Новости МКС

[tnt22]

https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-selects-first-commercial-destination-module-for-international-space-station

Jan. 28, 2020
RELEASE 20-007

NASA Selects First Commercial Destination Module for International Space Station

NASA has selected Axiom Space of Houston to provide at least one habitable commercial module to be attached to the International Space Station as the agency continues to open the station for commercial use.

"NASA has once again recognized the hard work, talent, and experience of Houstonians as we expand the International Space Station and promote commercial opportunities in space," said Sen. John Cornyn of Texas. "I'm proud Axiom will continue to build upon Texas' legacy of leading the nation in human space exploration."

This selection is a significant step toward enabling the development of independent commercial destinations that meet NASA's long-terms needs in low-Earth orbit, beyond the life of the space station, and continue to foster the growth of a robust low-Earth orbit economy.

"Today's announcement is an exciting and welcome step forward in the efforts to commercialize low-Earth orbit," said Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas. "This partnership between NASA and Axiom Space – a Houston, Texas original – illustrates how critically important the International Space Station is, and will continue to be, for developing new technologies for low-Earth orbit and beyond, and for continuing America's leadership in space. Congratulations to Axiom Space on this exciting award – Houston is known as Space City for a reason, and I look forward to this great Space City company and NASA turning this announcement into reality."

The element will attach to the space station's Node 2 forward port to demonstrate its ability to provide products and services and begin the transition to a sustainable low-Earth orbit economy in which NASA is one of many customers. NASA and Axiom next will begin negotiations on the terms and price of a firm-fixed-price contract with a five-year base performance period and a two-year option.

"Congratulations to Axiom Space! This is not only a win for Texas, Johnson Space Center, and the International Space Station, it is also a great step forward for NASA as we move towards an increased commercial presence in low-Earth orbit," said Rep. Brian Babin of Texas. "I am proud to see this work coming to Space City – Houston, Texas – as the Lone Star State continues to lead in space exploration well into the future."

Developing commercial destinations in low-Earth orbit is one of five elements of NASA's plan to open the International Space Station to new commercial and marketing opportunities. The other elements of the five-point plan include efforts to make station and crew resources available for commercial use through a new commercial use and pricing policy; enable private astronaut missions to the station; seek out and pursue opportunities to stimulate long-term, sustainable demand for these services; and quantify NASA's long-term demand for activities in low-Earth orbit.

"Axiom's work to develop a commercial destination in space is a critical step for NASA to meet its long-term needs for astronaut training, scientific research, and technology demonstrations in low-Earth orbit," said NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine. "We are transforming the way NASA works with industry to benefit the global economy and advance space exploration. It is a similar partnership that this year will return the capability of American astronauts to launch to the space station on American rockets from American soil."

NASA selected Axiom from proposals submitted in response to a solicitation through Appendix I of NASA's Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships (NextSTEP) 2 Broad Agency Announcement, which offered private industry use of the station utilities and a port to attach one or more commercial elements to the orbiting laboratory.

Because commercial destinations are considered a key element of a robust economy in low-Earth orbit, NASA also plans to issue a final opportunity to partner with the agency in the development of a free-flying, independent commercial destination. Through these combined efforts to develop commercial destinations, NASA is set to meet its long-term needs in low-Earth orbit well beyond the life of the station.

The agency will continue to need low-Earth orbit microgravity research and testing to enable future missions to the Moon and Mars, including the arrival of the first woman and next man on the Moon with the Artemis III mission as part of the agency's Artemis lunar exploration plans.

-end-

Last Updated: Jan. 28, 2020
Editor: Karen Northon

[tnt22]

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/axiom-space-wins-nasa-approval-for-construction-of-commercial-space-station-on-iss-300993950.html?tc=eml_cleartime

Axiom Space wins NASA approval for construction of commercial space station on ISS

NEWS PROVIDED BY
Axiom Space 
Jan 27, 2020, 18:00 ET

HOUSTON, Jan. 27, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The human dream of universal access to living and working in space has drawn one step closer.

On Monday the National Aeronautics and Space Administration selected Axiom Space as the winner of the NextSTEP-2 Appendix I solicitation, which sought to grant access to the International Space Station's Node 2 Forward port for a commercial space station that could ultimately serve as ISS' replacement.




Co-founded by stalwart space entrepreneur Dr. Kam Ghaffarian and former NASA ISS Program Manager Michael Suffredini, both of whom have in excess of 35 years of human spaceflight experience, Axiom plans to launch a node module, research & manufacturing facility, crew habitat, and large-windowed Earth observatory to form the "Axiom Segment" of the ISS. This new commercial platform will significantly increase the usable and habitable volume of the ISS, provide for novel avenues of research in areas such as isolation studies and Earth observation, and allow a gradual transfer of the innovative work being done on-station to prevent interruptions when the ISS is ultimately retired.

The company targets launch of the first module in the latter half of 2024.

"We appreciate the bold decision on the part of NASA to open up a commercial future in Low Earth Orbit," Suffredini said. "This selection is a recognition of the uniquely qualified nature of the Axiom team and our commercial plan to create and support a thriving, sustainable, and American-led LEO ecosystem.

"Axiom exists to provide the infrastructure in space for a variety of users to conduct research, discover new technologies, test systems for exploration of the Moon and Mars, manufacture superior products for use in orbit and on the ground, and ultimately improve life back on Earth. As we build on the legacy and foundation established by the ISS Program, we look forward to working with NASA and the ecosystem of current and future international partners on this seminal effort."

Central to the selection was the Axiom leadership team's extensive high-level expertise in human spaceflight management, space systems engineering and operations, utilization of microgravity, space finance, marketing, and law.

