Since the International Space Station began operations more than two decades ago, crews have lived and worked in microgravity to conduct many researches that benefit life on Earth and future space exploration missions. , and perform operational tasks to maintain the state of the country. -art science lab at its most functional.
The space station has seen more than 270 human arrivals. Recent visitors include NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who arrived on June 6 as part of a Boeing Crew test flight.
Both veterans of two previous space flights, Wilmore and Williams immersed themselves in station life, living and working in low Earth orbit alongside the Expedition 71 crew. a wide range of science and technology, including fluid physics research, plant maintenance, robotics, Earth observations, and more.
Check out highlights from Wilmore and Williams’ mission below.
Providing adequate water and nutrition to plants grown in space is critical as missions expand into Earth’s lower atmosphere and beyond to the moon and Mars.
Throughout their stay in the rotating lab, Wilmore and Williams tested how different methods could benefit crop growth in the region through Plant Water Management research.
This research uses the properties of fluids – surface tension, water and system geometry – to overcome gravity and deliver water to plants, which could advance the development of hydroponic systems. will be used in future space travel.
Another research that looks more closely at plants growing in space is the Vegetable, or Veggie, Production System. Astronauts have used Veggie to grow new produce and even flowers, providing astronauts with new nutritious foods, boosting morale and improving well-being.
In preparation for the upcoming work with Veggie, Wilmore has installed a light meter in the facility, which will help the crew get light measurements and adjust light settings the next time they use a green thumb on site.
For more than two decades, astronauts aboard the space station have connected with students and hobbyists around the world, sharing information about living and working in microgravity.
In early August, Williams used Ham Radio to connect with students from Banda Aceh, Indonesia, and answer questions about the station’s research as the rotating lab passed by.
These space-to-Earth calls encourage new generations to pursue interests and careers in STEM and provide the school community with opportunities to learn about space and communications technology.
Astrobee, a group of three free-flying robots, often buzzes around the rotating lab, showing how technology can help scientists with various tasks such as routine tasks and maintenance.
Throughout the mission, Williams powered up and observed Astrobee’s performance as ground controllers mapped the interior of the orbiting lab, practiced maneuvering the spacecraft, and tested the robots’ performance. how different
Since the earliest days of human space flight, astronauts have photographed the Earth from space, capturing the beauty and environment of our planet.
Orbiting 250 kilometers above, the workers often spend their free time taking pictures from the camp, or “window to the world.” The space station’s unique location sheds light on how Earth has changed over time, and gives scientists a better view of key features from the orbital complex’s perspective as they develop mental health of employees.
During their mission, the astronauts took hundreds of pictures of Earth, from auroras, land, sea, sunrises and sunsets, and more.
Wilmore and Williams continue to support the day-to-day operations of the space stations while NASA and Boeing evaluate possible return methods. For the latest information on NASA’s commercial crew activities, including the Boeing Flight Test Crew, visit the Commercial Crew Program blog.
For daily space updates and to learn more about microgravity research, visit the space blog.
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