The International Space Station (ISS) has been a cornerstone of human space exploration since its inception, serving as a microgravity and space environment research laboratory. On January 27, 2014, the ISS was in the midst of Expedition 38, a mission that focused on a variety of scientific experiments and maintenance activities. This article provides an overview of the ISS's status on that date, highlighting key events and operations.

Expedition 38 Overview

Expedition 38 began in November 2013 and was scheduled to conclude in March 2014. The crew for this mission included Commander Fyodor Yurchikhin (Roscosmos), Flight Engineer Karen Nyberg (NASA), Flight Engineer Luca Parmitano (European Space Agency), and Russian cosmonauts Oleg Kotov and Sergey Ryazanskiy. The crew was responsible for conducting numerous scientific experiments, performing maintenance tasks, and ensuring the station's operational readiness. ([nasa.gov](

Key Activities on January 27, 2014

On January 27, 2014, the ISS crew conducted a Russian spacewalk, designated EVA 37A. This extravehicular activity (EVA) lasted approximately 6 hours and 8 minutes and was performed by cosmonauts Oleg Kotov and Sergey Ryazanskiy. The primary objectives of this spacewalk included:

  • Installation of Equipment: Kotov and Ryazanskiy installed scientific instruments and maintenance hardware on the exterior of the ISS.
  • Inspection and Repair: They conducted visual inspections of the station's exterior and addressed any identified issues to maintain the ISS's structural integrity.
  • System Upgrades: The spacewalk included the installation of new components to enhance the station's capabilities and support ongoing scientific research. ([nasa.gov](

During the EVA, other crew members were assigned specific tasks to ensure the safety and efficiency of the operation. Flight Engineer Mike Hopkins was isolated in the Mini-Research Module (MRM)-2/36S, while Flight Engineers Koichi Wakata, Mikhail Tyurin, and Luca Parmitano had access to all modules forward of the Service Module (SM). This configuration allowed for effective coordination and support during the spacewalk. ([nasa.gov](

Scientific Research and Experiments

In addition to the EVA, the crew engaged in various scientific experiments and maintenance activities. Notably, Flight Engineer Mike Hopkins continued his participation in the European Space Agency's (ESA) ENERGY experiment, which aims to assess astronauts' energy requirements during long-term spaceflight. On January 27, 2014, Hopkins collected water samples from the Potable Water Dispenser in the U.S. Laboratory module, collected a urine sample, and logged all food and drink consumed. ([nasa.gov](

Maintenance and Operational Updates

On January 27, 2014, the ISS crew addressed several maintenance tasks to ensure the station's operational readiness. These included:

  • Food Warmer Troubleshooting: The crew continued to investigate issues with the U.S. Orbital Segment (USOS) Food Warmer, which had experienced an overcurrent condition on January 16, 2014. Flight Engineer Mike Hopkins performed an in-flight repair of the secondary ground wire and relocated the Food Warmer to an alternate location. Ground teams were developing further troubleshooting plans to resolve the issue. ([nasa.gov](
  • Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) Low Temperature Loop (LTL) Pump Troubleshooting: Flight Engineer Koichi Wakata used a multimeter to take resistance measurements to determine if there was a short circuit in the power feed path from Power Distribution Box (PDB) TCS1 to the LTL Pump Package. This troubleshooting was part of the investigation into the cause of the LTL Pump's failure, which had occurred earlier in the month. ([nasa.gov](

International Collaboration and Cargo Operations

During this period, the ISS continued to benefit from international collaboration. The Cygnus spacecraft, launched by Orbital Sciences Corporation, was scheduled to deliver approximately 2,780 pounds of science experiments, hardware, and crew provisions to the ISS. The Cygnus mission was part of NASA's Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) program, which aims to provide regular cargo deliveries to the station. ([nasa.gov](

Conclusion

On January 27, 2014, the International Space Station was actively engaged in a range of scientific experiments, maintenance tasks, and international collaborations. The successful completion of EVA 37A and the ongoing research efforts underscore the ISS's role as a vital platform for advancing our understanding of space and human health. The crew's dedication to maintaining the station's systems and conducting experiments continues to contribute to the success of the ISS program and the broader goals of space exploration.

Sources

  • NASA — Aeronautics and Space Report of the President: Fiscal Year 2014 Activities —
  • NASA — ISS On-Orbit Status Report —