Ghaffarian founded Stinger Ghaffarian Technologies, which rose to become NASA's second-largest engineering services provider, training NASA's astronauts and operating the ISS. These functions are now carried on by KBR, which bought SGT in 2018 and joined the Axiom team as a subcontractor on the winning proposal.

"A commercial platform in Earth orbit is an opportunity to mark a shift in our society similar to that which astronauts undergo when they see the planet from above," Ghaffarian, Axiom's executive chairman, said. "Our goal is to advance the state of humanity and human knowledge. I am glad to see the Axiom team, with its advanced human spaceflight, engineering, and operations expertise, recognized for its potential to do just that and build off of ISS."

Team Axiom also includes Boeing, Thales Alenia Space Italy, Intuitive Machines, and Maxar Technologies.

Axiom was founded in 2016 with the purpose of expanding human civilization into Earth orbit. In addition to building and launching the Axiom Segment, the company will launch crewed flights to the ISS and later the ISS/Axiom complex at a rate of about two to three flights per year.  Shortly before ISS is retired, Axiom will launch its large power platform to provide the Axiom Segment power and cooling that ISS previously provided.

When the ISS reaches its decommissioning date, the Axiom Segment will detach and continue as a free-flying, internationally available commercial space station. This station will have been built at a fraction of the cost of ISS, the elimination of whose operating costs will enable NASA to dive headlong into a new era of exploration.

"There is a fantastically steep learning curve to human spaceflight," Suffredini said. "The collective experience at Axiom is quite far along it. Because we know firsthand what works and what doesn't in LEO, we are innovating in terms of design, engineering, and process while maintaining safety and dramatically lowering costs."

About Axiom Space

Axiom Space was founded in 2016 to make life and work in orbit a reality as a means to sustained deep space exploration and improving life on Earth. While building and launching the Axiom Segment to one day form the world's first commercial space station, Axiom will provide access to the ISS today by launching crewed flights at a rate of about two to three flights per year. More information about Axiom can be found at www.axiomspace.com.

SOURCE Axiom Space

Related Links
http://www.axiomspace.com

[Старый]

tnt22 написал:
 https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/axiom-space-wins-nasa-approval-for-construction-of-commercial-space-station-on-iss-300993950.html?tc=eml_cleartime
 

Axiom Space wins NASA approval for construction of commercial space station on ISS

Подозрительно напоминает национальную станцию от Старого Ламера.  :oops: 

[triage]

Старый написал:
 Подозрительно напоминает национальную станцию от Старого Ламера.  :oops:  

а где там шарик?

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[tnt22]

 Luca Parmitano‏ @astro_luca 10 ч. назад

My favourite picture of last Saturday's EVA, so symbolic: that wrench saved the day – and AMS!

La mia foto preferita dell'EVA di sabato scorso, così simbolica: quella chiave ha salvato la giornata – e AMS! #SpacewalkForAMS

[tnt22]

https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-selects-first-commercial-destination-module-for-international-space-station

Jan. 28, 2020
RELEASE 20-007

NASA Selects First Commercial Destination Module for International Space Station

NASA has selected Axiom Space of Houston to provide at least one habitable commercial module to be attached to the International Space Station as the agency continues to open the station for commercial use.

"NASA has once again recognized the hard work, talent, and experience of Houstonians as we expand the International Space Station and promote commercial opportunities in space," said Sen. John Cornyn of Texas. "I'm proud Axiom will continue to build upon Texas' legacy of leading the nation in human space exploration."

This selection is a significant step toward enabling the development of independent commercial destinations that meet NASA's long-terms needs in low-Earth orbit, beyond the life of the space station, and continue to foster the growth of a robust low-Earth orbit economy.

"Today's announcement is an exciting and welcome step forward in the efforts to commercialize low-Earth orbit," said Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas. "This partnership between NASA and Axiom Space – a Houston, Texas original – illustrates how critically important the International Space Station is, and will continue to be, for developing new technologies for low-Earth orbit and beyond, and for continuing America's leadership in space. Congratulations to Axiom Space on this exciting award – Houston is known as Space City for a reason, and I look forward to this great Space City company and NASA turning this announcement into reality."

The element will attach to the space station's Node 2 forward port to demonstrate its ability to provide products and services and begin the transition to a sustainable low-Earth orbit economy in which NASA is one of many customers. NASA and Axiom next will begin negotiations on the terms and price of a firm-fixed-price contract with a five-year base performance period and a two-year option.

"Congratulations to Axiom Space! This is not only a win for Texas, Johnson Space Center, and the International Space Station, it is also a great step forward for NASA as we move towards an increased commercial presence in low-Earth orbit," said Rep. Brian Babin of Texas. "I am proud to see this work coming to Space City – Houston, Texas – as the Lone Star State continues to lead in space exploration well into the future."

Developing commercial destinations in low-Earth orbit is one of five elements of NASA's plan to open the International Space Station to new commercial and marketing opportunities. The other elements of the five-point plan include efforts to make station and crew resources available for commercial use through a new commercial use and pricing policy; enable private astronaut missions to the station; seek out and pursue opportunities to stimulate long-term, sustainable demand for these services; and quantify NASA's long-term demand for activities in low-Earth orbit.

"Axiom's work to develop a commercial destination in space is a critical step for NASA to meet its long-term needs for astronaut training, scientific research, and technology demonstrations in low-Earth orbit," said NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine. "We are transforming the way NASA works with industry to benefit the global economy and advance space exploration. It is a similar partnership that this year will return the capability of American astronauts to launch to the space station on American rockets from American soil."

