Biology, Physics Research Progress as Crews Hand Over Responsibilities
Space biology and physics topped the research schedule aboard the International Space Station on Wednesday to improve human health and the space industry. The Expedition 73 residents also helped three new crewmates adapt to orbital life as another trio turns its attention to returning to Earth next week.
NASA Flight Engineer Zena Cardman spent her day processing blood samples, testing her cognition, and exercising for research. She first performed a blood draw with assistance from NASA Flight Engineer Jonny Kim. Afterward, she spun the samples in a centrifuge then stowed them inside a science freezer for future analysis. Next, she took a computerized test measuring how she understands and navigates the microgravity environment, also called spatial cognition. Both activities were for the CIPHER human research study tracking astronaut health before, during, and after a spaceflight. Finally, she worked out on the advanced resistive exercise device (ARED) and pedaled on the exercise cycle while wearing the sensor-packed Bio-Monitor headband and vest measuring her aerobic and cardiovascular health.
Kim configured the Astrobee robotic free-flying assistants for ground controlled remote operations. Scientists are studying Astrobee’s ability to operate both autonomously and remotely freeing astronauts to conduct more research. He then trained Roscosmos Flight Engineer Sergey Kud-Sverchkov, who just began his second space station mission, on how to operate and exercise on the ARED. Kim also continued packing his personal items as he gets ready to return to Earth inside the Soyuz MS-27 crew spacecraft on Dec. 8 with Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Alexey Zubritsky.
Ryzhikov helped Kud-Sverchkov and new Roscosmos cosmonaut Sergei Mikaev get up to speed with life on orbit showing the duo tools, operations, and procedures in the station’s Roscosmos segment. Ryzhikov was also back inside the Soyuz MS-27 stowing cargo, while Zubritsky continued packing his gear inside the spacecraft and cleaning his crew quarters.
NASA Flight Engineer Mike Fincke swapped cameras inside the Microgravity Science Glovebox to photograph how cryogenic fluids behave in microgravity to improve the design of spacecraft fuel tanks. Later, he helped new NASA Flight Engineer Chris Williams familiarize himself with station hardware, operations, and systems. At the end of his shift, Fincke inspected the condition of thermal insulation throughout the Tranquility module.
JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Kimiya Yui started his shift inside the Kibo laboratory module troubleshooting an experimental carbon dioxide removal device that is informing the development of Artemis spacecraft life support systems. Afterward, he continued cargo operations inside the Cygnus XL space freighter unpacking and stowing new science experiments and crew supplies.
Roscosmos Flight Engineer Oleg Platonov began his shift downloading Earth imagery captured automatically while the crew was asleep. Afterward, he wore acoustic sensors that measured his airflow and lung function as he exhaled rapidly for a Roscosmos breathing in space investigation. Finally, he collected station radiation exposure data then analyzed station air samples for ammonia and carbon dioxide.
Learn more about station activities by following the space station blog, @space_station on X, as well as the ISS Facebook and ISS Instagram accounts.
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Mark A. Garcia
