NASA Space Station Status Report 21 July, 2022 – Spacewalk Concluded

Expedition 67 Commander Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos and Flight Engineer Samantha Cristoforetti of ESA (European Space Agency) concluded their spacewalk at 5:55 p.m. EDT after 7 hours and 5 minutes.

Artemyev and Cristoforetti completed all but one of their major objectives, which included the deployment of 10 nanosatellites designed to collect radio electronics data during the spacewalk and installing platforms and workstation adapter hardware near the 37-foot-long manipulator system mounted to Nauka. The spacewalkers also relocated the arm’s external control panel and replaced a protective window on the arm’s camera unit. The last planned activity, to extend a Strela telescoping boom from Zarya to Poisk, will be completed on a future spacewalk.

Additional spacewalks are planned to continue outfitting the European robotic arm and to activate Nauka’s airlock for future spacewalks.

The work on the European robotic arm will be used to move spacewalkers and payloads around the Russian segment of the station.

This was the sixth spacewalk in Artemyev’s career, and the first for Cristoforetti. It was the sixth spacewalk at the station in 2022 and the 251st spacewalk for space station assembly, maintenance, and upgrades.

On-Orbit Status Report

RS Extravehicular Activity (EVA) ESA: Today, Oleg Artemyev (EV1) and Samantha Cristoforetti (EV2) performed the RS EVA ESA. Hatch opening occurred at 9:50 AM CT. The duo performed several tasks to outfit the Nauka Multipurpose Laboratory Module (MLM) and to configure the European Robotic Arm (ERA) for operations on the station’s Russian Segment. The crew also deployed ten nanosatellites during the spacewalk. Today’s EVA duration was 7 hours and 4 minutes and completed the following tasks:

• Deploy ten (10) nanosatellites from Strela-1 Operator Post on MRM2
  • Eight (8) YuZGU-55 nanosatellites: ##5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
  • Two (2) Tsiolkovsky-Ryazan nanosatellites: ##1 and 2
• Temp install ERA adapter on MRM2 [БТП-2] passive base point
• Relocate platform with adapters from MRM2 [БТП-2] passive base point to MLM plane 1
• Remove and replace CLU-2 protective window on ERA End Effector 2
• Switch ERA EVA Control Panel (EMMI) to stowage mode
• Close MLI at ERA [СКМ] [МФ] Launch Locks (LL) on MLM plane 3

Due to the lack of time, the following tasks were deferred from today’s EVA:

• Install retainer on Strela-1 and Strela-2 booms
• Extend Strela-2 boom from FGB [ГА] to MRM2
• Install platform with adapters on MLM plane 3 (time permitting)

Payloads:

Forward Osmosis Membrane (FOM): The crew activated membrane 2. Water has some of the highest mass of any component needed for space travel, and effective recovery of potable water from wastewater is critical for life support and environmental health on long-term missions. Assessing the Performance of Urease-phospholipid Reactive Forward Osmosis Membranes for Water Reclamation Aboard the ISS (FOM) tests reactive membranes for water reclamation in microgravity as compared to 1g on Earth. These membranes show promise on the ground, but their performance must be evaluated in microgravity to advance the technology. 

Fiber Optic Production-2 (FOP-2): Fiber Optic Production Preforms and Fiber Spool Module/Cartridges were changed out for the next operation. FOP-2 builds on previous work to manufacture commercial optical fibers in microgravity using a blend of elements called ZBLAN. Earlier theoretical and experimental studies suggest that ZBLAN optical fibers produced in microgravity exhibit qualities superior to those of fibers produced on Earth. Results from FOP-2 could help further verify these studies and guide manufacture of high value optical fiber aboard the space station for commercial use.

Genes in Space-9 (GIS-9): The first sample (S/N 04) was prepared, and the run was initiated. Cell-free technology is a platform for protein production that does not include living cells. GIS-9 evaluates two approaches for using this technology in microgravity: cell-free protein production and biosensors that can detect specific target molecules. The technology could provide a portable, low-resource, and low-cost tool with potential applications for medical diagnostics, on-demand production of medicine and vaccines, and environmental monitoring on future space missions.

ISS Ham Radio: An ISS Ham Pass was initiated with Kitaogura Elementary School, Uji, Japan. Since the earliest space station expeditions, ISS Ham Radio has allowed groups of students in schools, camps, museums, and planetariums to hold a conversation with the people living in space. As the ISS passes overhead, students have about nine minutes to ask crew members 10 to 20 questions.

NanoRacks Module-48: Video and photo documentation was performed on NanoRacks Module-48 and its contents in the Cupola. NanoRacks Module-48 seeks to increase interest in the space environment. It is difficult to provide students with access to space. For this investigation, student photos and messages may be sent up as printed material or as files on a USB drive. Additionally, plant seeds may be flown. The students plant the seeds once they return to Earth and compare them to plants grown from regular seeds. Through this experiment, students can touch and feel close to space.

