The SpaceX cargo spacecraft, Dragon, is ready to depart from the International Space Station (ISS) after a successful mission. Crew members of Expedition 70 are preparing the spacecraft for departure while continuing planned research and maintenance work.
NASA astronauts Loral O’Hara and Jasmin Moghbeli were busy on Tuesday morning, removing biological samples from the Destiny laboratory module and transferring them to the transporters. They then loaded the scientific payload onto the Dragon spacecraft. O’Hara concluded her activity with vision, while Moghbeli conducted experiments on brain cell-like samples to gather information about neurodegenerative processes.
In the afternoon, astronauts Andreas Mogensen and Satoshi Furukawa continued transferring the cargo. They secured various equipment inside Dragon, which will be examined and recovered on Earth. Mogensen, from the European Space Agency (ESA), handled several scientific components, including virtual reality equipment and a fluorescence microscope. Furukawa, from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), installed new gas bottles for research equipment related to combustion in the Kibo laboratory module.
In the Russian segment of the ISS, cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko experimented with a 3D printer to test the possibilities of printing tools and supplies in microgravity. Flight engineer Nikolai Chub tested a radio communication antenna and examined ways to improve communication between space crews and controllers on Earth. Flight engineer Konstantin performed tasks related to the installation of hydraulic systems in the morning, and then checked the windows in the Zvezda service module and disinfected surfaces in the Nauka science module in the afternoon.
The departure of Dragon from the ISS is scheduled for 9:05 p.m. EST on Wednesday, December 20. NASA and SpaceX will broadcast the event live on NASA TV, YouTube, and the agency’s website.
In addition, updates regarding Dragon’s detachment and return will be provided during joint team briefings that will assess the best weather conditions for autonomous detachment. The spacecraft will eventually land in waters off the coast of Florida. However, this event will not be broadcast on NASA TV.
In other news, NASA and Northrop Grumman have set a departure date for the Cygnus spacecraft from the ISS on Friday, December 22. The broadcast of Cygnus’ detachment will begin at 7:45 a.m., and the spacecraft will be released at 8:05 a.m.
To stay up to date with space station activities, follow the latest updates on NASA’s blog as well as on the agency’s social media accounts and website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
What is the purpose of the Dragon cargo spacecraft mission to the International Space Station?
The Dragon mission to the ISS aims to deliver supplies and scientific equipment to the space station crew. Dragon transports not only scientific payloads but also essential provisions for the daily functioning of the astronauts.
What kind of research is conducted aboard the International Space Station?
A wide range of research is conducted on the ISS in fields such as biology, physics, medicine, and space technology. Astronauts conduct experiments to acquire new information about life in microgravity and to test space technologies and equipment.
Which nationalities are represented by the Expedition 70 crew members?
The Expedition 70 crew members represent various nationalities and space agencies. The expedition includes astronauts from NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), and Roscosmos.
Source:
NASA. (December 20, 2021). NASA’s SpaceX Cargo Dragon Departure Coverage Set for Dec. 22.
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