ISS crew prepares for spacewalks and advances scientific research

ISS crew prepares for spacewalks and advances scientific research
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jan 07, 2025

The Expedition 72 crew aboard the International Space Station (ISS) is starting the new year with preparations for an upcoming spacewalk aimed at servicing scientific instruments and installing communications equipment. In addition to spacewalk preparations, the crew is engaged in space agriculture experiments and cargo operations.

NASA astronauts are scheduled to exit the ISS's Quest airlock this month to service two astrophysics instruments mounted on the station's exterior. The first task involves the Neutron star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER) X-ray telescope, which will receive a protective patch to prevent unwanted sunlight from entering the instrument and affecting research data. NICER is dedicated to studying the densest observable objects in the universe-neutron stars-by measuring their X-ray emissions to better understand their structure and behavior.

The second task focuses on the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS), a particle physics experiment module that analyzes cosmic rays to search for evidence of dark matter and antimatter. During the spacewalk, astronauts will prepare AMS for future upgrades planned for later this year, ensuring its continued contribution to understanding fundamental particles and forces in the universe.

Commander Suni Williams and Flight Engineers Nick Hague, Don Pettit, and Butch Wilmore have been organizing spacewalking tools inside the Quest airlock and practicing the installation of jetpacks on their spacesuits. These jetpacks, known as Simplified Aid for EVA Rescue (SAFER) units, are designed to allow astronauts to maneuver back to safety in the unlikely event they become untethered from the space station. The crew has also been reviewing procedures for the first spacewalk of 2025 to ensure mission success.

Scientific Research and Experiments

In addition to spacewalk preparations, the crew is conducting various scientific experiments. Flight Engineer Don Pettit has been working in the Columbus laboratory module, thinning Red Romaine lettuce seedlings as part of an ongoing study on growing food crops in space. This research is crucial for future long-duration missions, as it aims to develop reliable methods for cultivating fresh produce in microgravity, enhancing astronaut nutrition and sustainability during extended stays in space.

The ISS continues to serve as a unique laboratory for a wide range of scientific investigations, from fundamental physics to advanced technology demonstrations, contributing to advancements that benefit life on Earth and future space exploration endeavors.

Cargo Operations

Flight Engineer Butch Wilmore has been managing cargo operations, transferring supplies and equipment between the ISS and the Cygnus cargo spacecraft, which has been berthed to the Unity module since August 6, 2024. Efficient cargo management ensures that the crew has the necessary resources to conduct scientific experiments and maintain the station's systems.

Roscosmos Crew Activities

The three Russian cosmonauts aboard the ISS are also engaged in a variety of scientific and maintenance tasks. Flight Engineer Aleksandr Gorbunov has been photographing microorganisms being incubated for a space biology study, contributing to understanding how microgravity affects microbial growth and behavior.

Flight Engineer Ivan Vagner has been transferring water and cargo from the Progress 90 resupply ship, which docked to the Poisk module on November 23. Meanwhile, Flight Engineer Alexey Ovchinin has been inventorying hardware inside the Zarya, Zvezda, Nauka, and Poisk modules, ensuring all equipment is accounted for and in proper condition.

The collaborative efforts of the international crew aboard the ISS continue to advance scientific knowledge and prepare for future exploration missions, demonstrating the station's vital role in humanity's quest to explore the cosmos.