Mobile Servicing System (MSS) Operations / Material on ISS Experiment – Flight Facility (MISSE-FF): Last night the final MISSE Sample Container (MSC) was successfully installed on the MISSE FF. All five MISSE Sample Carriers (MSC) were activated and opened. The Mobile Transporter (MT) was then translated from Work Site (WS)2 to WS6. MISSE Transfer Tray return to JEM A/L is planned next Thursday. MISSE-FF will be a permanent external platform on the ISS that is modular and robotically serviceable. Remotely controllable sample carriers will provide sample protection and on-demand picture data previously unavailable on prior experiments. Sample plates containing a variety of surface materials will be exposed to the space environment outside the ISS for varying durations to inform satellite designers on how different materials degrade over time.
Using Brachypodium distachyon to Investigate Monocot Plant Adaptation to Spaceflight (APEX-06): The crew harvested the additional plants for the follow-on APEX-06 investigation run today. They took photographs of the science containers and then preserved samples and placed them into a Minus Eighty Degree Celsius Laboratory Freezer for ISS (MELFI). The APEX-06 experiment investigates the growth of the common grass species Brachypodium distachyon in the microgravity environment of space. The grasses grow from seedlings aboard the ISS, and are returned as frozen samples to Earth-based labs for detailed analysis and comparison with Earth-based control groups. APEX-06 aims to compare the growth and gene-expression patterns of Brachypodium distachyon with those of the dicotyledonous model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, which has been extensively studied in space and whose behavior in microgravity is better understood.
Human Research Program (Biochemical Profile, Repository, Cell Free Epigenome and Medical Proteomics): 54S crewmembers collected blood and urine samples for their Flight Day 30 sessions of the Biochem Profile, Repository, Cell Free Epigenome and Medical Proteomics investigations today.
- The Biochemical Profile investigation 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. The 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.
- The JAXA Cell Free Epigenome investigation tests blood samples collected from astronauts and cellular genes are analyzed. Blood carries molecular signals released from the cells inside the body. The analysis results provide insights to scientists on how human bodies function during space flight.
- The Medical Proteomics investigation evaluates changes of proteins in blood serum, bone and skeletal muscles after space flight, and also supports identification of osteopenia-related proteins. By combining research results for space mice, astronauts and ground patients, proteins related to osteopenia can be identified using the latest proteome analysis technique. It is anticipated that the use of the marker proteins related to osteopenia will be of benefit in the future for assessing the health of astronauts as well as osteoporosis patients on ground.
Microgravity Science Laboratory (MSL) Calibration Cartridge Exchange: The crew removed the MSL Solidification Quenching Furnace (SQF) insert in the Material Science Research Rack (MSRR), and installed the MSL Low Gradient Furnace (LGF). The Materials Science Research Rack (MSRR) is used for basic materials research in the microgravity environment of the ISS. It can accommodate and support diverse Experiment Modules. Many material types, such as metals, alloys, polymers, semiconductors, ceramics, crystals, and glasses, can be studied to discover new applications for existing materials and new or improved materials.
Divert Unwanted Space Trash (DUST): Today the crew took samples and photographs of various vents in the US Laboratory and Nodes 1, 2 and 3. They inserted the samples into cold stowage and downlinked the photographs. The DUST investigation collects and analyzes particulates in airborne debris from the ISS cabin. Unique aspects of the spacecraft environment, such as lack of gravity and no fresh air, influence the size, quantity, and components of airborne particulate matter, which in turn affects air quality aboard the station. The data also provides baseline information for future spacecraft particle detector design, and the debris can be used for realistic testing of possible particulate monitors for future long-duration missions.
Space Headaches: Two 53S crewmembers completed the weekly questionnaire for the ESA Space Headaches investigation today. This investigation collects information that may help in the development of methods to alleviate associated symptoms and improve the well-being and performance of crewmembers in space. Headaches during space flight can negatively affect mental and physical capacities of crewmembers that can influence performance during a space mission.
Dragon Cargo Operations: After completing more than 42 hours of cargo operations, the third set of cargo packing and transfer instructions were uplinked to the crew yesterday evening. Today the crew continued loading Dragon with cargo manifested for return. Cargo specialists estimate the crew will need approximately 31 hours to complete Dragon vehicle packing prior to unberth currently planned on 02-May.
