Новости МКС

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https://blogs.nasa.gov/stationreport/2020/07/27/iss-daily-summary-report-7272020/

ISS Daily Summary Report – 7/27/2020

Astrobee:

Спойлер

In preparation for the upcoming Kibo Robot Programming challenge checkout, the crew reviewed the Astrobee On-Board Training. The Astrobee team has been working for the past several weeks to map the Japanese Experiment Module to allow Astrobee navigation. Astrobee is made up of three free-flying, cube-shaped robots which are designed to help scientists and engineers develop and test technologies for use in microgravity to assist astronauts with routine chores, and give ground controllers additional eyes and ears on the space station. The autonomous robots, powered by fans and vision-based navigation, perform crew monitoring, sampling, logistics management, and can accommodate up to three investigations.

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BioMole Facility:

Спойлер

In preparation for the activities later this week, the crew performed a successful activation and checkout of the miniPCR and MinION systems. The BioMole Facility non-culture-based samples are capable of providing microbial identification on-orbit within days of sampling. The goal of this Tech Demo is to conduct comparative analysis for possible replacement of current microbial monitoring systems.

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Colloidal Clusters:

Спойлер

The crew removed the 3 Colloidal Clusters sample containers from the FROST refrigerator/freezer and mixed the components in the sample bags, which initiated the investigation. The experiment will run for 48-72 hours, be exposed to ultraviolet illumination, and then stowed for return. JAXA's Colloidal Clusters investigates the mechanism for formation of tetrahedral clusters of negatively and positively charged particles suspended in liquid. These clusters are examined and characterized after return to Earth. The clusters may be useful as building blocks of future photonic, or light-manipulating, materials.

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ExHAM (Exposed Experiment Handrail Attachment Mechanism):

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In order to prepare for the ExHAM use of the JEM airlock, the crew removed and stowed the hardware used to previously deploy the NRCSD-18 (NanoRacks Cubesat Deployer – mission 18) satellites. The crew then installed the HXP (Handhold Exp Platform) onto the MPEP (Multi-Purpose Experiment Platform Assembly). The ExHAM facility enables space experiments to be performed in the exposed space environment, by attachment to the Japanese Experiment Module Kibo's Exposed Facility (EF).

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Extra Vehicular Activity (EVA) Mobility Unit (EMU) Maintenance:

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The crew performed an EMU swap to bring EMUs 3008 and 3009 into the airlock to perform loop scrub maintenance. The loop scrubs were completed nominally.

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Quick Disconnect (QD) Maintenance:

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On June 4, the crew attempted to replace one of two Advanced Plant Habitat (APH) Environmental Control System (ECS) modules. During the activity the APH ITCS return QD leaked. Today, at the request of the APH team, the crew cleaned and re-lubricated the sleeve and internal components of the QD to return the system to nominal config.

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Payloads Network Attached Storage (NAS) Cleaning:

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The crew cleaned inlet/outlet vents of the NAS to prevent the NAS from automatically powering off due to inadequate processor or Hard Drive cooling that can be caused by blocked vents.

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Robotic Survey of SpaceX Demo-2 (DM-2) Thermal Protection System (TPS):

Спойлер

On Friday and Saturday a robotic survey of the SpaceX DM-2 Dragon heat shield was performed. SpaceX reported that the survey was successful and no notable damage was indicated.

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 Human Spaceflight @esaspaceflight 4 ч

Drumroll please the mission name & patch for @esa's first astronaut to fly to the @Space_Station on a @SpaceX Crew Dragon @Thom_astro
 has been revealed! Well done Christelle de Larrard who first submitted the name "Alpha". What's in a name?

https://esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/Thomas_Pesquet_first_ESA_astronaut_to_ride_a_Dragon_to_space
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https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2020/07/28/wide-range-of-space-science-keeps-crew-busy/

Wide Range of Space Science Keeps Crew Busy

Mark Garcia
Posted Jul 28, 2020 at 1:49 pm


This long-exposure photograph from the station reveals the Milky Way glittering above the Earth's horizon.

