Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) are engaged in a series of scientific experiments focused on human health and pharmaceutical development. The Expedition 74 crew is conducting vein scans to study the effects of microgravity on the human body while also preparing hardware for advanced drug manufacturing research in orbit.
The work is part of a busy schedule that combines cutting-edge science with essential maintenance and cargo management, following the recent arrival of a Dragon supply spacecraft.
Key Takeaways
- Expedition 74 astronauts are performing ultrasound vein scans to monitor the risk of blood clots, a known health concern during long-duration spaceflight.
- European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot is servicing hardware for experiments related to manufacturing pharmaceuticals in space.
- The crew is also managing cargo from a recently arrived Dragon spacecraft and performing routine life support maintenance and emergency drills.
- Cosmonauts in the Russian segment are conducting atmospheric research and upgrading computer systems.
Human Health Under the Microscope
A primary focus for the crew on Wednesday was investigating the physiological effects of living in a weightless environment. NASA Flight Engineers Jack Hathaway and Jessica Meir began their day with detailed vein scans, a critical procedure for monitoring astronaut health.
Using the new Ultrasound 3 device, Hathaway imaged Meir's neck, shoulder, and leg veins. Simultaneously, chest electrodes recorded her cardiac activity, providing a comprehensive data set for medical teams on the ground who assisted in real time. This research is vital for understanding and mitigating the risks associated with fluid shifts in the body, which can occur during extended missions in space.
Why Vein Scans are Crucial in Space
Living in microgravity causes bodily fluids to shift towards the upper body and head. This change can increase the risk of blood clots, a condition known as thromboembolism. Flight surgeons on Earth constantly monitor astronauts for signs of this condition to develop effective countermeasures for future long-duration missions to the Moon and Mars.
Later, Hathaway used the Ultrasound 2 device to perform similar scans on ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot, with ground controllers again monitoring the procedure. These ongoing health checks are a fundamental part of life aboard the orbital laboratory.
Pioneering In-Space Manufacturing
Beyond human health monitoring, the crew is also laying the groundwork for future manufacturing capabilities in orbit. ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot spent part of her day servicing specialized hardware inside the Destiny laboratory module.
She swapped sample processing hard drives for equipment used in pharmaceutical research. These experiments aim to explore the development and manufacturing of medicines in a microgravity environment, which could lead to more effective drugs and novel production methods. The unique conditions of space can allow for the creation of more uniform crystal structures in proteins, potentially improving drug design and efficacy.
Meanwhile, Jessica Meir focused on logistics, unpacking essential crew supplies and station hardware that arrived on the Dragon spacecraft over the weekend. Efficient cargo management is crucial for ensuring the station remains well-stocked for both daily life and scientific operations.
Maintenance and Emergency Preparedness
Veteran astronaut Chris Williams, who has been on the station since November, dedicated his day to maintaining the outpost's complex life support systems and ensuring crew readiness for potential emergencies.
His tasks included measuring airflow throughout the U.S. segment modules and inspecting vents to ensure they were clean and properly configured. Maintaining a stable and safe atmosphere is a top priority on the ISS.
A Day of Diverse Tasks
- Life Support: Measuring airflow and inspecting vents.
- Medical Training: Practicing with an automated external defibrillator (AED) and conducting eye exams.
- Emergency Drill: Practicing the use of emergency respirators with Roscosmos crewmates.
Williams also refreshed his medical skills, training on hardware like the automated external defibrillator and practicing procedures such as administering medicine. He later joined his Roscosmos colleagues, Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikaev, for an emergency drill. The trio practiced using respirators, a critical skill in the unlikely event of a chemical leak or atmospheric contamination aboard the station.
Activities in the Roscosmos Segment
On the Russian side of the station, the focus was a mix of Earth observation, scientific hardware setup, and system maintenance. Cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev began his day with a respiratory experiment, wearing acoustic sensors that recorded his exhalations to help scientists understand how microgravity affects the respiratory system.
His crewmates, Kud-Sverchkov and Mikaev, were also busy. Kud-Sverchkov concluded an automated photography session that captured images of Earth's nighttime atmosphere in near-ultraviolet wavelengths. This research helps scientists study atmospheric phenomena that are difficult to observe from the ground.
Mikaev worked on configuring scientific hardware that controls and processes data for a wide range of experiments conducted in the Russian segment. The pair also collaborated on replacing computer hardware in the Nauka science module and performing maintenance on the ventilation system in the Zvezda service module, ensuring the operational health of their section of the orbiting complex.