The Canadarm2, a sophisticated robotic arm, is captured in imagery as the International Space Station (ISS) orbits 260 miles above the luminescent urban areas of the Arabian Peninsula. Photo Credit: NASA
The seven crew members of Expedition 70 experienced a day filled with numerous responsibilities on Monday, October 30. Their duties spanned from spacesuit adjustments to scientific research in microgravity and logistical cargo handling. A crucial maintenance spacewalk involving two astronauts is planned for Wednesday from the ISS.
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Equipment Validation and Preparatory Exercises
On Monday afternoon, a collaborative effort was made by two astronauts and one cosmonaut to test and activate their spacesuits within the Quest airlock. The team included Flight Engineers Jasmin Moghbeli from NASA, Satoshi Furukawa from JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), and Nikolai Chub from Roscosmos. Together, they activated life support and communications elements in the suits, confirmed water and oxygen metrics, and executed a thorough suit fit assessment.
A spacewalk is scheduled for Wednesday at 8:05 a.m. EDT, featuring Moghbeli and NASA Flight Engineer Loral O’Hara. The pair is expected to spend roughly seven hours performing tasks related to communication systems and the solar array. This involves the removal of an electronics unit, termed the Radio Frequency Group, integral to the communication antenna system, and the replacement of one of the 12 trundle bearing assemblies positioned on the station’s port solar alpha rotary joint. These bearings are essential for enabling the ISS’s solar arrays to orient toward the Sun.
NASA Flight Engineer Loral O’Hara engaged in physical exercise using the CEVIS, or Cycle Ergometer Vibration Isolation System, within the Destiny module of the ISS. The CEVIS serves multiple purposes, such as aerobic and cardiovascular conditioning, supporting scientific research, and preparation for spacewalk and landing activities. Photo Credit: NASA
Research in Astrobiology and Cargo Management
While spacewalk preparations continued, O’Hara turned her focus to astrobiological studies and logistical tasks on Monday. She replaced parts in the Plant Habitat module in preparation for an experiment examining disease resistance in tomato plants under microgravity conditions. Subsequently, she managed cargo transfers to and from the Cygnus space freighter and reorganized cardiac and neuron cell research equipment, making space for an upcoming SpaceX Dragon cargo delivery.
Readiness for Forthcoming Missions
Andreas Mogensen, the Commander from the European Space Agency (ESA), had a demanding day organizing equipment earmarked for the soon-to-arrive Dragon cargo spacecraft. In addition to preparing for Wednesday’s spacewalk, Mogensen collaborated with Furukawa in the evening on a simulation focused on Canadarm2 robotic arm operations, a skill indispensable for assisting the spacewalkers.
Additional Experiments and Assignments
Veteran cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko also had an industrious day. Starting with a sensor-laden helmet, he practiced navigational techniques potentially useful for future extraterrestrial expeditions. His day extended to maintenance on the Roscosmos Progress 85 cargo spacecraft and a medical emergency drill alongside O’Hara and Chub. Concurrently, Chub participated in a 3D printing experiment aimed at diminishing dependency on Earth-sourced supplies.
In conclusion, first-time space traveler Konstantin Borisov dedicated time to photographing Earth and later carried out an assortment of life support maintenance duties in the Roscosmos segment of the station.
Veteran cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko commenced his day adorned with a helmet equipped with multiple sensors, rehearsing navigational methods for potential use in subsequent planetary missions. Following this, he performed maintenance on the Roscosmos Progress 85 cargo vessel and conducted a medical emergency simulation with O’Hara and Chub. Chub was also engaged in a 3D printing experiment designed to lessen the reliance on Earth-based resources.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Expedition 70 Activities on ISS
What was the main focus of activities for the Expedition 70 crew on October 30?
The main focus for the seven crew members of Expedition 70 was to engage in a variety of tasks, including spacesuit preparations, scientific research in microgravity, and logistical cargo handling. A crucial maintenance spacewalk is also planned for the coming Wednesday.
Who are the astronauts involved in the upcoming spacewalk?
The astronauts slated for the upcoming spacewalk are Jasmin Moghbeli and Loral O’Hara, both Flight Engineers from NASA.
What specific tasks are planned for the upcoming spacewalk?
During the spacewalk scheduled for Wednesday, the astronauts intend to work on tasks related to the ISS’s communication systems and solar array. This includes removing an electronics unit known as the Radio Frequency Group and replacing one of the trundle bearing assemblies on the station’s port solar alpha rotary joint.
What kind of scientific research was conducted?
Research activities were varied, but one focus was astrobiological studies. Loral O’Hara was involved in replacing components in the Plant Habitat module to prepare for an experiment that will explore how tomato plants fend off diseases in microgravity.
What cargo operations were mentioned?
Cargo operations included transferring items to and from the Cygnus space freighter and making room for an upcoming SpaceX Dragon cargo mission. There was also mention of preparing equipment for the soon-to-arrive Dragon cargo spacecraft.
Which space agencies are represented in the Expedition 70 crew?
The Expedition 70 crew is an international team that includes representatives from NASA (United States), JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), Roscosmos (Russia), and ESA (European Space Agency).
What kind of physical conditioning is available on the ISS?
Physical conditioning on the ISS is facilitated by the Cycle Ergometer Vibration Isolation System (CEVIS), located within the Destiny module. It serves various purposes such as aerobic and cardiovascular conditioning, as well as supporting scientific research and preparation for spacewalks and landing activities.
What are some of the other miscellaneous activities undertaken by the crew?
Other activities include practicing Canadarm2 robotic arm operations, performing maintenance on the Roscosmos Progress 85 cargo craft, conducting medical emergency drills, and participating in 3D printing experiments.
More about Expedition 70 Activities on ISS
- Canadarm2 Overview
- International Space Station Expedition 70
- NASA’s Microgravity Research
- SpaceX Dragon Cargo Missions
- Cycle Ergometer Vibration Isolation System (CEVIS)
- JAXA’s Involvement in ISS
- European Space Agency and ISS
- Roscosmos and International Space Station
5 comments
Very detailed report. Really appreciate the depth of information, esp on the scientific research. Makes me excited for future space missions.
wasn’t aware the ISS had so many diff space agencies involved. nice to see international collaboration for the greater good of science n humanity.
Space botany, 3D printing experiments and spacesuit checks… it’s like sci-fi becoming real life. Amazing stuff, really.
Wow, these guys are super busy up there! Can’t imagine working on so many different tasks in one day, kudos to them.
The level of detail is excellent. However, would love to know more about the upcoming Dragon cargo mission. what’s in it?