The Expedition 63 crew tackled a wide range of advanced space science today as NASA's first commercial astronauts near their departure. Robotics, genetics and fluids were just a portion of today's research schedule as the International Space Station residents work with scientists helping to improve conditions for astronauts and Earthlings.

Flight Engineer Doug Hurley checked on AstroBee, a set of free-flying robotic assistants onboard the station, preparing it for a student programming competition later this year. Fellow NASA astronaut Bob Behnken studied how weightlessness forms water droplets to promote water conservation and improve water pressure in faucets and shower heads.

The duo continued packing their SpaceX Crew Dragon vehicle ahead of their scheduled departure and splashdown this weekend. NASA TV is broadcasting manager briefings, the crew news conference, the undocking and return to Earth live.

Commander Chris Cassidy checked the DNA profiles of microbe samples swabbed from station surfaces. Cassidy identified the bacteria living on the station using the portable, off-the-shelf technology familiar in laboratories and classrooms.

Earth observations were the prime research focus in the Russian side of the orbiting lab today. Cosmonauts Anatoly Ivanishin and Ivan Vagner used specialized imaging hardware to look at Earth's upper atmosphere and photograph areas to identify catastrophes and hazards.

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 Megan McArthur @Astro_Megan 9 ч. назад

Happy Birthday to my favorite astronaut @AstroBehnken. Hope you're having chocolate cake in space today!




 Bob Behnken @AstroBehnken 49 мин. назад

Yep, "mini" chocolate cakes for my 50th birthday, because somebody, somewhere, loves me. Thank you @Astro_Megan for making it happen!

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 РОСКОСМОС @roscosmos 4 ч. назад

Космонавт Роскосмоса Иван Вагнер продолжает радовать нас поистине космическими и завораживающими #timelapse-видео с борта Международной космической станции

Сегодня @ivan_mks63 делится с нами пролетом #МКС над ночной Землей и восходом кометы C/2020 F3 (NEOWISE)!
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https://www.roscosmos.ru/28897/

29.07.2020 17:10
Коррекция орбиты МКС

Сегодня, 29 июля 2020 года, выполнена коррекция орбиты Международной космической станции. Двигатели грузового корабля «Прогресс МС-14», с помощью которого была осуществлена коррекция орбиты, были включены в 16:57 мск на 336 секунд, в результате МКС получила импульс в 0,65 м/с. После проведения корректирующего манёвра средняя высота орбиты МКС увеличилась на 1,1 км.

Согласно данным службы баллистико-навигационного обеспечения Центра управления полётами ЦНИИмаш (входит в состав Госкорпорации «Роскосмос»), параметры орбиты станции после выполнения коррекции составили:

• Период обращения: 92,87 мин;
• наклонение орбиты: 51,66 град;
• минимальная высота над поверхностью Земли: 417,5 км;
• максимальная высота над поверхностью Земли: 436,2 км.

Данная операция проведена с целью формирования баллистических условий перед запуском пилотируемого корабля «Союз МС-17».

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https://blogs.nasa.gov/stationreport/2020/07/28/iss-daily-summary-report-7282020/

ISS Daily Summary Report – 7/28/2020

Astrobee:

Спойлер

Astrobee was activated in support of checkout-2 for the Kibo Robotic Programming Challenge. The goal of the checkout is to confirm good data and voice communication between the 3 space centers involved, ensure the data markers (tags and targets) are in their proper locations, and ensure the files generated during the checkout are routed to the proper path. 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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BioMole:

Спойлер

The crew performed BioMole part 1 and part 2 which consists of surface sampling and DNA Extraction using the miniPCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), followed by DeoxyriboNucleic Acid (DNA) cleanup and amplification with the miniPCR. The BioMole Facility non-culture based samples are capable of providing microbial identification on-orbit within days of sampling. The goal of this tech demo is to conduct comparative analysis for possible replacement of current microbial monitoring systems.

