Новости МКС

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HTV-8 berthing

 SciNews

28 сент. 2019 г.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/R-kM_wd-qrE (6:53)

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Christina H Koch ‏Подлинная учетная запись @Astro_Christina 28 сент.

Big congratulations to @JAXA_en & all teams around the world on the HTV cargo spacecraft arrival to @Space_Station! Thanks to our training teams who prepare us to be the final link in a complex sequence of operations as we capture this & other cargo vehicles using the robotic arm

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Luca Parmitano‏ Подлинная учетная запись @astro_luca 6 ч. назад

ARED, our space gym: the best place to decorate for my birthday!

ARED, la nostra palestra orbitale: il posto migliore da decorare per il mio compleanno!
#Beyond




3 ч. назад

Celebrando 3 compleanni in una settimana, con le maglie della nostra 'space band': 'Kryk Chayky' - 'Lo strillo del gabbiano'.

Celebrating 3 birthdays in one week (Me + @AstroHague & Alexey), wearing the t-shirts of our 'space band': 'Kryk Chayky' - 'The cry of the seagull'.

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https://blogs.nasa.gov/stationreport/2019/09/27/iss-daily-summary-report-9272019/

ISS Daily Summary Report - 9/27/2019

Soyuz Seat Liner Swaps:

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As a result of Christina Koch's and Andrew Morgan's extension onboard ISS, they will depart ISS on different Soyuz vehicles than those on which they arrived. To facilitate this change, the seat liners were swapped between Soyuz vehicles today. Hazzaa Al Mansoori will return on 58S next Thursday, Christina Koch will return on 59S in February 2020, and Andrew Morgan will return on 61S in April 2020.

Clean Bench (CB) removal:

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As a continuation of the CB hardware reconfiguration, the crew removed the CB fr om Saibo Rack. This is part 2 of the activity. Saibo Experiment Rack (Saibo) which means "living cell," includes a Clean Bench glovebox with microscope that isolates the organisms being studied, and CBEF (Cell Biology Experiment Facility) that includes incubator and centrifuges. During today's CB removal, there was a water leak from one of the Quick Disconnects (QDs). Water flow was removed from the SAIBO rack and following troubleshooting by the ground, the crew was able to close the leaky QD valve and restore water to the Saibo rack.

Fluidics:

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The crew set up the appropriate hardware and initiated a science run for the ESA Fluidics investigation. The measurement of liquid displacement within a sphere in microgravity relates to a given kinematic representation of a spacecraft's fuel tank. The Fluidics investigation evaluates the Center of Mass (CoM) position regarding a temperature gradient on a representation of a fuel tank. The observation of capillary wave turbulence on the surface of a fluid layer in a low-gravity environment can provide insights into measuring the existing volume in a sphere.

Microgravity Crystals Plate Set C, Day 6 Observations:

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The crew removed the Microgravity Crystals samples from Space Automated Bioproduct Laboratory (SABL), observed and photographed the sample wells using the microscope, then returned the samples to SABL. This set of Microgravity Crystals samples were initiated on Friday (20-September) and is expected to run for 28 days. The Microgravity Crystals investigation crystallizes a membrane protein that is integral to tumor growth and cancer survival. Although crystallization of this protein has yielded unsatisfactory results on Earth, this investigation leverages extensive protein crystallization work on the space station, significantly increasing the likelihood of successful crystal growth. Results may support development of cancer treatments that target the protein more effectively and with fewer side effects.

Nanoracks Module 9:

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The crew performed the first round of ops, which included opening clamps, mixing contents and taking photos. Some of the experiments in this Nanoracks Module 9 suite of investigations include seed sprouting, rusting of steel in various environments, bacterial growth, and protein crystal growth in microgravity. The experiments use NanoRacks MixStix, miniature laboratories which are activated by the ISS crew and are eventually returned to the student teams on Earth for analysis.

Nanoracks Module 82:

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The crew took photos of the Palm Seed Flask contained in the experiment. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) investigation examines germination of palm tree seeds to determine the best conditions for generating tissue samples for research. A process for growing healthy plant tissue in microgravity could be adapted for testing other indigenous plants of scientific, commercial or educational interest in the UAE. The investigation also observes and documents root growth in microgravity for educational purposes.

Nanoracks Module 86:

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The crew photographed the twelve Petri Dishes contained in the experiment. The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) Science in Space Competition (MBRSC-Mod9), an initiative of the United Arab Emirates Astronaut Program in coordination with NanoRacks LLC, encourages student interest in space science. Schools apply to participate and MBRSC chooses 15 schools, which nominate students to attend workshops wh ere they learn how to prepare scientific experiments on the effects of microgravity. The experiments are part of the scientific mission of the first Emirati astronaut on the space station later this year.

