This week began with important science maintenance and inspections aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as the seven astronauts of Expedition 73 carried out various tasks. These activities supported ongoing research and helped ensure the space station continues running safely and efficiently. At the same time, NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX are working together to prepare for Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), the fourth private astronaut mission to the ISS. The launch is planned for no earlier than Thursday, June 19.
Important Space Research for Science and Medicine
One of the key projects onboard is a fluid physics study. This research looks at how high-concentration protein fluids behave in space, where gravity is very low. This kind of research helps scientists understand how liquids move without touching solid surfaces.
- NASA astronaut Nichole Ayers worked on this experiment by changing syringes with protein samples and placing test cells into the Microgravity Science Glovebox.
- This project could help improve medicine production and 3D printing on Earth and in space.
- The study uses surface tension to keep liquids in place instead of using containers with walls.
Researching New Materials in Space
Another big task was handled by NASA astronaut Jonny Kim, who opened the Materials Science Laboratory (MSL) inside the Destiny lab module. He removed a used sample cartridge from a physics research unit.
- The MSL uses two special furnaces to test how materials like metals and plastics behave in high temperatures and weightlessness.
- This helps scientists create better materials for tools, machines, and future space missions.
- Kim also tested radio frequency tags, which may help astronauts track supplies more easily in space.
Brain, Heart, and Window Checks
Astronaut Anne McClain started her day with a cognition test to see how spaceflight affects the brain. She also jogged on a treadmill while a heart monitor tracked her health. Later, she carefully checked and photographed windows in the Destiny module.
- This is part of a study on how astronauts’ bodies and minds adjust to living in space.
- Clean and clear windows are also important for safety and scientific observations.
Meanwhile, Commander Takuya Onishi from JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) worked inside the Kibo lab module.
- He cleaned the windows of the Electrostatic Levitation Furnace (ELF), a tool used to heat materials without touching them.
- ELF helps researchers learn how materials behave when heated in space.
- Onishi also inspected Kibo’s windows during nighttime passes for clearer images of space and Earth.
Russian Cosmonauts Focus on Health and Equipment
The Roscosmos team—Sergey Ryzhikov and Alexey Zubritskiy—started their shift with a breathing experiment. They wore acoustic sensors on their necks to measure sounds as they exhaled quickly.
- This study helps doctors understand how space affects the lungs and respiratory system.
- After that, they worked on inventory and storage tasks in the Zvezda module.
Another Russian astronaut, Kirill Peskov, spent his time fixing computer hardware and life support systems. He also took beautiful photographs of North America’s Pacific Coast mountains from space, adding to Earth observation data.
Looking Ahead
As science and maintenance continue aboard the ISS, preparations for Axiom Mission 4 are also moving forward. If weather and safety conditions are good, the private mission could launch on June 19, bringing more astronauts to the station.
Stay tuned for more Breaking News and Daily news highlights as research and international teamwork continue aboard the International Space Station.