NASA selected Axiom from proposals submitted in response to a solicitation through Appendix I of NASA's Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships (NextSTEP) 2 Broad Agency Announcement, which offered private industry use of the station utilities and a port to attach one or more commercial elements to the orbiting laboratory.

Because commercial destinations are considered a key element of a robust economy in low-Earth orbit, NASA also plans to issue a final opportunity to partner with the agency in the development of a free-flying, independent commercial destination. Through these combined efforts to develop commercial destinations, NASA is set to meet its long-term needs in low-Earth orbit well beyond the life of the station.

The agency will continue to need low-Earth orbit microgravity research and testing to enable future missions to the Moon and Mars, including the arrival of the first woman and next man on the Moon with the Artemis III mission as part of the agency's Artemis lunar exploration plans.

-end-

Last Updated: Jan. 28, 2020
Editor: Karen Northon

[tnt22]

NASA Explorers: Microgravity

 NASA

27 янв. 2020 г.

The International Space Station, a laboratory like no other, offers something we can't get on our home planet: Microgravity. Come along with #NASAExplorers as we follow a team of scientists during their journey to launch their research off our planet to the space station, and to see what microgravity may reveal.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/U_GQ65c2jrk (0:53)

[tnt22]

МКС-19 лет в пилотируемом режиме

РКК Энергия

27 янв. 2020 г.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/UNOhbceyTmo (0:49)

[tnt22]

Фото: Олег Скрипочка / Роскосмос
Экипаж корабля «Союз МС-13» готовится к возвращению на Землю


Фото: Олег Скрипочка / Роскосмос
Экипаж корабля «Союз МС-13» готовится к возвращению на Землю


Фото: Олег Скрипочка / Роскосмос
Экипаж корабля «Союз МС-13» готовится к возвращению на Землю

[tnt22]

https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2020/01/28/ultra-cold-science-cubesats-and-spaceship-departures-coming-up/

Ultra-Cold Science, CubeSats and Spaceship Departures Coming Up

Mark Garcia
Posted Jan 28, 2020 at 5:15 pm


Astronauts Andrew Morgan (left) and Luca Parmitano are pictured shortly after they began their mission aboard the International Space Station in July of 2019.

Ultra-cold science and nanosatellites kept the Expedition 61 crew busy on Tuesday while the International Space Station is getting ready for the departure of a cargo craft and crew ship.

The Cold Atom Lab (CAL) enables research into the quantum effects of gases chilled to nearly absolute zero, which is colder than the average temperature of the universe. NASA Flight Engineers Jessica Meir and Christina Koch opened up the CAL today to swap and clean hardware inside the quantum research device.

Meir first joined NASA astronaut Andrew Morgan in the Kibo laboratory module to help him set up the Cyclops small satellite deployer. Morgan installed Cyclops, loaded with a Department of Defense experimental satellite, inside Kibo's airlock for depressurization.

Mission controllers will then remotely command the Japanese robotic arm to grapple and deploy Cyclops outside Kibo overnight. The tiny satellite, packed with a variety of space weather and star tracker experiments, will be deployed into Earth orbit Wednesday morning.

Meir then installed a different small satellite deployer, this one called SlingShot, on the Cygnus space freighter attached to the Unity module. The SlingShot, attached to Cygnus' hatch, will release a variety of small satellites after the U.S. cargo craft departs the space station on Friday at 9:35 a.m. EST. The suite of eight CubeSats will study different optical and communication technologies as well as atmospheric and natural phenomena.

Koch is getting ready to come home on Feb. 6 with fellow crewmates Luca Parmitano of ESA (European Space Agency) and Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos. The trio performed leak checks today on the Sokol launch and entry suits they will wear aboard the Soyuz MS-13 crew ship when they parachute to a landing in Kazakhstan.

Upon landing, Koch will have lived in space continuously for 328 days on her first mission. She will be second only to former astronaut Scott Kelly who lived in space 340 days for the single longest spaceflight by a U.S. astronaut.

[tnt22]

https://ria.ru/20200129/1564002588.html

Следующий грузовой корабль Dragon компании SpaceX полетит к МКС весной
11:29 29.01.2020

МОСКВА, 29 янв - РИА Новости. Запуск к Международной космической станции (МКС) очередного американского грузового корабля Dragon планируется в начале марта, сообщило НАСА.

На сайте агентства отмечается, что пуск ракеты-носителя Falcon-9 с "грузовиком" с космодрома на мысе Канаверал (штат Флорида) планируется на 2 марта в 9.45 мск.

С 2012 по 2019 годы к МКС были отправлены 19 американских грузовых кораблей Dragon, созданных компанией SpaceX Илона Маска. Один из кораблей не долетел до станции из-за аварии ракеты Falcon-9.

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[tnt22]

https://blogs.nasa.gov/stationreport/2020/01/28/iss-daily-summary-report-1282020/

ISS Daily Summary Report – 1/28/2020

Refabricator:

The ground teams successfully initiated and completed the first of five tensile sample prints using material that was once-recycled on the ground. The Refabricator's objective is to demonstrate a unique process for repeatable, closed-loop recycling of a polyetherimide/polycarbonate plastic material for additive manufacturing in the microgravity environment of the ISS.  Eventually, Refabricator type hardware could recycle waste plastic materials into high quality 3D-printer filament, providing the potential for sustainable fabrication, repair, and recycling capabilities on long-duration space missions. This hardware represents a key component of NASA's In-Space Manufacturing (ISM) technology development roadmap.

