NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(Highlights: Nov. 15, Nov. 22) -- DEvice for the study of Critical LIquids and Crystallization -- Directional Solidification Insert (DECLIC-DSI) has completed four successful solidifications, meeting all scientific objectives. DECLIC-DSI studies transparent alloys that freeze like metals under microgravity conditions. The team captured 7000 images during the final solidification session Nov. 22.

Three test points of Multi-user Droplet Combustion Apparatus -- Flame Extinguishment Experiment (MDCA FLEX) were successfully performed on Nov 16. The experiment will assess the effectiveness of fire suppressants in microgravity. The team observed radiative extinction and pre-extinction flame instabilities with these tests.

Two crew members completed all of their on-orbit sessions with the Evaluation of Maximal Oxygen Uptake and Submaximal estimates of VO2max before, during and after long-duration space station missions (VO2max). The experiment documents changes in maximum oxygen uptake over long-duration missions.

The Binary Colloidal Alloy Test-5 (BCAT-5) completed a second run with sample 8. Analysis of the sample shows growth of the phase separating regions against time, as seen previously in samples 6 and 7. The experiment photographs colloidal samples to determine their resulting structure over time.

The third and final session for the ESA-sponsored Vascular Echography (Vessel Imaging) investigation was completed. This investigation evaluates the changes in central and peripheral blood vessel wall properties -- thickness and compliance -- and cross sectional areas of long-duration crew members during and after long-term exposure to microgravity.

The 15th run of the JAXA sponsored Chaos, Turbulence and its Transition Process in Marangoni Convection (Marangoni) was completed. This physics experiment analyzes the behavior of a surface-tension-driven flow in microgravity.

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Jorge Sotomayor, Lead Increment Scientist
Expedition 25/26