Space Algae: The crew agitated and then installed an additional six Space Algae culture bags in the Veggie facility today. The Space Algae investigation explores the genetic basis for productivity of algae cultivated in space and whether this requires genetic adaptations or not. Algae may perceive microgravity as an abiotic stress, which can trigger production of high value compounds. Investigators plan whole genome sequencing of the space-grown algal populations to identify genes related to growth in spaceflight and testing of algal composition for production of high value compounds.
Atomization: The crew replaced sample syringes for the Atomization investigation today. The Atomization experiment investigates the disintegration processes of a low-speed water jet for various jet issue conditions in the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) to validate the new atomization concept by observing the process using a high-speed camera. The knowledge gained can be applied to improve various engines utilizing spray combustion.
Amyloid: Today the crew removed Amyloid samples from a Polar and placed them in the Measurement Experiment Unit, which they attached to a Cell Biology Experiment Facility (CBEF) to start incubation. Amyloid fibrils prepared in the microgravity environment of the ISS are returned to Earth for analysis through Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy and electron microscopy. Amyloid fibrils are the peptide or protein aggregates known to be associated with various diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes. It is expected that this study will provide additional insight into the mechanism of amyloid fibril formation.
Micro-11: The crew performed a run for the Micro-11 investigation today. They configured and calibrated the Micro-11 microscope, thawed samples removed from a Glacier, fixed those samples and loaded them into the microscope for imaging. They then inserted the samples into a MELFI. There are a total of thirteen runs for the Micro-11 investigation. Micro-11 examines whether spaceflight alters human sperm, by tracking the swimming patterns of human and bull sperm during spaceflight. This investigation also assesses other aspects of sperm functionality related to male fertility. As a result, Micro-11 provides fundamental data indicating whether successful human reproduction beyond Earth is possible, and whether countermeasures are needed to protect sperm function in space.
Rodent Research-7 (RR-7): Today the crew removed the Habitats from their rack and cleaned the cameras used to film them. The RR-7 investigation examines how the space environment affects the community of microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract of mice (also known as the microbiota). It also looks at microgravity’s effects on multiple physiological systems known to be affected by the microbiota, including the gastrointestinal, immune, metabolic, circadian, and sleep systems. These studies should help explain mechanisms underlying interactions between these systems and the role of the microbiota in these interactions.
Food Acceptability: A crewmember completed a Food Acceptability questionnaire today. The Food Acceptability investigation seeks to determine the impact of repetitive consumption of food currently available from the spaceflight food system. Results will be used in developing strategies to improve food system composition to support crew health and performance on long duration missions.
Hyperspectral Imager for the Coastal Ocean (HICO) and Remote Atmospheric and Ionospheric Detection System (RAIDS) Experiment Payload (HREP): Earlier today, robotics ground controllers used the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) Remote Manipulator System (JEMRMS) to transfer the HREP payload in from JEM Exposed Facility (EFU) location #6 to EFU #13. Later this afternoon, robotics ground controllers will utilize the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) to transfer the HREP from EFU #13 to the Dragon trunk.
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID): The crew installed 8 RFID logistics marker tags in the Node 2 endcone and 10 in PMA-1 today. RFID Logistics aims to utilize RFID enabled tags on hardware throughout the ISS to assist in the tracking of the hardware as it is moved around the ISS.
MagVector 3D: The crew exchanged a MagVector 3D sample today. A total of 12 different samples will be processed on the ISS (1 per day). ESA’s MagVector investigation supports a study of how Earth’s magnetic field interacts with an electrical conductor. Using extremely sensitive magnetic sensors placed around and above a conductor, researchers can gain insight into ways that the magnetic field influences how conductors work. This research is expected to help improve future ISS experiments and electrical experiments, and could also offer insights into how magnetic fields influence electrical conductors in general.
Eye Exams: Today the entire US crew completed routine Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and Ultrasound eye exams. OCT is an imaging technique analogous to ultrasound imaging that uses light instead of sound to capture micrometer-resolution, two- and three-dimensional images of tissue; In this case, the objects of interest are the crewmember’s eyes. Eye exams are performed regularly onboard in order to monitor crewmembers eye health. Eyesight is one of the many aspects of the human body that is affected by long-duration stays in a microgravity environment.
Public Affairs Office (PAO) Live Events: Ricky Arnold participated in an educational event this afternoon with students attending Goddard Space Flight Centers Summer Camps. The event served to ignite students’ excitement in science and engineering.
Dragon (SpX-15) Cargo Operations: The crew completed approximately 1.5 hours of cargo operations today. Overall, the crew has completed a total of 22 hours of cargo operations so far this SpX-15 mission. Cargo specialist on the ground estimate the crew will need another 3:00 to complete unloading the vehicle.
