As the International Space Station (ISS) orbited 260 miles above the South Pacific Ocean, a diminishing gibbous moon dipped below the edge of Earth’s atmosphere. This moment was captured by NASA as the ISS crew embarked on a week filled with space physics, aging research, and scientific equipment management, alongside preparing a U.S. cargo ship for its earthbound journey.
Progress in Space-Based Manufacturing
In the quest to commercialize low-Earth orbit, space manufacturing is emerging as a pivotal frontier. Researchers are utilizing the microgravity conditions to develop superior fiber optic cables, an improvement over those made on Earth. In the Destiny laboratory module, NASA Flight Engineer Loral O’Hara exchanged samples of optical fibers produced in the Microgravity Science Glovebox. These fibers, composed of zirconium, barium, lanthanum, and aluminum sodium fluoride, possess exceptional optical transmission properties. Their development could revolutionize various sectors, including atmospheric monitoring from space and laser surgery techniques on Earth.
Space Aging Research
NASA Flight Engineer Jasmin Moghbeli dedicated her afternoon to examining how space affects aging, mirroring symptoms observed in elderly individuals on Earth. In the Kibo laboratory module, she processed liver stem cell samples, part of the Space AGE (Space Aging Gravity Experiment) study. This research aims to understand how aging influences liver regeneration and the immune system, potentially offering new insights for treatments both in space and on Earth.
Biomedical and Psychological Space Studies
ESA Commander Andreas Mogensen of the European Space Agency devoted his day to biomedical tasks, handling his biological samples for future studies. He also engaged in a virtual reality experiment designed to understand its potential benefits for astronaut psychology during extended space missions.
Collaborative Research and Routine Operations
The crew, including Expedition 70 Commander Andreas Mogensen (ESA), and Flight Engineers Loral O’Hara, Jasmin Moghbeli (NASA), and Satoshi Furukawa (JAXA), participated in various tasks aboard the ISS. They demonstrated crew active dosimeters, essential for monitoring radiation exposure in space.
Spacecraft Management and Satellite Deployment
Satoshi Furukawa began his day in the Kibo lab, preparing a satellite deployer for the release of CubeSats into orbit. He also collaborated with Moghbeli in transferring scientific samples to the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, which is scheduled to return to Earth with these samples for analysis. Meanwhile, O’Hara ensured the cargo was securely stowed for Dragon’s re-entry and splashdown near Florida.
Cosmonauts’ Maintenance and Research Activities
Cosmonauts Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai Chub focused on routine ISS maintenance and research. Kononenko managed water transfers from the Progress 86 resupply ship, while Chub studied the behavior of fluid systems under electrical and magnetic fields in microgravity. Flight Engineer Konstantin Borisov conducted electrical checks, tended to space botany experiments, and updated Roscosmos computer software.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Space Manufacturing
What is the primary focus of Expedition 70 aboard the International Space Station?
Expedition 70 is primarily focused on advancements in space manufacturing, particularly in creating superior fiber optic cables in a microgravity environment. The crew is also engaged in aging research and routine operations, including the management of scientific hardware and the preparation of cargo spacecraft for return to Earth.
How is space manufacturing being advanced in Expedition 70?
Researchers in Expedition 70 are leveraging the unique conditions of low-Earth orbit to produce advanced fiber optic cables that outperform those made on Earth. These cables, made from materials like zirconium, barium, lanthanum, and aluminum sodium fluoride, offer enhanced optical transmission capabilities.
What aging research is being conducted in the Space AGE investigation?
The Space Aging Gravity Experiment (Space AGE) on Expedition 70 is studying the effects of space on aging, particularly focusing on liver stem cells. This research is designed to provide insights into the aging process and how it affects liver regeneration and the immune system.
How are virtual reality experiences being used in space missions?
Virtual reality experiences are being investigated for their potential psychological benefits for astronauts on long-term space missions. This study, part of Expedition 70’s activities, explores how 360-degree virtual reality can support crew psychology during extended stays in space.
What are some routine operations conducted by the Expedition 70 crew?
Routine operations by the Expedition 70 crew include managing biological samples for future analysis, servicing scientific equipment, conducting biomedical duties, and preparing cargo spacecraft for return trips to Earth. Additionally, they are involved in the deployment of small satellites and monitoring radiation exposure levels in space.
More about Space Manufacturing
- Expedition 70 Overview
- NASA Space Manufacturing
- Aging Research in Space
- Virtual Reality in Space Missions
- ISS Expedition Crews
- CubeSat Deployment
- Fiber Optics in Space
5 comments
I’m curious about how these fiber optic cables are different from the ones on Earth? this could be a game changer
wow, this is super cool stuff, space manufacturing? the future is literally now, can’t beleive how far we’ve come!
great read, but there’s a typo in the section about CubeSats, it says ‘satalite’ instead of ‘satellite’ just a heads up!
virtual reality for astronaut psychology, never thought about that but it makes sense, long missions must be tough on the mind
aging research in space, that’s kinda out there, pun intended haha but seriously, it’s fascinating how microgravity can help us understand aging