Новости МКС

[tnt22]

https://tass.ru/kosmos/8468077

14 МАЯ, 03:10
Источник: ближайшие российские пуски на МКС запланированы на 23 июля и 14 октября

МОСКВА, 14 мая. /ТАСС/. Ближайший российский непилотируемый пуск ракеты "Союз-2-1а" с грузовым кораблем "Прогресс МС-15" запланирован на 23 июля, с кораблем "Союз МС-17" и тремя членами экипажа на борту - на 14 октября. Об этом сообщил ТАСС источник в ракетно-космической отрасли.

"Пуск "Прогресса МС-15" на орбиту стоит в плане на 23 июля с космодрома Байконур", - отметил собеседник агентства.

По словам источника, старт ракеты "Союз-2.1а" с кораблем "Союз МС-17", на борту которого будут находиться три члена экипажа, "по планам состоится 14 октября". Он уточнил, что в состав экипажа войдут два российских космонавта и один американский астронавт.

Накануне Роскосмос и NASA подписали контракт на доставку одного американского астронавта на МКС на российском пилотируемом корабле "Союз МС" осенью 2020 года. Как сообщили ТАСС в NASA, США заплатят более $90 млн за место.

Обычно в рамках подготовки к полету на МКС американские астронавты проходят тренировки в РФ, а российские космонавты - в США, где знакомятся в том числе с особенностями американского сегмента станции. 9 мая пресс-служба аэропорта Жуковский сообщила о перелете космонавтов Сергея Рыжикова, Сергея Кудь-Сверчкова, Олега Новицкого и Петра Дуброва на борту Learjet 45 авиакомпании MHS Aviation в Хьюстон с посадкой в Кельне. В пресс-службе отметили, что они входят в основной и дублирующий экипажи "Союза МС", который отправится на орбиту в октябре.

[tnt22]

https://blogs.nasa.gov/stationreport/2020/05/13/iss-daily-summary-report-5132020/

ISS Daily Summary Report – 5/13/2020

Astrobee mapping:

Спойлер

The crew assisted with the collection of calibration, localization and mobility data inside the JEM (Japanese Experiment Module). This was performed to supplement data collected during the previous localization/mobility ops and will be used in support of the upcoming Kibo Robot Programming Challenge. The Kibo Robot Programming Challenge (Robo-Pro Challenge), also known as Kibo-RPC, allows students to create programs to control Astrobee, a free-flying robot aboard the International Space Station (ISS). This opportunity provides hands-on experience with science, technology, engineering and mathematics in space and inspires the next generation of explorers. This activity is based on Japan-U.S. cooperation through the Japan-US Open platform Partnership Program (JP-US OP3).

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Combustion Integration Rack/Advanced Combustion via Microgravity Experiments (CIR/ACME):

Спойлер

As a continuation of the ACME/s-Flame part 2 investigation, the crew removed a nitrogen check gas bottle and replaced it with a helium check gas bottle. They also removed a H2/CH4/He fuel bottle and replaced it with one of the same gas mixture, but different percent composition. Following the installation of the gas bottles, it was noted the actual pressure in the helium check gas bottle was significantly lower than expected and the team is assessing the impacts. The purpose of s-Flame is to advance our ability to predict the structure and dynamics, including extinction and instabilities, of both soot-free and sooty flames. The results may contribute to the development of lean-burn engines for improved efficiency and reduced pollutant emissions here on Earth. S-Flame is one of five experiments hosted by CIR/ACME which is designed to study gaseous flames.

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JEM Water Recovery System (JWRS):

Спойлер

As a continuation of the JWRS work, the crew performed a check of the top and left side internal areas of the experiment hardware. The Demonstration JWRS will generate potable water from urine. In the past on manned spacecraft, urine and waste water were collected and stored, or vented overboard. For long-term space missions, however, water supply could become a limiting factor. Demonstrating the function of this water recovery system on orbit contributes to updating the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) to support astronauts on the space station and future exploration missions.

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Ultrasound Eye Exam:

Спойлер

Today the crew used an ultrasound device to perform an eye scan, the first of several routine ultrasound eye exams during their stay on ISS. Eye exams are performed regularly onboard in order to monitor crewmember's eye health. Eyesight is one of many aspects of the human body affected by long-duration stays in a microgravity environment.

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[tnt22]

https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2020/05/14/station-trio-checks-eyes-keeps-lab-in-tip-top-shape/

Station Trio Checks Eyes, Keeps Lab in Tip-Top Shape

Mark Garcia
Posted May 14, 2020 at 11:33 am


The three-member Expedition 63 crew aboard the International Space Station with (fr om left) NASA astronaut and Commander Chris Cassidy and Roscosmos cosmonauts and Flight Engineers Anatoly Ivanishin and Ivan Vagner.

The Expedition 63 crew focused its attention today on maintaining International Space Station systems and keeping the orbiting lab in tip-top shape. More eye checks were also on the schedule as doctors seek to protect crew vision in microgravity.

Commander Chris Cassidy of NASA started his morning organizing science hardware inside the Columbus laboratory module from the European Space Agency (ESA). He reconfigured radiation detection gear and adjusted research racks to install stowage bags and create more space inside Columbus. Afterward, Cassidy removed an atmosphere monitor from the U.S. Destiny laboratory module then reinstalled and activated it inside the Harmony module.

