Crew Explores Life Science While Waiting for Japanese Delivery

Cosmonauts Mikhail Kornienko, Gennady Padalka and Oleg Kononenko
Cosmonauts Mikhail Kornienko, Gennady Padalka and Oleg Kononenko speak to the Russian Prime Minister Dmitri Medvedev Friday morning. Credit: NASA TV

The Expedition 44 crew was back at work today continuing a series of biomedical studies, physics experiments and maintenance tasks. Meanwhile, more science is on its way to the International Space Station aboard Japan’s fifth space freighter.

Three cosmonauts studied magnetics, human digestion then participated in ultrasound scans and blood pressure checks today. The trio, consisting of Commander Gennady Padalka and Flight Engineers Mikhail Kornienko and Oleg Kononenko, also subjected themselves to vision checks for the ongoing Ocular Health study.

NASA astronaut Scott Kelly collected blood and urine samples and stored them in a science freezer for the Fluid Shifts study. New Flight Engineers Kimiya Yui and Kjell Lindgren continued practicing the robotic techniques they will use Monday morning to capture a new cargo craft and berth it to the Harmony module. Lindgren also checked out spacewalking tools.

The “Kounotori” H-II Transfer Vehicle-5 (HTV-5) from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency is delivering more than 9,500 pounds of research and supplies for the six-person station crew. NASA TV will begin live coverage of the HTV-5 arrival Monday at 5:15 a.m. EDT with capture due at about 6:55 a.m.

Hurricane Danny
Hurricane Danny was pictured over the central Atlantic Ocean from the International Space Station early Friday morning. Credit: NASA TV

2 thoughts on “Crew Explores Life Science While Waiting for Japanese Delivery”

  1. I think you guys are amazing.. so much courage to go out into space and discover new horizons for us to explore.. I hope one day we can all visit outer space and even live on a space station.. not in my time though!! If it were not for you and all the other astronauts/scientists who have journeyed into space before you, we would not know half of the discoveries we have today. I wish you all well and may God watch over you in his playground.. safe travels and THANK YOU!!
    Kat

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