Payloads:
AC Touch: Per standard procedure, the crew touched both the coated and uncoated coupons for this long-term investigation. Boeing Environment Responding Antimicrobial Coatings tests an antimicrobial coating on several different materials that represent high-touch surfaces. Some microbes change characteristics in microgravity, which could create new risks to crew health and spacecraft systems as well as creating the possibility of contaminating other planetary bodies. The samples remain in space approximately six months then return to Earth for analysis.
BRIC-24: The crew performed actuations on a total of eight BRIC-24 Canisters and took photos of the activated canisters. Biological Research In Canisters-24 (BRIC-24) tests how space affects organelle contacts and vacuole fusion in plants, systems that may be important for plant gravity sensing and response. Vacuoles are organelles in plant cells that have important functions. This investigation grows two genotypes of Arabidopsis thaliana (aka Thale Cress) with fluorescent markers for direct imaging of the organelles back on Earth.
Kidney Cells-02: The crew set up the appropriate items in the Life Science Glovebox (LSG) and performed the Kidney Cells-02 media exchanges. Effects of Microgravity on the Structure and Function of Proximal and Distal Tubule MPS (Kidney Cells-02) uses a 3D kidney cell model or chip to study the effects of microgravity on formation of microcrystals in kidney tubules. In microgravity, these microcrystals are expected to remain evenly suspended, allowing better observation of their effects. Astronauts living in microgravity can experience dehydration, stasis, and bone demineralization, all frequent contributors to kidney stones. Results could support design of better treatments for conditions such as kidney stones and osteoporosis for astronauts and people on Earth.
Lyophillization-2: The crew was planned to review the procedure, set up the experiment hardware in the Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG), and then install 2 sample trays into the sample chamber. Unfortunately, when the Vacuum Exhaust System was opened, a potential leak in the system was identified. The sample trays were placed back in cold stowage and the ground is discussing a forward plan. Lyophilization-2 in Microgravity (Lyophilization-2) examines gravity’s effects on freeze-dried materials. Lyophilization, or freeze-drying, is a common method for formulating pharmaceuticals with improved chemical and physical stability. On Earth, the process leads to formation of layers with structural differences, but if such stratification is due to gravity, it may not occur in microgravity. This investigation, which follows up on previous work, could result in improved freeze-drying processes for the pharmaceutical and other industries.
Oral Biofilms: The crew continued the Oral Biofilms investigation session which began on Monday of this week, introducing either oral care bioactives or fixatives by reconfiguring flow through the Fluid Chambers in the Oral Biofilms Session Packs. Due to bag connection issues, only 2 of the original 4 Session Packs remain for this experiment session. Effect of Environmental Stressors on Oral Biofilm Growth and Treatment (Oral Biofilms in Space) studies the effect of gravity on the behavior of oral bacteria, including the structure of the bacterial community, and changes in bacterial response to common oral care agents. The findings could support development of novel treatments to fight oral diseases such as caries, gingivitis, and periodontitis. The investigation also could provide insights into how microgravity affects the microbiome of other mucosal surfaces in the body.
Phospho-aging: The crew collected urine samples in support of JAXA’s Phospho-Aging investigation. Phospho-aging Mechanism of Accelerated Aging Under Microgravity (Phospho-aging) examines the molecular mechanism behind aging-like symptoms, such as bone loss and muscle atrophy, that occur more rapidly in microgravity. Using analysis of human premature-aging syndromes (progeria) in mouse models, scientists identified calciprotein particles (CPPs) as a pro-aging factor in mammals. CPPs behave like a pathogen, inducing chronic inflammation and systemic tissue damage that could be the mechanism behind accelerated aging in space.
Repository: The crew performed urine sample collections in support of the Repository investigation. 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.
TICTOC: As a continuation of the experiment which started this past weekend, the crew set up the appropriate hardware and took photos of the 12 plant growth chambers. The ground teams will use the images to evaluate the status of the growing plants. Target, the retail store, is funding the investigation Targeting Improved Cotton Through On-orbit Cultivation (TICTOC) that studies how root system architecture affects plant resilience to stress, water-use efficiency, and carbon sequestration during the critical phase of seedling establishment. Roots play a central role in plant stress resistance and survival, but their growth patterns depend upon gravity. This investigation examines how environmental factors and genes control development of roots in the absence of gravity.
Systems:
Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Preparations: The crew performed EVA activities for the upcoming P6 IROSA 2B EVA on Wednesday, June 16. They performed an EVA procedure review as well as an EVA Conference with teams on the ground.
Dragon Cargo Transfer: Today, the crew performed SpX-22 cargo transfer operations and will continue to work cargo operations throughout the week. There are 4 hours of available cargo ops remaining.
Exercise Equipment Status: At this time T2 is No-Go for exercise due to snubber misalignments that were observed during today’s monthly maintenance activity. On May 25th, engineering teams noticed a recent imbalance in the Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED) cable pulleys. ARED exercise has been limited to under 60lbs for cable exercises while bar exercises remain nominal. The crew performed preliminary inspections today and corrective steps will be provided prior to removing the load limits.