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Drop Formation Study:

Спойлер

The crew studied the experiment overview, filled the DFS accumulator with water, and initiated 2 experiment sessions. However, there was an issue recording the first experiment session and the session was lost. The second session was successful and is a repeat of session one so the team was still able to obtain the data. Droplet Formation Studies in Microgravity (Droplet Formation Study, or more simply DFS) evaluates water droplet formation and water flow of Delta Faucet's H₂Okinetic shower head technology. To conserve water, flow rates in shower devices have been reduced, but this lower flow rate also reduces the effectiveness of these devices and often causes consumers to take longer showers, undermining the goal of using less water. Gravity's full effects on formation of water droplet size are unknown, and research in microgravity could help improve the technology, creating better performance and improved user experience while conserving water and energy.

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Payload Laptop Terminal 4 (PLT4):

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The crew performed the reconfiguration of the BIOS on the PLT4, then performed a series of audio checks to verify the audio output. PLT4 will be used to support the upcoming Space Studio Kibo session. The Space Frontier Studio KIBO is a broadcasting studio that is constructed and operated in the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM), also known as Kibo. The studio can livestream activities, interactive entertainment, and communication from space. The program can receive uplinked video and audio from a ground studio to Space Frontier Studio KIBO, and downlink video and audio from space to ground.

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Waste and Hygiene Compartment (WHC) Urine Receptacle Remove and Replace (R&R):

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Today, the crew removed and replaced the WHC Urine Receptacle and Insert Filter. After replacement, a functionality test of the WHC was performed and the WHC was declared operational.

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USOS Airlock Restow Post US EVAs:

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The crew deconfigured the Airlock post US EVAs 65-68 and prepared the EMUs for long-term stowage. EVA hardware that was moved out of the Airlock during the EVAs was moved back into the Airlock and items were reorganized for future return or trash.

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EHS Benzene Chip Measurement System (CMS) Operations:

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As part of the continued benzene investigation, the crew took two benzene measurements in the Lab today with the CMS reader. Results were provided to the ground. The crew began sampling on GMT 206 with the new CMS readers that arrived on 76P. Readings to date have been below the detectable limits. The crew will continue to take samples in the LAB approximately every other day and the frequency may be altered based on real-time indications.

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 Jeff Foust @jeff_foust 23 мин. назад

Bridenstine hints that the Demo-2 return might slip a few days because of weather, although an Aug. 2 splashdown is still possible. Issue is weather and sea states at the potential splashdown sites.

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https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2020/07/29/crew-dragon-suit-checks-as-station-begins-orbital-reboosts/

Crew Dragon Suit Checks as Station Begins Orbital Reboosts

Mark Garcia
Posted Jul 29, 2020 at 1:59 pm


This long-exposure photograph from the space station reveals the Milky Way glittering above a bright but exaggerated atmospheric glow blanketing the Earth's horizon.

The Expedition 63 crew checked out SpaceX Crew Dragon suits today and stayed busy with a full slate of space research. The International Space Station also completed the first of three orbital reboosts to get ready for the next crew mission in October.

Flight Engineers Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken inspected the suits they will wear when they return to Earth aboard the Crew Dragon spaceship. The duo tried on their suits for a fit check and ensured the components are in good condition. They are scheduled to depart the station on Saturday and splashdown the following day. NASA TV will cover all the departure activities live.

The homebound-duo started the day replacing environmental control system (ECS) hardware aboard the orbiting lab. That work required temporarily removing a plant habitat from the Unity module to access the ECS.

Commander Chris Cassidy had his hands full as he worked on specialized hardware that enables research into disordered solids, or glass, and materials heated to extreme temperatures. He first set up a Light Microscopy Module that will look at the microscopic transition of glass-forming materials. Next, he worked on the Electromagnetic Levitator that observes the thermophysical properties of liquid metallic alloys.

Roscosmos cosmonauts Anatoly Ivanishin and Ivan Vagner stayed busy today as they checked out Orlan spacesuits, serviced life support gear and analyzed station air samples for impurities.

The docked Progress 75 resupply ship fired its engines this morning for five-and-a-half minutes slightly lifting the station's orbit. There will be two more station reboosts before the Soyuz MS-17 crew ship launches in October with NASA astronaut Kate Rubins and cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Sergey Kud-Sverchkov. They will dock to the Rassvet module a few hours after launch to begin a six-month mission as the Expedition 64 crew.

