ISS On-Orbit Status Report

Ocular Health Tonometry Test:  Virts took his blood pressure, then Cristoforetti, acting as the Crew Medical Officer (CMO), performed a tonometry test of Virts as part of a regular series of tests for Ocular Health.  Additional eye examinations of Virts will be performed over the next two days.  The Ocular Health protocol is a systematic …

Advanced Biological Research System (ABRS):  Cristoforetti removed the ABRS from EXPRESS Rack 2 and prepared it for stowage to return on SPX-5.  The ABRS provides two independently controlled environmental chambers capable of conducting a wide variety of biological investigations using plants, microorganisms, or small arthropods. The temperatures, lighting conditions, and atmospheric compositions within these chambers …

Rodent Research: Crew powered down, removed and prepared the Rodent Research habitat for stow. At the conclusion of Rodent research-1 operations, Habitat -2 was positioned in several locations (EXPRESS Rack 1 (ER1), ER2 and Aisle deploy) to thermally characterize areas within the US Lab in preparation for future Rodent Research operations. Circadian Rhythms: Cristoforetti completed her …

Neuromapping:  The crew supported operations to complete objectives of the NeuroMapping Neurocognitive Test.  After connecting a control pad to the HRF laptop, Virts launched the NeuroMapping application and completed the Mental Rotation I Test, the Sensorimotor Adaptation Test, the Dual Task Test while tethered, and the Mental Rotation II Test while free-floating. Wilmore took photographs …

Fluids Integrated Rack (FIR) white light source replacement:  During Advanced Colloids Experiment (ACE-M3) operations last week, the white light lamp burned out.  Today, Wilmore opened up the FIR and replaced the lamp, enabling operations to continue.  In the ACE-M-3 investigation, a model colloidal system is used to observe the microscopic behavior of liquids and gases …

Cognition: Virts will act as the Cognition test operations subject.  He will power on Human Research Facility (HRF) laptop, launch the Cognition application, and complete the Cognition test which includes pre-test questions and an array of cognitive tests with performance feedback. Individualized Real-Time Neurocognitive Assessment Toolkit for Space Flight Fatigue (Cognition) is a battery of …

SpaceX-5 Launch Status:  SpaceX-5 launch has been delayed until January 6, 2015.  All of the preparatory activities to support SpaceX-5 berth are being replanned. Biolab:  Wilmore and Cristoforetti inspected and performed troubleshooting for the Biolab Handling Mechanism (HM) incubator access door.  The door slot was checked for potential debris and closeout pictures were taken. Additional …

SpaceX-5 Launch Status:  The static test fire scheduled yesterday was started, but aborted shortly after engine ignition.  SpaceX is currently evaluating any impacts to the schedule. Robonaut:  Virts reviewed a Robonaut video in preparation for upcoming operations.  This was the first time motor power was applied to Robonaut following the addition of the legs and …

3D printing in Zero G:  Wilmore removed the final print coupon from the 3D Printer, concluding the objectives of the 3D printing in Zero G demonstration.  Crew then removed the 3D printing equipment from the Microgravity Glove Box (MSG) and stowed the unit. The 3-D Printing in Zero-G technology demonstration experiment will show that a …

Flame Extinguishment Experiment (FLEX)-2:  Virts removed alignment guides to prepare the Combustion Integrated Rack (CIR) for FLEX-2 Binary-Droplet Array test points.  FLEX-2 uses small droplets of fuel to study the special burning characteristics of fire in space. The FLEX-2 experiment studies the rate and manner in which fuel is burned, the conditions that are necessary …