ISS - Expedition 67 Mission patch.
June 10, 2022
Crew members aboard the International Space Station conducted scientific investigations during the week of June 6 that included demonstrating technology for real-time measurement of particles in space, testing a radiation protection garment, and examining solidification of alloys.
Image above: Smoke billows from Mount Etna, Europe's tallest active volcano on Italy's island of Sicily, in this image taken as the International Space Station orbits 263 miles above Bulgaria. Image Credit: NASA.
Here are details on some of the microgravity investigations currently taking place on the orbiting lab:
Mini microscope
Mochii demonstrates a miniature scanning electron microscope to conduct real-time, on-site imaging and measurements of tiny particles on the space station. Such particles can cause vehicle and equipment malfunctions and threaten crew health. Currently, samples must be returned to Earth for analysis, which can take several months. Rapid identification of these particles can help keep crews and vehicles safe, critical for future missions where samples cannot be sent back to Earth. Mochii also serves as a powerful new analysis tool to support future microgravity research. During the week, crew members reviewed procedures and exchanged samples for experiment runs.
This vest is rad
An ISS National Lab study, AstroRad Vest tests a garment designed to protect astronauts from radiation caused by unpredictable solar particle events, which can deliver high radiation doses in a short period of time. The garment targets protection to specific radiation-sensitive organs and tissues. Crew members wear the vest while performing daily tasks over a period of several weeks and provide feedback to ground teams, including how easy it is to put on the vest, how it fits and feels, and the range of motion it allows. This feedback helps garment developers improve vest design, which could better protect crew members on missions to the Moon and Mars from the harmful effects of radiation exposure. Data from the investigation also could improve radiation protection garments used on Earth. Crew members conducted several sessions with the vest during the week.
Making metals clear
Animation above: NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins works on hardware for Transparent Alloys, an ESA investigation examining solidification of an alloy using an organic material that remains transparent to allow scientists to view the process. Animation Credit: NASA.
Alloys are mixtures of different metals, and certain combinations can make lighter, stronger, and even self-healing materials. Transparent Alloys - METCOMP, an investigation from ESA (European Space Agency), examines solidification of an alloy, particularly the timing of the formation of layered structures. Because metals are not transparent, researchers are using specific organic materials that solidify like a metal yet remain transparent so they can examine the process. Alloys are used in a wide variety of applications from smartphones to aircraft, and lighter, stronger versions could benefit consumers and industry. During the week, crew members prepared hardware for the experiment.
Other investigations involving the crew:
- The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) Cell Biology Experiment Facility-L (CBEF-L) is an upgrade of the original CBEF that provides new capabilities and resources, including high-definition video interface and a larger centrifugal test environment. JAXA’s Liquid Behavior investigation uses the facility to examine how liquid behaves in microgravity, which could help optimize design of future space equipment.
https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/explorer/Facility.html?#id=7697
Image above: Expedition 67 crew members pose with fresh fruit aboard the space station. Pictured clockwise from left: Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Korsakov and Denis Matveev, NASA astronauts Jessica Watkins and Kjell Lindgren, ESA astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti, and Roscosmos Commander Oleg Artemyev. Image Credit: NASA.
- NutrISS, an investigation from ESA, assesses an individual’s body composition and energy balance throughout spaceflight using wearable sensors and ESA’s EveryWear app. Results could lead to improved physical health and quality of life for astronauts and better clinical management of malnourished, obese, or immobilized patients on Earth.
https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/explorer/Investigation.html?#id=7875
- XROOTS uses hydroponic (liquid-based) and aeroponic (air-based) techniques to grow plants without traditional growth media, which could enable production of crops on a larger scale for future space exploration.
https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/explorer/Investigation.html?#id=8088
- Acoustic Diagnostics, an investigation from ESA, tests the hearing of crew members before, during, and after flight. While the symptoms of mild hearing impairment can be temporary, it is important to detect them as early as possible before they lead to more significant issues.
https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/explorer/Investigation.html?#id=7898
- ISS Ham Radio provides students, teachers, parents, and others the opportunity to communicate with astronauts using amateur radio units. Before a scheduled call, students learn about the station, radio waves, and other topics, and prepare a list of questions on topics they have researched.
https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/explorer/Investigation.html?#id=337
- Wireless Compose-2, an investigation from ESA, demonstrates wireless infrastructure for data collection and transmission in microgravity. The investigation includes analysis of how space affects the cardiovascular system, using a shirt with imbedded sensors. This technology could contribute to development of less intrusive ways to monitor the health of astronauts and people on the ground.
https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/explorer/Investigation.html?#id=8563
Space to Ground: The To-Do List: 06/10/2022
Related links:
Expedition 67: https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/expeditions/expedition67/index.html
Mochii: https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/explorer/Facility.html?#id=7657
ISS National Lab: https://www.issnationallab.org/
AstroRad Vest: https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/explorer/Investigation.html?#id=7803
Transparent Alloys - METCOMP: https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/explorer/Investigation.html?#id=8504
Spot the Station: https://spotthestation.nasa.gov/
Space Station Research and Technology: https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/overview.html
International Space Station (ISS): https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/main/index.html
Animation (mentioned), Image (mentioned), Text, Credits: NASA/Ana Guzman/John Love, ISS Research Planning Integration Scientist Expedition 67.
Best regards, Orbiter.ch
