Friday’s research schedule at the International Space Station included investigating how microgravity affects the genetics of skin cells and cotton. The Expedition 66 crew is also learning how to exercise more effectively in weightlessness.
Living in space has been shown to accelerate the rate of skin aging, and new research onboard the Signus Space Cargo Ship is trying to understand why and protect the health of astronauts. NASA astronaut Tom Marshburn began the experiment on Tuesday and has been preparing a growing skin tissue sample in the Life Sciences Glove Box. The samples will later be stored in a science freezer and analyzed on Earth to assess the changes in cells and molecules that occur in microgravity.
Zero gravity also affects plant growth, and NASA flight engineers Kayla Barron and ESA (European Space Agency) Matthias Maurer spent Friday morning investigating gene expression in cotton cultivation. The duo will work on cotton cell samples grown in plant habitats to learn more about the plant regeneration process and have the potential to improve crop production on Earth.
Exercise in space is very important because the micro-gravity environment can lead to muscle and bone loss. Two orbiting laboratory motion studies are exploring different ways to maximize the effects of motion in microgravity. Maurer started pedaling on an exercise bike, wearing an EasyMotion bodysuit that stimulates the muscles. Special proceedings may improve or shorten the duration of athletic sessions in space. Roscosmos flight engineer Pyotr Dubrov attached the sensor to himself and worked on the treadmill of the Zvezda service module for Russian kinetic research. The study looks at how exercising crew members consume energy and other physiological factors to help maintain crew health over extended space flights.
Throughout Friday, NASA flight engineer Rajachari worked on troubleshooting the components of the COLBERT treadmill in the tranquility module. NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei has performed an orbital plumbing mission and has taken pictures of the ongoing SQuARE archeology project.
At the end of the day, all six flight engineers joined Commander Anton Shkaplerov for emergency training. A crew of seven members will deploy station safety devices, move along escape routes, and coordinate communication with mission controllers for unlikely events such as ammonia leaks, decompression, and fires. did.
Follow the space station blog to learn more about the station’s activities. @ Space station When @ISS_Research Twitter, and ISS Facebook and ISS Instagram accounts.
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