The veteran NASA astronaut also partnered once again with experienced Flight Engineer Anatoly Ivanishin for another eye exam, this time using optical coherence tomography gear. Crew members have reported vision issues and scientists are exploring why and seek to ensure healthy eyes while living in space.

Ivanishin, who is on his third station spaceflight, spent Thursday morning servicing power systems in the Russian segment of the orbiting lab. Before wrapping up his day with eye checks, he replaced Russian thermal sensors and updated the station's inventory management system.

First time space-flyer Ivan Vagner participated in a variety public affairs events for Russian media. He had a live event in the morning wh ere he discussed living aboard the space station. He also recorded messages celebrating Russian space achievements to be broadcast on Earth at later date. Vagner ended his day checking out spacecraft systems inside the Progress 75 cargo craft.

[tnt22]

https://blogs.nasa.gov/stationreport/2020/05/14/iss-daily-summary-report-5142020/

ISS Daily Summary Report – 5/14/2020

Food Physiology Diet Brief:

Спойлер

The crew participated in a diet briefing with the ground team to discuss details of the experiment. The Integrated Impact of Diet on Human Immune Response, the Gut Microbiota, and Nutritional Status During Adaptation to Spaceflight (Food Physiology) experiment is designed to characterize the key effects of an enhanced spaceflight diet on immune function, the gut microbiome, and nutritional status indicators. These factors are interlinked, but diet is the only one that can be easily and meaningfully altered on Earth or during flight. This investigation aims to document the effect of dietary improvements on human physiology and the ability of those improvements to enhance adaptation to spaceflight.

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Spacecraft Atmosphere Monitor (SCRAM):

Спойлер

In support of the on-going SCRAM experiment, the crew relocated the experiment from EXPRESS rack 8 in the US Laboratory to Node 2. Unfortunately, following this, the ground and crew were not able to boot the SCRAM hardware nominally. The ground team is discussing a forward plan.  SCRAM demonstrates the capabilities of a small, reliable, portable gas chromatograph mass spectrometer instrument aboard the ISS to conduct major and minor elements of air measurement (Nitrogen, Oxygen, Carbon Dioxide, Methane, Water, etc). The instrument transmits data back to the ground research team every two seconds, providing a continuous analysis to the ground research team. It has a mass of less than 9.5 kg, and consumes less than 40 watts of power.

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Health Maintenance System (HMS) Eye Exams:

Спойлер

Today the crew completed the third day of routine eye exams using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). 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. Eye exams are performed regularly onboard in order to monitor crewmember's eye health. Eyesight is one of the many aspects of the human body affected by long-duration stays in a microgravity environment.

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Columbus Rack Bag Installation:

Спойлер

The crew installed and filled several stowage bags behinds Deck 1 and Deck 3 in the Columbus module today. Bags were also installed in Deck 2 but will be filled in the near future. The installation of the bags was required to relocate contents from the European Transport Carrier (ETC) Rack in Deck 4. The empty ETC Rack will be transferred to HTV9 for disposal following the vehicle's arrival.

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[tnt22]

https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2020/05/15/japanese-cargo-spacex-crew-dragon-activities-ramping-up/

Japanese Cargo, SpaceX Crew Dragon Activities Ramping Up

Mark Garcia
Posted May 15, 2020 at 11:22 am


NASA astronauts Bob Behnken (left) and Doug Hurley participate in a fully integrated test of SpaceX Crew Dragon flight hardware at the SpaceX processing facility in Florida on March 30.

The International Space Station is getting ready for a new Japanese cargo mission and the first Commercial Crew before the end of the month.

Expedition 63 Commander Chris Cassidy joined Flight Engineer Ivan Vagner Friday afternoon to train for the arrival of a Japanese cargo craft after it launches on May 20 at 1:30 p.m. EDT. The duo practiced the robotic capture techniques they will use when they command the Canadarm2 robotic arm to grapple Japan's ninth H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV-9) when it arrives on May 25 at 8:15 a.m.

The HTV-9 is delivering over four tons of food, fuel and supplies including new lithium-ion batteries to finish updating the station's power systems. NASA TV will broadcast the launch and capture activities live.

Two days after the arrival of Japan's HTV-9 resupply ship, the first crew to launch from U.S. soil since 2011 will lift off from Florida to the orbiting lab aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon vehicle. NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley are in preflight quarantine at the Kennedy Space Center counting down to their May 27 launch at 4:33 p.m.

The veteran astronauts, representing NASA's Commercial Crew Program, will approach the station May 28 and dock to the Harmony Module's forward-facing International Docking Adapter at 11:39 a.m. They will open the hatch about two-and-a-half hours later to join the Expedition 63 crew and ramp up space science activities.

[tnt22]

Space to Ground: Fanning the Flames: 05/15/2020

NASA Johnson

15 мая 2020 г.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ku9av0g7v9U?feature=oembed (2:52)

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https://ria.ru/20200516/1571532332.html

НАСА планирует пять выходов в открытый космос с борта МКС в июне
03:20 16.05.2020

МОСКВА, 16 мая – РИА Новости. Американские астронавты в июне совершат пять выходов в открытый космос с борта Международной космической станции, следует из материалов НАСА, имеющихся в распоряжении РИА Новости.