Environmental Health System (EHS) Total Organic Carbon Analyzer (TOCA) Water Recovery System (WRS) Sample Analysis & Data Record: Crew performed an analysis of the water processing assembly (WPA) using the TOCA. The TOCA unit oxidizes organic carbon species present in the water to carbon dioxide gas and measures the concentration using nondispersive infrared spectroscopy. Analysis of the potable water using the TOCA occurs on a weekly basis.
Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) Recycle Tank Drain/Fill: Today the crew set up the recycle tank to drain to a ЕДВ-У. Following the setup the ground performed the tank drain using the Urine Transfer System (UTS). Once the ground specialists completed the transfer, the crew verified the recycle tank was empty, terminated the drain, and repositioned the fill/drain valve to fill.
Completed Task List Activities:
- None
Today’s Ground Activities:
All activities are complete unless otherwise noted.
- Reconfigure Airlock post METOX Regeneration heating cycle
- Metal Oxide (METOX) Regeneration Termination
- Dragon Weekly Quiescent mode vehicle checkout
Look Ahead Plan:
Thursday, June 10 (GMT 161)
Payloads:
- AC Touch, Bioculture system install, NRCSD-20, Food Acceptability, HRF blood/urine collection (repository), HRF supply inventory, Lyophillization-2, Phospho-aging, RTPCG-2, TICTOC, TIME Perception
Systems:
- OBT EVA Robotics Onboard Trainer (ROBoT) Session
- Internal Thermal Control System (ITCS) Node 3 Gas Trap Plug Replace
- Deck Crew Quarters Exhaust Airflow Sensor Remove and Replace
- SSRMS Maneuver to extract IPA from Dragon Trunk
Friday, June 11 (GMT 162)
Payloads:
- Food Acceptability, FSL/Board exchange, FSL/Soft Matter Dynamics, GLACIER logistics, Iceberg-2 desiccant swap, Kidney Cells-02, Lyophillization-2, ManD print remove, Molecular Muscle Experiment-2, NanoRacks Module 93 photo, TICTOC harvest
Systems:
- Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) Recycle Tank Drain
- Internal Thermal Control System (ITCS) Node 3 Return to Ground Sampling
- Dragon Cargo Transfer
- SSRMS Walkoff to MBS4
Saturday, June 12 (GMT 163)
Payloads:
- BPA housekeeping, TICTOC closeout
Systems:
- Crew off-duty day
Today’s Planned Activities:
All activities are complete unless otherwise noted.
- Antimicrobial Coatings Touch
- Actiwatch Plus HRF Rack 1 Setup & Stow
- Biological Research In Canisters First & Second Actuations
- Biological Research In Canisters Second Actuation
- Biological Research In Canisters Transfer to BRIC-LED Facility
- Biological Research in Canisters MELFI Sample Insertion.
- Countermeasures System (CMS) Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED) Pulley Inspection
- Countermeasures System (CMS) Treadmill 2 System (T2) Monthly Inspection
- Environmental Health System (EHS) Total Organic Carbon Analyzer (TOCA) Sample Analysis & Data Record
- Metal Oxide (METOX) Regeneration Termination
- Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Procedure Review & Conference
- Health Maintenance System (HMS) ISS Food Intake Tracker (ISS FIT)
- HRF Generic MELFI Sample Retrieval And Insertion Operations
- JLP Payload Gather
- Kidney Cells Post-Media Change Ops
- Kidney Cells Media Change
- Kidney Cells-02 MELFI Sample Insertion/Retrieve
- LSG Primary Crew Restraint Fold/Unfold
- LSG Work Volume Stow
- Lyophilization Hardware Setup
- Lyophilization MELFI Sample Retrieve
- Lyophilization Procedure Review
- Lyophilization Sample Tray Installation
- Microgravity Science Glovebox Activation
- ISS Portable Glove Bag (IPGB) Setup
- Oral Biofilms In Space (OBiS) Fluid Chamber Removal
- Oral Biofilms In Space (OBiS) Flow Reconfiguration
- Oral Biofilms In Space (OBiS) MELFI OBiS Biofilms Session Pack Insertion
- Oral Biofilms In Space (OBiS) MERLIN OBiS Assemblies Insertion
- Oral Biofilms In Space (OBiS) MERLIN OBiS Assemblies Removal
- Oral Biofilms In Space (OBiS) Maintenance Work Area Preparation
- Phospho-Aging Generic MELFI Sample Insertion Operations
- Phospho-Aging Generic MELFI Sample Retrieval And Insertion Operations
- Public Affairs Office (PAO) Event in High Definition (HD) in Columbus
- Manual Fluid Transfer from EDV to Resupply Tank Using the Brine Transfer Hose (6 ft)
- Manual Fluid Transfer from EDV to Resupply Tank (EDV Swap)
- Manual Fluid Transfer from EDV to Resupply Tank Terminate and Teardown
- TICTOC MWA Preparation
- TICTOC Science Photography
- Dragon Cargo Transfer