The Expedition 69 crew members had a busy day aboard the International Space Station, with robotics, lab maintenance, and microbiology taking precedence. In addition, they found time for Earth science operations and biomedical duties.
One significant event that took place was the activation of Astrobee, a free-flying robotic helper that is approximately the size of a toaster and has a cube-shaped design. Student-written algorithms were uplinked to the space station to control these robotic assistants, with the aim of promoting problem-solving skills and enhancing space education. Astronaut Satoshi Furukawa of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) closely monitored the activities of the robotic assistants and shared his impressions for further review on the ground.
Meanwhile, three flight engineers worked in the Columbus laboratory module to reorganize the research facility provided by the European Space Agency (ESA). NASA Flight Engineer Frank Rubio led the efforts to transfer research and cargo racks into appropriate slots. He was joined by ESA Flight Engineer Andreas Mogensen, who assisted in moving the racks back and forth. Later in the day, NASA Flight Engineer Jasmin Moghbeli concluded the task by restoring the Columbus lab to its operating configuration and stowing hardware. This reorganization was necessary to make room for new exercise equipment that will help keep astronauts healthy during long-term space missions.
ESA Flight Engineer Andreas Mogensen additionally conducted a study on Earth’s reflective properties, known as albedo, by photographing the Moon during specific lunar phases. This endeavor aims to provide new insights into Earth’s climate using satellite instruments. NASA Flight Engineer Jasmin Moghbeli participated in the Vascular Aging study, drawing her blood sample at the end of the day for a glucose test. This study focuses on monitoring accelerated aging-like symptoms that affect astronauts’ arteries.
On the microbiology front, Roscosmos cosmonaut Konstantin Borisov collected and stowed microbe samples from the Zvezda service and Nauka science modules. Flight Engineer Dmitri Petelin examined fermentation processes to improve food preservation and preparation in space. Commander Sergey Prokopyev focused on preparing hardware for packing inside the Soyuz MS-23 crew ship, which will transport him, Petelin, and Rubio back to Earth at the end of September.
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