Новости МКС

[zandr]

Ученые предупредили об опасности появления дыр в корпусе МКС
МОСКВА, 26 янв - РИА Новости. Корпусу МКС угрожает коррозия и разгерметизация жилых модулей, в связи с чем разрабатываются новые методы обнаружения разъедающих станцию микроорганизмов, говорится в исследовании Института медико-биологических проблем РАН, опубликованном в научном журнале "Авиакосмическая и экологическая медицина".
Как отмечается в материалах, космонавты в рамках обследования российского сегмента МКС нашли 131 место, наиболее подверженное коррозии, среди них два места - в туалете.
"Максимальный рост микроорганизмов чаще обнаруживался в зонах, относящихся к "холодным", в которых была высока вероятность выпадения конденсата атмосферной влаги", - говорится в исследовании.
По словам ученых, масштаб коррозионных повреждений и угроза разгерметизации обитаемых модулей требуют разработки "средств мониторинга выявленных коррозионных повреждений гермокорпуса и процесса контроля остаточной толщины гермокорпуса".
Новую аппаратуру для выявления коррозии разработает Всероссийский НИИ физико-технических и радиотехнических измерений, а затем ее испытают на станции в рамках эксперимента "Эмиссия". Эксперимент призван обеспечить "выявление предаварийной ситуации, создающей угрозу разгерметизации в обитаемых отсеках".
Первый элемент МКС - Функционально-грузовой блок (ФГБ) "Заря" -- был выведен на орбиту в ноябре 1998 года. Кроме того, в составе станции функционирует российский модуль "Звезда", пристыкованный к МКС в июле 2000 года.

[tnt22]

Grand tour of the International Space Station with Drew and Luca | Single take

European Space Agency, ESA

Премьера состоялась 95 минут назад

ESA astronaut Luca Parmitano and NASA astronaut Drew Morgan take you on a unique tour of the International Space Station shot in one take with two cameras strapped together. Luca and Drew take it in turns to guide you through the modules and spacecraft docked to the orbital outpost.

 :

Starting from the Soyuz MS-15 spacecraft that bought Drew to the Space Station, the duo show each module and spacecraft docked with the International Space Station at the time it was recorded around the New Year 2020. Passing colleagues include NASA astronaut Jessica Meir and Christina Koch exercising and Russian cosmonauts Alexander Skvortsov and Oleg Skripochka.

This is the first tour of the International Space Station with two astronauts presenting and the first done in a single take.

At the time of recording three supply vehicles were docked, the Russian Progress MS-13, Space-X's Dragon-19 and Northrup Grumman's Cygnus-12, as well as two astronaut vehicles the Soyuz MS-15 and Soyuz MS-13.

The map overlay graphic erroneously shows the future Nauka module instead of Pirs. The Russian Multipurpose Laboratory Module Nauka is planned for launch in the future and will replace Pirs, but we put it on the map already.

Skip to specific modules or features such as the toilets using the timestamps below:
Soyuz MS-15
Zvezda service module
Pirs
Mini Research Module-2 (MRM-2)
Soyuz MS-13
MRM-2
Progress
Functional Cargo Block (FGB)
Mini Research Module-1 (MRM-1)
Pressurised Mating Adapter
Node-1 Unity
Northrup Grumman Cygnus-12
Quest Airlock
Node-3 Tranquility
T2 Treadmill
Toilet
Cupola at night
Permanent Multipurpose Module Leonardo (PMM)
US laboratory Destiny
Robotics station for Canadarm2
Exercise bike
Node-2 Harmony
Space X Dragon
European laboratory Columbus
Japanese laboratory Kibo
Space Station fly through
Cupola daytime
Goodbye from Cupola

https://www.youtube.com/embed/Snn1k_qEx20 (1:05:20)

[Александр Репной]

Что-то в последнее время космонавты на МКС стали часто выходить в открытый космос. А есть ли список выходов в открытый космос на ближайшие месяцы? Желательно дата и время.

[zandr]

Александр Репной, в разделе форума "Пилотируемые полеты" есть тема "Важно: План операций на МКС". На каждой странице многоуважаемый Salo подаёт актуальные планы

[Александр Репной]

Понял, благодарю!

[tnt22]

Intl. Space Station‏ @Space_Station 15 мин. назад

This time-lapse video shows @AstroDrewMorgan and @Astro_Luca on a spacewalk to finish repairs on a cosmic ray detector. @Astro_Jessica and @Astro_Christina helped the duo from inside the station.

(0:58)

[anik]

anik написал:
 

tnt22 написал:
 

К.А.  написал:
Какие номера скафандров на дамах?

3008 и 3004 - какой на ком сходу не вспомню...

Меир - 3008, Кук - 3004.