Nanoracks Emulsion tube:

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The crew demonstrated the mixing properties of two liquids contained inside the Emulsion Tube. The experiment allows the liquids to be easily separated, then shaken to create an emulsion which can be observed.  NanoRacks-Emulsion Tube demonstrates phenomena of the separation of immiscible fluids, or fluids such as oil and water that cannot be mixed or blended. On Earth, buoyancy is the dominant force driving the separation of oil and water into uniform volumes, but in microgravity, surface tension and polarity differences dominate and slow the separation. Analyzing differences between the mixture in Earth's gravity and microgravity provides insight into fluid physics.

Sally Ride Earth Knowledge Acquired by Middle Schools (EarthKAM) Mission 67:

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The crew removed the 50mm camera lens and installed an 85mm lens. This is a nominal activity typically conducted about halfway through the EarthKAM mission. As of this report, 223 schools representing 20,766 students from 28 countries have signed up to request images (including 108 students from 4 Russian schools). Using the Internet, the students control a special digital camera mounted on-board the ISS. This enables them to photograph the Earth's coastlines, mountain ranges and other geographic items of interest from the unique vantage point of space. The EarthKAM team then posts these photographs on the Internet for viewing by the public and participating classrooms around the world.

Nickelodeon Slime in Space (Non-Newtonian Fluids in Microgravity):

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The crew performed and recorded the various objectives for the Slime in Space investigation. Non-Newtonian Fluids in Microgravity (Nickelodeon Slime in Space) produces digital video and other content showing experiments in microgravity using Nickelodeon's iconic slime. The content teaches viewers about microgravity and materials science principles in a fun and engaging manner. It uses television and the internet to reach more than a million students around the country.

The ISS Experience:

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The crew set up the appropriate hardware and captured the Slime in Space experiment activities. The ISS Experience creates a virtual reality film documenting daily life aboard the ISS. The 8 to 10 minute videos created from footage taken during the six-month investigation cover different aspects of crew life, execution of science aboard the station, and the international partnerships involved. The ISS Experience uses a Z-CAM V1 Pro Cinematic Virtual Reality (VR) 360-degree camera with nine 190° fisheye lenses.

Emergency Roles & Responsibilities Review:

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With the arrival of 61S, the entire crew participated in this review, which covers priorities during emergency response for safety of the crew and safe configuration of the ISS.

H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV)-8 Robotics Onboard Trainer (RoBOT) Onboard Training (OBT):

 :

In preparation for tomorrow's planned HTV-8 capture, the crew completed three Capture Point hold runs which allows practicing free drift timing, malfunction response and nominal rate approaches. They also practiced 2-meter approaches.

Waste and Hygiene Compartment (WHC) Pretreat Bad Quality Lights:

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Due to the ongoing instances of the bad quality light indications, the crew replaced the Pre-Treat Tank as a short-term solution. A WHC nominal functionality test was subsequently performed. Ground teams are developing a long-term forward plan.

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https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-television-to-air-10-upcoming-spacewalks-preview-briefing

Sept. 30, 2019
MEDIA ADVISORY M19-102

NASA Television to Air 10 Upcoming Spacewalks, Preview Briefing


NASA astronaut Christina Koch participates in her first spacewalk on March 29, 2019. International Space Station astronauts are gearing up to perform 10 spacewalks in coming weeks to upgrade solar array batteries and make repairs to the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer.
Credits: NASA

Astronauts aboard the International Space Station plan to conduct what may become a record pace of 10 complex spacewalks during the next three months, a cadence that has not been experienced since assembly of the space station was completed in 2011.

Experts will discuss those plans in a briefing at 2 p.m. EDT Tuesday, Oct. 1, at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. Live coverage of the briefing and all spacewalks will air on NASA Television and the agency's website.

The station crew will replace some of the orbiting laboratory's solar array batteries during the first half of the spacewalks and then refurbish a renowned scientific instrument that explores the fundamental nature of the universe during the final five excursions.
...