Rodent Research-22 (RR-22): The Rodent Habitat water boxes were checked for obvious signs of water leakage and to confirm functioning lights. Effects of Spaceflight on Tissue Regeneration (RR-22) investigates the effects of spaceflight on systemic and local responses of skin healing using mice as a model organism. Researchers use multiple genetic and biological assessments to define the underlying biological changes and identify those that affect tissue regeneration, which could provide therapeutic targets for improved treatments.

eXposed Root On-Orbit Test System (XROOTS): Fluid from Root Modules was recirculated back into Fluids Reservoir and the wicks were examined and opened when required. The XROOTS investigation uses hydroponic and aeroponic techniques to grow plants without soil or other growth media. Video and still images enable evaluation of multiple independent growth chambers for the entire plant life cycle from seed germination through maturity. Results could identify suitable methods to produce crops on a larger scale for future space missions.

Systems:

Waste and Hygiene Compartment (WHC) Water Container (ЕДВ-У) Remove and Replace (R&R): Today the crew R&Red the existing ЕДВ-У in the WHC. The ЕДВ-У is intended for short-term storage and manual water transportation between facilities. The crew also swapped the EDV in the offload EDV spot of the Urine Transfer System (UTS).

In-Flight Maintenance (IFM) NOD3A5 Rack Rotation for Inspection: In preparation for the upcoming Life Support Rack (LSR) Oxygen Generator System (OGS) rack swap, the crew rotated the NOD3A5 rack to inspect the starboard aft endcone of NOD3A6 for future ISS Comm Data Converter (ICDC) hardware installation. This activity is to ensure sufficient translation path for the LSR OGS rack swap.

Water Recovery System (WRS) Contingency Water Container (CWC) – Iodine Fill: The crew transferred water from the Potable Bus into a CWC-Iodine container using the Potable Water Dispenser (PWD). Iodine was added to purity the water. The crew monitored the offload time as a secondary control to protect the CWC-Iodine from over-pressurization. The CWC is a soft container with an inner bladder that can store a variety of liquids including humidity condensate, wastewater, and other unique fluids such as EVA Mobility Unit (EMU) wastewater.

Completed Task List Activities:

• None

Today’s Ground Activities:
All activities are complete unless otherwise noted.

• IAS Russian to USOS Communication Configuration
• VDS EVA Configuration/Deconfiguration
• ACS Automatic Handover to RS Enable/Inhibit
• MCC-M Transition to External Ops Mode
• VDS WVS WETA Scan
• MCC-M Transition to Standard Mode
• MSS SpaceX-25 External Cargo Operations
• Open Thruster Manifold Isolation Valves for EVA
• ORACLE RAC Patching

Look Ahead Plan

Friday, July 22 (GMT 203)
Payloads:

• Astrobee Prep and Zero-Robotics Dry Run (NASA)
• CBEF Fan Sensor Replace and Checkout (JAXA)
• FOP-2 Sample Replace (NASA)
• GIS-9 Run (NASA)
• JAXA SpySE (MCU) T/S Closeout (JAXA)
• MSL Vlv Gas Open (ESA)
• Protein Manufacturing SABL Insert (NASA)

Systems:

• EHS – CSA-CP Extended Maintenance
• Transfer Crew Dragon Cargo Operations
• Post-RS EVA ESA Ops
• IFM WHC Urine Hydraulic Components R&R

Saturday, July 23 (GMT 204)
Payloads:

• FOP-2 Sample Replace (NASA)

Systems:

• Post-RS EVA ESA Ops

Sunday, July 24 (GMT 205)
Payloads:

• FOP-2 Sample Replace (NASA)
• XROOTS Fluid Recovery and Check (NASA)
• CAL Jumper Check (NASA)

Systems:

• Crew Off-Duty

Today’s Planned Activities:
All activities are complete unless otherwise noted.

• Genes in Space-9 Hardware Gather
• Rodent Research Water Box and Light Check
• Orlan Systems Check
• Small PL Multi-purpose Cntlr USB Removal
• Genes in Space 9 Procedure Review 1
• Cable Disconnection After All Solid State Li-ion Battery Charge
• Genes in Space-9 MWA Preparation
• ISS HAM Columbus Pass Kenwood
• ISS HAM Kenwood Radio Power Down in Columbus
• ISS HAM Radio Power Down in Service Module
• Comm check. Medical monitoring
• Genes in Space-9 MELFI Sample Retrieve 2
• Genes in Space 9 Run 1 Start
• Final inspection of Orlan and БСС before entry into Orlan
• EVA gear donning
• Payload Laptop Terminal 3 (PLT3) USB Replacement
• Watch checkout during EVA-48
• Cold Stowage Double Coldbag Icebrick Stow
• Pre-EVA airlock operations
• Genes in Space 9 Temp Stow Operations
• Waste & Hygeine Compartment (WHC) Water Container (ЕДВ) Remove and Replace
• Nanoracks Module-48 Imagery
• EVA-ESA
• In-Flight Maintenance (IFM) NOD3A5 Rack Rotation for Inspection
• Nutrient Solution Mixing
• XROOTS Water Refill
• XROOTS Status Check
• Inventory Management System (IMS) Conference
• Water Recovery System CWC-Iodine Fill Initialization/Terminate
• Nutrient Solution Fill
• Forward Osmosis Membrane Cell Activation
• Fiber Optic Production 2.0 Sample Exchange
• Transfer Crew Dragon Cargo Operations
• Health Maintenance System (HMS) Spaceflight Cognitive Assessment Tool for Windows (WinSCAT) Test
• CWC-Iodine Fill Teardown
• Post-EVA airlock operations
• Biochemical urine test
• Orlan service after EVA