Вроде, разобрались:
Меир - 3004, Кук - 3008;
Морган - 3008, Пармитано - 3004.

[tnt22]

https://blogs.nasa.gov/stationreport/2020/01/23/iss-daily-summary-report-1232020/

ISS Daily Summary Report - 1/23/2020

ISS HAM pass:

 :

On Wednesday, the crew participated in two ISS HAM passes. The first was Morita Junior High School, Fukui, Japan and some of the questions included the effects of heating water in space, what happens if an astronaut has a toothache in space, and if the crew has ever had a serious disease in space. The second contact was with the Ontario Science Centre, Toronto, Canada and some of the questions included if the crew has ever seen any space junk, if food tastes any different in space, and the crew's perception of the portrayal space in movies. 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.

Probiotics:

 :

On Wednesday, the crew performed sampling activities for the ongoing Probiotics investigation. Some species of harmful bacteria such as Salmonella grow stronger and more virulent in the microgravity environment of space. At the same time, the human immune system is weaker in space, leading to increased health risks. The objective of the Probiotics investigation is to study the impact of continuous consumption of beneficial bacteria (probiotics) on immune function and intestinal microbiota in astronauts in a closed microgravity environment. The results of this investigation may be used to support improvements in crew members' intestinal microbiota and their immune function on long-duration space missions.

Cold Atom Lab (CAL):

 :

The crew participated in a crew conference and performed the "day 0" activities for the multi-day CAL R&R. This included a practice session for fiber optic cable inspection and cleaning, hardware gathering, disconnection of the appropriate sensors, coolant lines, etc. The CAL produces clouds of atoms that are chilled to about one ten billionth of a degree above absolute zero -- much colder than the average temperature of deep space. At these low temperatures, atoms have almost no motion, allowing scientists to study fundamental behaviors and quantum characteristics that are difficult or impossible to probe at higher temperatures. In microgravity, researchers may be able to achieve even colder temperatures than what is possible on the ground, and observe these cold atom clouds for longer periods.

Vascular Aging:

 :

The crew began a 13 hour blood pressure monitoring session in support of the Vascular Aging investigation.  Emerging data point towards linkages among cardiovascular health risk, carotid artery aging, bone metabolism and blood biomarkers, insulin resistance, and radiation. Data indicate that aging-like changes are accelerated in many ISS crew members, particularly with respect to their arteries. As part of the Space Environment Causes Acceleration of Vascular Aging: Roles of Hypogravity, Nutrition, and Radiation (Vascular Aging) investigation, ultrasounds of the arteries, blood samples, oral glucose tolerance, and wearable sensors from ISS crew members are analyzed.

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

 :

Today, the crew continued preparations for the final AMS repair EVA. Several activities were successfully completed including: Procedure Review and Conference, Tool Configuration, Robot On-board Training, EMU Long Life Battery (LLB)/Metal Oxide (METOX) Installation, Rechargeable EVA Battery Assembly (REBA) Swap and Checkout, POM Battery Charging, Battery Stowage Assembly (BSA) Term, LLB Operations Initiation, Station Support Computer (SSC) Relocate, METOX Regen Term, and Simplified Aid for EVA Rescue (SAFER) Checkouts. Additionally, a nominal Rechargeable EVA Battery Assembly (REBA) 1016 checkout was performed; EMU Data Recorder (EDaR), and Glove Heater functionality was confirmed.

ISS Double Reboost:

 :

Two reboosts using the Progress 74P Mid-Ring thrusters were successfully completed today. The DC1-Nadir Progress was used since 61S Soyuz is currently docked to SM-Aft. Since the delta-V required for this maneuver was greater than can be achieved with a single burn using the Mid-Ring thrusters, the delta-V was split across two reboosts occurring approximately 2 orbits apart. This reboost supports Soyuz 59S landing phasing on February 6th.

EVA Mobility Unit (EMU) Radio Frequency (RF) Camera Assembly (ERCA) Troubleshooting:

 :

The crew installed ERCA ID 20 on EMU 3004 and checked it out successfully in preparation for US EVA 64. This activity was to recover from issues experienced with ERCA ID 11 during Monday's EVA.

Urine Processor Assembly (UPA) High Gas Outlet Pressure:

 :

Early this morning, during a Urine Processor Assembly (UPA) process run, an Error Code was annunciated, "EC 368 High Gas Out Pressure". The error code was accompanied by a noted slower production rate in urine processing; however, the UPA did complete its process run. Today's Wastewater Storage Tank Assembly (WSTA) activities were deferred to give ground teams more time to assess options.

