NASA Space Station On-Orbit Status 12 July 2017
A pair of astronauts explored new space exercise techniques today to stay healthy and fit on long duration missions. The crew also observed protein crystals and high temperatures to understand microgravity’s effects on humans and physical processes.
Expedition 52 Flight Engineer Jack Fischer strapped himself in to the space station’s exercise bike this morning with assistance from veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson. The work out study is researching the effectiveness of high intensity, low volume exercise to minimize loss of muscle, bone, and cardiovascular function in space.
Whitson, who has been living in space since November 2016, then moved on and set up gear for the Two Phase Flow experiment. That study is observing how heat transfers from liquids in microgravity to help improve the design of thermal management systems in future space platforms.
Fischer later checked out protein crystals through a microscope for an experiment researching radiation damage, bone loss and muscle atrophy caused by living in space. At the end of the day, he swapped out samples that were heated up inside the Electrostatic Levitation Furnace. The furnace is a facility that allows safe observations and measurements of materials exposed to extremely high temperatures.
On-Orbit Status Report
Sprint Volume of Oxygen Utilized (VO2) Maximum: The crew set up and performed a Sprint VO2 Max exercise protocol. The subject completed their Flight Day 75 session with assistance from the other USOS crewmember. The Sprint investigation evaluates the use of high intensity, low volume exercise training to minimize loss of muscle, bone, and cardiovascular function in ISS crewmembers during long-duration missions.
Light Microscopy Module (LMM) Biophysics 3: The crew retrieved the Biophysics 3 Plate 1 from a Minus Eighty Degree Celsius Laboratory Freezer for ISS (MELFI) and allowed it to thaw before placing it onto the Petri Base and installing the base into the LMM. The LMM was then placed into the Fluids Integrated Rack (FIR) for a Biophysics science run. Using the three-dimensional structure of proteins, scientists can determine how they function and how they are involved in disease. Some proteins benefit from being crystallized in microgravity, where they can grow larger and with fewer imperfections. Access to crystals grown on the ISS supports research for a wide range of diseases, as well as microgravity-related problems such as radiation damage, bone loss and muscle atrophy. This investigation identifies which proteins would benefit from crystallization in space.
Electrostatic Levitation Furnace (ELF): The crew exchanged sample holders in the ELF and removed a sample that was lost in the ELF chamber. The ELF is an experimental facility designed to levitate, melt and solidify materials by containerless processing techniques using the Electrostatic Levitation method. With this facility, thermophysical properties of high temperature melts can be measured and solidification from deeply undercooled melts can be achieved.
Two Phase Flow: The crew configured hardware and materials in the Multi-Purpose Small Payload Rack (MSPR) and activated the Two Phase Flow experiment. Boiling normally removes heat by turning liquid into vapor at the heated surface, and that vapor returns to a liquid by way of a condenser which continues to cycle and make a cooling system. In the microgravity of space, the heat transfer rate must be changed because liquid and bubble behavior is drastically different than on Earth. This investigation seeks to build a database on the heat transfer efficiency of liquids in space that can be used in the design of high-performance thermal management systems for future space platforms.
Rodent Research-5 (RR-5) Systemic Therapy of NELL-1 for Osteoporosis: The two Animal Habitats in use for RR-5 were cleaned and restocked with new food bars. Because spaceflight has significant and rapid effects on the musculoskeletal system it is important to investigate targeted therapies that could ameliorate some of the detrimental effects of spaceflight. The NELL-1 drug being studied in the RR-5 investigation has the potential to slow or reverse bone loss during spaceflight.
Today’s Planned Activities
All activities were completed unless otherwise noted.
Max Cycle Ergometer w/Vibration Isolation & Stabilization (CEVIS) Portable PFS
JEMRMS Final Activation Before JEMRMS Console C/O
Analysis of SM atmosphere for Freon using Freon Leak Analyzer/Detector (FIT)
[???1] compressor replacement
Multi-purpose Small Payload Rack (MSPR) Two-Phase Flow Experiment Equipment Deactivation
JEMRMS Console Checkout
On MCC Go: [???1] compressor telemetry connector demate
JEMRMS Deactivation Preparation After JEMRMS C/O
???1] compressor replacement
Setup Dosimeter for Static Measurement
Multi-purpose Small Payload Rack (MSPR) Combustion Chamber Adapter Plate Removal.
Combustion Integrated Rack Alignment Guide Removal
Two-Phase Flow Experiment Equipment Setup to MSPR
LMM MELFI Sample Retrieve
Max Cycle Ergometer w/Vibration Isolation & Stabilization (CEVIS) Portable PFS Partial Stow
On MCC Go Mating [???1] compressor telemetry connector
[???1] Compressor R&R, Recharging [???1] khladon loop
Fluids Integrated Rack Doors Open
LMM Biophysics Plate Installation
Fluids Integrated Rack Doors Close
On-Orbit Hearing Assessment (O-OHA) with EarQ Software Setup and Test
Multi-purpose Small Payload Rack (MSPR) Two-Phase Flow Experiment Equipment Activation
SM Atmosphere analysis using Freon Leak Analyzer/Detector (???)
On MCC GO ISS O2 Repress from Progress 435 (DC1) ???? Section 1, initiate
Rodent Research Node 2 Camcorder Video Setup
Electrostatic Levitation Furnace(ELF) sample Cartridge Retrieval
Rodent Research Habitat 3 & 4 Restock
Electrostatic Levitation Furnace(ELF) Sample Holder Exchange
On MCC GO ISS O2 Repress from Progress 435 (DC1) ???? Section 1, terminate
Electrostatic Levitation Furnace(ELF) Sample Removal
Electrostatic Levitation Furnace(ELF) sample Cartridge Installation
Countermeasures System (CMS) Max Cycle Ergometer w/Vibration Isolation & Stabilization (CEVIS) Portable PFS Conclude
Completed Task List Items
Replace KTO when full
Ground Activities
All activities were completed unless otherwise noted.
MBS POA LEE HD Inspection
Three-Day Look Ahead:
Thursday, 07/13: WORF PEHG/Shutter actuator system install, JEMRMS cable reconfig for BDS checkout, RR access unit cleaning
Friday, 07/14: Fluid Shifts, JEM Small Satellite Orbital Deplorer (SSOD) Removal, Optical Coherence Tomography
Saturday, 07/15: Housecleaning, Crew Off-Day.
QUICK ISS Status – Environmental Control Group:
Component – Status
Elektron – Off
Vozdukh – Manual
[???] 1 – SM Air Conditioner System (“SKV1”) – On
[???] 2 – SM Air Conditioner System (“SKV2”) – Off
Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Lab – Standby
Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Node 3 – Operate
Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Lab – Idle
Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Node 3 – Operate
Oxygen Generation Assembly (OGA) – Standby
Urine Processing Assembly (UPA) – Standby
Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Lab – Full up
Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Node 3 Off