Participants in the briefing are:

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• Kirk Shireman, program manager, International Space Station
  
• T.J. Creamer, spacewalk flight director
  
• Kieth Johnson, lead spacewalk officer
  
• Megan McArthur, astronaut office deputy chief
  

The first of a set of five spacewalks is scheduled to begin on Sunday, Oct. 6, at about 7:50 a.m. Live NASA Television coverage will begin at 6:30 a.m. This series of spacewalks is dedicated to replacing batteries on the far end of the station's port truss. The existing nickel-hydrogen batteries will be upgraded with newer, more powerful lithium-ion batteries transported to the station aboard the Japanese H-II Transfer Vehicle, which arrived Saturday, Sept. 28. These spacewalks continue the overall upgrade of the station's power system that began with similar battery replacement during spacewalks in January 2017.

The second half of this sequence of spacewalks will focus on repairs to the space station's Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer. Dates for those spacewalks still are being discussed, but they are expected to begin in November.

-end-

Last Updated: Sept. 30, 2019
Editor: Sean Potter

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Expedition 60 InFlight NPR Inteviews with Christina Koch and Jessica Meir - September 30, 2019

 NASA Video

30 сент. 2019 г.

SPACE STATION CREW MEMBERS DISCUSS LIFE IN SPACE IN DOWNLINK SESSIONS

https://www.youtube.com/embed/rS5x48Ld7VU (21:35)

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https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2019/09/30/crew-departure-preps-biochemistry-research-start-workweek/

Crew Departure Preps, Biochemistry Research Start Workweek

Mark Garcia
Posted Sep 30, 2019 at 1:50 pm


Four Expedition 60 crewmembers and a spaceflight participant gather inside the Unity module for a meal. Pictured from left are, astronauts Luca Parmitano of ESA (European Space Agency) and Christina Koch of NASA, spaceflight participant and United Arab Emirates astronaut Hazzaa Ali Almansoori and NASA astronauts Andrew Morgan and Nick Hague.

The nine-member crew aboard the International Space Station will split up Thursday and see three humans return to Earth. Meanwhile, there is still a multitude of space research to conduct as well as a new Japanese space freighter to unload.

Expedition 60 Commander Alexey Ovchinin and NASA Flight Engineer Nick Hague are in their final week aboard the orbiting lab. The homebound residents are packing up their Soyuz MS-12 crew ship and handing over their duties to the crewmates staying in space.

They will undock Thursday from the Rassvet module at 3:36 a.m. EDT along with spaceflight participant Hazzaa Ali Almansoori. The trio will parachute to a landing in Kazakhstan at 7 a.m. (5 p.m. Kazakhstan time). All three returning crewmates reviewed their undocking and landing procedures today.

Astronauts Luca Parmitano and Andrew Morgan took turns today exploring how astronauts grip and manipulate objects in microgravity. Observations may inform the design of intelligent, haptic interfaces for future crews on deep space missions.

Morgan then explored increasing the purity of protein crystals in space to improve pharmaceutical and biochemistry research. Veteran cosmonaut Alexander Skvortsov conducted his own biochemistry research in the Russian segment of the space lab studying how the microgravity environment impacts enzymes in the human body.

New Expedition 61 crewmates Jessica Meir of NASA and Oleg Skripochka of Roscosmos continue settling in for their 189-day mission inside the orbiting lab. Meir reviewed Canadarm2 robotics procedures today to support upcoming spacewalks. She wrapped up the day observing protein crystals to support cancer research. Skripochka tested a specialized suit that counteracts the headward flow of fluids in astronauts due to microgravity. He finally checked out the Magnetic 3D Printer that explores the benefits of printing organic tissue in space.

Japan's eighth station resupply ship, also known as the Kounotori, is open for business and Parmitano and NASA astronaut Christina Koch are unloading its cargo and new science hardware today. Kounotori is due for a month-long stay attached to the Harmony module for internal and external cargo operations. Ground controllers will be commanding the Canadarm2 to remove new lithium-ion batteries delivered on Kounotori's external pallets. The robotics work will be setting up a series of power upgrade spacewalks planned for October.

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https://ria.ru/20190930/1559295654.html

Экипаж МКС до конца года десять раз выйдет в открытый космос
20:38 30.09.2019

ВАШИНГТОН, 30 сен - РИА Новости. Экипаж МКС в предстоящие три месяца проведет десять выходов в открытый космос для замены батарей и ремонта оборудования, первый из них намечен на 6 октября, сообщило НАСА в понедельник.

"Астронавты на борту МКС планируют провести порядка десяти выходов в открытый космос в течение предстоящих трех месяцев, это может стать рекордным: такой активности не было с 2011 года, когда были завершены работы по сборке станции", - сообщило НАСА.