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Made In Space – Recycler:

The crew installed the RECYCLER 3D printer into Express Rack 9B locker 5. The Made in Space – Recycler recycles polymer materials into filament that can be used as feedstock for the Made in Space 3D printer on the space station. Crews can use materials and parts that have reached the end of their useful life to create new items using 3D printing. This reduces the weight and mass of supplies that must be brought into space from Earth, an important capability for deep space missions.

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CIR (Combustion Integrated Rack):

The crew replaced the CIR manifold #4 with new H2 and C2H4/N2 gas bottles in preparation of continued s-Flame test runs. The CIR includes an optics bench, combustion chamber, fuel and oxidizer control, and five different cameras for performing combustion experiments in microgravity.

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CAL (Cold Atom Lab):

The crew moved the CAL facility from the LAB Express Rack 7 location to the COLUMBUS module and then removed Science Module #1 from the facility and replaced it with Module #3. The old Module #1 was temp stowed for return. The crew also cleaned the angled and straight fiber port inspection tips with fiber cleaning wipes. This operation was performed in the COLUMBUS module as it provided a better spatial work area. Upon completion of the module installation, the crew transferred the facility back to the LAB Express Rack 7 location. The CAL produces clouds of atoms that are chilled to about one ten billionth of a degree above absolute zero — much colder than the average temperature of deep space. At these low temperatures, atoms have almost no motion, allowing scientists to study fundamental behaviors and quantum characteristics that are difficult or impossible to probe at higher temperatures. In microgravity, researchers may be able to achieve even colder temperatures than what is possible on the ground, and observe these cold atom clouds for longer periods of time.

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STPSat-4:

The crew installed the CYCLOPS STPSat-4 Satellite onto the CYLCOPS SFA Plate and then the CYCLOPS was installed onto the JEM Airlock slide table. The Slide table was moved into the JEM airlock which was then depressurized. Launched from the International Space Station, Space Test Program Satellite-4 (STPSat-4) is a suite automated for robotic space tools and sensors that test new equipment configurations and monitor space conditions. STPSat-4 specifically includes space weather sensors, solar panels, an antenna array and devices for tracking location of both satellites and their astronomic surroundings. This project demonstrates how a range of new technologies can be integrated on nanosatellite platforms.

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AMS-02 (Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer) EVA #4:

Over the weekend, EV1 (Drew Morgan) and EV2 (Luca Parmitano) conducted a 6 hour 16 minute EVA to complete the final AMS repair EVA which consisted of the following tasks:

[/li]
• Nadir Leak Check
  
• VSB Leak Check
  
• Open Accumulator Valve
  
• Multilayer Insulation (MLI) Tent Install
  
• Mudflap Install and Shower Cap Removal
  
• CP9 ETVCG Filter Removal (Get Ahead Task)
  
• CP8 ETVCG Filter Removal (Get Ahead Task)
  

Additionally, both CP8 and CP9 camera views had a successful checkout.

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[tnt22]

https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/news/ng-13-research-highlights

Jan. 29, 2020

New Research Launching to Station Aboard Northrop Grumman's 13th Resupply Mission


The Northrop Grumman Antares rocket, with a Cygnus resupply spacecraft onboard, launches from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility, Saturday, November 2, 2019, in Virginia.
Credits: NASA

Investigations studying tissue culturing, bone loss and phage therapy will be launching, along with more scientific experiments and supplies, to the International Space Station on a Northrop Grumman Cygnus spacecraft. The vehicle launches no earlier than Feb. 9 from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia.

This is the second mission under Northrop's Commercial Resupply Services-2 contract with NASA. These resupply missions help NASA deliver critical research to the orbiting lab and increase its ability to conduct new investigations.

Here are details on some of the scientific investigations Northrop Grumman's 13th commercial resupply services mission (NG CRS-13) is delivering to the space station:

Better tissue and cell culturing in space

Mobile SpaceLab, a tissue and cell culturing facility, offers investigators a quick-turnaround platform to perform sophisticated microgravity biology experiments. Such experiments are critical for determining how microgravity affects human physiology and identifying ways to mitigate negative effects. The platform can work in multiple configurations, allowing investigators to tailor the facility to their needs.

Mobile SpaceLab launches and returns on resupply spacecraft. It performs experiments autonomously with ground monitoring. The crew is responsible for moving the payload from the resupply vehicle to a designated ISS EXPRESS Rack and back to a vehicle for return to ground. This process allows investigators to get their research in orbit quickly and gather sophisticated data using the automated capabilities. Experiments can run for up to one month.

A close-up view

The Mochii investigation provides an initial demonstration of a new miniature scanning electron microscope (SEM) with spectroscopy. Mochii will demonstrate real-time, on-site imaging and measurements of micro- and nanostructures aboard the space station. This capability could accelerate answers to many scientific inquiries and mission decisions and serve the public as a powerful and unique microgravity research platform.

The ability to identify small particles is needed for crewed flight and deep space exploration beyond low-Earth Orbit (LEO) since samples cannot be sent back to Earth. Rapid identification of these particles can help keep crews and vehicles safe.

Examining bone loss in microgravity

Crew members experience bone loss in orbit, stemming from the lack of gravity acting on their bones. OsteoOmics investigates the molecular mechanisms that dictate this bone loss by examining osteoblasts, cells in the body that form bone, and osteoclasts, which dissolve bone. A better understanding of these mechanisms could lead to more effective prevention of astronaut bone loss during space missions.


