A stunning aurora graces the Earth’s atmosphere, illuminated by the starry expanse above, as captured in a photograph taken from the International Space Station while orbiting 261 miles above western Kazakhstan near the Caspian Sea. This remarkable image comes courtesy of NASA.
The crew of International Space Station Expedition 70 embarks on their first full week together, marking the commencement of their mission following the departure of the station’s longest-serving crew, who spent an impressive 371 days in space. The seven inhabitants of this orbital outpost initiated their week with a focus on human research, space physics, spacesuit maintenance, and life support upkeep.
Exploring Human Health
NASA Flight Engineer Jasmin Moghbeli initiated her day by configuring the Echo ultrasound system within the Columbus laboratory module. This setup was for the Vascular Aging study, which aims to comprehend the phenomena of accelerated aging-like symptoms that manifest in the arteries of crew members while dwelling in the extraterrestrial environment. With ground personnel providing support, Moghbeli conducted scans of her neck, leg, and heart. Additionally, she worked on station hardware, installing a lighting system slated for placement outside the Kibo laboratory module, where it will operate in the harsh vacuum of space.
A pivotal aspect of crew well-being involves assessing the effects of weightlessness on the human body. To this end, NASA Flight Engineer Loral O’Hara performed eye examinations on JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Satoshi Furukawa using standard medical imaging equipment. These examinations are part of a comprehensive study examining the impact of weightlessness on the retina, eye shape, vision, and other ocular properties, all with the aim of ensuring optimal optical health for astronauts in the space environment.
Maintenance and Preparations
O’Hara also collaborated with Expedition 70 Commander Andreas Mogensen of ESA (European Space Agency) to service spacesuits in the Quest airlock. Their meticulous work involved cleaning cooling loops within the suits. O’Hara then concluded the tasks by recharging suit water tanks and refilling cooling and ventilation garments. Meanwhile, Furukawa undertook preparations and familiarization with procedures that will soon be crucial in assisting astronauts as they prepare for upcoming spacewalks.
Venturing into Space Physics
Seasoned cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko, embarking on his fifth mission to the space station, dedicated his efforts to configuring a video camera for a plasma physics experiment within the Columbus laboratory. This experiment delves into the dynamics of low-temperature gaseous mixtures, comprising ionized gas, neutral gas, and micron-sized particles known as plasma crystals. Insights gained from this space physics study hold the promise of enhancing microgravity research methodologies and spacecraft design.
Roscosmos cosmonaut Konstantin Borisov embarked on his day with a focus on personal health, strapping sensors to monitor his cardiac activity and blood pressure for a continuous 24-hour session. Subsequently, he shifted his attention to tasks such as photographing battery cables in the Nauka science module and conducting orbital plumbing duties.
Cosmonaut Nikolai Chub contributed to the mission by connecting cables to an optical telescope equipped with a radio detector. He also ensured the optimal functioning of battery temperatures and connections within the Zvezda service module. Chub concluded his day by meticulously cleaning the ventilation system in the Rassvet module, contributing to the overall maintenance of the space station.
The dedication and precision of these astronauts and cosmonauts highlight the multifaceted nature of their work, encompassing vital scientific research, astronaut well-being, and the maintenance of the International Space Station itself.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Space Station Research
What is the purpose of the Vascular Aging study mentioned in the text?
The Vascular Aging study aims to understand the accelerated aging-like symptoms that occur in the arteries of crew members while living in space. It involves using the Echo ultrasound system to scan specific areas of the body and gather insights into the effects of space on vascular health.
Why are eye examinations being conducted on astronauts, as mentioned in the text?
The eye examinations are part of a broader study to investigate how weightlessness affects various aspects of eye health, including the retina, eye shape, vision, and other ocular properties. This research is essential to ensure the optimal optical health of astronauts during their missions in the space environment.
What is the significance of the plasma physics experiment discussed in the text?
The plasma physics experiment involves studying low-temperature gaseous mixtures composed of ionized gas, neutral gas, and micron-sized particles known as plasma crystals. Its significance lies in the potential to improve microgravity research methods and spacecraft designs, contributing to advancements in space science and technology.
How are astronauts maintaining their cardiovascular health during their mission?
Astronaut Konstantin Borisov is actively monitoring his cardiac activity and blood pressure by strapping sensors to himself for a continuous 24-hour session. This monitoring helps ensure the well-being of astronauts in space by allowing the timely detection and management of any cardiovascular issues.
What are some of the tasks related to spacesuit maintenance mentioned in the text?
Spacesuit maintenance includes cleaning the cooling loops inside the suits to ensure they function optimally. Additionally, suit water tanks are recharged, and cooling and ventilation garments are refilled. These tasks are essential to maintain the integrity and functionality of spacesuits, crucial for astronauts during spacewalks.
What is the overall goal of the International Space Station Expedition 70 crew, as described in the text?
The Expedition 70 crew is dedicated to a multifaceted mission that includes conducting scientific research, ensuring astronaut well-being, and maintaining the International Space Station itself. Their work encompasses various fields, such as space physics, human research, and space station upkeep, contributing to the advancement of space exploration and scientific knowledge.
More about Space Station Research
- NASA’s Vascular Aging Study
- Impact of Weightlessness on Eye Health
- Plasma Physics Experiment on the International Space Station
- Astronaut Cardiovascular Health Monitoring
- Spacesuit Maintenance and Functionality
- International Space Station Expedition 70
5 comments
awesome stuff, astronauts doin’ cool science in space, eye checks sound important for spacemen’s eye health
spacesuit maintanance is sooo critical, can’t afford a rip out there
ISS Expedition 70 rockin’ it! Cosmic research FTW!
plasma physics? sounds like sci-fi stuff, but it’s real! astronauts are heroes
Some typos here and there, but still a great read. Love space news!