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https://blogs.nasa.gov/commercialcrew/2020/07/29/nasa-spacex-go-for-astronaut-return-briefing-today-at-330-p-m-edt/
https://blogs.nasa.gov/kennedy/2020/07/29/nasa-spacex-go-for-astronaut-return-briefing-today-at-330-p-m-edt/

NASA, SpaceX "Go" for Astronaut Return, Briefing Today at 3:30 p.m. EDT

Anna Heiney
Posted Jul 29, 2020 at 2:30 pm



NASA and SpaceX teams remain "Go" for the return of the agency's SpaceX Demo-2 test flight with NASA astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley from the International Space Station following the Return Flight Readiness Review, with the primary factor being weather.

NASA and SpaceX are targeting 7:34 p.m. EDT Saturday, Aug. 1, for undocking of the Dragon "Endeavour" spacecraft from the space station and 2:42 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2, for splashdown, which will be the first return of a commercially built and operated American spacecraft carrying astronauts from the space station.

NASA and SpaceX will hold the Return Flight Readiness Review briefing at 3:30 p.m. EDT on NASA TV and the agency's website from the Johnson Space Center to talk the details of the return of the end-to-end test flight. Participants are:

• NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine
• Steve Stich, manager, NASA's Commercial Crew Program
• Joel Montalbano, manager, NASA's International Space Station Program
• Benji Reed, director, crew mission management, SpaceX

The test flight also is helping NASA certify SpaceX's crew transportation system for regular flights carrying astronauts to and from the space station. SpaceX is readying the hardware for the first rotational mission, which would occur following NASA certification.

The goal of NASA's Commercial Crew Program is safe, reliable and cost-effective transportation to and from the International Space Station. This could allow for additional research time and increase the opportunity for discovery aboard humanity's testbed for exploration, including helping us prepare for human exploration of the Moon and Mars.

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https://ria.ru/20200730/1575138091.html

Доставленные "Прогрессом" приборы не нашли токсичный бензол в воздухе МКС
01:14 30.07.2020

МОСКВА, 30 июл - РИА Новости. Американские газоанализаторы, доставленные российским грузовым кораблем "Прогресс", не обнаружили токсичный бензол в атмосфере Международной космической станции, сообщило НАСА.

Ранее космическое агентство рассказало, что на "Прогрессе МС-15", прибывшем на станцию 23 июля, были доставлены два газоанализатора Draeger и 90 тест-пластинок для поиска источника бензола.

"Показания (приборов) к данному моменту были ниже порога (их) чувствительности", - говорится на сайте НАСА.

Отмечается, что экипаж продолжит делать замеры примерно раз в два дня в зависимости от показаний.

Бензол был зафиксирован в воздухе МКС в апреле. Сначала его концентрация держалась на уровне 65 микрограммов на кубический метр, после чего стала повышаться. Однако, как сообщили в мае РИА Новости в "Роскосмосе", концентрация не превышала предельно допустимую норму и не угрожала экипажу.

Источник бензола до сих пор не найден. Для снижения его концентрации экипажем были установлены угольные фильтры.
В июне единственный прибор для поиска источника бензола - американский анализатор качества воздуха AQM-1 - сломался в июне при проведении замеров в российском сегменте станции. В связи с этим поиск был приостановлен до доставки нового оборудования на "Прогрессе МС-15".
...

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https://ria.ru/20200730/1575184073.html

Россия запустила на МКС собственный интернет
18:11 30.07.2020 (обновлено: 18:12 30.07.2020)

МОСКВА, 30 июл - РИА Новости. Российский сегмент МКС подключили к широкополосному спутниковому каналу связи с Землей и избавившись от необходимости использовать американские каналы связи, сообщает Ракетно-космическая корпорация (РКК) "Энергия" - оператор российского сегмента станции.

Все годы эксплуатации МКС до этого момента космонавты могли общаться с Землей только пролетая над российской территорией, а при необходимости связи вне этих зон использовали американские средства.

"Теперь мы не зависим от наших коллег и их американского сегмента", - приводятся в видео, опубликованном на канале РКК "Энергия" в YouTube ( youtu.be/cy459hNiAfQ ), слова директора департамента цифрового развития госкорпорации "Роскосмос" Константина Шадрина.