Commander Peggy Whitson works on the OsteoOmics bone cell study that uses the Microgravity Science Glovebox inside the U.S. Destiny laboratory in May 2017. OsteoOmics investigates the molecular mechanisms that dictate bone loss in microgravity by examining osteoblasts, which form bone, and osteoclasts, which dissolve bone.
Credits: NASA

Understanding the cellular mechanisms of bone loss associated with microgravity also helps researchers better understand bone loss associated with a wide range of disorders. This insight could help identify better preventative care and therapeutic treatments for people who experience bone loss due to diseases such as osteopenia and osteoporosis or from prolonged bed rest.

Fighting viruses with phages

Bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that specifically invade and destroy bacteria. Discovered in 1915, phages have been used to fight infectious diseases, most notably in Eastern Europe.

With increasing types of bacteria developing resistance to antibiotics, phage therapy offers a possible alternative to traditional antibiotics. In addition, phages can eliminate harmful bacteria without causing large-scale damage to the body's beneficial bacterial population or microbiome. Scientists also can evolve phages in the laboratory to remain potent even if phage-resistant bacteria develop.

Phage Evolution examines the effects of microgravity and radiation exposure on phage and bacterial host interactions, including phage specificity for a bacterial host and host resistance to specific phages. A better understanding of the effects of microgravity and cosmic radiation on bacteriophages and hosts could result in significant developments for phage technology, ultimately helping protect the health of astronauts on future missions.

(Do not) light my fire

The Spacecraft Fire Experiment-IV (Saffire-IV) investigation examines fire development and growth in different materials and environmental conditions, fire detection and monitoring, and post-fire cleanup capabilities. It is part of a series of fire investigations conducted in the Cygnus resupply vehicle after its departure from space station, eliminating exposure of humans or occupied spacecraft to fire danger.


NASA astronaut Tim Kopra commanded the International Space Station's Canadarm2 robotic arm to release the Cygnus spacecraft on June 14, 2016. After Cygnus was a safe distance away, ground controllers at Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio initiated the sequence for Saffire-1, the first in a series of fire experiments. Saffire-IV will launch on NG-13.
Credits: NASA

Saffire-IV contributes to fire safety efforts in similar environments on Earth, from submarines to mines, and helps improve general understanding and modeling of fire phenomena.

These are just a few of the hundreds of investigations currently happening aboard the orbiting laboratory. ...

Melissa Gaskill

International Space Station Program Science Office
Johnson Space Center

Last Updated: Jan. 29, 2020
Editor: Michael Johnson

[tnt22]

https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2020/01/29/crew-works-human-research-cubesats-and-gears-up-for-spaceship-departures/

Crew Works Human Research, CubeSats and Gears Up for Spaceship Departures

Mark Garcia
Posted Jan 29, 2020 at 1:10 pm


The Cygnus space freighter with its prominent cymbal-shaped solar arrays is pictured attached to the Unity module. Behind Cygnus is one of the space station's basketball court-sized solar arrays.

The Expedition 61 crew's schedule was packed today as they researched space biology and packed a pair of spaceships for departure. Wednesday morning also saw the deployment of an experimental satellite outside the International Space Station.

Blood draws and eye checks are part of the crew's regimen of biomedical activities to help doctors keep astronauts healthy during long-term space missions. Commander Luca Parmitano of ESA (European Space Agency) collected his blood samples this morning before spinning them in a centrifuge and stowing them in a science freezer for later analysis. NASA Flight Engineer Jessica Meir had her eyes scanned in the afternoon by fellow NASA astronaut Andrew Morgan using optical coherence tomography gear.

Meir and Morgan started the day finishing up packing the Cygnus space freighter with trash and discarded gear before it leaves at the end of the week. Cygnus will be detached from the Unity module with the Canadarm2 robotic arm and released into Earth orbit on Friday at 9:35 a.m. EST. NASA TV will cover the release and departure live as mission controllers on the ground remotely command all the robotics work.

Cygnus has another mission to deploy eight CubeSats for communications and atmospheric research once it reaches a safe distance away from the orbiting lab. The space station also saw the deployment early this morning of a Department of Defense CubeSat that is testing space weather and satellite sensor technology. That satellite was deployed outside of the Kibo laboratory module using the specialized Cyclops deployer.

Christina Koch of NASA is returning to Earth next week after 328 days in space on her first mission. She will land in Kazakhstan with Parmitano and cosmonaut Alexander Skvortsov. The trio will board the Soyuz MS-13 crew ship, undock from the Poisk module and parachute to a landing Friday, Feb. 6, at 4:13 a.m. (3:13 p.m. Kazakh time).

Koch will be second only to former astronaut Scott Kelly who lived in space 340 days for the single longest spaceflight by a U.S. astronaut.

[tnt22]

К #23827 (STPSat-4)

https://tass.ru/kosmos/7639779

30 ЯНВ, 00:17
С борта МКС вывели на орбиту экспериментальный спутник для нужд Пентагона
Операция была проведена с помощью американской системы Cyclops

НЬЮ-ЙОРК, 30 января. /ТАСС/. Американский экспериментальный спутник STPSat-4, предназначенный для проведения наблюдений для нужд Министерства обороны США, выведен на орбиту в среду с борта Международной космической станции (МКС). Об этом говорится в отчете, опубликованном на сайте NASA.

Как следует из документа, операция была проведена с помощью американской системы Cyclops. Она позволяет выводить на орбиту спутники небольшого размера.

Представители ВВС США в ноябре 2019 года сообщили, что STPSat-4 доставлен на борт МКС для последующего вывода на орбиту. Планировалось, что контролировать аппарат будет группа сотрудников Пентагона при содействии частных компаний. Согласно приведенным ВВС США оценкам, срок службы STPSat-4 должен составить не менее года. Аппарат предназначен, в частности, для проведения ряда экспериментов, метеорологических наблюдений, испытания новых технологий.

