Eventful Week on the International Space Station

The International Space Station experienced a busy week filled with research activities and scientific experiments conducted by Expedition 73 crew members. This included the departure of a cargo spacecraft and preparations for the arrival of two new spacecraft in the coming days.

Orbital Monitoring and Communication with Children

Astronaut Kimiya Yui from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) participated in a unique activity by communicating with children from his home country via amateur radio. This marked the first such communication during the mission, allowing him to speak with children from the Takako area in Hyogo Prefecture.

Yui expressed his joy in interacting with the children, stating that he drew energy from this experience, which helped him accomplish his subsequent tasks more smoothly.

Scientific Activities and Experiments

Astronauts Mike Fincke, Zena Cardman, and Jonny Kim from NASA focused on studies related to vision and balance using virtual reality goggles and electrodes to measure the impact of space travel on balance and retinal shape.

Ultrasound was also used to monitor arterial stiffness and changes in heart function in Zena Cardman, while Jonny Kim processed samples of bone stem cells for study upon return to Earth.

Kimiya Yui prepared to study samples of tobacco cells and algae to enhance knowledge about future crop cultivation on the Moon and Mars.

Station Maintenance and Preparations

The crew participated in activities to maintain station systems and prepare for future research. The Russian cargo spacecraft Progress MS-30 departed the station, while astronauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Alexey Zubritsky trained to receive the incoming Progress M-32 spacecraft.

The crew also began preparations for the arrival of the Cygnus XL cargo spacecraft from Northrop Grumman, which will be captured by the Canadarm2 robotic arm and attached to the Unity module.

Life in Space and Media Activities

Astronaut Mike Fincke discussed life in orbit during an interview with MIT’s Technology Review. Fincke emphasized that the crew is highly focused on supporting scientists on Earth and delivering the best possible results.

Conclusion

The intensive activities on the International Space Station over the past week have significantly advanced scientific research and communication with Earth. Through diverse experiments and engagement with young people, the astronauts are enhancing our understanding of space and its effects on humans, paving the way for successful future missions to the Moon and Mars.