 2024. The issue of extending the agreement in the current conditions causes our skepticism," the Roscosmos press office said.

The Russian space agency said it hoped that the US Department of State would soon stop its pressure on NASA and allow it to begin a dialogue with Russia. "If we do not come to an agreement, this will have its effect on the international piloted space program," the press office said.

US President Joe Biden earlier said that the sanctions by the United States and its allies would hit the Russian tech sector and also its space program. He further said that the US would cut off more than a half of hi-tech imports into Russia that would deal a blow on Russia’s ability to keep modernizing its Armed Forces. Biden stressed that this would also damage Russia’s space program.

For her part, Associate Administrator of NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations (HEO) Mission Directorate Cathy Lueders said during a virtual press conference broadcast on the YouTube Channel of NASA’s contractor, Axiom Space, that cooperation between Roscosmos and NASA proceeded as before.

https://tass.com/science/1413909

Rondaz · « **Reply #1996 on:** 03/01/2022 10:54 am »

Report on the work of the Russian crew for February 28:

Planned work program for the Russian crew members of the 66th long-term expedition to the International Space Station NtAnton_Astrey and Petr Dubrov completed in full..

https://twitter.com/roscosmos/status/1498573556799741955

Rondaz · « **Reply #1997 on:** 03/01/2022 03:53 pm »

The Fluid Science Lab [email protected]_desupports fluid dynamics research in orbit I had posted about this when I was still in training & with the installation of the PASTA experiment (Particle STAbilised Emulsions & Foams) on the #ISS it now comes full circle.

https://twitter.com/astro_matthias/status/1498695617006219269

Rondaz · « **Reply #1998 on:** 03/01/2022 03:54 pm »

@this's Fluid Science Lab supports fluid dynamics research in orbit I posted about this facility when I was in training & yesterday my training came full circle as I installed new @ISS_Research experiment PASTA (Particle STAbilised Emulsions and Foams).

https://twitter.com/astro_matthias/status/1498694827332059145

Rondaz · « **Reply #1999 on:** 03/01/2022 07:31 pm »

Station Crew Works on Space Biology and Spacesuits

Mark Garcia Posted on March 1, 2022

A host of life science experiments is underway today as the Expedition 66 crew explores how living in space affects the human body. The International Space Station is also gearing up this month for a pair of spacewalks to upgrade its power systems.

Skin, hearing, and mold were the main focus of today’s biology research aboard the orbiting lab. Blood, saliva, and urine sample collections were also on Tuesday’s schedule as scientists keep check of astronaut health.

NASA astronaut Tom Marshburn looked at skin tissue samples to understand why microgravity accelerates skin aging in astronauts. Afterward, he cleaned the Life Science Glovebox and closed out operations for the experiment that seeks to prevent skin deterioration in space and improve skin conditions on Earth.

Marshburn also collected his blood and urine collections before stowing them in a science freezer. NASA Flight Engineer Mark Vande Hei collected his saliva samples then stowed them for future analysis. Doctors on the ground observe the biological samples to gain insights into how the human body adapts to long-term microgravity. Vande Hei also activated the Space Biofilms experiment to learn how to control mold growth on the station to maintain spacecraft safety and crew health.

Scientists also want to understand how the station’s operating environment, including weightlessness itself, affects a crew member’s hearing. ESA (European Space Agency) Flight Engineer Matthias Maurer participated in the Acoustic Diagnostics study during the afternoon that is monitoring any transitory or permanent hearing affects that might occur in crew members.

Two spacewalks are scheduled at the station for March 15 and 23 to ready the orbiting lab for a third set of roll out solar arrays. Vande Hei joined NASA Flight Engineer Raja Chari and scrubbed cooling loops in a pair of U.S. spacesuits throughout Tuesday. Two astronauts will exit the station and set up a power channel for the first spacewalk then replace components and perform more upgrades on the second spacewalk.

NASA Flight Engineer Kayla Barron spent most of the day on an orbital plumbing demonstration. She worked in the Harmony module observing fill and drain cycles on two different Collapsible Contingency Urinal designs.

In the station’s Russian segment, Commander Anton Shkaplerov worked inside the Soyuz MS-19 crew ship readying the vehicle for its undocking on March 30. Roscosmos Flight Engineer Pyotr Dubrov inspected the Zvezda service module then explored cell biology.

https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2022/03/01/station-crew-works-on-space-biology-and-spacesuits/