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Health Screenings and Scientific Activities Precede Rocket Launch Preparations
The Soyuz rocket was transported by train to its launch pad at Site 31 of the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Tuesday, September 12, 2023. Slated for launch on September 15 are Expedition 70 NASA astronaut Loral O’Hara, and Roscosmos cosmonauts Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai Chub aboard the Soyuz MS-24 spacecraft. Photo Credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls
Scientific Endeavors on the International Space Station
On the same day, the International Space Station was primarily occupied with health-related research and the upkeep of scientific equipment by the Expedition 69 team. The Soyuz MS-24 rocket, intended to transport the succeeding crew to the space station, has also been positioned at its launch site.
Four flight engineers initiated their day by undergoing a medical evaluation that monitored key health indicators such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse rate, and breathing rate. The medical equipment, including the sensors and the software for capturing biomedical data, was set up in the Destiny laboratory module by NASA astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli. Subsequently, she collaborated with Frank Rubio from NASA and international astronauts Satoshi Furukawa and Andreas Mogensen for routine health assessments.
Laboratory Reconfigurations and Pre-Launch Activities
Moghbeli then proceeded to the Columbus laboratory module where she reorganized the European Space Agency (ESA) research facility and interchanged cargo and research racks. Her aim was to create room for new exercise equipment designed to maintain astronaut health and fitness during extended space missions.
The Soyuz MS-24, set to launch a trio of crew members to the space station on Friday, September 15, is currently standing at its designated launch pad in Kazakhstan. Photo Credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls
Mogensen, representing ESA, affixed respiratory equipment and sensors to himself and engaged in a cycling exercise aimed at measuring aerobic capacity in a microgravity environment. Furukawa, from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), assisted Mogensen in the equipment setup. Thereafter, Furukawa attended to samples within the Electrostatic Levitation Furnace, an advanced research device that securely evaluates the thermophysical attributes of various materials.
Ionospheric Research and Kibo Laboratory Activities
In the Kibo laboratory, Rubio prepared a plasma monitor for its eventual installation outside the space station, in the external microgravity setting. This ionospheric plasma research apparatus will be robotically positioned on the Bartolomeo science platform and, following a series of preliminary checks, will commence its study on how upper-atmospheric phenomena like auroras influence radio and satellite communication.
Microbial Studies and Logistics
The focus for the space station’s Russian cosmonauts was on microbiology and logistical operations on the said day. Roscosmos Flight Engineer Konstantin Borisov was involved in collecting microbial samples from station surfaces, which were then stored for subsequent analysis. Flight Engineer Dmitri Petelin conducted research on maintaining hygienic conditions for biological experiments in space. Commander Sergey Prokopyev engaged in inventory management for items to be transported back to Earth aboard the Soyuz MS-23 spacecraft at the end of the month.
Countdown to Launch at Baikonur Cosmodrome
Concurrently, at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, the Soyuz MS-24 rocket is in its final preparation stages, targeting a liftoff at 11:44 a.m. EDT on Friday. The spacecraft will ferry NASA astronaut Loral O’Hara and Roscosmos cosmonauts Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai Chub for a brief journey to the space station, culminating in a docking with the Rassvet module at 2:56 p.m. on the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Soyuz MS-24 Launch Preparations
What is the main focus of the article?
The main focus of the article is to provide a detailed account of various activities and preparations taking place both on the International Space Station (ISS) and at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, leading up to the launch of the Soyuz MS-24 rocket on September 15, 2023.
Who are the key individuals involved in these activities?
The key individuals include Expedition 70 NASA astronaut Loral O’Hara, Roscosmos cosmonauts Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai Chub for the upcoming launch, and Expedition 69 astronauts and cosmonauts like Jasmin Moghbeli, Frank Rubio, Satoshi Furukawa, and Andreas Mogensen, who are currently aboard the ISS.
What are the various scientific activities and research being carried out on the ISS?
The Expedition 69 crew on the ISS is engaged in several scientific activities, including health examinations, reorganizing research facilities, and ionospheric plasma research. They are also involved in microbiological studies and the preparation of equipment for future space missions.
What specific preparations are taking place at the Baikonur Cosmodrome?
At the Baikonur Cosmodrome, the Soyuz MS-24 rocket has been rolled out to its launch pad and is undergoing final preparations for its liftoff, scheduled for 11:44 a.m. EDT on September 15.
What is the planned destination for the crew aboard the Soyuz MS-24?
The Soyuz MS-24 is slated to ferry NASA astronaut Loral O’Hara and Roscosmos cosmonauts Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai Chub to the ISS. They are expected to dock with the Rassvet module at 2:56 p.m. on the same day as the launch.
What are the health-related activities being conducted on the ISS?
Four flight engineers initiated their day with a health examination that monitored key indicators such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse rate, and respiratory rate. New exercise equipment is also being prepared for installation to maintain astronaut health during extended missions.
How are the international space agencies involved in these activities?
Various space agencies including NASA (United States), Roscosmos (Russia), ESA (European Space Agency), and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) are collaborating on the research and preparations. Their astronauts and cosmonauts are actively participating in the ongoing scientific endeavors.
What is the significance of ionospheric plasma research in this context?
Ionospheric plasma research aims to study the effects of upper-atmospheric phenomena like auroras on radio and satellite signals. A plasma monitor is being prepared for installation on the Bartolomeo science platform for this specific study.
What is the focus on microbiology and cargo operations?
The Russian cosmonauts are specifically focusing on microbiology by collecting microbial samples from station surfaces for later analysis. They are also engaged in cargo operations, including the inventory management for items to be returned to Earth.
When is the Soyuz MS-24 expected to return?
The article does not provide information regarding the return schedule of the Soyuz MS-24 spacecraft.
More about Soyuz MS-24 Launch Preparations
- NASA’s Official Website
- International Space Station Updates
- Baikonur Cosmodrome Information
- European Space Agency (ESA) Research
- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) Activities
- Expedition 70 Mission Details
- Soyuz Spacecraft Information
- Health Research in Space
- Ionospheric Research
- Aerobic Capacity in Microgravity
7 comments
Expedition 70 sounds exciting! Cant wait for the launch this Friday. Fingers crossed everything goes smoothly.
gotta say, it’s a lot to take in. But it’s fascinating to see the level of international cooperation. NASA, Roscosmos, ESA, JAXA all working together… kinda gives you hope for the future, y’know?
Just a thought, but hope all this research will somehow benefit Earth too, especially given the climate crisis we’re facing.
Wow, the article is really comprehensive! Love how its covering everything from health checks to rocket preparations. And it’s so cool that they’re doing ionospheric plasma research up there, really brings sci-fi to life, doesnt it?
Its hard to imagine the sheer amount of work that goes into a single launch and maintaining the ISS. Kudos to everyone involved. What a time to be alive and witness this.
First time I’m reading about the Electrostatic Levitation Furnace, sounds pretty advanced. Wonder what kind of research comes out of that thing.
Really detailed article, thumbs up! Also, is it just me or does anyone else find the medical aspects super intriguing? Like, how do they even do health checks in zero gravity?