Today’s Planned Activities:
All activities are complete unless otherwise noted.
- Lighting Effects Sleep Log Entry
- Health Maintenance System (HMS) OCT Setup
- Magvector 3D Sensor Array Sample Exchange
- Health Maintenance System (HMS) Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Inspection
- Amyloid Item Gathering
- Potable Water Dispenser (PWD) Sample Collect
- XF305 Camcorder Setup
- De-installing Progress 439 (DC1) Docking Mechanism
- Atomization syringe replacement 2
- Health Maintenance System (HMS) – OCT Exam
- XF305 Camcorder Setup
- Amyloid Sample Retrieval from Polar +2 degrees C.
- Amyloid Sample Attachment
- ASEPTIC. Hardware Transfer from Progress 439 to MRM1
- STRUKTURA. Luch-2 Hardware Transfer from Progress 439
- STRUKTURA. Process activation and setup for exposure.
- PROBIOVIT. Transfer of Kits from Progress 439 and Setup on panel 327
- Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) Recycle Tank Drain
- STRUKTURA. Photography
- PROBIOVIT. Photography of Probiovit setup
- Health Maintenance System (HMS) OCT Stow
- BIOPOLIMER. Hardware transfer and setup
- Ultrasound 2 HRF Rack 1 Power On
- Environmental Health System (EHS) Coliform Water Processing
- Health Maintenance System (HMS) Ultrasound 2 Scan Prep
- BIOPOLIMER. Photography
- Space Algae MWA Preparation
- Food Acceptability Questionnaire
- Health Maintenance System (HMS) Ultrasound 2 Scan
- Space Algae Experiment Install
- CONTROL. Switching Indicator-ISS P/L Measuring Modes
- Filling (separation) of ЕДВ (КОВ) for Elektron-VM or ЕДВ-СВ
- Health Maintenance System (HMS) Ultrasound 2 Post Exam
- Made in Space Fiber Optics Troubleshooting
- СОЖ maintenance
- ISS HAM Video Power Up
- Glacier 2 Desiccant Swap
- Verification of ИП-1 Flow Sensor Position
- Micro-11 Microscope Checkout
- Micro-11 Microscope Operations
- Micro-11 Glacier Sample Removal 1
- MICRO-11 Thaw Operations
- Radio Frequency Identification Logistics Marker Tag Installation in Node 2_Endcone and PMA-1.
- Public Affairs Office (PAO) High Definition (HD) Config JEM Setup
- Progress 439 (DC1) time-critical, priority, and US cargo transfers and IMS Ops
- PAO Preparation
- Public Affairs Office (PAO) Event in High Definition (HD) – JEM
- Micro-11 MELFI Sample Return Bag Insertion
- Total Organic Carbon Analyzer (TOCA) Potable Water Dispenser (PWD) Sample Analysis
- Micro-11 MELFI Sample Return Bag Insertion
- Dragon Cargo Transfer
- Rodent Research Node 2 Camcorder Video Setup
- Rodent Research 7 Camera Cleaning
- NeuroMapping Experiment Neurocognitive Test Video – Subject
- IMS Update
- Bringing ODF up to date using Progress 439-delivered files
- ISS Medical Accessories Kit (IMAK) Unpack from SPX-15
- SAMS Cable and Sensor Relocation from COL to JEM
- Wireless Compose SD Card Data Deletion
- Treadmill 2 (T2) Quarterly Maintenance
- Manufacturing Device Canister and Extruder Exchange
- Dragon Cargo Operations Conference
- Total Organic Carbon Analyzer (TOCA) Sample Data Record
- Micro-11 Glacier Sample Removal 1
Completed Task List Activities:
- None
Ground Activities:
All activities are complete unless otherwise noted.
- JEMRMS Operations (HREP Transfer EFU6 to EFU13)
- SSRMS Operations (HREP transfer EFU13 to Dragon trunk)
Three-Day Look Ahead:
- Thursday, 07/12: Dragon stowage, MCR11, LMM, Med Consumables Tracking, Thermolab, MICS, FSL VMU, CubeSat OBT, AngieX Cancer Therapy, JEMAL depress, Aerosol Sampler, Neuromapping, T2 Quarterly
- Friday, 07/13: Micro-11 Ops, Cygnus Release OBT, Cygnus Vestibule Demate Config, Eye Exams, NRCSD#14 Deploy, SODF Deploy
- Saturday, 07/14: Cygnus/N1 Vestibule depress and leak check, Housekeeping, 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 | Operate |
| Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Node 3 | Idle |
| 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 |