ISS Daily Summary Report – 8/02/2019

BioFabrication Facility (BFF) Test Print:  Today the crew installed the test print cassette, performed a syringe swap, then removed the test print cassette following the BFF printing ops. This was done in support of the first test print using cells in the BFF. During the ground-commanded BFF operations, there was an accidental release of the “ink” material inside the printing volume. The teams are considering a cleanup plan. Using 3D biological printers to produce usable human organs has long been a dream of scientists and doctors around the globe. However, printing the tiny, complex structures found inside human organs, such as capillary structures, has proven difficult to accomplish in Earth’s gravity environment. To overcome this challenge, Techshot designed their BFF to print organ-like tissues in microgravity, acting as a stepping stone in a long-term plan to manufacture whole human organs in space using refined biological 3D printing techniques. Cell Science-02 (CS-02): The crew replaced the used gas supply with a new gas supply in the CS-02/Bioculture System. There were some initial difficulties installing the new unit due to possible cable interference, but this was resolved and the unit was successfully installed. The ground team subsequently reported seeing good telemetry from the new unit. The CS-02 investigation uses osteoblast progenitor cells isolated from mouse bones to investigate the effects of microgravity on osteoblast cellular processes at the molecular and biochemical level. CS-02 uses a computational biology omics approach to investigate how osteoblasts respond to treatment with two known osteo-inductive factors. Electrostatic Levitation Furnace (ELF) Controller Installation: The crew performed a sample cartridge controller installation. JAXA’s ELF is an experimental facility designed to levitate, melt and solidify materials by containerless processing techniques using the electrostatic levitation method. With this facility thermophysical properties of high temperature melts can be measured and solidification from deeply undercooled melts can be achieved.  ELF typically processes oxide samples, but is also capable of processing semiconductors, alloys, and metals. Gravitational References for Sensimotor Performance: Reaching and Grasping (GRASP): Today the crew completed the GRASP Free-floating science sessions.  The GRIP experiment consists of 3 protocols: Dynamics Seated, References Seated and References Supine. They are performed in 3 separate sub-sessions. ESA’s Grip investigation tests how the nervous system takes into account the forces due to gravity and inertia when manipulating objects.  Results from this investigation may provide insight into potential hazards for astronauts as they manipulate objects in different gravitational environments. They also support design and control of haptic interfaces to be used in challenging environments such as space, and provide information about motor control that will be useful for the evaluation and rehabilitation of impaired upper limb control in patients with neurological diseases. Nanoracks Mod-82 photos: The crew removed the NanoRacks Module-82 from NanoRacks Frame 3 and took pictures of contents of module. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Palm Tree Growth Experiment examines germination of palm tree seeds in order to determine the best conditions for generating tissue samples for research. A process for growing healthy plant tissue in microgravity could be adapted for testing other indigenous plants of scientific, commercial or educational interest in the UAE. The investigation also observes and documents root growth in microgravity for educational purposes. SlingShot: The crew installed SlingShot Controller inside the NG-11 vehicle in preparation for SlingShot Deployer installation. NG-11 will host the second mission for Slingshot, which is planned to deploy four satellites. In addition to the deployed satellites, one payload will remain attached to Slingshot.  SlingShot is a small satellite deployment system that fits inside the Cygnus spacecraft’s Passive Common Berthing Mechanism (PCBM). SlingShot can accommodate up to 18 satellites that are deployed post Cygnus unberth. Cygnus Robotics Onboard Trainer (RoBOT): In preparation for NG-11 release, the crew performed a session of RoBOT training during which they practiced three release runs. Cygnus departure is scheduled for next Tuesday, August 6.  Mobile Servicing System (MSS) Ops: Yesterday afternoon, Robotics Ground Controllers powered up Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) and un-grappled the SpX-18 Dragon vehicle which is berthed to Node 2 Nadir. The SSRMS was then used to grapple the NG-11 Cygnus vehicle which is berthed to Node 1 Nadir in preparation for release next Tuesday.  Completed Task List Activities:

  • Empty CTB pantry
  • FIT update iPad 1012
  • Laptop battery R&R
  • Cygnus departure OBT
  • Thermal Amine power cycle
  • WRS filter label
  • WSS condensate pump terminate
  • WSS CWCi pump swap

Ground Activities: All activities are complete unless otherwise noted.

  • LSR configure for ops
  • Payloads ops support

Look Ahead: Saturday, 8/3 (GMT 215) Payloads:

  • Cell Science-02
  • Food Acceptability
  • Lighting Effects
  • Repository
  • Standard Measures

Systems:

  • Crew off duty, housekeeping 

Saturday, 8/3 (GMT 216) Payloads:

  • ADSEP OBT review
  • BFF OBT and procedure review
  • Lighting Effects
  • Repository

Systems:

  • Crew off duty

Monday, 8/4 (GMT 217) Payloads:

  • BFF print
  • Lighting Effects
  • Slingshot
  • Time Perception

Systems:

  • Cygnus Egress and Hatch Closure

Today’s Planned Activities: All activities are complete unless otherwise noted.

  • Lighting Effects Sleep Log Entry
  • IMS Delta File Prep
  • ODF update on iPad and Samsung laptops
  • Preparation of reports for Roscosmos website and social media
  • Video Recording of Greetings
  • Photography of space behind SM panels
  • ECON-M. Observation and Photography
  • Preventive Maintenance of SM Ventilation Subsystem. Group А
  • BioFabrication Facility Test Print With Cells Install
  • Inventory Management System (IMS) conference
  • BFF MERLIN Sample Removal
  • BioFabrication Facility MELFI Sample Retrieve
  • BioFabrication Facility Test Print With Cells Install
  • XF305 Camcorder Setup
  • URAGAN. OBC-I t/s
  • Electrostatic Levitation Furnace (ELF) Sample Cartridge Controller Installing
  • On MCC Go De-installing Progress 442 (DC1) Docking Mechanism
  • Telescience Resource Kit Laptop Shutdown
  • Cell Science 02 Gas Supply Change Out
  • On-board Training (OBT) Cygnus Review
  • Health Maintenance System (HMS) ISS Food Intake Tracker (ISS FIT)
  • ABOUT GAGARIN FROM SPACE. Hardware Monitoring
  • Preventive Maintenance of SM Ventilation Subsystem. Group А
  • On-board Training (OBT) Cygnus Review
  • On-board Training (OBT) Cygnus Robotics Onboard Trainer (ROBoT) Release Session
  • Gather Vestibule Outfitting Kit (VOK)
  • FOTOBIOREACTOR. Visual inspection with photography
  • R&R Pretreat and Water Dispenser (ДкиВ) and the line
  • BioFabrication Facility Cleaning Syringe Install
  • Private Family Conference (PFC)
  • Health Maintenance System (HMS) ISS Food Intake Tracker (ISS FIT)
  • BioFabrication Facility Test Cassette Removal
  • Atmosphere Control and Supply (ACS) Oxygen Manual Valve Open
  • BFF MERLIN Sample Insertion
  • Reminder Rodent Research Thermal Consideration
  • Reminder Standard Measures Multi-day Saliva Collection