ISS Operations Update – March 28, 2016
Experiments:
Rodent Research 3 Hardware Collection
Habitability [Assessment of International Space Station Vehicle Habitability will see teams on the ground study video of the behavior of crew members within the habitable environment of ISS while the crew fills out questionnaires and collects video of areas of interest in order to provide an assessment of the habitability of ISS in its current state for a one-year mission. Results will be used to develop spacecraft with improved habitability properties to allow crew members to optimally utilize the onboard space.]
NanoRacks Platform-2 Modules Install [Modules 16, 18 and 21 include experiments on Water Purification Through Reverse Osmosis, Protein Crystallization, High Temperature Dispersion in Microgravity, Silver Crystal Growth, Memory Loss, Wisconsin Fast Plant Growth in a Vibration Environment, Plant Inoculation Against Fungal Pathogens in Microgravity and Magnetic Field & Background Radiation Monitoring]
Calcium Study [This experiment looks at the causes of the loss of bone density in humans undergoing long duration space missions. It uses calcium phosphate and human bone samples to assess the solubility of calcium and bone in water in a zero-G environment.]
Marrow – Blood, Breath & Air Sampling [The MARROW study, known by its full name Bone Marrow Adipose Reaction: Red Or White?, looks at the effect of microgravity on the human bone marrow. It is known that prolonged exposure to microgravity, just like long bed rest on Earth, has a negative effect on bone marrow and the production of blood cells. The extent of this effect and possible recovery are of interest in space research and for application on Earth.]
Cognition [Cognition, also known as Individualized Real-Time Neurocognitive Assessment Toolkit for Space Flight Fatigue uses a battery of tests to measure how spaceflight-related physical changes (microgravity, lack of sleep quality, diet) can affect the cognitive performance of humans during long-duration space flights. The experiment consists of ten brief computer-based tests that cover a range of cognitive functions and deliver immediate feedback on current and past results. A good neurocognitive function for effective performance during space missions makes an investigation of sleep and fatigue in space an absolute necessity. The testing operation consists of a sleep questionnaire and subjective evaluations at the beginning followed by the ten tests that focus on: sensor-motor ability, visual object learning and memory, attention and working memory, abstraction, spatial orientation, emotion recognition, abstract reasoning, complex scanning & visual tracking, risk decision making, and vigilant attention and psychomotor speed.]
Identification – Micro-Accelerometer Data Download [The Identification Payload records structural dynamics data inside the individual modules of the Russian Segment to provide structural data to improve spacecraft design.]
Systems/Maintenance:
Nominal Inspections/Servicing Tasks (Morning Inspection, Caution & Warning Panel Check, Sozh System Maintenance) (Russian Crew)
Cleaning vent screens on Zarya interior panels
HAM radio session from Columbus
On Board Training (OBT) Cygnus Rendezvous Debrief
PAO Event
Progress M-29M Cargo Operations