В видео говорится, что сейчас на одном витке МКС вокруг Земли, длительность которого составляет 92 минуты, связь через отечественные спутники-ретрансляторы "Луч" устанавливается дважды по полчаса. Пока задействованы два космических аппарата.

"В ближайшее время мы планируем подключить еще и третий. Таким образом из всего витка мы попробуем реализовать почти весь виток за исключением некоторого времени", - приводятся слова руководителя Центра "Бортовые и наземные радиотехнические комплексы" РКК "Энергия" Игоря Бродского.

В дальнейшем связь с Землей будет обеспечена в круглосуточном режиме, отмечается в видеоролике.

В ноябре 2019 года первый заместитель генерального директора компании "Гонец" Олег Химочко рассказал РИА Новости, что оборудование для обеспечения широкополосного канала связи российского сегмента МКС с Землей через спутники-ретрансляторы "Луч-5" доставлено на станцию и что штатное функционирование канала начнётся в 2020 году. По его словам, скорость в канале будет составлять до 105 мегабит в секунду.

В мае 2020 года космонавт Александр Скворцов сообщил, что такая система протестирована. 1 июля глава госкорпорации "Роскосмос" Дмитрий Рогозин сообщил, что такая связь будет запущена на российском сегменте до конца года.

В настоящее время орбитальная группировка спутников-ретрансляторов "Луч" насчитывает три космических аппарата - "Луч-5А", "Луч-5Б" и "Луч-5В", выведенные в космос в 2011-2014 годах. В 2024 году планируется запустить спутник "Луч-5ВМ".

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https://blogs.nasa.gov/stationreport/2020/07/29/iss-daily-summary-report-7292020/

ISS Daily Summary Report – 7/29/2020

Droplet Formation Study (DFS):

Спойлер

The crew performed the setup and initiation of recording for additional runs of the DFS investigation, followed by data archival to Blue-ray disc. Droplet Formation Studies in Microgravity (Droplet Formation Study, or more simply DFS) evaluates water droplet formation and water flow of Delta Faucet's H₂Okinetic shower head technology. To conserve water, flow rates in shower devices have been reduced, but this lower flow rate also reduces the effectiveness of these devices and often causes consumers to take longer showers, undermining the goal of using less water. Gravity's full effects on formation of water droplet size are unknown, and research in microgravity could help improve the technology, creating better performance and improved user experience while conserving water and energy.

[свернуть]

ElectroMagnetic Levitator (EML):

Спойлер

The crew performed steps needed to remove the EML sample chamber, high speed camera, and vacuum/vent hose. Following this, they took photos to document this configuration. The EML is a 360 kg multi-user facility designed for containerless materials processing in space. It supports research in the areas of meta-stable states and phases along with the measurement of highly accurate thermophysical properties of liquid metallic alloys at high temperatures. EML can accommodate up to 18 samples, each 5 to 8 mm in size. Heating rates of up to 100 Kelvin per second can be achieved with a maximum temperature of 2,100°C.

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Fluids Integrated Rack/Light Microscopy Module (FIR/LMM)/Advanced Colloids Experiment-Temperature-4 (ACE-T4):

Спойлер

The crew removed the LMM optical target and other associated CDM (Capillary-Driven Microfluidics) hardware, and installed the hardware needed to support ACE-T4 module s/n 2016. Introducing disorder to a crystalline system in a controlled way can form glass. Advanced Colloids Experiment-Temperature-4 (ACE-T-4) examines the transition of an ordered crystal to a disordered glass to determine how increasing disorder affects structural and dynamic properties. The investigation controls disorder by controlling temperature in a series of samples and observes the microscopic transition in three dimensions.

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Plant Habitat-02:

Спойлер

The crew removed the growth chamber from the Plant Hab facility, removed and replaced one of the ECS (Environmental Control System) units, then reassembled the Plant Hab facility and installed it back into its rack location. Plant Hab-02 will be used to support science samples arriving on NG-14. Assessment of Nutritional Value and Growth Parameters of Space-grown Plants (Plant Habitat-02) cultivates radishes as a model plant that is nutritious and edible, has a short cultivation time, and is genetically similar to Arabidopsis, a plant frequently studied in microgravity. Developing the capability for food production in space requires understanding cultivation conditions such as intensity and spectral composition of light and the effects of the culture medium or soil. This research could help optimize plant growth in the unique environment of space, as well as evaluation of nutrition and taste of the plants.