Первые пять предстоящих выходов на внешнюю поверхность станции будут посвящены замене ряда водородно-никелевых батарей солнечных антенн на ионно-литиевые. Планируется, что первый в предстоящей серии выход в открытый космос состоится в воскресенье 6 октября.

Согласно планам НАСА вторая серия из пяти выходов в открытый космос начнется в ноябре и будет посвящена ремонту и модернизации находящегося на внешней поверхности МКС альфа-магнитного спектрометра. Точные даты выходов в открытый космос пока не определены, сообщили в НАСА.

Солнечные антенны - У-у-у-у, у мну нет слов...

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Расписание трансляций НАСА по освещению мероприятий по возвращению ТПК Союз МС-12 на Землю

https://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/schedule.html

NASA Television Upcoming Events

Watch NASA TV

ALL TIMES EASTERN U.S. TIME

OCTOBER

October 2, Wednesday
9:20 a.m. - Expedition 60-61 Change of Command Ceremony (Ovchinin hands over command of the  International Space Station to Parmitano) (All Channels)
11:45 p.m. - International Space Station Expedition 60 farewells and Soyuz MS-12 hatch closure coverage; hatch closure scheduled at 12:20 a.m. EDT Oct. 3 (All Channels)

October 3, Thursday
3 a.m. - International Space Station Expedition 60/Soyuz MS-12 undocking coverage (Ovchinin, Hague, Almansoori; undocking scheduled at 3:36 a.m. EDT (All Channels)

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Christina H Koch ‏Подлинная учетная запись @Astro_Christina 4 ч. назад

Research room for two! The new Life Sciences Glovebox has opened even more opportunities for @ISS_Research aboard the @Space_Station since it was installed. Most recently, we've used it to study physiological changes brought on by life in microgravity.
https://go.nasa.gov/2n7mVio

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https://ria.ru/20191001/1559298826.html

"Роскосмос" вдвое сократит число пилотируемых запусков к МКС
01:01 01.10.2019 (обновлено: 01:19 01.10.2019)

МОСКВА, 1 окт - РИА Новости. Россия отправит к Международной космической станции в 2020 году всего два пилотируемых корабля "Союз", в отличие от четырех запусков в предыдущие годы, следует из имеющихся в распоряжении РИА Новости материалов одного из предприятий госкорпорации - страхового брокера "РК-Страхование".

С 2009 года Россия ежегодно отправляла к станции по четыре корабля "Союз" с экипажами. Количество запусков сократят, поскольку с 2020 года к МКС должны начать летать американские корабли.

Согласно материалам "РК-Страхование", пуски планируются на второй и четвертый кварталы 2020 года.

Кроме двух пилотируемых кораблей к станции в 2020 году отправятся три "грузовика" "Прогресс МС". Количество транспортных кораблей останется прежним. В 2019 году к МКС уже слетали два "Прогресса", запуск третьего планируется на конец года.

В 2011 году США прекратили полеты своих Space Shuttle к МКС. С тех пор Россия была единственной страной, доставляющей пилотируемые миссии в космос. Однако в США для отправки астронавтов на станцию уже разработаны новые пилотируемые корабли: Crew Dragon - компанией SpaceX и Starliner - компанией Boeing.

Сейчас "Роскосмос" и НАСА ведут переговоры о перекрестных полетах своих космонавтов и астронавтов на кораблях друг друга.

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http://iss.jaxa.jp/en/htv/mission/htv-8/news/ep_stowed.html

The Exposed Pallet (EP) of the HTV8 was reinstalled into KOUNOTORI's Unpressurized Logistics Carrier (ULC).

Last Updated: October 1, 2019

The Exposed Pallet (EP) with the new ISS battery Orbital Replacement Units (ORUs) onboard was pulled out from the Unpressurized Logistics Carrier (ULC) of KOUNOTORI8 on September 29 , at 10:28 p.m..

The Exposed Pallet (EP) of KOUNOTORI8 was reinstalled into KOUNOTORI8 Unpressurized Logistics Carrier (ULC) at 11:12 p.m., September 30.

Meanwhile, station crew continues cargo and trash transfer between the Pressurized Logistics Carrier (PLC) and the ISS.

*All times are Japan Standard Time (JST. UTC + 9 hours)

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https://ria.ru/20191001/1559315435.html

В Минобрнауки предложили меры по поддержке российских исследований на МКС
13:57 01.10.2019

МОСКВА, 1 окт - РИА Новости. Замминистра науки и высшего образования РФ Григорий Трубников заявил, что нужно подумать о конкурсе для поддержки экспериментов российских ученых на Международной космической станции (МКС).