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https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-tv-to-air-landing-of-record-setting-astronaut-christina-koch-crewmates

Jan. 29, 2020
MEDIA ADVISORY M20-016

NASA TV to Air Landing of Record-Setting Astronaut Christina Koch, Crewmates


The Soyuz MS-13 crew spacecraft is seen as it approached the International Space Station for docking on the 50th anniversary of NASA landing humans on the Moon for the first time. The Soyuz will return Expedition 61 crew members NASA astronaut Christina Koch, station Commander Luca Parmitano of ESA (European Space Agency), and Soyuz commander Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos to Earth Feb. 6.
Credits: NASA

NASA astronaut Christina Koch, who has spent more time in space on a single mission than any other woman, is scheduled to return to Earth on Thursday, Feb. 6, along with two of her International Space Station crewmates.

Koch, along with station Commander Luca Parmitano of ESA (European Space Agency), and Soyuz commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian space agency Roscosmos will depart the station Feb. 6 in a Soyuz spacecraft that will make a parachute-assisted landing at 4:14 a.m. EST southeast of Dzhezkazgan, Kazakhstan (3:13 p.m. Kazakhstan time).

Live coverage of their return will begin at 9 p.m. EST Wednesday, Feb. 5, on NASA Television and the agency's website. Landing coverage will begin at 3 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 6.

Koch, who launched in March 2019 with NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Alexey Ovchinin, is wrapping up a 328-day mission on her first flight into space. Koch's extended mission will provide researchers the opportunity to observe effects of long-duration spaceflight on a woman as the agency plans to return to the Moon under the Artemis program and prepare for human exploration of Mars. 

Koch will have spanned 5,248 orbits of the Earth – a journey of 139 million miles, roughly the equivalent of 291 round trips to the Moon. She conducted six spacewalks during her 11 months on orbit, spending 42 hours and 15 minutes outside the station. She witnessed the arrival of a dozen visiting vehicles and the departure of another dozen. After landing, she will have completed the second longest single spaceflight by a U.S. astronaut after retired astronaut Scott Kelly, placing her seventh on the list of American space travelers with the most time in space.

Parmitano and Skvortsov will land after 201 days in space, having launched with NASA's Andrew Morgan last July. Morgan will remain on the station until his return to Earth on April 17. Parmitano and Skvortsov will have completed 3,216 orbits of Earth and 85.2 million miles at landing.

Completing his second mission, Parmitano will have logged a total of 367 days in space, more than any ESA astronaut in history. Skvortsov is completing his third mission and a total of 546 days in space, good for 15th place on the all-time spaceflight endurance list.

After preliminary medical evaluations, the crew will return to the recovery staging city in Karaganda, Kazakhstan, aboard Russian helicopters. Koch and Parmitano will board a NASA plane bound for Cologne, Germany, where Parmitano will be greeted by ESA officials before Koch proceeds home to Houston. Skvortsov will board a Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center aircraft to return to his home in Star City, Russia.

At the time of undocking, Expedition 62 formally begins aboard the station, with NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Morgan as flight engineers and Oleg Skripochka of Roscosmos as station commander. They will remain on board the orbital outpost until early April, when NASA astronaut Chris Cassidy and Russian cosmonauts Nikolai Tikhonov and Andrei Babkin will launch to the station.

Full NASA TV coverage is as follows (all times Eastern):

Wednesday, Feb. 5:

8:30 a.m.: Space station change of command ceremony, during which Parmitano will hand over command to crewmate Oleg Skripochka of Roscosmos

9 p.m.: Farewell and Soyuz hatch closure coverage (hatch closure at 9:25 p.m.)

Thursday, Feb. 6:

12:15 a.m.: Soyuz undocking coverage (undocking scheduled for 12:50 a.m.)

3 a.m.: Soyuz deorbit burn and landing coverage (deorbit burn at 3:18 a.m. and landing at 4:13 a.m.)

Watch Koch's most memorable moments from her record-breaking mission at

https://go.nasa.gov/36E40MZ

-end-

Last Updated: Jan. 30, 2020
Editor: Sean Potter

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https://www.losangeles.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2069281/smc-nasa-deploy-dods-stpsat-4-from-iss/

SMC, NASA deploy DoD's STPSat-4 from ISS

By SMC Public Affairs / Published January 29, 2020


Space Test Program Satellite-4 (STPSat-4) reaches its final orbit after deploying from the International Space Station, Jan. 28, 2020. STPSat-4 is managed by the Space and Missile Systems Center's Innovation and Prototyping Directorate, a unit that focuses on demonstrations of new space capabilities. This satellite, in particular, carries five payloads developed by the Air Force, Navy, and DoD research and academic institutions along with industry partnership investment. (Photo courtesy of NASA)

The Space and Missile Systems Center's Space Test Program Satellite-4 (STPSat-4) reaches its final orbit after deploying from the International Space Station, Jan. 28, 2020. The suitcase-sized satellite is a test-bed with five experimental payloads developed by the Air Force, Navy, DoD research and academic institutions with industry partner investment. (Photo courtesy of NASA)


The Space and Missile Systems Center's Space Test Program Satellite-4 (STPSat-4) reaches its final orbit after deploying from the International Space Station, Jan. 28, 2020. The suitcase-sized satellite is a test-bed with five experimental payloads to study advanced spacecraft communications, navigation, power systems, as well as space weather and improved small-satellite tracking capability. (Photo courtesy of NASA)


