ISS Daily Summary Report – 11/30/2017

Probiotics Operations: Today a crewmember conducted the second half of the third sampling phase for the JAXA Probiotic investigation that began on GMT 331 with fecal sample collections. Today’s activities included saliva sample collections and a questionnaire. Some species of harmful bacteria such as Salmonella grow stronger and more virulent in the microgravity environment of space. At the same time, the human immune system is weaker in space, leading to increased health risks. The objective of the Probiotics investigation is to study the impact of continuous consumption of probiotics on immune function and intestinal microbiota in astronauts under closed microgravity environment This investigation studies the effects of beneficial bacteria (Probiotics) to improve crew members’ intestinal microbiota as well as their immune function on long-duration space missions.

TangoLab-1 Transfer from Cygnus (OA-8):  After completing the short demonstration of TangoLab-1 operations in Cygnus that began on GMT 326 last week, today the crew powered down and removed TangoLab-1 from Cygnus and returned the facility back to EXPRESS Rack 4. The facility will be powered back up in ER4 and returned to its nominal capability. TangoLab-1 is a reconfigurable general research facility designed for microgravity research and development and pilot manufacturing aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

Plant Habitat Sound Level Meter (SLM) Measurements: The crew performed ten Plant Habitat acoustic measurement sets with varying Environmental Control System (ECS) fan speeds between each measurement set. The fan speeds were controlled via ground command. The data from the measurements will be used to assess the environmental factors when the Plant Habitat facility is used in the JEM. The Advanced Plant Habitat Facility (Plant Habitat) is a fully automated facility that will be used to conduct plant bioscience research on the International Space Station (ISS). It occupies the lower half of the EXpedite the PRocessing of Experiments to Space Station (EXPRESS) rack and two International Subrack Interface Standard (ISIS) drawers, providing a large, enclosed, environmentally controlled chamber. 

NeuroMapping: Today two 52S crewmembers set up the NeuroMapping hardware and performed their Flight Day 90 tests in “strapped in” and “free floating” body configurations. The NeuroMapping investigation studies whether long-duration spaceflight causes changes to brain structure and function, motor control, or multi-tasking abilities. It also measures how long it would take for the brain and body to recover from possible changes. Previous research and anecdotal evidence from astronauts suggests movement control and cognition can be affected in microgravity. The NeuroMapping investigation performs structural and functional magnetic resonance brain imaging (MRI and fMRI) to assess any changes that occur after spending months on the ISS.

Human Research Program (HRP) Collections (Biochemical Profile and Repository): A 51S crewmember conducted his return minus 15 Day (R-15) blood, and urine sample collections to support the Biochemical Profile and Repository experiments. The samples were placed in the Minus Eighty Degree Celsius Laboratory Freezer for ISS (MELFI).

  • The Biochemical Profile experiment tests blood and urine samples obtained from astronauts before, during, and after spaceflight. Specific proteins and chemicals in the samples are used as biomarkers, or indicators of health. Post-flight analysis yields a database of samples and test results, which scientists can use to study the effects of spaceflight on the body.
  • Repository is a storage bank used to maintain biological specimens over extended periods of time and under well-controlled conditions. This repository supports scientific discovery that contributes to our fundamental knowledge in the area of human physiological changes and adaptation to a microgravity environment and provides unique opportunities to study longitudinal changes in human physiology spanning many missions.

Earth Imagery from ISS Target Operations: The crew captured images and video footage of the Namib Desert, the Mediterranean at Night, Fishing Boats, along the Gulf of Thailand, and Southern Tip of India.   The Earth Imagery from ISS investigation creates a series of videos, showcasing Earth from space. These videos will be taken with cameras on the International Space Station in 6K hi-resolution, then integrated into videos for screensavers for public enjoyment, exploration, and engagement. 

Dragon OBT:  In preparation for the upcoming arrival of SpaceX-13 Dragon, the crew performed training of the offset grapple case for Dragon capture.  The crew performed a series of onboard training (OBT) sessions to maintain proficiency prior to a vehicle arrival. 

Cygnus cargo operations:  Disposal cargo loading operations continued on the OA-8 Cygnus vehicle.  Today, the crew removed TangoLab-1, and loaded disposal cargo on the vehicle.  Cargo loading will continue until hatch closure, which is planned for Tuesday, December 5th.

Today’s Planned Activities
All activities were completed unless otherwise noted.