Ранее в 2020 году уже состоялись три выхода по американской программе.

В материалах НАСА говорится, что в июне планируются четыре выхода для замены аккумуляторных батарей в системе электропитания американского сегмента МКС.

Шесть новых батарей должен доставить японский грузовой корабль HTV-9, запуск которого намечается на 20 мая.

Кроме того, в июне намечается еще один выход с целью подключения платформы Bartolomeo для коммерческих экспериментов и установки оборудования для связи в Ka-диапазоне на европейском модуле Columbus.

Для выходов по американской программе подготовлены астронавты НАСА Кристофер Кэссиди, который сейчас работает на МКС, и Роберт Бенкен, которому предстоит в конце мая прилететь на станцию на корабле Crew Dragon, а также российский космонавт Анатолий Иванишин.

[tnt22]

https://spaceflightnow.com/2020/05/12/dragon-solar-array-concerns-driving-duration-of-first-crewed-test-flight/

Dragon solar array concerns driving duration of first crewed test flight
May 12, 2020 | Stephen Clark


Artist's concept of a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule docked at the International Space Station. Credit: SpaceX

NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley will be geared up for the long haul when they launch from the Kennedy Space Center on a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft later this month, but they won't know exactly how long they will be in orbit until they are already aboard the International Space Station.

The Dragon astronauts, both veterans of two space shuttle missions, could live and work on the space station for one to four months, according to NASA officials. The duration will primarily hinge on how well the Crew Dragon's solar panels hold up in the harsh environment of space.

"The minimum mission duration is really about a month, and the maximum is 119 days," said Steve Stich, deputy manager of NASA's commercial crew program.

The Crew Dragon test flight — set for liftoff at 4:33 p.m. EDT (2033 GMT) May 27 — will be the first launch of astronauts into orbit from the Kennedy Space Center since July 8, 2011, when the shuttle Atlantis rocketed into space on the final flight of the space shuttle program.

If the mission launches May 27, the Crew Dragon is scheduled to autonomously dock with the International Space Station at 11:39 a.m. EDT (1539 GMT) May 28. Behnken and Hurley originally planned to fly to the space station for no more than a couple of weeks after launching on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

The purpose of the Crew Dragon demonstration flight, named Demo-2 or DM-2, is primarily intended to test the commercial crew ship's performance with astronauts on-board. It follows a six-day unpiloted Crew Dragon test flight to the space station in March 2019.

But NASA has approved an extension to the Demo-2 mission. Faced with the prospect of a period of months with just one U.S. astronaut aboard the space station — limiting opportunities for maintenance and repair spacewalks, and restricting the station's scientific output — NASA is planning to keep Behnken and Hurley at the $100 billion orbiting research outpost for up to four months.

NASA astronaut Chris Cassidy launched from Kazakhstan on a Soyuz rocket April 9 with two Russian crewmates.

"This launch will allow researchers around the globe to work with astronauts on-board the space station to undertake many different scientific investigations," said Kirk Shireman, NASA's space station program manager at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. "The SpaceX crew, with Chris Cassidy already on-board the International Space Station, will be doing experiments on physiology, cardiovascular experiments, physical and life sciences, testing out life support systems ... and testing out habitation experiments for our future human space exploration."

Behnken could also join Cassidy in a series of spacewalks to replace batteries on one of the space station's solar power trusses. The new lithium-ion batteries will be delivered to the space station later this month on an automated Japanese HTV supply ship.

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The Russian Soyuz capsule has been the only spacecraft capable of carrying crews to the space station since the space shuttle program ended. NASA has paid the Russian government approximately $3.9 billion since 2006 to purchase Soyuz seats for astronauts from the United States and the station's other international partners, according to a report last year by NASA's inspector general.

NASA expects to end payments to Russia once the new U.S. crew ships are operational. Under the space agencies' current plans, U.S. astronauts will continue flying on Soyuz spacecraft and Russian cosmonauts will launch and land on the new U.S. vehicles under a barter arrangement, with no funds exchanged.

But Russian officials say they are not assigning cosmonauts to missions on U.S. vehicles until they are flight-proven.

Flush with NASA money, Russian space contractors doubled the production of Soyuz crew capsules for launches beginning in 2009 to meet the demand for astronaut transportation to the space station. After NASA's last Soyuz seat purchase in 2017, the schedule for Soyuz crew missions has been cut back to two flights this year.

Cassidy took the last Soyuz seat under NASA's control, but the agency is negotiating to purchase one more round-trip Soyuz ticket  for a launch in October.

NASA and SpaceX hope the first operational Crew Dragon mission, designated Crew-1, could be ready to launch some time this fall. But NASA wants a backup plan to ensure a U.S. astronaut can get to the space station in case of additional delays.

Regular crew rotation flights using the Crew Dragon capsule could last up to 210 days, but NASA and SpaceX are setting tighter limits for Behnken and Hurley's mission due to the experimental nature of the Demo-2 test flight.


