NASA Space Station Status Report 5 October 2004

Science and preparations for Expedition 9’s return to Earth were the main
tasks aboard the International Space Station on Wednesday. Commander Gennady
Padalka and NASA ISS Science Officer Mike Fincke scanned their bones during
a session with the Diagnostic Ultrasound in Microgravity (ADUM) medical
experiment. ADUM seeks to better understand the ability to quickly and
remotely transmit medical data to the ground. The application may also find
benefits on Earth, allowing for much quicker diagnosis for patients at
remote locations by doctors based at hospitals.

In preparation for their return to Earth, Padalka and Fincke conducted fit
checks of their custom-made seat liners in the ISS Soyuz 8 spacecraft. They
also removed TV camera equipment from the Soyuz.

Padalka and Fincke will return to Earth aboard the Soyuz on Oct. 23, but
before they leave, they will hand the Station over to Expedition 10
Commander Leroy Chiao and Flight Engineer Salizhan Sharipov.

Chiao and Sharipov are scheduled to launch from Baikonur Cosmodrome in
Kazakhstan on Oct. 13 and arrive at the Station on Oct. 15 to begin their
six-month stay at the orbital outpost. Russian Space Forces Test Cosmonaut
Yuri Shargin will travel to the Station with Expedition 10 and return to
Earth with Expedition 9.

On the ground Monday, NASA officials held briefings highlighting Expedition
9 activities and previewing Expedition 10.