ISS crew juggles microbiology research, spacesuit work and cargo mission prep
The Expedition 75 crew aboard the International Space Station spent Tuesday on bacterial research, spacesuit servicing and cargo handling. The work comes as the station prepares for the departure of a SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft and the arrival of a Northrop Grumman Cygnus XL.
Studying bacteria in microgravity
NASA astronaut Anil Menon and Joshua Kutryk of the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) worked together on a microbiology experiment. It examines how bacteria adapt to microgravity. The results may help researchers understand how spaceflight influences antibiotic resistance in bacteria. They could also inform countermeasures to protect the human immune system, both in space and on Earth.
Menon handled the microbe samples inside the sealed Life Science Glovebox in the Kibo laboratory module. The enclosure guards against exposure to bacteria that may be antibiotic-resistant. Kutryk carried a selection of the samples to the Harmony module, where he extracted DNA and purified it. He then placed the specimens in a science freezer. They are scheduled to return to Earth aboard a Dragon cargo spacecraft next week for analysis.
Cargo operations ahead of Dragon’s departure
Menon also worked with NASA flight engineer Jessica Watkins to move cargo into and out of Dragon before it leaves the station. The Kibo laboratory was cleaned earlier in the day to free up room for hardware and supplies. Those items will arrive in a few weeks aboard Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus XL cargo spacecraft.
NASA flight engineer Luke Delaney started his shift with maintenance in the Columbus laboratory module, connecting portable computer equipment. He then practiced Canadarm2 robotic arm maneuvers at the robotics workstation in the Destiny laboratory module. He ended the day collecting water samples for analysis on Earth, which will verify the safety and quality of the station’s drinking water.
Orlan spacesuit maintenance in Poisk
On the Russian segment, station commander Pyotr Dubrov and flight engineer Anna Kikina spent the day in the Poisk module servicing three Roscosmos Orlan spacesuits. They activated the suits, connected them to interface units in Poisk and cleaned the cooling and ventilation systems. The upkeep keeps the suits operable and able to protect cosmonauts during spacewalks.
Roscosmos flight engineer Sergey Teteryatnikov began his shift by swapping, inspecting and cleaning plumbing components in the Rassvet module. He later installed and programmed Earth observation equipment. During an automated overnight session, it was set to photograph landmarks across Southeast Asia and Australia.
Source: www.nasa.gov