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Dragon Return Preparations:

Спойлер

In preparation for Dragon return, the crew performed a suit checkout, prepacked cargo and held a conference with the ground team. As part of the suit check, the crew donned their suits to confirm the suit fit and performed earpiece checks using Dragon audio. The crew continued to perform Dragon cargo ops throughout the day. Ground teams estimate approximately 4 hours remain to complete available cargo ops.

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Progress 75P ISS Reboost:

Спойлер

This morning at 8:57 AM CT, the ISS completed a 5 minute 36 second reboost using 75P thrusters. The purpose of the reboost was to start phasing for 62S landing and 63S launch in October and increased the ISS velocity by 0.65 meters per second (m/s).

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Cabin Fan Assembly 1 (CFA1) Remove and Replace (R&R):

Спойлер

CFA1 has operated continuously and exceeded its expected lifetime by nearly three times. The R&R of the fan requires equipment in the Columbus module to be removed to allow rack tilting and is subdivided into three consecutive days of tasks. Today the crew prepared the COL1D1 rack for tilting by deinstalling the EML Sample Chamber and EML High Speed Camera which were both temporarily stowed in COL1D3. Tomorrow the crew will tilt the rack to replace the cabin fan.

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[Брабонт]

В дальнейшем связь с Землей будет обеспечена в круглосуточном режиме, отмечается в видеоролике.

Каким образом, даже теоретически ?!

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https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2020/07/30/astronauts-talk-to-press-on-friday-before-crew-dragon-departure/

Astronauts Talk to Press on Friday Before Crew Dragon Departure

Mark Garcia
Posted Jul 30, 2020 at 3:26 pm


NASA astronauts (from left) Bob Behnken, Doug Hurley and Chris Cassidy are the U.S. members of the Expedition 63 crew.

Two Flight Engineers and the Expedition 63 Commander, all from NASA, will talk to journalists Friday morning before the SpaceX Crew Dragon completes its stay at the International Space Station.

Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken, NASA's first commercial crew, have been aboard the orbiting lab since May 31. They have been packing the Crew Dragon spacecraft and testing its systems to get ready for this weekend's scheduled undocking and return to Earth. NASA TV will provide continuous live coverage of their departure and splashdown activities.

The NASA station trio, including Commander Chris Cassidy, will answer questions Friday morning from a variety of reporters calling up to space. NASA TV will broadcast the Crew News Conference live beginning at 10:45 a.m. EDT.

Orbital science is still ongoing today amidst Hurley and Behnken's departure preparations. Cassidy was observing how microgravity shapes water droplets possibly improving water conservation and water pressure techniques on Earth. Even the homebound duo put in some research time studying light-manipulating materials and starting up an experimental radiation detector.

Earth observations are part of the critical research program taking place onboard the station. First-time cosmonaut Ivan Vagner photographed Earth landmarks today to understand and forecast the effects of natural and man-made catastrophes. Veteran cosmonaut Anatoly Ivanishin continued unloading the new Progress 76 cargo craft while updating the station's inventory system.

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https://blogs.nasa.gov/commercialcrew/2020/07/30/nasa-and-spacex-remain-go-for-splashdown/

NASA and SpaceX Remain GO for Splashdown

Marie Lewis
Posted Jul 30, 2020 at 10:11 pm


NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley. Photo credit: SpaceX

Following a comprehensive review of the latest weather forecast in the areas surrounding each of seven potential splashdown locations, NASA and SpaceX have decided to move forward with plans to bring NASA astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley home to Earth with a splashdown off the Florida coast on Sunday, Aug. 2, aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon "Endeavour" spacecraft.

