A cargo spacecraft is currently in orbit en route to the International Space Station (ISS) following its launch on Friday morning. Concurrently, significant progress in the field of space biology is underway aboard the orbital outpost, aimed at enhancing life on both Earth and in the cosmos.
The Roscosmos Progress 86 space freighter now orbits Earth, rapidly approaching the space station after its 4:25 a.m. EDT liftoff from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. On a two-day mission, the Progress 86 is tasked with delivering nearly 5,600 pounds of essential supplies to replenish the Expedition 70 crew’s resources. Cosmonauts Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai Chub will be on duty Sunday morning, overseeing the automated docking of the cargo craft to the Poisk module, scheduled for 6:14 a.m.
During the course of the week, both cosmonauts, including Flight Engineer Konstantin Borisov, dedicated their efforts to servicing the station’s Roscosmos segment. Their tasks involved the thorough cleaning of ventilation systems, culminating in a relaxing afternoon. Borisov’s responsibilities will include assisting his fellow cosmonauts on Sunday with the documentation of docking activities and the disassembly of docking equipment following the vehicle’s arrival.
On Friday, the primary focus of research activities revolved around bioprinting and DNA extraction. Astronauts Jasmin Moghbeli and Satoshi Furukawa made significant contributions to scientific knowledge aimed at advancing human health, both in space and on Earth. NASA’s Moghbeli initiated her day in the Columbus laboratory module, where she performed maintenance on syringes within the BioFabrication Facility (BFF), a bioprinter. Subsequently, she extracted a tissue cassette containing printed cardiac tissue samples from the BFF, which was then installed into an advanced sample processor capable of accommodating various biological and physical investigations.
JAXA astronaut and Expedition 70 Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa spent Friday conducting DNA extraction activities in the Kibo laboratory module. He carefully stored these DNA samples in a science freezer, where they will undergo future analysis. This research aims to inform automated nucleic acid extraction methods in microgravity, potentially revolutionizing DNA sample processing and sequencing techniques for spacecraft and remote locations on Earth.
Meanwhile, NASA astronaut Loral O’Hara was engaged in an exercise study in the Destiny laboratory module, focusing on assessing physical fitness in microgravity. Her workout involved pedaling on an exercise cycle while wearing specialized breathing gear and sensors, contributing to a long-running study aimed at measuring a crew member’s aerobic and cardiovascular conditioning.
Commander Andreas Mogensen took charge of stowing the exercise cycle after O’Hara’s session and assisted Moghbeli in servicing the printed cardiac tissue samples. Subsequently, Mogensen, representing ESA (European Space Agency), dedicated his afternoon to collecting microbe samples from various station surfaces for subsequent incubation and analysis. In parallel, O’Hara conducted station air sample collection for microbial analysis during the afternoon hours.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about ISS Mission Highlights
What is the purpose of the Roscosmos Progress 86 cargo craft’s mission to the ISS?
The Roscosmos Progress 86 cargo craft’s mission to the International Space Station (ISS) is to deliver nearly 5,600 pounds of cargo to resupply the Expedition 70 crew on the station. It aims to provide essential supplies and equipment required for the ongoing activities and experiments conducted on the ISS.
What are the roles of cosmonauts Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai Chub in this mission?
Cosmonauts Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai Chub are responsible for monitoring the cargo craft’s automated docking to the Poisk module of the ISS, scheduled for 6:14 a.m. EDT. Their duties include overseeing the safe arrival and integration of the cargo and supplies into the station’s resources.
What scientific research activities were conducted aboard the ISS during this mission?
During this mission, astronauts Jasmin Moghbeli and Satoshi Furukawa were actively involved in scientific research. Jasmin Moghbeli conducted maintenance on the BioFabrication Facility (BFF), a bioprinter in the Columbus laboratory module, and extracted tissue samples printed in the BFF for further analysis. Satoshi Furukawa performed DNA extraction activities in the Kibo laboratory module for the uTitan investigation, with the aim of advancing automated nucleic acid extraction methods in microgravity.
What was the focus of NASA astronaut Loral O’Hara’s research on the ISS?
NASA astronaut Loral O’Hara participated in an exercise study in the Destiny laboratory module, which aimed to observe physical fitness in microgravity. Her workout involved pedaling on an exercise cycle while wearing specialized gear and sensors, contributing to the assessment of crew members’ aerobic and cardiovascular conditioning.
What other tasks were performed by the crew members during this mission?
In addition to the specific research activities mentioned, the crew members also engaged in tasks such as cleaning ventilation systems, collecting microbe samples from station surfaces for incubation and analysis, and gathering station air samples for microbial analysis. These activities contribute to the overall maintenance and scientific objectives of the ISS mission.
More about ISS Mission Highlights
- NASA – International Space Station
- Roscosmos – Progress 86
- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
- BioFabrication Facility (BFF)
4 comments
_xD83D__xDEF0_️_xD83C__xDF0C_ ISS always buzzin with activities, crew workin hard! _xD83D__xDC69__xD83D__xDE80__xD83D__xDC68__xD83D__xDE80_ Can’t wait 2 c more progress.
This is so cool, I luv space exploration! But, wot exactly dey doin with all dis DNA stuff in space? _xD83D__xDE80_
Impressive stuff happenin in space! Roscosmos sendin cargo, astro-nots doin bioprintin & DNA work. Excitin times up there!
It’s amazin how science thrives in microgravity! Let’s unlock more mysteries of space & biology. _xD83E__xDDEC__xD83D__xDCAB_