BioNutrients: The crew performed a hydration and agitation for the BioNutrients experiment and started the 48 hour incubation at 30 deg C. BioNutrients demonstrates a technology that enables on-demand production of human nutrients during long-duration space missions. The process uses engineered microbes, like yeast, to generate carotenoids from an edible media to supplement potential vitamin …
Three-Day Weekend for Astronauts as Cosmonauts Study Space Exercises
Four Expedition 59 astronauts are taking a three-day weekend aboard the International Space Station after packing a U.S. space freighter for return to Earth. The two cosmonauts focused on exercise studies, physics research and life support maintenance on the Russian side of the orbiting lab. NASA astronauts Christina Koch, Anne McClain and Nick Hague and …
ISS Daily Summary Report – 6/06/2019
Fluidics: As a continuation of the Fluidics session which began on Wednesday, the crew performed 3 additional experiment runs (2A, 2B, 3). The measurement of liquid displacement within a sphere in microgravity relates to a given kinematic representation of a spacecraft’s fuel tank. This investigation evaluates the Center of Mass (CoM) position regarding a temperature …
BEAM Opens for Tests; Crew Studies Biotech and Fluid Physics
The International Space Station’s BEAM opened up today for environmental sampling and cargo stowage activities as NASA continues to test the commercial module. The Expedition 59 crew also explored biotechnology and fluid physics to improve Earth applications and space habitability. Astronauts Anne McClain, Christina Koch and David Saint-Jacques checked out BEAM, the Bigelow Expandable Activity …
Spreading Grasslands — Not Homo erectus — Wiped Out Africa’s Big Animals
Seven million years ago, some truly spectacular creatures roamed the woodlands of East Africa.
ISS Daily Summary Report – 6/05/2019
Capillary Structures: The crew performed a scheduled battery exchange for the camera and flash system used for Capillary Structures. They also refilled the science containers to allow further evaporator science operations. Earlier in the day, it was noted the camera battery failed earlier than expected, resulting in a loss of 10-12hrs of imagery. Ground teams …
Eye and Artery Scans, Robotics and Fluid Studies for Earth and Space Benefits
The International Space Station residents continued exploring today what living off the Earth for long periods is doing to their body. The Expedition 59 crew also researched ways to improve life in space and even filmed a virtual experience aboard the orbiting lab. NASA astronauts Nick Hague and Christina Koch took turns serving as Crew …
ISS Daily Summary Report – 6/04/2019
71 Progress (71P) Undock: Progress undocked from the Service Module (SM) Aft Port at 3:40 AM CT. After a successful de-orbit burn, the vehicle completed its mission following destructive re-entry over the Pacific Ocean at 7:22 AM CT. ISS Experience: The crew set up the ISS Experience hardware in the Node 1 starboard hatch area. …
US, Russian Spaceships Depart Amid Physics and Biology on Station
A pair of U.S. and Russian resupply ships have departed the International Space Station this week. Russia’s Progress 71 (71P) cargo craft undocked this morning and the SpaceX Dragon returned to Earth Monday. The 71P, packed with trash and unused hardware, undocked from the aft end of the Zvezda service module today at 3:40 a.m. …
Dragon Completes Cargo Return Mission with Splashdown in Pacific
SpaceX‘s Dragon cargo spacecraft splashed down in the Pacific Ocean at 5:48 p.m. EDT (2:48 p.m PDT), approximately 202 miles southwest of Long Beach, California, marking the end of the company’s 17th contracted cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station for NASA. The spacecraft returned more than 4,200 pounds of valuable scientific experiments and …