Он обратил внимание на то, что количество публикаций в престижных журналах от коллег из зарубежных стран, проводящих эксперименты на МКС, в разы превышает число ярких публикаций и экспериментов от российских проектов.

"Мне кажется, что можно было бы сосредоточиться и вместе, например, с Роскосмосом создать такую специальную программу, конкурс объявить на поддержку проектов от российских групп с участием зарубежных ученых, но чтобы ключевые авторы были от России", - сказал Трубников на первой всероссийской конференции по космическому образованию "Дорога в космос".

Он уточнил, что конкурс должен касаться проектов на эксперименты фундаментального поискового характера на МКС.

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РОСКОСМОС‏Подлинная учетная запись @roscosmos 7 мин. назад

Экипаж МКС в составе космонавтов Роскосмоса Алексея Овчинина, Александра Скворцова, Олега Скрипочки, астронавтов NASA Ника Хейга, Кристины Кук, Эндрю Моргана, Джессики Меир, астронавта ЕКА Луки Пармитано и участника космического полёта от ОАЭ Хаззаа Аль Мансури

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РОСКОСМОС ‏Подлинная учетная запись @roscosmos 9 мин.9 минут назад

Напомним, что уже послезавтра, 3 октября, запланирована расстыковка с МКС и посадка спускаемого аппарата корабля #СоюзМС12.   На Землю вернутся Алексей, Хаззаа и Ник

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https://blogs.nasa.gov/stationreport/2019/09/30/iss-daily-summary-report-9302019/

ISS Daily Summary Report - 9/30/2019

H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV)-8 Capture and Berthing:

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HTV-8 launched on September 24 and was successfully captured on Saturday at 6:11 AM CT. Berthing occurred approximately 2 hours later and the crew ingressed the vehicle at 2:30 PM CT. The vehicle delivered approximately four tons of supplies, parts, and experiment hardware.

H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV)-8 Berth Operations:

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Today, the crew completed the HTV8 cargo ops overview training. In addition, the crew completed the HTV emergency procedure review in support of HTV8 berth operations.

Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Preparations:

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The crew performed the following in preparation for the first P6 Battery EVA currently scheduled for October 6.

[/li]
• Configured the Dynamic Onboard Ubiquitous Graphics (DOUG) software to display real time Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) joint angle telemetry. DOUG was then configured without real time SSRMS joint angle telemetry.
  
• Rechargeable EVA Battery Assembly (REBA) powered hardware checkout for glove heaters and EMU TV.
  

Mobile Servicing System (MSS) Ops:

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Robotics Ground Controllers powered up the Mobile Servicing System (MSS) and released the External Pallet 7 (EP7) fr om the Payload & ORU Accommodation (POA). The Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) maneuvered the EP7 and handed it off to the Japan Experiment Module - Remote Manipulator System (JEM-RMS). Then, the SSRMS maneuvered to the EP8, grappled it and extracted it from the HTV-8 Unpressurized Logistics Carrier (ULC). The SSRMS maneuvered the EP8 and handed it off to the POA. The SSRMS maneuvered away from the EP8 to a park position and the MSS was powered down.

Saturday (28-September) Payload summary:

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ESA EPO:

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The crew completed recording massages from the UAE crewmember. The activities related to this project are intended to encourage and strengthen the teaching of science curriculum, and through this, stimulate the curiosity of students and motivate them towards further study of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects.

Fluidics:

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The crew continued the series of Fluidics experiments by performing run 2 and run 3. The measurement of liquid displacement within a sphere in microgravity relates to a given kinematic representation of a spacecraft's fuel tank. The FLUIDICS investigation evaluates the Center of Mass (CoM) position regarding a temperature gradient on a representation of a fuel tank. The observation of capillary wave turbulence on the surface of a fluid layer in a low-gravity environment can provide insights into measuring the existing volume in a sphere.

Microgravity Crystals:

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The crew performed the final observation for the Microgravity Crystals group B samples. The activities involve the removal of the Microgravity Crystals samples from Space Automated Bioproduct Laboratory (SABL), observation and photography of the sample wells using the microscope, and then returning the samples to SABL. The Saturday observations marked day 28, the final day, for these group B samples. The Microgravity Crystals investigation crystallizes a membrane protein that is integral to tumor growth and cancer survival. Although crystallization of this protein has yielded unsatisfactory results on Earth, this investigation leverages extensive protein crystallization work on the space station, significantly increasing the likelihood of successful crystal growth. Results may support development of cancer treatments that target the protein more effectively and with fewer side effects.