Portable Emergency Provisions (PEPS) Inspection: The crew completed this regularly scheduled inspection of Portable Fire Extinguishers (PFEs), Portable Breathing Apparatus (PBAs) and Extension Hose Tee Kits (EHTKs).
Today’s Planned Activities
All activities are complete unless otherwise noted.
- HRF Generic Urine Collection
- Biochemical Urine Test
- URISYS Hardware Stowage
- HRF Generic Sample MELFI Insertion Operations
- HRF Generic Frozen Blood Collection Double Spin Collection
- HRF Generic Refrigerated Centrifuge Double Spin Configuration
- Video Recording of Greetings
- HRF Generic Sample MELFI Insertion
- Mouse Stress Defense Item Gathering and Blood Drawing Preparation
- APEX-06 MWA Preparation
- APEX-06 Procedure Review#3
- APEX-06 Hardware Gather #3
- Activation of Laptop RS2
- КЦП2 and RS2 Laptop Upgrade to SW Version 08.10.
- Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) Recycle Tank Drain
- XF305 Camcorder Setup
- Mouse Stress Defense MELFI Retrieval
- Material Science Laboratory Furnace Insert SQF to LGF Exchange
- Mouse Stress Defense Blood Drawing on Day 3
- Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) Portable Emergency Provisions (PEPS) Inspection
- Deactivation of RS2 Laptop
- Mouse Blood Centrifuge Processing Start on Day 3
- FGB Gas Analyzer Vacuum Cleaning
- Replacement of ТА251М (ЛКТ4А2) device in SM БИТС2-12 System.
- Mouse Stress Defense Blood Drawing Closeout on Day 3
- СОЖ maintenance
- Mouse Stress Defense MELFI Insertion
- CALCIUM. Experiment Session 7
- Earth Imagery from ISS Nikon Target Operations
- Divert Unwanted Space Trash Sample Collection
- Material Science Laboratory Furnace Insert SQF to LGF Exchange
- ISS HAM Video Power Cycle
- Wastewater Storage Tank Assembly (WSTA) Fill
- URAGAN. IKARUS PL OBC-I cable installation.
- СТТС Reconfiguration in MRM1
- Replacing Н1 ГК1 pump with a new one from the spares in MRM1.
- APEX-06 Spares Harvest
- Divert Unwanted Space Trash Sample MELFI Insert
- Glove Box Bench Closeout
- Mouse Stress Defense A5 Cage Sensor Check Out
- Space Headaches – Weekly Questionnaire
- Remove MSG HD Video Drawer
- Cargo Transfer to Dragon
- Comm reconfig for nominal ops
- URAGAN. Connecting cables 17КС.42Ю 8242А-9360 and 17КС.600Ю 8260А58-100.
- Dragon Cargo Operations Conference
- URAGAN. IKARUS PL ОВС-I Test No.1
- Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) Recycle Tank Fill
- Space Headaches – Weekly Questionnaire
Completed Task List Activities
- KTO Replace
Ground Activities
All activities are complete unless otherwise noted.
- Standard commanding
Three-Day Look Ahead:
- Saturday, 04/21: Housekeeping, Crew Off-Duty, EIISS, JSL ER to BRI T/S, Mouse Stress Defense
- Sunday, 04/22: Crew Off-Duty, MVP
- Monday, 04/23: Camcorder Swap, RPCM N21B4B_B R&R, Dragon Cargo Ops, HRF, WPA Maintenance, Toolbox label, Mouse Stress Defense
QUICK ISS Status – Environmental Control Group:
|
Component |
Status |
|
Elektron |
On |
|
Vozdukh |
Manual |
|
[СКВ] 1 – SM Air Conditioner System (“SKV1”) |
Off |
|
[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 |
Operate |
|
Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Node 3 |
Operate |
|
Oxygen Generation Assembly (OGA) |
Process |
|
Urine Processing Assembly (UPA) |
Standby |
|
Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Lab |
Full Up |
|
Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Node 3 |
Off |