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<\/a>While the International Space Station<\/a> was traveling more than 250 miles over the South Pacific ocean, a SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft autonomously docked to the space-facing side of the orbiting laboratory\u2019s Harmony module at 5:09 a.m. EDT, Saturday, June 5. NASA astronauts Shane Kimbrough and Megan McArthur were monitoring docking operations for Dragon.<\/p>\n This 22nd contracted resupply mission for SpaceX delivers the new ISS Roll-out Solar Arrays (iROSA<\/a>) to the space station in the trunk of the Dragon spacecraft. The robotic Canadarm2 will extract the arrays and astronauts will install them during spacewalks planned for June 16 and 20.<\/p>\n The Dragon launched on SpaceX\u2019s 22nd contracted commercial resupply mission at 1:29 p.m. EDT Thursday, June 3 from Launch Complex 39A at NASA\u2019s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. After Dragon spends about one month attached to the space station, the spacecraft will return to Earth with cargo and research.<\/p>\n Among the science experiments Dragon is delivering to the space station are:<\/p>\n Symbiotic squid and microbes<\/strong><\/p>\n The\u00a0Understanding of Microgravity on Animal-Microbe Interactions (UMAMI)<\/a>\u00a0study uses bobtail squid and bacteria to examine the effects of spaceflight on interactions between beneficial microbes and their animal hosts. This type of relationship is known as symbiosis. Beneficial microbes play a significant role in the normal development of animal tissues and in maintaining human health, but gravity\u2019s role in shaping these interactions is not well understood. This experiment could support the development of measures to preserve astronaut health and identify ways to protect and enhance these relationships for applications on Earth.<\/p>\n Producing tougher cotton<\/strong><\/p>\n Cotton is used in many products, but its production uses significant amounts of water and agricultural chemicals. The\u00a0Targeting Improved Cotton Through On-orbit Cultivation<\/a><\/p>\n (TICTOC)<\/a>\u00a0study focuses on improving cotton\u2019s resilience, water-use, and carbon storage. On Earth, root growth depends upon gravity. TICTOC could help define which environmental factors and genes control root development in microgravity. Scientists could use what they learn to develop cotton varieties that require less water and pesticide use.<\/p>\n Water bears take on space<\/strong><\/p>\n Tardigrades, also known as water bears for their appearance when viewed under a microscope, are creatures that can tolerate extreme environments. The\u00a0Cell Science-04<\/a>\u00a0experiment aims to identify the genes involved in water bear adaptation and survival in these high-stress environments. The results could advance scientists\u2019 understanding of the stress factors that affect humans in space.<\/p>\n On-the-spot ultrasound<\/strong><\/p>\n The handheld, commercial\u00a0Butterfly IQ Ultrasound<\/a>\u00a0device could provide critical medical capabilities to crews on long-term spaceflights where immediate ground support is not an option. This study will demonstrate the use of an ultrasound unit alongside a mobile computing device in microgravity. Its results have potential applications for medical care in remote and isolated settings on Earth.<\/p>\n Developing better robot drivers<\/strong><\/p>\n An ESA (European Space Agency) investigation,\u00a0Pilote<\/a>, test the effectiveness of remotely operating robotic arms and space vehicles using virtual reality and haptic interfaces. Pilote studies existing and new technologies in microgravity by comparing those recently developed for teleoperation to those used to pilot the Canadarm2 and Soyuz spacecraft. The study also compares astronaut performance in using the interfaces on the ground and during spaceflight. Results could help optimize workstations on the space station and future space vehicles for missions to the Moon and Mars.<\/p>\n Bonus power<\/strong><\/p>\n New solar panels headed to station are made up of compact sections that roll open like a long rug. The ISS Roll-out Solar Arrays (iROSA<\/a>) are based on a previous demonstration of roll-out panels performed on station. They are expected to provide an increase in energy available for research and station activities. NASA plans a total of six new arrays to augment the station\u2019s power supply with the first pair launching on this flight. The Expedition 65 crew is scheduled to begin preparations for spacewalks to supplement the station\u2019s existing rigid panels this summer. The same solar array technology is planned to power NASA\u2019s Gateway<\/a> in lunar orbit.<\/p>\n These are just a few of the hundreds of investigations currently being conducted aboard the orbiting laboratory in the areas of biology and biotechnology, physical sciences, and Earth and space science. Advances in these areas will help keep astronauts healthy during long-duration space travel and demonstrate technologies for future human and robotic exploration beyond low-Earth orbit to the\u00a0Moon and Mars<\/a>\u00a0through Artemis<\/a>.<\/p>\n Keep up to date with the latest news from the crew living in space by following https:\/\/blogs.nasa.gov\/spacestation\/<\/a>, @space_station<\/a> and @ISS_Research<\/a> on Twitter, and the ISS Facebook<\/a> and ISS Instagram<\/a> accounts.<\/p>\n Get The Details…<\/a><\/p>\n Norah Moran <\/p>\n Powered by WPeMatico<\/a><\/small><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" While the International Space Station was traveling more than 250 miles over the South Pacific ocean, a SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft autonomously docked to the space-facing side of the orbiting laboratory\u2019s Harmony module at 5:09 a.m. EDT, Saturday, June 5. NASA astronauts Shane Kimbrough and Megan McArthur were monitoring docking operations for Dragon. 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