PCG-19:

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The crew performed the appropriate sample retrievals and insertions to and from MELFI and various incubators in support of the PCG-19 experiment. The Monoclonal Antibody Stability in Microgravity-Formulation Study (CASIS PCG 19) examines the stability of monoclonal antibody formulations in microgravity. These formulations degrade over time and sometimes must be discarded, increasing cost and limiting the parts of the world wh ere patients can benefit from them. Storing formulations in microgravity may reveal processes that lead to degradation and, ultimately, to methods for slowing it down.

The ISS Experience:

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The crew performed a log recording event in the NODE 2 area. Topics discussed in the recording included the launch experience, impressions when looking back at the Earth from ISS, adaptation for mind and body to the microgravity environment, etc. The ISS Experience creates a virtual reality film documenting daily life aboard the ISS. The 8 to 10 minute videos created from footage taken during the six-month investigation cover different aspects of crew life, execution of science aboard the station, and the international partnerships involved. The ISS Experience uses a Z-CAM V1 Pro Cinematic Virtual Reality (VR) 360-degree camera with nine 190° fisheye lenses.

Time Perception/SFP VC:

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Using a head-mounted Oculus Rift display/headphones, a finger trackball, and support computer, the crew performed the Time Perception experiment sessions. In this experiment, a program on the laptop induces visual and audio stimuli to measure a subject's response to spatial and time perception in a microgravity environment. The accurate perception of objects in the environment is a prerequisite for spatial orientation and reliable performance of motor tasks. Time is fundamental to motion perception, sound localization, speech, and fine motor coordination.

Monday (30-September) payload summary:

 :

Advanced Nano Step:

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The crew removed the FACET cell, and then inserted the Nano Step Cartridge with Nano Step Specimen Cell and Nano Step Circuit Box into the SCOF (Solution Crystallization Observation Facility). This begins the 35-day crystal growth experiment run, which is expected to return on SpX-19. Advanced Nano Step, more formally known as Effects of Impurities on Perfection of Protein Crystals, Partition Functions, and Growth Mechanisms, monitors and records how the incorporation of specific impurity molecules affect the development and quality of protein crystals. The crystals grown on the ISS are returned to Earth, and characterized using synchrotron X-ray diffraction. The investigation seeks to improve on the quality and success rate of crystals grown in microgravity.

BEST (Biomolecule Extraction and Sequencing Technology) sample transfer:

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The crew performed the routine cell maintenance activities for the on-going BEST experiment 2. These activities involve cell transfer, cell culture media exchange, etc.  The BEST investigation studies the use of sequencing for identification of unknown microbial organisms living on the ISS, and how humans, plants and microbes adapt to living on the ISS.

GRIP:

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The crew performed the seated science 1 sessions. In these sessions, also known as the dynamic seated sessions, the crew performs friction, oscillations, targeted and sensors verification tasks within a set of trials as guided by the GRIP software.  The GRIP experiment consists of 3 protocols: Dynamics Seated, References Seated and References Supine. They are performed in 3 separate sub-sessions. ESA's Gripinvestigation tests how the nervous system takes into account the forces due to gravity and inertia when manipulating objects. Results from this investigation may provide insight into potential hazards for astronauts as they manipulate objects in different gravitational environments. They also support design and control of haptic interfaces to be used in challenging environments such as space, and provide information about motor control that will be useful for the evaluation and rehabilitation of impaired upper limb control in patients with neurological diseases.

JAXA EPO (Education Payload Observation):

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The crew participated in an EPO event using the JEM camera robot. Demonstrations performed for the activity included control of the JEM camera robot, stabilization using a gyroscope, and attitude control. JAXA EPO activities demonstrate artistic activities on board the ISS/JEM to enlighten the general public about microgravity research and human space flight. The JEM Internal Ball Camera is a free-floating, remote-controlled panoramic camera that helps crews monitor operations in the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM).

Microgravity Crystals:

 :

The crew removed the Microgravity Crystals samples from Space Automated Bioproduct Laboratory (SABL), observed and photographed the sample wells using the microscope, then returned the samples to SABL. This set of Microgravity Crystals samples were initiated on Friday (20-September) and is expected to run for 28 days. The Monday observations mark day 9 for these group C samples. The Microgravity Crystals investigation crystallizes a membrane protein that is integral to tumor growth and cancer survival. Although crystallization of this protein has yielded unsatisfactory results on Earth, this investigation leverages extensive protein crystallization work on the space station, significantly increasing the likelihood of successful crystal growth. Results may support development of cancer treatments that target the protein more effectively and with fewer side effects.

