NASA astronaut Shane Kimbrough, along with Russian cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Andrey Borisenko, returned to Earth on April 10, 2017, after a 173-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Their journey back marked the conclusion of Expedition 50 and highlighted the collaborative efforts between NASA and the Russian space agency Roscosmos in advancing human space exploration.

Mission Overview

Launched on October 19, 2016, aboard the Soyuz MS-02 spacecraft, Kimbrough, Ryzhikov, and Borisenko joined the ISS crew to continue a series of scientific investigations. Their mission focused on a diverse array of research areas, including biology, biotechnology, physical science, and Earth science. The crew's primary objective was to conduct experiments that would benefit both space exploration and life on Earth.

Scientific Contributions

During their tenure on the ISS, the crew engaged in several notable scientific studies:

  • Microgravity Expanded Stem Cells Investigation: This study examined cell growth and other characteristics in microgravity. The findings aimed to enhance stem cell production for medical therapies on Earth and improve treatments for diseases and injuries in space.
  • Tissue Regeneration-Bone Defect Study: Sponsored by the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) and the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command, this research investigated the biological mechanisms behind the inability to regenerate lost bone and tissue. The study sought to develop new treatment options for chronic, non-healing wounds.

Extravehicular Activities (Spacewalks)

Commander Kimbrough conducted four spacewalks during the mission, contributing significantly to the maintenance and enhancement of the ISS:

  • January Spacewalks: Kimbrough installed adapter plates and connected electrical systems for six new lithium-ion batteries. These batteries replaced nine older nickel-hydrogen batteries, improving the station's energy storage capabilities.
  • March Spacewalks: The tasks included disconnecting and setting up Pressurized Mating Adapter-3 following its robotic move, installing two upgraded computer relay boxes on the station's truss, and adding shields and covers to various external station locations.

Cargo Deliveries and Station Operations

Throughout their mission, the crew received multiple cargo deliveries, enhancing the ISS's research capabilities:

  • Orbital ATK's Cygnus Spacecraft: Delivered supplies and research equipment, including payloads to study fires in space and the effects of lighting on sleep and daily rhythms.
  • Japanese H-II Transfer Vehicle: Delivered new lithium-ion batteries, which were installed during a combination of robotics and spacewalks to replace the older batteries.
  • SpaceX Dragon Cargo Resupply: Arrived in February, bringing additional supplies and research materials to support ongoing experiments.
  • Russian ISS Progress Cargo Spacecraft: Docked in February, providing further supplies and equipment for the crew.

Return to Earth

The crew's return was executed with precision. The Soyuz MS-02 spacecraft undocked from the ISS and touched down southeast of Dzhezkazgan, Kazakhstan, at approximately 7:20 a.m. EDT on April 10, 2017. This landing concluded Kimbrough's second spaceflight, during which he accumulated a total of 189 days in space over two missions. Ryzhikov and Borisenko also completed their respective missions, with Ryzhikov logging 173 days and Borisenko 337 days in space over two flights.

Post-Mission Activities

Following their return, the crew underwent standard medical evaluations and debriefings. The data collected from their experiments and activities aboard the ISS contributed to the broader understanding of human health and performance in space, informing future missions and the development of countermeasures to mitigate the effects of long-duration spaceflight.

Expedition 51 continued operations aboard the ISS, with NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson assuming command. The station remained a hub for international collaboration, conducting ongoing research to benefit humanity and prepare for future exploration endeavors.

Sources

  • NASA — NASA Astronaut Shane Kimbrough, Space Station Crewmates Return to Earth —
  • NASA — NASA Astronaut Shane Kimbrough, Crewmates Launch to Space Station to Continue Research —
  • NASA — NASA Announces Astronaut Shane Kimbrough to Retire —