  • Marrow Breath And Ambient Air Sample Collection – Subject
  • ARED Photo/TV Reminder
  • HRF Generic Frozen Blood Collection Double Spin Collection
  • Probiotics Saliva Operations
  • HRF Generic Refrigerated Centrifuge Double Spin Configuration
  • Probiotics Salive Sample MELFI Insertion
  • HRF Generic Urine Collection Male – Subject
  • Probiotics Question
  • HRF Generic Sample MELFI Insertion
  • MORZE. Log Entry of Liquid and Food (Medicine) Intake
  • Max Cycle Ergometer w/ Vibration Isolation & Stabilization (CEVIS) Portable PFS Partial Set Up
  • Max Cycle Ergometer w/Vibration Isolation & Stabilization (CEVIS) Portable PFS Power Up
  • HRF Generic Refrigerated Centrifuge Spin Conclude
  • ISS HAM Service Module Pass
  • Environmental Health System (EHS) – Surface Sample Kit (SSK) Collection/Incubation
  • NeuroMapping Experiment Neurocognitive Test – Subject
  • Return equipment conference Tagup with specialists
  • Verification of ИП-1 Flow Sensor Position
  • СОЖ Maintenance
  • Conference of Search and Rescue (ГПСК) specialists with returning crew
  • HRF Generic Frozen Blood Collection Conclude And Stow
  • Max Cycle Ergometer w/Vibration Isolation & Stabilization (CEVIS) Portable PFS Subject
  • Diagnostics of FGB СУБК instruments 11М156М. Tagup with specialists
  • Diagnostics of FGB Power Supply System Filter Units (БФ-2) and Main Bus Assembly (БСШ-2).
  • HRF Generic Sample MELFI Retrieval And Insertion Operations
  • Crew Departure Prep
  • Waste & Hygiene Compartment (WHC) Water Container (ЕДВ) Remove and Replace
  • Max Cycle Ergometer w/Vibration Isolation & Stabilization (CEVIS) Portable PFS Partial Stow
  • Orthostatic Stability Evaluation with LBNP (without PC)
  • Environmental Health System (EHS) – Microbial Air Sampler (MAS) Kit Sample Collection
  • TangoLab-1 From Cygnus Move
  • Temperature and Humidity Control (THC) Oxygen Generation System (OGS) Avionics Air Assembly (AAA) Flow Measurement
  • Crew Departure Preparations for Return to Earth
  • Environmental Health System (EHS) – Sound Level Meter (SLM) Setup and Operations
  • On-board Training (OBT) Dragon Offset Grapple
  • Flushing ГЖС
  • MORZE. Experiment setup
  • TIMER. Experiment setup and initiation of video recording
  • MOTOCARD. Experiment Session. Tagup with specialists
  • Photo/TV Camcorder Setup Verification
  • MOTOCARD. Operator Assistance with the Experiment
  • Onboard Training (OBT) SSRMS Debrief Conference
  • Onboard Training (OBT) Robotics On-board Trainer (ROBoT) Setup
  • N2 Nadir Hatch to Unlatch Hardstop
  • Inventory Management System (IMS) Conference
  • Photography of ТП228 mockup temperature sensors on the external surface of MRM2
  • Countermeasures System (CMS) Max Cycle Ergometer w/Vibration Isolation & Stabilization (CEVIS) Portable PFS Conclude
  • Multi Omics Item Gathering
  • Transfer Cygnus Cargo Operations
  • TIMER. Experiment Ops Video Termination and Cleanup
  • Manufacturing Device Feedstock Canister, and Extruder Exchange
  • Acoustic Monitor Setup for Static Measurements
  • Plant Habitat Sound Level Meter Data Transfer and Stow
  • Cygnus Cargo Operations Conference
  • Flight Director/ISS CREW CONFERENCE
  • Photo T/V (P/TV) Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED) Exercise Video Stow

Completed Task List Activities

  • Orbital ATK-8 Cargo Environment Sensor (CES) Data Download

Ground Activities
All activities were completed unless otherwise noted.

  • SSRMS ops to support Dragon Offset Grapple OBT
  • Standard commanding

Three-Day Look Ahead:

  • Friday, 12/01: Max CEVIS, Sabatier Return, ZBOT Hardware Stow, Circadian Rhythms
  • Saturday, 12/02: Weekly Housekeeping, Crew Off Duty
  • Thursday, 11/30: Crew Off Duty 

QUICK ISS Status – Environmental Control Group:

Component

Status

Elektron

On

Vozdukh

Manual

[СКВ] 1 – SM Air Conditioner System (“SKV1”)

On

[СКВ] 2 – SM Air Conditioner System (“SKV2”)

Off

Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Lab

Operate

Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Node 3

Standby

Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Lab

Idle

Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Node 3

Operate

Oxygen Generation Assembly (OGA)

Shutdown

Urine Processing Assembly (UPA)

Standby

Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Lab

Full Up

Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Node 3

Off