Sally Ride Earth Knowledge Acquired by Middle Schools (EarthKAM) mission 67:

 :

The crew closed out this session and stowed the hardware. As of the final report, 225 schools representing 20,802 students and 28 countries signed up to request images (including 108 students from 4 Russian schools). Also as of the final report, 7,384 images had been downlinked, and 6,677 images had been posted to the web (earthkam.org). Using the Internet, the students control a special digital camera mounted on-board the ISS. This enables them to photograph the Earth's coastlines, mountain ranges and other geographic items of interest from the unique vantage point of space. The EarthKAM team then posts these photographs on the Internet for viewing by the public and participating classrooms around the world.

[tnt22]

https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-television-to-cover-return-of-astronaut-nick-hague-crewmates

Sept. 30, 2019
MEDIA ADVISORY M19-104

NASA Television to Cover Return of Astronaut Nick Hague, Crewmates


Two docked Russian spaceships, including the Soyuz MS-12 crew craft and the Progress 72 space freighter, are highlighted in this image as the International Space Station was about to cross South America 263 miles above the Atlantic Ocean.
Credits: NASA

NASA astronaut and Expedition 60 Flight Engineer Nick Hague and two crewmates on the International Space Station are scheduled to conclude their stay on the orbiting laboratory Thursday, Oct. 3.

Live coverage of their return will begin at 11:45 p.m. EDT Wednesday, Oct. 2, on NASA Television and the agency's website.

Hague, Expedition 60 and Soyuz commander Alexey Ovchinin of the Russian space agency Roscosmos, and spaceflight participant Hazzaa Ali Almansoori of the United Arab Emirates, will close the hatch to their Soyuz MS-12 spacecraft Oct. 3 and undock fr om the station. A little more than three hours later, a parachute-assisted landing is planned southeast of the remote town of Dzhezkazgan on the Kazakhstan steppe.

Hague and Ovchinin are completing a 203-day mission, spanning 3,248 orbits of Earth, and a journey of 80.8 million miles. Hague is completing his second flight in space totaling 203 days, while Ovchinin will have logged 375 days in space on his third flight at the time of landing. Hague and Ovchinin flew together on an abbreviated mission in October 2018, cut short by a technical problem that triggered an ascent abort minutes after launch. Almansoori is wrapping up an eight-day stay on the station that covered 128 orbits of Earth and 3.1 million miles.

After landing, the crew will return by helicopter to the recovery staging area in Karaganda, Kazakhstan, wh ere Hague will board a NASA plane for return to Houston, and Ovchinin and Almansoori will return to their training base in Star City, Russia.

Full NASA TV coverage is as follows:

Wednesday, Oct. 2:

[/li]
• 9:20 a.m. - Space station change of command ceremony, during which Ovchinin will hand over command to ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Luca Parmitano.
  
• 11:45 p.m. - Farewell and Soyuz hatch closure coverage (hatch closure at 12:15 a.m. Oct. 3)
  

Thursday, Oct. 3:

[/li]
• 3 a.m. - Soyuz undocking coverage (undocking scheduled for 3:36 a.m.)
  
• 5:30 a.m. - Soyuz deorbit burn and landing coverage (deorbit burn at 6:06 a.m. and landing at 7 a.m.)
  

At the time of undocking, Expedition 61 will begin aboard the station, with Parmitano, NASA astronauts Christina Koch, Jessica Meir and Andrew Morgan, and Russian cosmonauts Alexander Skvortsov and Oleg Skripochka comprising a six-person crew on the orbital outpost.

-end-

Last Updated: Sept. 30, 2019
Editor: Sean Potter

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https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2019/10/01/station-gears-up-for-spacewalks-as-christina-koch-hits-200-days/

Station Gears Up for Spacewalks as Christina Koch Hits 200 Days

Mark Garcia
Posted Oct 1, 2019 at 10:55 am


Expedition 60 Flight Engineer Christina Koch of NASA works on a U.S. spacesuit in the Quest airlock where U.S. spacewalks are staged aboard the International Space Station.

The International Space Station is gearing up for a record pace of spacewalks this year. The Expedition 61 spacewalkers will upgrade the orbiting lab's power systems and repair a cosmic particles detector. NASA TV will preview the upcoming spacewalks during a live briefing on Friday at 2 p.m. EDT.

