The International Space Station (ISS) was captured in a photograph from SpaceX’s Crew Dragon Endeavour as it orbited Earth, following its disconnection from the Harmony module’s celestial-facing port on November 8, 2021. Photo Credit: NASA
Expedition 70 is currently in progress on the International Space Station, following the exit of three long-standing station inhabitants, including NASA astronaut Frank Rubio, who arrived in Houston earlier today. The remaining seven crew members have completed a series of maintenance tasks today while residing in a microgravity environment.
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Activities of NASA Flight Engineer Jasmin Moghbeli
Having been on the station for one month, NASA Flight Engineer Jasmin Moghbeli dedicated her morning to maintenance work and functionality tests on power outlets within the Columbus Laboratory Module. Post-lunch, she engaged with the Cold Atom Lab, focusing on hardware inspections, particularly examining cables and ports in preparation for the replacement of payload components scheduled for tomorrow. In the evening, she initiated training sessions for upcoming extravehicular activities, studying spacesuit protocols and standard operating procedures.
The emblem of Expedition 70 was crafted by ESA graphic designers Hugo Simões and Hugo Dias. Inspired by the ‘yin and yang’ philosophical concept, the patch symbolizes equilibrium between two complementary elements: yin and yang. In this particular representation, the lower half’s hues of red and orange signify science, while the dark blue in the upper half symbolizes space exploration. Emblem Credit: ESA
Tasks and Experiments Conducted by NASA Flight Engineer Loral O’Hara
NASA Flight Engineer Loral O’Hara, a newcomer to the ISS, initiated her day by conducting ISAFE eye tests as part of a comprehensive research initiative named CIPHER. These eye assessments are designed to evaluate changes in the eyes and brain due to fluid dynamics in a microgravity setting. The CIPHER project is a holistic approach aimed at understanding how various physiological systems respond to space travel both pre-mission, in-flight, and post-mission. O’Hara is the inaugural astronaut in a series that will include up to 30 participants.
Subsequent to the eye examinations, O’Hara received training on protocols for potential spacewalk emergencies, utilizing the Simplified Aid for EVA Rescue (SAFER) system. Prior to retiring for the day, she reorganized the Microgravity Science Glovebox.
Endeavors of Other Crew Members of Expedition 70
Expedition 70 Commander Andreas Mogensen, representing the European Space Agency (ESA), devoted his day to further training with Astrobee, the station’s autonomous, free-flying robots designed to assist astronauts in routine tasks. He also performed repair work on the recharging docking stations used by these cube-shaped robots.
Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa of JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) was largely engaged in activities within the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM). Within this initial expandable living space on the ISS, Furukawa busied himself with stowing hardware and recalibrating sensors.
The trio from Roscosmos—Flight Engineers Konstantin Borisov, Oleg Kononenko, and Nikolai Chub—undertook a lighter workload for the day, fulfilling their mandatory two-hour exercise regime aimed at mitigating the microgravity-induced deterioration of bone and muscle mass.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Expedition 70
What is the main focus of the article?
The main focus of the article is to provide a comprehensive update on the activities and experiments being conducted during Expedition 70 on the International Space Station (ISS). It outlines the tasks performed by various crew members, including NASA Flight Engineers Jasmin Moghbeli and Loral O’Hara.
Who are the NASA Flight Engineers mentioned, and what are their responsibilities?
The NASA Flight Engineers mentioned are Jasmin Moghbeli and Loral O’Hara. Jasmin Moghbeli is responsible for performing maintenance tasks and testing power outlet functionalities in the Columbus Laboratory Module. She is also involved in the Cold Atom Lab and is preparing for upcoming spacewalks. Loral O’Hara is conducting ISAFE eye exams as part of a broader experiment called CIPHER, and she is also being trained for spacewalk emergencies.
What is CIPHER, and who is the first participant?
CIPHER is a comprehensive research initiative designed to examine how various physiological systems in the human body react to the conditions of spaceflight, both before, during, and after a mission. Loral O’Hara is the first astronaut to participate in this research project.
What does the emblem of Expedition 70 symbolize?
The emblem for Expedition 70, designed by ESA graphic designers Hugo Simões and Hugo Dias, is based on the ‘yin and yang’ philosophical concept. It represents the balance between two complementary elements: science, represented by hues of red and orange, and space exploration, symbolized by dark blue.
Who are the other crew members of Expedition 70 mentioned, and what were their activities?
Other crew members include Andreas Mogensen of the European Space Agency (ESA), who is working with Astrobee robots and repairing their docking stations. Satoshi Furukawa of JAXA is engaged in activities within the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module, mainly stowing hardware and recalibrating sensors. Three Roscosmos Flight Engineers—Konstantin Borisov, Oleg Kononenko, and Nikolai Chub—are fulfilling a mandatory exercise regime to combat the effects of bone and muscle loss in microgravity.
What are the Astrobees and what is their function on the ISS?
Astrobees are the ISS’s autonomous, free-flying robots. They assist astronauts in conducting daily duties and can also perform tasks independently. Commander Andreas Mogensen spent his day training with these robots and repairing their docking stations for recharging.
More about Expedition 70
- International Space Station Official Website
- NASA’s Expedition 70 Mission Overview
- ESA’s Contribution to Expedition 70
- JAXA’s Involvement in ISS Missions
- Roscosmos’ Activities on the ISS
- Cold Atom Lab Research
- CIPHER Research Initiative Overview
- Bigelow Expandable Activity Module Information
- Simplified Aid for EVA Rescue (SAFER) Details
5 comments
gotta say, the yin and yang emblem is pretty cool. A real piece of art that’s also deeply philosophical. like, balance in space? who woulda thought.
Very comprehensive rundown! I’m particularly intrigued by the CIPHER project. It’s not just space exploration, but also medical science in the making. looking forward to more updates.
what are Astrobees? Sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, but here they are, real as life and making astronauts’ work easier. mind blown.
Im amazed at how much they get done in a day. I can barely manage my daily chores lol. Kudos to the astronauts and this well written article.
Wow, Expedition 70 sounds super interesting. NASA’s always pushin the envelope, huh? Great to see the level of detail in this piece, really makes you feel like you’re up there with em.