NASA astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken address the media in October 2019 at SpaceX headquarters in Hawthorne, California. Credit: NASA/Aubrey Gemignani

Stich said preflight analyses show the Crew Dragon spacecraft set to fly the Demo-2 mission can safely remain in orbit for up to 119 days, or about four months, based on a "worst-case" prediction for how the ship's solar arrays will perform in orbit.

"Any solar array in low Earth orbit tends to degrade a little bit over time," said Stich, a former space shuttle flight director. "It turns out the atmosphere has a little bit of oxygen in it — it's called atomic oxygen — so there's a little bit of degradation in the ability of that solar array, the cell itself, to generate power."

Once the Crew Dragon is docked to the space station, SpaceX and NASA engineers will assess data the solar arrays' performance and efficiency to determine when to bring the crew back to Earth.

"What we'll do is we have this curve of what we expect that degradation to be over time," Stich said. "We can kind of look at the power the arrays generate each day, and kind of plot that against this prediction, and that can give us the overall total capability."

The solar arrays on SpaceX's new-generation Dragon spacecraft, called Dragon 2 or Crew Dragon, are mounted on the body of the spaceship's unpressurized trunk. The trunk is attached to the aft end of the Dragon's pressurized crew cabin, and a thermal radiator sits on the opposite side of the cylindrical trunk from the solar arrays.

SpaceX's previous Dragon design, which retired earlier this year after 20 unpiloted cargo delivery flights to the space station, used unfolding solar panels to generate electricity.

"We looked at the rest of the vehicle, (and) we don't see any other life limiters," Stich said in a May 1 press conference. "We looked at the pumps on the thermal system, we looked at the propulsion system, all the other components, when we talked about extending the mission, and the solar arrays are the only one really that have a little bit of a poke-out.

"So we'll just kind of watch their performance in flight and be able to make a good decision about how long to stay docked," he said.

NASA is balancing the objectives of the Demo-2 test flight with satisfying the agency's desire for extra manpower on the space station.

"We're really trying to do both a test flight with this vehicle, and also have the vehicle docked to station to allow Bob and Doug to augment the station crew," Stich said.

Hurley, the Demo-2 spacecraft commander, said the unknown mission duration is one of the challenges of preparing for the trip to the space station.

"I think that's more of a human element," Hurley said. "We go in it knowing that it could be 30 days up to four months, and it'll probably end up being somewhere in between that. But that's certainly an unknown, from a personal standpoint, that you'd like to maybe have a little bit better answer for, but we certainly understand the reasons why, and I think hopefully we'll be able to offer some good support to Chris Cassidy, who's up there in the U.S. segment on his own right now."

Officials will also look at the schedule for the following Crew Dragon flight, which will carry four astronauts to the station, when deciding on a schedule for Behnken and Hurley's return to Earth. And mission managers will assess weather and sea conditions in the Dragon's splashdown zone roughly 27 miles (24 nautical miles; 44 kilometers) off Florida's East Coast.
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[zandr]

https://rossaprimavera.ru/news/70d01a5b

Салат смогут вырастить на Марсе — Британское космическое агентство
Лишь немного медленнее прорастают находившиеся на Международной космической станции (МКС) семена салата, сообщило Британское космическое агентство. Информация об этом появилась 15 мая на сайте правительства Великобритании.
Результаты получены после того, как 2 кг семян салата сорта «Ракета» провели шесть месяцев на борту МКС с астронавтом Британского Космического Агентства Тимом Пиком. Здесь они поглощали в 100 раз больше радиации, чем на Земле, и подвергались интенсивным перегрузкам космического полета.

Спойлер

Когда семена вернулись на Землю в 2016 году, 600 000 детей из школ Великобритании приняли участие в эксперименте при поддержке Космического агентства Великобритании. В их задачу входило посадить салат и контролировать его рост, сравнивая с салатом, выращенным из семян не побывавших в космосе.
Результаты показали, что, хотя «космические» семена прорастали медленнее, они были достаточно жизнеспособными. Это говорит о том, что, приняв разумные меры для защиты семян в путешествии, можно выращивать растения для людей в космосе или на другой планете.
«Когда люди полетят на Марс, им нужно будет найти способы прокормить себя, и это исследование помогает нам понять некоторые биологические особенности хранения и прорастания семян, которые будут иметь жизненно важное значение для будущих космических миссий», — отметил британский астронавт Тим Пик.
Кроме школьников в исследовании приняли участие Университет Марбурга, Научно-консультационный центр шотландского сельского хозяйства (SASA) и агрофирма Tozer Seeds.

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[zandr]

https://ria.ru/20200517/1571564255.html

"Прогресс МС-13" покинет МКС в начале июля
МОСКВА, 17 мая - РИА Новости. Грузовой корабль "Прогресс МС-13", на котором предлагалось отработать супербыструю схему доставки экипажей, отчалит от Международной космической станции в начале июля, следует из материалов НАСА, имеющихся в распоряжении РИА Новости.
Корабль "Прогресс МС-13" с грузами прилетел на МКС в декабре 2019 года. Экипаж разгрузил его и заполнил мусором.
Согласно материалам НАСА, расстыковка корабля от станции намечается на 8 июля.

