NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, part of Boeing's Crew Flight Test, dedicated significant time to advancing space agriculture. They conducted tests on watering plants in microgravity, exploring hydroponics and air circulation techniques in the Harmony module. These experiments, part of the Plant Water Management study, aim to develop effective methods for growing plants in space habitats.
Human health research was another focus area. On Tuesday, Williams set up the Plant Water Management hardware, and Wilmore followed up with additional tests, both recording the outcomes. On Thursday, NASA Flight Engineers Jeanette Epps and Matthew Dominick worked on a thigh cuff experiment designed to counteract fluid shifts in astronauts' bodies, with Dominick wearing the cuff while Epps conducted ultrasound scans and other medical tests.
Cosmonauts Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai Chub, representing Roscosmos, were busy throughout the week with cargo management and maintenance tasks. They focused on loading the Progress 87 cargo craft with trash and obsolete gear ahead of its mid-August departure, performing inspections, and handling fluid transfers in the Zvezda service module.
Maintenance and hardware updates were ongoing activities. Tracy C. Dyson spent Thursday in the Kibo module, stowing gear, cleaning the Electrostatic Levitation Furnace, and swapping samples. Mike Barratt, on the same day, replaced lithium-ion batteries in radiation detectors and lab hardware, and worked on the Tranquility module's plumbing.
Research into high-temperature physics and robotics also featured prominently. Dyson managed the Astrobee robotic free-flyer in the Kibo laboratory module, setting up for a student competition. Meanwhile, NASA astronauts Wilmore and Williams serviced various research hardware, including the Microgravity Science Glovebox and a microscope.
Personal time and public affairs activities provided a balance to the crew's workload. Most astronauts had off-duty periods, engaging in personal calls, recreation, and exercise to maintain their physical health. The crew's exercise regimen included treadmill, cycle, and resistive workouts to counteract the effects of long-term weightlessness on muscles and bones.
Safety remained a top priority. The crew practiced emergency drills, including evacuation procedures, ensuring they were prepared for scenarios such as fire, pressure leaks, or chemical releases. These drills involved all nine space station residents, emphasizing teamwork and coordination with mission controllers on the ground.
Overall, the past week on the ISS highlighted the intricate balance of scientific research, routine maintenance, personal well-being, and safety preparedness necessary for successful long-term space missions.
Related Links
Blog News at ISS
Space Tourism, Space Transport and Space Exploration News
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