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2024-12-13
The crew of Expedition 72 aboard the International Space Station (ISS) wrapped up a productive week filled with diverse research activities and preparations for a crucial spacewalk.
Science Takes Center Stage:
NASA astronauts and Roscosmos cosmonauts diligently conducted various scientific experiments throughout the week. Here’s a glimpse into their endeavors:
Space Exposure Experiment: The Nanoracks Bishop airlock and the Euro Materials Aging (EMA) experiment received significant attention. Suni Williams, Butch Wilmore, Don Pettit, and Nick Hague meticulously prepared the EMA for installation outside the station, where it will be exposed to the harsh space environment for a year to study material degradation.
Micro-algae Research: Nick Hague focused on the BioLab incubator, investigating the potential of micro-algae to purify air, generate oxygen, and even serve as a food source for future long-duration space missions.
Eye Health in Space: Williams, Pettit, and Wilmore underwent eye exams with standard medical imaging equipment, aiding researchers in understanding how microgravity affects vision.
Preparing for a Spacewalk:
The upcoming spacewalk on December 19th kept Roscosmos cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin and Ivan Vagner busy. They geared up by installing components on their Orlan spacesuits, performing fitness assessments, and setting up communication and camera systems for the six-hour and forty-minute mission.
Other Station Activities:
Aleksandr Gorbunov honed his skills operating the European robotic arm and installed Earth observation equipment to monitor environmental changes.
Mission managers rescheduled the return of the Dragon resupply spacecraft due to unfavorable weather conditions, aiming for undocking no earlier than December 15th.
What Undercode Says:
This blog post highlights the remarkable scientific endeavors and collaborative spirit thriving aboard the ISS. The diverse experiments conducted by the crew pave the way for advancements in material science, space agriculture, and even human health. The upcoming spacewalk demonstrates the ongoing need for maintenance and upgrades to keep the station operational. The rescheduled return of the Dragon spacecraft, though a minor setback, underscores the importance of adapting to unforeseen circumstances in space exploration.
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