Teams will continue to closely monitor Tropical Storm Isaias and evaluate impacts to weather around the Florida peninsula, including the potential splashdown sites in the Gulf of Mexico and along the state's Atlantic coast. NASA and SpaceX will make a decision on a primary splashdown target approximately 6 hours before undocking Saturday.

Undocking remains scheduled for approximately 7:34 p.m. EDT Saturday, Aug. 1, and splashdown at 2:42 p.m. EDT on Sunday. This will mark the first return of a commercially built and operated American spacecraft carrying astronauts from the space station, and it will wrap up NASA's SpaceX Demo-2 mission after more than two months at the International Space Station.

The Crew Dragon spacecraft carrying Hurley and Behnken lifted off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on May 30 and arrived at the space station the following day. The Demo-2 test flight is helping NASA certify SpaceX's crew transportation system for regular flights carrying astronauts to and from the orbiting laboratory. SpaceX is readying the hardware for the first rotational mission, which would occur following NASA certification.

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https://blogs.nasa.gov/stationreport/2020/07/30/iss-daily-summary-report-7302020/

ISS Daily Summary Report – 7/30/2020

Colloidal Clusters:

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The crew enabled the UV (ultraviolet) illumination system for the Colloidal Clusters sample bags. UV light is used to activate the UV-curable gelling agent and terminate the experiment. Following the appropriate UV exposure time, the crew performed steps needed to close out the experiment. JAXA's Colloidal Clusters investigates the mechanism for formation of tetrahedral clusters of negatively and positively charged particles suspended in liquid. These clusters are examined and characterized after return to Earth. The clusters may be useful as building blocks of future photonic, or light-manipulating, materials.

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Droplet Formation Study (DFS):

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The crew performed the setup and initiation of recording for additional runs of the DFS investigation. The team is still discussing issues with data archival to Blue-ray disc. It's believed only a partial set of data was collected for one of the runs, but each testpoint is performed in duplicate so this is likely a minimal impact. Droplet Formation Studies in Microgravity (Droplet Formation Study, or more simply DFS) evaluates water droplet formation and water flow of Delta Faucet's H₂Okinetic shower head technology. To conserve water, flow rates in shower devices have been reduced, but this lower flow rate also reduces the effectiveness of these devices and often causes consumers to take longer showers, undermining the goal of using less water. Gravity's full effects on formation of water droplet size are unknown, and research in microgravity could help improve the technology, creating better performance and improved user experience while conserving water and energy.

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ISS HAM Pass:

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The crew participated in an ISS HAM pass with the American School of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The school, which began in 1937 in a small house in Ipanema, has since expanded to two amazing world-class campuses. They have been proud to help generations of young people find their own unique path, and today are privileged to be able to offer a once in a lifetime opportunity – a chance to talk to astronauts in space! 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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EHS Benzene Chip Measurement System (CMS) Operations:

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As part of the continued benzene investigation, the crew took two benzene measurements in the Lab today with the CMS reader. Results were provided to the ground. Readings to date have been below the detectable limits. The crew will continue to take samples in the LAB every other day and the frequency may be altered based on real-time indications.

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In Flight Maintenance (IFM) Crew Quarters (CQ) Deck and Overhead Cleaning:

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A USOS crewmember cleaned the Overhead and Deck CQ today. During this activity, the crew cleaned behind panels, intake and exhaust ducts, fans and airflow sensors as required.

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Cabin Fan Assembly 1 (CFA1) Remove and Replace (R&R):

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Crew continued with the second day of operations to replace the cabin fan assembly in the COL1D1 rack. Today the crew rotated the rack and performed the cabin fan assembly R&R. Prior to tilting the rack, the crew uninstalled the Light Ions Detector (LIDAL). During the rack rotation the crew encountered issues with a fastener that was no longer captive. The ground requested the crew label the damaged components. The crew was able to proceed and complete the scheduled rack rotation activities. ESA confirmed successful activation of the fan.

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Началась трансляция "ISS Expedition 63 on-orbit crew news conference with Station Commander Chris Cassidy and astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken" - youtu.be/21X5lGlDOfg

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Live Q&A with NASA Astronauts in Space

 NASA

Трансляция началась 30 минут назад

youtu.be/bhVdsCqLJho

(30:05)