[tnt22]

https://blogs.nasa.gov/stationreport/2020/01/24/iss-daily-summary-report-1242020/

ISS Daily Summary Report - 1/24/2020

Muscle Tone in Space (Myotones):

 :

The crew completed skin markings, ultrasound measurements, blood collection, and other activities to support the Myotones experiment. The ground team confirmed they have received the expected data and images. The Myotones investigation observes the biochemical properties of muscles during long-term exposure to the spaceflight environment. Results from this investigation are expected to provide insight into principles of human resting muscle tone, which could lead to the development of new strategies for alternative treatments for rehabilitation both on Earth and for future space missions.

Vascular Aging:

 :

The crew concluded the 13 hour blood pressure monitoring session with a downlink of the data and stowing of the equipment. Emerging data point towards linkages among cardiovascular health risk, carotid artery aging, bone metabolism and blood biomarkers, insulin resistance, and radiation. Data indicate that aging-like changes are accelerated in many ISS crew members, particularly with respect to their arteries. As part of the Space Environment Causes Acceleration of Vascular Aging: Roles of Hypogravity, Nutrition, and Radiation (Vascular Aging) investigation, ultrasounds of the arteries, blood samples, oral glucose tolerance, and wearable sensors from ISS crew members are analyzed.

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

 :

Today, the crew continued preparations for the final AMS repair EVA. Several activities were successfully completed including: Procedure Review and Conference, Tool Audit, and Airlock preparations. The crew is ready for the final AMS repair EVA tomorrow.

[tnt22]

Анонс

https://www.roscosmos.ru/27962/

 

[tnt22]

https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2020/01/27/science-soon-resumes-on-cosmic-ray-detector-crew-packs-cargo-ship-for-departure/

Science Soon Resumes on Cosmic Ray Detector, Crew Packs Cargo Ship for Departure

Mark Garcia
Posted Jan 27, 2020 at 12:37 pm


Spacewalkers Andrew Morgan and Luca Parmitano work on get-ahead tasks after completing thermal repairs on the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer.

Engineers on the ground have begun powering up the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer's (AMS) thermal system following a successful repair spacewalk over the weekend. The Expedition 61 astronauts are now preparing a U.S. cargo craft for its departure at the end of the week.

It took four spacewalks over three months to restore and upgrade thermal operations on an 8-year-old cosmic particle detector. Astronauts Andrew Morgan and Luca Parmitano wrapped up the complex AMS repair job on Saturday. Soon after payload controllers reported stable cooling operations on the astrophysics device and are continuing to monitor thermal conditions. The AMS could resume its search for evidence of dark matter and antimatter as soon as Wednesday.

The crew is now turning its attention to packing Northrop Grumman's Cygnus resupply ship with trash and discarded hardware. Robotics controllers in Mission Control will command the Canadarm2 robotic arm to release Cygnus on Friday at 9:35 a.m. EST after 88 days attached to the Unity module. The private cargo carrier will reenter Earth's atmosphere over the South Pacific for a fiery, but safe disposal.

NASA Flight Engineers Jessica Meir and Christina Koch started Monday on housecleaning tasks. They were joined by Morgan and Parmitano cleaning fans and filters and disinfecting surfaces containing microbes and condensation.

Cosmonaut Alexander Skvortsov is getting the Soyuz MS-13 crew ship ready for its return to Earth on Feb. 6. He will parachute to a landing in Kazakhstan with Koch and Parmitano just three-and-half hours after undocking from the Poisk module. Koch will have lived in space continuously for 328 days on her first mission, second only to former astronaut Scott Kelly who lived in space 340 days for the single longest spaceflight by a U.S. astronaut.

[tnt22]

 Jessica Meir‏ @Astro_Jessica 3 ч. назад

A view that defines @Space_Station #Expedition61 as it draws to a close. Nine #spacewalks behind us with this incredible crew - so many amazing memories. Nothing beats a spacesuit "huggle" (our newly coined term for a crew huddle/hug).

[tnt22]

 Christina H Koch‏ @Astro_Christina 1 ч. назад

Congratulations to teams around the world on the repair of the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the @Space_Station! Back to studying the fundamental physics of our universe thanks to years of hard work designing and executing a complex and unique repair plan.

[tnt22]

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

Jan. 28, 2020
RELEASE 20-007

NASA Selects First Commercial Destination Module for International Space Station

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-end-

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

[tnt22]

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

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

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

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

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




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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Axiom Space

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

SOURCE Axiom Space

Related Links
http://www.axiomspace.com

[Старый]

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

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

Подозрительно напоминает национальную станцию от Старого Ламера.  :oops: 

[triage]

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

а где там шарик?

 :

[tnt22]

 Luca Parmitano‏ @astro_luca 10 ч. назад

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

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

[tnt22]

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

Jan. 28, 2020
RELEASE 20-007

NASA Selects First Commercial Destination Module for International Space Station

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-end-

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

[tnt22]

NASA Explorers: Microgravity

 NASA

27 янв. 2020 г.

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

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