Payloads Multi-Purpose Experiment Platform (MPEP): The crew removed the Handhold Experiment Platform adapter from the MPEP and then removed the MPEP from the JEM Airlock slide table. Multi-Purpose Experiment Platform provides the structural backbone for deployers when being transferred to the outside via the Kibo airlock and grasped by the JRMS robotic arm. ISS HAM: …
Orion Window Panel Complete for Front-Row View on Artemis Moon Mission
As NASA’s Orion spacecraft approaches the Moon on the Artemis III mission to put the first woman and next man on the lunar surface, the crew will get a glimpse through the spacecraft’s windows. The first element machined for the Artemis III Orion crew module – a cone panel with openings for windows which will provide that …
Space Traffic Clear at Station Until October
The Expedition 63 crew has turned its attention toward space science and lab maintenance after releasing a Japanese cargo craft from the International Space Station on Tuesday. More cargo and crew missions to replenish the orbiting lab are planned for October. Commander Chris Cassidy switched off communications gear today used to send commands to Japan’s …
ISS Daily Summary Report – 8/18/2020
Payloads Astrobee: The crew powered up the Astrobee free flyers and cleared away and stowed items within the JEM module in preparation for Astrobee flyer operations. 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 …
Japanese Cargo Craft Completes Station Mission
Eleven years after the launch of the first H-II Transfer cargo vehicle (HTV) to the International Space Station, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s (JAXA’s) HTV-9 departed the orbital laboratory today at 1:36 p.m. EDT. Earlier today, flight controllers operating from NASA’s Mission Control Center at the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston used the space …
ISS Daily Summary Report – 8/17/2020
Systems H-II Transfer Vehicle 9 (HTV9) Departure Operations: The crew closed the HTV hatch and configured the vestibule for unberthing by removing the Intramodular Ventilation (IMV) supply jumper and power/data jumpers. They installed the Common Berthing Mechanism (CBM) Controller Panel Assemblies (CPAs) and partially installed a hatch thermal blanket. The crew also worked ahead of today’s …
International, Commercial Partners Gear Up for Cargo and Crew Missions
Canada’s robotic arm is poised to remove Japan’s ninth and final H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV-9) from the International Space Station on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the U.S. and Russia are preparing for the launch of their respective crew ships to the orbiting lab in October. Commander Chris Cassidy of NASA will be at the robotics workstation on …
ISS Daily Summary Report – 8/14/2020
Payloads Radiation Dosimetry Inside ISS-Neutrons (RADI-N2): The crew deployed eight dosimeters in the NOD3F3 Rack location. The objective of this Canadian Space Agency investigation is to better characterize the ISS neutron environment, define the risk posed to the crew members’ health, and provide the data necessary to develop advanced protective measures for future spaceflight. It’s …
Japan’s Ship Nears Departure Before October Cargo, Crew Missions
Canada’s versatile robotic arm, the 57.7-foot-long Canadarm2, is in place and ready to grapple and release Japan’s resupply ship from the International Space Station next week. The Expedition 63 crew is continuing to pack the cargo craft while training for its robotic release. Commander Chris Cassidy of NASA will command the Canadarm2 to release the …