Спойлер

В апреле начальник отдела баллистики Ракетно-космической корпорации "Энергия" Рафаил Муртазин рассказал, что на "Прогрессе МС-13" после ухода с МКС могут отработать элементы супербыстрой двухчасовой (одновитковой) схемы доставки экипажей на станцию.
В настоящее время пилотируемые корабли "Союз" с экипажами летают к МКС по быстрой шестичасовой (четырехвитковой) схеме. На четырех кораблях "Прогресс" была испытана сверхбыстрая трёхчасовая (двухвитковая) схема полёта к станции.
Сейчас на МКС летают российские космонавты Анатолий Иванишин и Иван Вагнер, а также американский астронавт Кристофер Кэссиди. Ожидается, что 28 мая на станцию на корабле Crew Dragon прилетят астронавты НАСА Дуглас Херли и Роберт Бенкен.

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[tnt22]

https://blogs.nasa.gov/stationreport/2020/05/15/iss-daily-summary-report-5152020/

ISS Daily Summary Report – 5/15/2020

Cryo Chiller:

Спойлер

Following the checkout of the unit earlier this week, the Cryo Chiller was warmed up, the crew removed the sample cartridge insert, and inserted a desiccant pack. Cryo Chiller is a single Expedite the Processing of Experiments to Space Station (EXPRESS) locker replacement unit which provides rapid freezing capability in support of biological sciences, as well as temperature-controlled transfer to/from the International Space Station (ISS) on visiting vehicles.

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ISS HAM Pass:

Спойлер

The crew participated in an ISS HAM pass with Airdrie Space Science Club, Airdrie, ALB, Canada.  Some of the question asked by the students included how the crew has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, what the space station smells like, and what kind of music the crew listens to. ISS Ham Radio provides opportunities to engage and educate students, teachers, parents and other members of the community in science, technology, engineering and math by providing a means to communicate between astronauts and the ground HAM radio units.

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H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) Arrival Preparations:

Спойлер

The launch of HTV9 is currently scheduled for May 20th with capture and berthing of the vehicle planned for May 25th. In preparation for HTV9 arrival, the crew completed the following activities:

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• HTV Rendezvous Review: A conference held before the review allowed the ground to provide details on the training session and answer crew questions. Following the conference, the crew completed proficiency training covering the mission profile, the rendezvous crew procedures and crew interfaces for monitoring and commanding.
   
  
  
  
• Centerline Berthing Camera System (CBCS) Installation: The crew installed the CBCS in the Node 2 Nadir hatch window and performed a video system checkout with the ground. The CBCS supports Common Berthing Mechanism (CBM) mating alignment operations necessary to berth HTV to Node 2.
   
  
  
  
• HTV Robotics On-Board Training (OBT): The crew reviewed the robotics OBT self-study session. Robotics Onboard Trainer (ROBoT) sessions are designed to help the crew maintain their robotics training proficiency. The ROBoT is an on-orbit version of the ground-based Dynamics Skills Trainer (DST) that simulates robotics operations with graphical feedback.

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[tnt22]

https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2020/05/18/crew-preps-for-japanese-cargo-studies-effects-of-planetary-missions/

Crew Preps for Japanese Cargo, Studies Effects of Planetary Missions

Mark Garcia
Posted May 18, 2020 at 5:24 pm


The H-II Transfer Vehicle-7 from JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) is pictured after it was captured with the Canadarm2 robotic arm during Expedition 56.

Japan's ninth mission to resupply the International Space Station has been given a "go" to launch on Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. EDT. The Expedition 63 crew continues prepare for its arrival and robotic capture on Memorial Day.

Commander Chris Cassidy of NASA will be in the cupola on May 25 to command the Canadarm2 robotic arm to reach out and grapple the Japanese resupply ship at 8:15 a.m. Roscosmos Flight Engineer Ivan Vagner is backing up Cassidy and will monitor the H-II Transfer Vehicle-9 (HTV-9) as it approaches the orbiting lab. The duo continued their HTV-9 mission training and practiced capture techniques on a computer during the afternoon.

NASA TV will be live broadcasting the HTV-9 launch and capture activities. HTV-9 is delivering over four tons of crew supplies, station experiments and lithium-ion batteries. The new batteries will be installed during a spacewalk at a later date to continue upgrading station power systems.

Meanwhile, space research operations and lab maintenance activities are ongoing as the three-member crew orbits Earth.

The commander started the day on a study that could inform the fabrication of materials in space or on the Moon. He serviced samples inside the Materials Science Laboratory that enables safe research into a variety of materials such as metals, alloys, semiconductors, etc... At the end of the day, Cassidy also explored how different gravity conditions could affect planetary surfaces impacting future spacecraft designs.

Vagner joined veteran cosmonaut Anatoly Ivanishin and spent midday inventorying maintenance and repair equipment. Ivanishin was also on heart research duty today exploring how blood circulation adapts to the conditions of microgravity.

