Victoria AdolphusThe International Space Station (ISS) has been abuzz with excitement as NASA astronauts prepare for the first spacewalk of the year. Meanwhile, the Expedition 72 crew has been conducting a range of scientific research, from botany to human physiology, and practicing crucial departure procedures.
Spacewalk Preparations
Flight Engineer Nick Hague and Commander Suni Williams are gearing up for their six-and-a-half-hour spacewalk, scheduled for January 16. Their mission will focus on maintaining critical astrophysics equipment, including the NICER X-ray telescope and the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer. The pair has been busy preparing tools and organizing the Quest airlock, while NASA Flight Engineer Butch Wilmore has been installing and charging the lithium-ion batteries that will power their suits.
Scientific Discoveries
The ISS crew has been conducting a range of scientific research, including:
- Botany in Space: Williams has been working on a space botany study, exploring how different water levels affect plant growth. This research aims to provide food for crews on long-term space missions.
- Combustion in Microgravity: Hague has been studying how materials burn in weightlessness, which could improve fire safety on crew missions.
- Human Physiology: Cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin and Ivan Vagner have been investigating how microgravity affects blood flow through the human circulatory system.
Emergency Preparedness
The crew has also been practicing emergency procedures, including evacuating the orbital outpost inside the Soyuz MS-26 crew ship and returning to Earth. Wilmore has been inspecting emergency gear, such as fire extinguishers and breathing masks.
Conclusion
The ISS crew’s thrilling week of spacewalks and scientific breakthroughs is a testament to the incredible work being done in space. As we continue to push the boundaries of space exploration, we can expect even more exciting discoveries and innovations in the years to come.
