The International Space Station (ISS) serves as a microgravity and space environment research laboratory, where scientific research is conducted in astrobiology, astronomy, meteorology, physics, and other fields. The ISS is a joint project involving NASA, Roscosmos, JAXA, ESA, and CSA. Each week, NASA releases the "Space to Ground" report, providing updates on activities aboard the station. This article summarizes the key events and research activities from the ISS during the week of November 16, 2018, as detailed in the NASA Weekly ISS Space to Ground Report for that period.

Key Events and Research Activities

Resupply Missions

During the week of November 16, 2018, the ISS prepared for the arrival of two resupply missions. The U.S. company Northrop Grumman was preparing its 10th Cygnus cargo spacecraft for launch atop an Antares rocket on November 15, 2018. Russia was also preparing to launch its 71st station resupply mission aboard a Progress spacecraft on November 16, 2018. Both resupply ships were scheduled to arrive at the station on November 18, 2018, just 10 hours apart. The Cygnus spacecraft was expected to arrive first due to its earlier launch. These missions were crucial for delivering supplies, equipment, and scientific experiments to the ISS crew. ([friendsofnasa.org](

Spacewalks and Maintenance

In the preceding months, the ISS crew had conducted significant maintenance activities, including spacewalks to replace a leaky pump on the station's cooling system. On May 16, 2018, astronauts Drew Feustel and Ricky Arnold performed a 6.5-hour spacewalk to relocate a failed pump, ensuring the station's cooling system remained operational. ([space.com](

Scientific Research and Experiments

The ISS continued to support a wide range of scientific experiments during this period. Notably, the crew was involved in the CEMSICA (Cement Solidification in Space) experiment, which investigated the solidification process of cement in microgravity. This research aimed to improve the understanding of cement behavior in space, with potential applications for future long-duration missions. ([nasa.gov](

Training and Emergency Procedures

During the week of November 9, 2018, the ISS crew practiced emergency procedures, including International Space Station emergency protocols. This training was essential for ensuring the crew's readiness in the event of an emergency, maintaining the safety and operational integrity of the station. ([friendsofnasa.org](

Conclusion

The week of November 16, 2018, was marked by preparations for resupply missions, ongoing maintenance activities, and the continuation of scientific research aboard the ISS. These efforts underscored the collaborative nature of international space exploration and the ISS's role as a hub for scientific discovery and technological advancement.

Sources

  • Friends of NASA — NASA's Space to Ground: Surviving the Plunge | Week of Nov. 9, 2018 —
  • Space.com — Spacewalking Astronauts Replace Leaky Pump on Space Station —
  • NASA — ISS Daily Summary Report – 11/30/2018 —