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https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/news/jaxa-htv-9-spacecraft-carries-science-technology-to-the-international-space-station-iss

May 13, 2020

JAXA HTV-9 Spacecraft Carries Science, Technology to the International Space Station


The H-II Transfer Vehicle-8 (HTV-8) from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency is pictured in the grip of the Canadarm2 robotic arm before it was attached to the International Space Station's Harmony module. The orbiting complex was soaring 259 miles above the African nation of Cameroon just after crossing the Atlantic Ocean.
Credits: NASA

A Japanese cargo spacecraft loaded with experiment hardware, supplies and spare parts is scheduled to launch from the Tanegashima Space Center in southern Japan to the International Space Station at 1:30 p.m. EDT Wednesday, May 20 (2:30 a.m. May 21 in Japan). The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) unpiloted H-II Transport Vehicle-9 (HTV-9) carries investigations testing a new livestreaming educational tool, microscope and telescope.

Here are details about some of the scientific investigations and facilities heading to the orbiting lab on HTV-9.

Coming to you live and interactive from space

A broadcasting studio is opening up in the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM), also known as Kibo. The JAXA-sponsored education-focused experiment known as THE SPACE FRONTIER STUDIO - KIBO enables new livestreaming capabilities on station. Terminals set up next to a window overlooking Earth in the JEM module are to be used for communication. The first round of demonstrations of the technology are set to occur this summer, testing out two-way livestreaming that allows people on the ground to communicate with the astronauts.

Looking back at Earth

Rather than looking out at the stars, this telescope points at our planet. The integrated Standard Imager for Microsatellites (iSIM), a very high-resolution optical binocular telescope developed by Spanish company SATLANTIS MICROSATS S.L., takes images of Earth at less than one meter of resolution. A combination of technologies including optics, mechanics, electronics and artificial intelligence algorithms achieves a high spatial resolution at significantly lower cost compared with traditional imaging systems of similar performance. This experiment demonstrates the technology and its functionality in the low-Earth orbit environment. The prototype is mounted to the JAXA External Facility platform on the space station, which provides sample environment and operational conditions for testing the device.


Preflight front view of the iSIM-IOD flight unit. The integrated Standard Imager for Microsatellites (iSIM) is a new generation high-resolution optical payload binocular telescope for Earth observation.
Credits: SATLANTIS

A clearer picture of biology in microgravity

The Confocal Space Microscope (Confocal Microscope) is a JAXA facility launching on HTV-9 that enables fluorescence live imaging of biological samples aboard the station. Confocal microscopy eliminates out-of-focus light or glare in specimens whose thickness is greater than the immediate plane of focus. The microscope can produce data on the fundamental nature of cellular and tissue structure and functions in real-time. When combined with the heating chamber system, the microscope enables long term 3D observation of living cells. While biological experiments are the first area of concentration, the microscope could be used for chemical studies as well.


Confocal Space Microscope being prepared for flight.
Credits: JAXA

Other investigations aboard the space station also have been exploring new types of microscopy in microgravity, including FLUMIAS-DEA, which observed samples of fixed cells and live cells using a miniaturized fluorescence microscope.

Erin Winick

International Space Station Program Research Office
Johnson Space Center

Last Updated: May 13, 2020
Editor: Michael Johnson

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https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-tv-to-air-launch-capture-of-cargo-ship-to-international-space-station

May 13, 2020
MEDIA ADVISORY M20-058

NASA TV to Air Launch, Capture of Cargo Ship to International Space Station


Image of Japanese cargo vehicle HTV 8 captured by ESA astronaut Luca Parmitano during his Beyond mission on the International Space Station. Posted with the text "After Kounotori 4, this is the second HTV I have the pleasure to photograph: Kounotori 8."
Credits: ESA/NASA/L.Parmitano

NASA will broadcast the launch of a Japanese cargo spacecraft to the International Space Station beginning at 1 p.m. EDT Wednesday, May 20, live on NASA Television and the agency's website.

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries are scheduled to launch the unpiloted  H-II Transport Vehicle-9 (HTV-9) on a Japanese H-IIB rocket at 1:30 p.m. (2:30 a.m. Thursday, May 21, Japan time) fr om the Tanegashima Space Center in southern Japan.

The spacecraft will arrive at the station Monday, May 25. Live coverage of rendezvous and grapple will begin at 6:45 a.m. Capture of HTV-9 is scheduled to occur around 8:15 a.m. HTV-9 will approach the station from below and slowly make its way toward the orbital outpost. Expedition 63 Commander Chris Cassidy of NASA, with assistance from Russian Flight Engineer Ivan Vagner of Roscosmos, will operate the station's Canadarm2 robotic arm from the station's cupola and grapple the 12-ton spacecraft.

Coverage of HTV-9's final installation will resume at 9:30 a.m., when flight controllers in mission control at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston will take over robotic arm operations and berth HTV-9 to the Earth-facing port of the station's Harmony module, wh ere it will remain for two months.

The cargo craft will carry more than four tons of supplies, water, spare parts and experiment hardware for the station crew, including six new lithium-ion batteries needed to complete an overall upd ate of the station's electrical system. The batteries and corresponding adapter plates will replace aging nickel-hydrogen batteries for two power channels on the station's far starboard truss segment (S6) through a series of spacewalks by the station's crew members planned for later this year. This is the final se t of new batteries to be launched to the station as part of an overall upgrade of its power system that began in January 2017.

This also will be the final flight of this class of resupply spacecraft, named "Kounotori" – the Japanese word for white stork. The cargo craft launched on its maiden mission to the orbiting laboratory in September 2009. JAXA is developing a new class of HTV vehicles that will provide a reusable pressurized cargo section and the ability to carry more cargo due to its lighter weight. The new HTV-X vehicles will dock automatically to the station's International Docking Adapters with the first flight scheduled in 2022.