The Space and Missile Systems Center's Space Test Program Satellite-4 (STPSat-4) deploys from the International Space Station at 11:20 p.m., Jan. 28, 2020. The suitcase-sized satellite is a test-bed with five experimental payloads to study advanced spacecraft communications, navigation, power systems, as well as space weather and improved small-satellite tracking capability. (Photo courtesy of NASA)


NASA Astronaut Jessica Meir prepares Space Test Program Satellite-4 (STPSat-4) for deployment from the International Space Station, Jan. 28, 2020. STPSat-4 is managed by the Space and Missile Systems Center's Innovation and Prototyping Directorate, a unit that focuses on demonstrations of new space capabilities. This satellite, in particular, carries five payloads developed by the Air Force, Navy, and DoD research and academic institutions along with industry partnership investment. (Photo courtesy of NASA)

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LOS ANGELES AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --
The United States Space Force's Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) and its mission partner, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), successfully deployed the Department of Defense (DoD) Space Test Program Satellite-4 (STPSat‑4) from the International Space Station at 11:20 p.m., Jan. 28, 2020.  

The suitcase-sized satellite is a test-bed with five experimental payloads to study advanced spacecraft communications, navigation, power systems, as well as space weather and improved small-satellite tracking capability. The payloads were developed by both the Navy and the Air Force as well as DoD research and academic institutions along with industry partnership investment.

STPSat-4 is managed by SMC's Innovation and Prototyping (I&P) Directorate, a unit that focuses on demonstrations of new space capabilities. SMC partners with NASA to enable cost-effective launch and space access for experiments that are mutually beneficial, relevant to both civil and defense space applications, and important for maintaining security in space. STPSat-4 was launched Nov. 2, 2019 aboard the Northrup-Grumman-12 (NG-12) Cygnus commercial resupply mission.

"This is a product of a collaborative effort across multiple military services with both industry and civil space partnerships," said Col. Dennis Bythewood, program executive officer for space development. "SMC is committed to driving innovation and harnessing the synergy of partnerships."

STPSat-4 will operate for at least one year in low earth orbit (LEO). An additional objective is to demonstrate the Commercial Air Force Satellite Control Network (AFSCN) Service's (CAS) ability to support a 24/7 operational mission. CAS is the only ground system being used by STPSat-4 and part of SMC's continuing commitment to leverage the most innovative technologies to deliver cost-effective space capabilities.

"STPSat-4 is yet another remarkable achievement for the entire team," said Col. Timothy Sejba, director of SMC's I&P Directorate. "This mission will advance civil and military objectives by demonstrating next-generation space technologies. It's a perfect example of how we continue to lean forward to bring exciting space capabilities to the DoD and our mission partners."

SMC, located at Los Angeles Air Force Base in El Segundo, California, is the U.S. Space Force's center of acquisition excellence for acquiring and developing military space systems. Its portfolio includes the development of advanced space and launch capability and systems, global positioning systems, military satellite communications, defense meteorological satellites, space launch and range systems, satellite control networks, space-based infrared systems, and space situational awareness capabilities.

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https://blogs.nasa.gov/stationreport/2020/01/29/iss-daily-summary-report-1292020/

ISS Daily Summary Report – 1/29/2020

CAL (Cold Atom Lab):

The crew inspected, replaced when needed, and reconnected the Fiber Optics Cabling and ports. The CAL produces clouds of atoms that are chilled to about one ten billionth of a degree above absolute zero, much colder than the average temperature of deep space. At these low temperatures, atoms have almost no motion, allowing scientists to study fundamental behaviors and quantum characteristics that are difficult or impossible to probe at higher temperatures. In microgravity, researchers may be able to achieve even colder temperatures than what is possible on the ground, and observe these cold atom clouds for longer periods of time.

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Confined Combustion:

The crew continued the experiment using an acrylic samples with black baffles to ignite and observe combustion results. This project aims to study flame spread in confined spaces, specifically the interactions between spreading flames and surrounding walls. Flame spread in confined spaces (such as buildings and vehicles) may pose a more serious fire hazard than flame spread in open spaces because of acceleration caused by radiative heat feedback from the surrounding walls and a tunnel flow acceleration effect. However, several aspects of flame spread are difficult to study in normal gravity conditions. Gravity-driven buoyancy flow complicates the fire growth process and prohibits a fundamental understanding of the underlying physics. However, in microgravity, buoyancy is eliminated, allowing scientists to better study the physics of flame spread.

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EXPRESS Rack (EXpedite the PRocessing of Experiments for Space Station Racks):

The crew verified the BIOS parameter setting for the Express 6 laptop and updated the software. The EXPRESS Racks support science experiments in any discipline by providing structural interfaces, power, data, cooling, water, and other items needed to operate science experiments in space.

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Electro-static Levitation Furnace (ELF):

The crew configured the Gas Bottle Unit to the open supply valve position and the ground initiated an experiment run. 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.

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Rodent Research-19 (RR-19):

The crew stowed the Rodent Research Habitats 1 and 3. Mighty Mice in Space: Preclinical evaluation of a broad spectrum Myostatin inhibitor to prevent muscle and bone loss due to disuse uses rodent models on the ISS to investigate the potential benefits of targeting the Myostatin and Activin signaling pathways to prevent skeletal muscle and bone loss during spaceflight and on the recovery of muscle and bone following return to Earth. This research could provide valuable preclinical data to support clinical trials for Myostatin therapies for a wide range of conditions that affect muscle and bone health. Such research is particularly important for conditions that involve disuse muscle atrophy (muscle wasting due to immobility or lessened activity) for example, patients recovering from hip fracture surgery, intensive care patients, and the elderly.

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SlingShot:

The crew reviewed procedures for the Slingshot deployable installation onto the Cygnus hatch. 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.

