The Soyuz MS-24 spacecraft is shown connected to the Rassvet module, as the International Space Station circled 268 miles above the Indian Ocean, adjacent to France’s Southern and Antarctic Territories. Image courtesy of NASA.
On Thursday, October 19, the crew of Expedition 70 persisted in their health studies in space and Earth science investigations, while also attending to assorted research equipment. The International Space Station (ISS) is now at a higher orbital altitude as its occupants undertook inspections of emergency apparatus and went over procedures for an imminent extravehicular activity.
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Genetic Studies and Health Surveillance
Resuming genetic studies, NASA astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli employed a handheld DNA sequencer to classify bacteria gathered from water samples aboard the station. This technological exploration aims to enhance the safety of both astronauts and spacecraft, as NASA looks to reduce reliance on Earth-based resources for future missions to the Moon, Mars, and further. Moghbeli also wore the Bio-Monitor vest and headgear during a 48-hour examination to assess these wearable technologies’ efficacy in unobtrusively tracking an astronaut’s health during routine activities.
The Canadarm2 robotic appendage is displayed extending from the International Space Station, as it orbited 260 miles above the Pacific Ocean near the Aleutian Archipelago. Image courtesy of NASA.
Earth Observation and Cargo Management
Commander Andreas Mogensen of the European Space Agency (ESA) returned to the cupola to further test an advanced camera’s ability to capture Earth’s thunderstorms and their electrical phenomena at a rate of 100,000 frames per second. The findings may contribute to a broader understanding of Earth’s atmosphere and facilitate future space-related applications. The Denmark-native commander also managed the exchange of cargo and waste with the Northrop Grumman Cygnus cargo vessel docked at the Unity module’s Earth-oriented port.
Standard Inspections and Upkeep
NASA Flight Engineer Loral O’Hara documented emergency equipment for scrutiny, measured her blood pressure, and disassembled specific spacesuit elements. Concurrently, Astronaut Satoshi Furukawa from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) replaced filters in the Life Science Glovebox and exchanged sample cartridges in the Materials Science Laboratory.
Cosmonauts Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai have devoted recent days to preparations for an upcoming spacewalk, scheduled for 2:10 p.m. EDT on October 25. The spacewalking agenda has been updated to include the installation of scientific instruments, the deployment of a nanosatellite, and an inspection of a secondary radiator on the Nauka science module that has experienced coolant leakage.
Both cosmonauts participated in simulation exercises for advanced piloting methods, donning sensor-laden caps that recorded their neurological reactions. This data will be analyzed to gain insights into how future crews might adapt to piloting spacecraft and operating robotic equipment on extraterrestrial missions.
Flight Engineer Konstantin Borisov, also from Roscosmos, joined the spacewalking briefing before the midday meal. He moved water from the Progress 85 (85P) cargo ship into the station’s storage tanks and subsequently examined the electrical systems in the Zvezda service module.
Orbital Modification
The orbital laboratory is now at a marginally higher elevation following an 18-minute thruster activation from the 85P on the previous Wednesday night. This orbital elevation adjustment places the ISS at the appropriate height for the docking of Roscosmos’ upcoming cargo ship, Progress 86, which is planned for early December.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about ISS Orbital Adjustments and Research Activities
What spacecraft is currently docked to the International Space Station’s Rassvet module?
The Soyuz MS-24 spacecraft is currently docked to the International Space Station’s Rassvet module.
Who is conducting DNA analysis aboard the International Space Station?
NASA astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli is conducting DNA analysis using a portable DNA sequencer to identify bacteria in water samples aboard the station.
What technology is being tested for monitoring astronaut health?
A Bio-Monitor vest and headband are being tested to monitor an astronaut’s health comfortably while minimally interfering with their daily activities.
What is Commander Andreas Mogensen of the European Space Agency working on?
Commander Andreas Mogensen is testing an advanced camera’s capability to capture Earth’s thunderstorms and their electrical phenomena at 100,000 frames per second. He is also responsible for managing the exchange of cargo and waste with the Northrop Grumman Cygnus cargo vessel.
What tasks are planned for the upcoming spacewalk by cosmonauts Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai?
The tasks for the upcoming spacewalk include installing scientific instruments, deploying a nanosatellite, and inspecting a secondary radiator on the Nauka science module that has experienced coolant leakage.
What was the purpose of the recent orbital adjustment to the International Space Station?
The purpose of the recent orbital adjustment, achieved through an 18-minute thruster activation, is to place the ISS at the appropriate height for the docking of Roscosmos’ upcoming cargo ship, Progress 86, planned for early December.
Who is involved in routine checks and maintenance aboard the ISS?
NASA Flight Engineer Loral O’Hara and Astronaut Satoshi Furukawa from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) are involved in routine checks and maintenance, including inspecting emergency equipment and replacing filters in the Life Science Glovebox.
What are the cosmonauts practicing in terms of futuristic piloting techniques?
The cosmonauts are participating in simulation exercises for advanced piloting methods, wearing sensor-laden caps to record their neurological reactions. This data will be used to gain insights into how future crews might adapt to piloting spacecraft and operating robotic equipment on extraterrestrial missions.
What other cargo spacecraft is currently attached to the ISS?
The Northrop Grumman Cygnus cargo vessel is currently attached to the ISS, specifically docked at the Unity module’s Earth-oriented port.
What is the next cargo craft slated to dock with the ISS?
The next cargo craft planned for docking with the ISS is Roscosmos’ Progress 86, which is expected to arrive in early December.
More about ISS Orbital Adjustments and Research Activities
- International Space Station Overview
- NASA’s Expedition 70 Mission Summary
- DNA Sequencing in Space
- European Space Agency’s Earth Observation Initiatives
- Roscosmos Cargo Missions to ISS
- Northrop Grumman Cygnus Cargo Spacecraft
- Bio-Monitor Wearable Technology
- Spacewalk Procedures and Preparations
- Life Science Glovebox Research
- Orbital Adjustment Procedures
10 comments
Wow, the stuff they’re doing up there is mind blowing. DNA sequencing in space? That’s next level.
Kinda intrigued about the Bio-Monitor vest. Wonder how long before that tech trickles down to us mortals here on Earth.
those cosmonauts sound like they’re training for a sci-fi movie. Sensor-laden caps and all.
orbital modifications and DNA tests? Sounds like an episode of Star Trek but its real life. Crazy.
Andreas Mogensen back at it again with the thunderstorm studies. I’m curious, what could 100,000 fps footage reveal?
When’s that spacewalk happening? would love to catch it live if possible.
orbital adjustments just to make room for another cargo ship. Space traffic is getting real.
so much going on up there and here I am, can’t even fix my wifi router haha.
Whos taking out the trash in space? LOL, but seriously, it’s fascinating how they manage waste and cargo.
DNA analysis to identify bacteria in water samples… I bet they didn’t cover that in astronaut school.