For nearly 20 years, astronauts have continuously lived and worked on the space station, testing technologies, performing science and developing the skills needed to explore farther from Earth. Through NASA's Artemis program, the agency will send astronauts to the Moon by 2024, with eventual human exploration of Mars. Inspiring the next generation of explorers – the Artemis Generation – ensures America will continue to lead in space exploration and discovery.

-end-

Last Updated: May 14, 2020
Editor: Sean Potter

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https://blogs.nasa.gov/stationreport/2020/05/18/iss-daily-summary-report-5182020/

ISS Daily Summary Report – 5/18/2020

Materials Science Laboratory- Sample Cartridge Assembly-Gravitational Effects on Distortion in Sintering (MSL SCA-GEDS-German):

Спойлер

The crew performed the activities needed to exchange the processed GEDS science sample cartridge assembly (SCA) with a new SCA. Liquid phase sintering is an important means to fabricate net-shape composite materials for applications over a range of industries. The science of liquid phase sintering is about 50 years old, but practice dates from the 1400s when gold was used to bond platinum in Columbia and Ecuador. Today, it is a mainstay in a diversity of fields, such as metal cutting tools, armor piercing projectiles, automotive engine connecting rods, and self-lubricating bearings. Future applications include use of liquid phase sintering as a means to perform in-space fabrication and repair, and for example using lunar regolith to fabricate structures on the moon or using metal powder to fabricate replacement components during extraterrestrial exploration. The MSL SCA-GEDS-German (NASA Sample Cartridge Assembly-Gravitational Effects on Distortion in Sintering) experiment focuses on determining the underlying scientific principles to forecast density, size, shape, and properties for liquid phase sintered bodies over a broad range of compositions in Earth-gravity (1g) and microgravity (μg) conditions.

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Ultrasound 2:

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The crew replaced the new Ultrasound 2 unit for the HRF2 Rack. The Ultrasound 2 on the International Space Station (ISS) is a modified commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) Ultrasound system that provides high-resolution ultrasound images of target areas in the human body. The Ultrasound unit works in conjunction with the Human Research Facility (HRF) Video Power Converter which provides the capability of real-time ultrasound video downlink. The real-time video allows ground personnel to remotely guide crew members in order to obtain the best possible images for use by investigators or medical personnel.

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Hourglass:

Спойлер

The crew installed the Hourglass box into the CBEF 1g Centrifuge and the ground initiated experiment Run #2. Hourglass investigation examines the relationship between gravity and the behavior of granular materials such as regolith that covers the surface of planets and planetary-like bodies. Researchers observe various granular materials inside an hourglass and a measuring cylinder under different gravity conditions. Better understanding of the behavior of these materials supports the design of spacecraft for future missions landing on the surfaces of planets and other celestial bodies.

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Mobile Servicing System (MSS) Robotics Operations:

Спойлер

Today, the Robotics Ground Controllers powered up the MSS in support of H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) Offset Grapple practice. During this On-Board-Training (OBT) session, the crew maneuvered the Canadarm2 for training/familiarization in preparation for HTV9 capture. Prior to the OBT, flight controllers performed MSS diagnostics and checkouts on the arm's "redundant" string. Following the OBT, the robotic arm was positioned to support the Active Common Berthing Mechanism (ACBM) inspection. The ACBM inspection is a prerequisite for HTV arrival.

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Chris B - NSF‏ @NASASpaceflight 5 ч. назад

ISS Status: Ground teams performed a survey of the IDA2 (Forward) sealing surface.

"The sealing surface was clear, with no new areas of Foreign Object Debris (FOD) noted. MLI looked good and both electrical connectors appeared clear."

"IDA2 is ready for DM-2 docking."

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https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2020/05/19/japan-ready-for-cargo-launch-crew-works-science-and-emergency-procedures/

Japan Ready for Cargo Launch, Crew Works Science and Emergency Procedures

Mark Garcia
Posted May 19, 2020 at 4:18 pm


The city lights of Japan, with Tokyo at bottom, seemingly trail off onto into an orbital sunrise as the space station orbited 260 miles above the Pacific Ocean.

Japan is less than a day from launching its ninth mission to resupply the International Space Station. Meanwhile, the three-member Expedition 63 crew continued space science operations and practiced for an emergency.

More than four tons of crew supplies, station experiments and lithium-ion batteries are ready to head to the station inside the H-II Transfer Vehicle-9 (HTV-9). The spacecraft from JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) will lift off from the Tanegashima Space Center on Wednesday at 12:31 p.m. EDT (1:31 a.m. May 21 Japanese time).

The HTV-9 will arrive at the orbiting lab on Monday, May 25 for a robotic capture with the Canadarm2 at 8:15 a.m. NASA Commander Chris Cassidy brushed up on his robotics skills today and will lead the capture activities from the cupola. Roscosmos Flight Engineer Ivan Vagner will back up Cassidy and monitor the HTV-9's approach and rendezvous. NASA TV is covering all the HTV-9 launch and capture activities live.