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STPSat-4:

The crew performed video and still imagery photography of the STPSat-4 satellite deployment via the Cupola windows. One of the four arrays (Modular RF Tiles experiment) did not deploy as expected after the satellite was launched. It is hopeful that free flying thermal conditions will eventually allow the array to mechanically deploy. Launched from the ISS, Space Test Program Satellite-4 (STPSat-4) is a suite automated for robotic space tools and sensors that test new equipment configurations and monitor space conditions. STPSat-4 specifically includes space weather sensors, solar panels, an antenna array and devices for tracking location of both satellites and their astronomic surroundings. This project demonstrates how a range of new technologies can be integrated on nanosatellite platforms.

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Vascular Aging:

The Crew ingested the glucose drink and later performed blood draws which were processed and placed in cold stowage. Emerging data point towards linkages among cardiovascular health risk, carotid artery aging, bone metabolism and blood biomarkers, insulin resistance, and radiation. Data indicate that aging-like changes are accelerated in many ISS crew members, particularly with respect to their arteries. As part of the Vascular Aging investigation, ultrasounds of the arteries, blood samples, oral glucose tolerance, and wearable sensors from ISS Crew members are analyzed.

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AstroRad Vest:

The Crew took photos of the AstroRad vest hardware during a day pass in the Cupola and Lab. The AstroRad Vest is a personal protective equipment (PPE) device which functions as a radiation shield for astronauts. The AstroRad shields astronauts from space-borne ionizing radiation in an efficient way, provides operational simplification, and allows for the use of recycled material on-board the vehicle. The concept behind the AstroRad evolved from a commercially available device (360 Gamma Shield), which is an effective wearable shield for first responders to radiation incidents on the Earth.

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Northrop Grumman 12 (NG-12) Departure Preparation:

With the NG-12 Cygnus spacecraft planned for departure this Friday January 31st, the ISS crew completed the final cargo transfers and close-out procedures including inspecting the packing straps, tucking-in loose straps, and taking images of the final cargo configuration.

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On-Board Training (OBT) Soyuz Descent Training:

In preparation for 59S departure scheduled for February 6th, Luca and Sasha performed an OBT using the Soyuz simulator. During the drill, they practiced a nominal descent and the transition to Manual Entry Control [РУС]. Responses to emergencies caused by nominal decent hazards were also reviewed.

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https://ria.ru/20200130/1564074552.html

На запущенном с МКС американском военном спутнике возникла проблема
18:11 30.01.2020 (обновлено: 18:12 30.01.2020)

МОСКВА, 30 янв - РИА Новости. Одна из четырех панелей солнечных батарей не раскрылась на американском военном технологическом спутнике STPSat-4, выведенном на орбиту с борта Международной космической станции (МКС), сообщило НАСА.

В среду агентство сообщало о запуске с борта МКС спутника STPSat-4 в интересах ВВС США.

Как отмечается на сайте НАСА, одна из четырех панелей солнечных батарей не раскрылась после запуска спутника. Тем не менее, специалисты надеются, что со временем изменяющиеся температурные условия помогут панели солнечной батареи раскрыться.

Спутник STPSat-4 был доставлен на МКС в ноябре 2019 года грузовым кораблем Cygnus. На борту аппарата, созданного в рамках программы испытаний технологий в космосе ВВС США, находится аппаратура для тестирования датчиков космической погоды, солнечных батарей, антенн и датчиков слежения за спутниками и звездами.

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https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2020/01/30/cardiology-combustion-and-cubesats-before-cargo-ship-leaves/

Cardiology, Combustion and CubeSats Before Cargo Ship Leaves

Mark Garcia
Posted Jan 30, 2020 at 2:16 pm


Astronauts (from left) Christina Koch, Jessica Meir and Andrew Morgan pose for a portrait inside the cupola. The trio were on robotics duty monitoring the arrival and capture of the Cygnus space freighter on Nov. 4, 2019.

Cardiology, combustion and CubeSats filled Thursday's research schedule as three Expedition 61 crewmates are one week away from returning to Earth. The Cygnus space freighter is also poised to depart the International Space Station on Friday and complete one more mission.

NASA astronaut Christina Koch is nearing the end of her 328-day mission aboard the orbiting lab. She will land in Kazakhstan Feb. 6 aboard the Soyuz MS-13 crew ship with Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos and Luca Parmitano of ESA (European Space Agency). Koch blasted off to join the station crew on March 14 while Skvortsov and Parmitano began their mission on July 20.

When Koch lands, her mission-stay will be the second longest single spaceflight by a U.S. astronaut behind former astronaut Scott Kelly. He lived aboard the station for 340 continuous days.

NASA Flight Engineer Andrew Morgan juggled a pair of experiments this morning. He ran the Hourglass study observing how simulated planetary materials behave during different gravity conditions. Next, he cleaned a furnace that exposes materials to high temperatures and levitates them to research their thermophysical properties.

Parmitano started his day on cardiology research before switching to fire safety studies. The station commander first scanned portions of his body with an ultrasound device. The biomedical study is helping doctors understand what happens to the heart and blood vessels in space. He then moved on and burned a variety of fabric and acrylic samples. Scientists are using the data to model how flames spread in space to improve fire safety procedures and products in space and on Earth.

The Cygnus space freighter is packed, closed and ready for one more mission after its robotic release from the Canadarm2 Friday at 9:35 a.m. EST. It will deploy eight CubeSats for communications and atmospheric research several hours after departing the orbiting lab. Flight Engineer Jessica Meir installed the CubeSats, packed inside the SlingShot small satellite deployer, on Cygnus' hatch Thursday afternoon.