Crew of Expedition 69 Focuses on Robotics, Microbial Studies, and Laboratory Upkeep

On the night of the second full moon in August 2023, characterized as both a Blue Moon and a supermoon, the International Space Station (ISS) was in orbit 260 miles above the Pacific Ocean. Image credit: NASA

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On Wednesday, September 13, robotics, laboratory maintenance, and microbiological research were the principal activities for the Expedition 69 team aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Additionally, time was allocated for Earth-related scientific tasks and responsibilities in the biomedical field.

Inside the Kibo laboratory module, Astrobee—a compact, cubic, autonomous robotic aide—was activated. Algorithms developed by students were transmitted to the space station to direct these robotic helpers, fostering problem-solving skills and furthering space education. Astronaut Satoshi Furukawa, representing JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), supervised the robotics exercises and documented his observations for later assessment on Earth.

Hovering at an altitude of 262 miles above Australia’s Northeastern coast, Andreas Mogensen, an astronaut from the European Space Agency (ESA), took a photograph from the ISS. The Cygnus spacecraft from Northrop Grumman, which had been docked at the station since August 4, 2023, is visible on the right of the image, showcasing its distinctive cymbal-like solar panels. Image credit: NASA

Three flight engineers were engaged in reorganizing the research infrastructure inside the Columbus laboratory module, managed by ESA. NASA Flight Engineer Frank Rubio initiated the task by relocating research and cargo compartments into designated slots within Columbus. He received assistance from ESA Flight Engineer Andreas Mogensen, who helped shuttle the compartments to and from their respective places.

In the afternoon, NASA Flight Engineer Jasmin Moghbeli concluded the tasks by restoring the Columbus laboratory to its functional layout and securing equipment. The reorganization was undertaken to make space for new exercise equipment intended to maintain astronaut health and fitness during extended space voyages.

The Expedition 69 team, comprising Flight Engineers Jasmin Moghbeli and Frank Rubio of NASA, along with Satoshi Furukawa from JAXA, congregated for a meal in the ISS’s Unity module. Image credit: NASA

Mogensen additionally conducted experiments to document Earth’s albedo, or reflectivity, by capturing images of the Moon during specific phases. The research aims to furnish new perspectives on Earth’s climate through satellite instrumentation. As part of the Vascular Aging study, Moghbeli drew a blood sample at day’s end for a glucose analysis, aimed at studying the accelerated aging symptoms exhibited in astronauts’ vascular systems.

Konstantin Borisov, a Roscosmos cosmonaut, resumed his duties in microbiology, gathering and securing microbial samples from the surfaces within the Zvezda service and Nauka scientific modules. Flight Engineer Dmitri Petelin engaged in research on fermentation processes to enhance food storage and preparation in space. Commander Sergey Prokopyev continued preparations to stow hardware aboard the Soyuz MS-23 spacecraft, slated to return him, Petelin, and Rubio back to Earth at the end of the month.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Expedition 69 Activities

More about Expedition 69 Activities

• International Space Station Overview
• Astrobee Robotic System
• Columbus Laboratory Module
• Earth’s Albedo and Climate Research
• Vascular Aging Study
• Roscosmos Activities on ISS
• Soyuz MS-23 Mission Details