Vagner started Tuesday checking out medical gear for ear, nose and throat exams and ended the day synchronizing cameras in the station's Russian segment. Veteran cosmonaut Anatoly Ivanishin continued servicing the Combustion Integrated Rack as he swapped out fuel bottles inside the device that enables fuel, flame and soot research in microgravity.

Finally, the crew gathered together during mid-afternoon and reviewed their roles and responsibilities in the unlikely event of an emergency. The trio practiced communicating with Houston and Moscow mission controllers, checked out safety gear and reviewed evacuation paths and procedures.

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https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2020/05/19/nasa-tv-broadcasts-japanese-launch-to-station-live-on-wednesday/

NASA TV Broadcasts Japanese Launch to Station Live on Wednesday

Mark Garcia
Posted May 19, 2020 at 5:10 pm


Japan's HTV-8 cargo craft sits atop the HII-B rocket at the Tanegashima Space Center in September of 2019. Credit: JAXA

NASA Television will provide live launch coverage of a Japanese cargo spacecraft carrying more than four tons of supplies, water, spare parts and experiment hardware for the Expedition 63 crew aboard the International Space Station. Watch live on NASA TV and the agency's website beginning at 1 p.m. EDT.

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries are scheduled to launch the unpiloted H-II Transport Vehicle-9 (HTV-9) on a Japanese H-IIB rocket at 1:31 p.m. (2:31 a.m. Thursday, May 21, Japan time) from the Tanegashima Space Center in southern Japan.

The spacecraft will arrive at the station Monday, May 25 and live coverage of the rendezvous and grapple will begin at 6:45 a.m. Capture of HTV-9 is scheduled to occur around 8:15 a.m. and coverage of HTV-9's final installation will begin at 9:30 a.m.

Расписание трансляций НАСА:

[TH]Пуск (начало трансляции)[/TH]      [TD][/TD][TD]20 мая в 17:00 UTC / 20:00 ДМВ[/TD][/TR][TR][TH]Прибытие и захват (начало трансляции)[/TH]      [TD][/TD][TD]25 мая в 10:45 UTC / 13:45 ДМВ[/TD][/TR][TR][TH]Установка (начало трансляции)[/TH]      [TD][/TD][TD]25 мая в 13:30 UTC / 16:30 ДМВ[/TD][/TR][/TABLE]

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https://www.militarynews.ru/story.asp?rid=1&nid=532138&lang=RU

К МКС стартует японский грузовой космический корабль
20.05.2020 1:07:55

Токио. 20 мая. ИНТЕРФАКС - Грузовой космический корабль HTV-9 в среду стартует к Международной космической станции (МКС), сообщает Японское агентство аэрокосмических исследований (JAXA).

Запуск автоматического космического корабля на орбиту с помощью ракеты-носителя H-IIB будет осуществлен в 20:30 мск с космодрома на острове Танэгасима, расположенного на юго-западе Японии.

Корабль доставит на станцию около 5,5 тонн груза, в том числе продовольствие, а также оборудование и материалы для проведения десятков научных исследований.

Стыковка японского грузового корабля с МКС запланирована на 25 мая. Она будет осуществлена с помощью захвата сблизившегося со станцией "грузовика" автоматической рукой-манипулятором Canadarm-2 и последующим подведением его к стыковочному узлу американского модуля МКС Harmony.

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https://ria.ru/20200520/1571704903.html

На борту МКС повысилась концентрация бензола
03:04 20.05.2020 (обновлено: 03:12 20.05.2020)

МОСКВА, 20 мая - РИА Новости. На борту Международной космической станции выявлена повышенная концентрация бензола, экипажу ничто не угрожает, сообщил РИА Новости представитель пресс-службы Роскосмоса.

Сейчас на станции работают российские космонавты Анатолий Иванишин и Иван Вагнер, а также американский астронавт Кристофер Кэссиди. Ожидается, что 28 мая к ним на корабле Crew Dragon прилетят астронавты НАСА Дуглас Херли и Роберт Бенкен.

"Концентрация бензола в атмосфере станции не превышает предельно допустимую норму. Экипажу ничто не угрожает. Наблюдение за увеличением концентрации продолжается", - сказал представитель пресс-службы Роскосмоса.

Бензол является бесцветной жидкостью со специфическим сладковатым запахом. Входит в состав бензина и используется для производства лекарств, пластмасс, синтетической резины и красителей. Токсичен и канцерогенен.

Спойлер

В марте 2019 года после прибытия на МКС беспилотного корабля Crew Dragon разработки американской компании SpaceX Илона Маска экипаж станции почувствовал необычный запах. Анализаторы воздуха выявили повышенное содержание изопропилового спирта в атмосфере МКС. Его концентрация составляла около шести миллиграммов на кубический метр.

По указанию с Земли экипаж включил системы очистки воздуха, в результате чего концентрация снизилась примерно до двух миллиграммов на кубический метр. До стыковки Crew Dragon она составляла десятую долю миллиграмма на кубический метр. После отстыковки корабля концентрация снизилась.

В мае начальник Центра подготовки космонавтов Павел Власов рассказал РИА Новости, что Россия направила в НАСА замечания в связи с попаданием изопропилового спирта в атмосферу МКС после стыковки корабля Crew Dragon.

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