Space Biology, Ultra-High-Res Camera Start Work Week on Station
Space biology and an ultra-high-resolution camera demonstration topped the research schedule aboard the International Space Station at the beginning of the week. Spacesuit checks, cargo transfers, and lab maintenance tasks rounded out the day for the Expedition 72 crew.
New science experiments are due to be launched to the orbiting lab soon aboard the SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft. One of those experiments seeks to overcome space-caused immune dysfunction as well as prevent aging conditions on Earth. NASA Flight Engineer Don Pettit began configuring research hardware in the Kibo laboratory module on Monday to accommodate the upcoming investigation. Flight Engineer Butch Wilmore and Commander Suni Williams, both NASA astronauts, assisted Pettit setting up components inside Kibo to house the study's biological samples.
Wilmore went on and tested the Sphere Camera-2 for its ability to capture live action, ultra-high-resolution imagery in microgravity. The footage and hardware will be returned to Earth to evaluate the space-hardened camera and a newer version for their potential to capture future planetary and mission photography. Williams swapped desiccants that absorb moisture inside a variety of science freezers ensuring the preservation of samples. The duo then joined each other at the end of the day for a conference with mission controllers on the ground.
NASA Flight Engineer Nick Hague began his shift with cargo duties inside the Northrop Grumman Cygnus spacecraft. Next, the two-time station visitor wore the Canadian Space Agency's Bio-Monitor vest and headband filled with sensors to record his health data as he worked throughout the rest of the day. Afterward, Hague serviced life support hardware and other components on a spacesuit inside the Quest airlock.
Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexey Ovchinin, on his third station mission, worked in the Progress 89 cargo craft installing air ducts and transferring fluids to and from the Zvezda service module. Flight Engineer Aleksandr Gorbunov jogged on the Tranquility module's treadmill after an equipment training session from Williams. Flight Engineer Ivan Vagner spent his day on inspection activities inside the aft end of Zvezda.
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