The first spacewalk is set for Sunday, Oct. 6, with NASA astronauts Christina Koch and Andrew Morgan. The duo will begin installing new lithium-ion batteries delivered last week aboard Japan's HTV-8 cargo craft. There will be four more spacewalks in October to continue the activation of the new batteries on the station's Port-6 truss structure.

ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Luca Parmitano will assist the spacewalkers in and out of their spacesuits as well as guide them during their spacewalk. He and Flight Engineer Jessica Meir joined Koch and Morgan on Tuesday for a procedures review and conference with specialists on the ground.

Another set of spacewalks will see the restoration of a degraded thermal control system on the Alpha-Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) that has been in service since May 2011. The automobile-sized astrophysics device, attached to the Starboard-3 truss structure, is seeking evidence of antimatter and dark matter. The AMS uses a magnetic field to detect and identify the sign of electrically charged cosmic ray particles.

Koch has reached the 200-day milestone today in her extended mission aboard the space station. She will stay in space for more than 300 days and set a record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman, eclipsing the record of 289 days set by former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson in 2016-17.

[tnt22]

https://nauka.tass.ru/nauka/6950412

1 ОКТ, 17:38
Российский телескоп на МКС через неделю начнет наблюдения за молниями
Также с его помощью ученые будут наблюдать за "световыми взрывами" - новым явлением, которое недавно обнаружили российские астрономы

МОСКВА, 1 октября. /ТАСС/. Ультрафиолетовый телескоп, установленный в начале сентября на борту Международной космической станции (МКС), поможет раскрыть природу молний и загадочных "световых взрывов" в атмосфере Земли. Первые наблюдения начнутся в следующий понедельник, сообщил ТАСС директор НИИ ядерной физики имени Скобелицына МГУ (НИИЯФ МГУ) Михаил Панасюк.

"Мы сделали огромный шаг в исследовании взрывных процессов в верхних слоях атмосферы благодаря запуску "Ломоносова" (российского научного спутника для исследований верхней атмосферы, - прим. ТАСС). Мы обнаружили ряд вещей, которые не укладываются в стандартную теорию, описывающую формирование этих разрядов электричества", - рассказал Панасюк.

До недавнего времени физики считали, что при накоплении отрицательных зарядов в облаке между ним и поверхностью возникает электрическое поле. Когда оно достигает определенного порога, возникает так называемый "пробой", и появляется молния.

В начале текущего десятилетия благодаря исследованиям российских физиков выяснилось, что картина на самом деле сложнее. Оказалось, что в рождении молний участвуют космические лучи, которые выступают в качестве своеобразного детонатора для формирования новых разрядов электричества в атмосфере.

"Стандартные модели говорят о том, что электричество интенсифицируется во время грозовой активности. Мы не видим гроз или молний, а открыли мощнейшие вспышки света, своеобразные "световые взрывы". Поэтому мы считаем, что это новое явление, которое требует отдельного изучения", - отметил ученый.

Земля в иллюминаторе

Как отметил Панасюк, эту задачу будет решать новый ультрафиолетовый телескоп, "УФ-атмосфера" (mini-EUSO), созданный российскими учеными при участии японских и итальянских инженеров и физиков. Его недавно доставили на борт МКС и установили у одного из иллюминаторов, которые направлены в сторону Земли.

Этот прибор, по словам физика, будет решать те же самые задачи, что и его "собрат" на борту спутника "Ломоносов", однако при этом новая версия телескопа обладает более высокой чувствительностью. Ученые рассчитывают получить первые данные уже на следующей неделе, когда этот телескоп начнет наблюдения за атмосферой.

Исследователи надеются отправить на борт МКС еще один телескоп, КЛПВЭ (Космические лучи предельно высоких энергий), который продолжит дело "Ломоносова" и "УФ-атмосферы".

Как отметил ученый, КЛПВЭ будет гораздо более серьезным проектом - диаметр зеркала телескопа составит 3,5 метра. Он будет изучать не только молнии, но и космические лучи сверхвысоких энергий, за которыми также наблюдал "Ломоносов". Его запуску, как ранее сообщали СМИ, могут помешать разногласия между NASA и Роскосмосом, а также отсутствие подходящих для этого грузовых космических кораблей.

[tnt22]

https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-television-to-air-10-upcoming-spacewalks-preview-briefing

Editor's Note: This media advisory was updated on Oct. 1 to reflect the spacewalk news briefing now is at 2 p.m. EDT Friday, Oct. 4. ...