Astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli is engaged in extravehicular training at the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory of the Johnson Space Center, with support from astronaut Tracy C. Dyson. Photo Credit: NASA/Josh Valcarcel
On Tuesday, October 3, the primary focus for Expedition 70’s crew on the International Space Station (ISS) was the preparation for upcoming extravehicular activities and the maintenance of exercise equipment. Auditory evaluations and an assortment of scientific and hardware-related tasks completed the day’s agenda for the crew orbiting the Earth.
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Forthcoming Extravehicular Activities
Three astronauts are intensifying their preparation for two scheduled extravehicular activities set for this month, devoted to scientific research and hardware maintenance. The activities, slated for October 12 and 20, will be transmitted in real-time on NASA TV, the agency’s application, and its official website.
The inaugural extravehicular activity will feature ESA (European Space Agency) Commander Andreas Mogensen and NASA Flight Engineer Loral O’Hara. They will collect microbial samples from designated external surfaces of the station utilizing specialized instruments. Subsequent analysis will be conducted to identify the microbial species capable of surviving in outer space’s vacuum. This activity will mark the first extravehicular outing for both astronauts.
Credit: ESA Astronaut Andreas Mogensen
For the second extravehicular activity, NASA Flight Engineer Jasmin Moghbeli, embarking on her initial spacewalk, will join O’Hara. Their mission involves the removal of defective radio communication equipment and the installation of new solar array components, over the span of six and a half hours.
Spacesuit Inspection and Equipment Upkeep
Moghbeli evaluated her spacesuit’s functionality on Tuesday afternoon, particularly its communication capabilities with ground control. Mogensen, along with JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Satoshi Furukawa, aided Moghbeli in the Quest airlock to verify her spacesuit’s operational readiness.
Furukawa and O’Hara spent their morning inside the Destiny laboratory module to replace the exercise cycle currently in use. They began by disassembling the existing exercise equipment, updating its parts, installing the new cycle, and subsequently activating the new aerobic and cardiovascular systems.
Additional Duties and Research
At the day’s conclusion, O’Hara alternated with Roscosmos Flight Engineers Nikolai Chub and Oleg Kononenko to perform auditory assessments. Earlier, Chub had set up an array of cameras aimed at observing Earth’s upper atmosphere and for precise tracking of the station’s orbital location. Kononenko, alongside cosmonaut Konstantin Borisov, dedicated most of their day to the servicing of diverse Roscosmos hardware. The team spent their time in various parts of the orbital lab, focusing on tasks related to electronics, communications, and life support systems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Expedition 70 Activities
What is the main focus of the Expedition 70 crew aboard the ISS on October 3?
The primary focus for the crew was preparation for upcoming extravehicular activities, also known as spacewalks, and maintenance of exercise equipment. They also engaged in auditory evaluations and various scientific and hardware-related tasks.
Who are the astronauts participating in the upcoming spacewalks?
ESA Commander Andreas Mogensen and NASA Flight Engineer Loral O’Hara will participate in the first spacewalk. For the second spacewalk, NASA Flight Engineer Jasmin Moghbeli will join O’Hara.
What will be the objective of the first planned spacewalk?
The objective of the first spacewalk is to collect microbial samples from designated external surfaces of the International Space Station. The samples will subsequently be analyzed to determine what types of microbes can survive in the vacuum of space.
What tasks will be carried out during the second spacewalk?
During the second spacewalk, Jasmin Moghbeli and Loral O’Hara will remove defective radio communication equipment and install new solar array components. The activity is expected to last for six and a half hours.
What preparations have been made for the spacesuits?
Jasmin Moghbeli tested her spacesuit’s communication capabilities with ground control, with assistance from Andreas Mogensen and JAXA astronaut Satoshi Furukawa.
What additional tasks were performed on the ISS?
Other tasks included replacing the exercise cycle in the Destiny laboratory module, conducting auditory assessments, and servicing a variety of Roscosmos hardware.
How can one watch the upcoming spacewalks?
The upcoming spacewalks will be broadcast live on NASA TV, as well as on NASA’s official app and website.
More about Expedition 70 Activities
- Expedition 70 Crew Profile
- NASA’s Official Spacewalk Schedule
- Johnson Space Center’s Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory
- ESA’s Astronaut Biographies
- JAXA’s Human Spaceflight Program
- NASA TV Live Broadcast
- International Space Station’s Scientific Research Overview
- Roscosmos Official Website
7 comments
Wow, this is pretty comprehensive. who knew there was so much going on up there in space, right? kudos to the astronauts.
Six and a half hours for the second spacewalk! Can’t even imagine how exhausting yet thrilling that must be.
Great to see that they’re monitoring Earth’s upper atmosphere. The more we know, the better we can protect our planet.
Never thought I’d be interested in space stuff, but the sheer logistics and planning involved is kinda fascinating. Makes ya think.
So excited for the upcoming spacewalks! And also, microbial research in space? That’s the kind of science I’m here for.
Intrigued by the international cooperation. Roscosmos and NASA working together on ISS, amidst earthbound politics, gives hope.
the details about hardware maintenance caught my eye. It’s not just about floating around, they’ve got serious work to do.