Mobile Servicing System (MSS) Operations: Overnight, the Robotics Ground Controllers unstowed the Robotic Refueling Mission (RRM) Payload from the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator (SPDM) Enhanced Orbit Replaceable Unit (ORU) Temporary Platform (EOTP). They then stowed the RRM on the Dragon Trunk Site 1 Passive Flight Releasable Attachment Mechanism (PFRAM). Next they released the RRM and withdrew SPDM Arm1 from the Dragon Trunk. Finally the Robotics Ground Controllers rotated the SPDM EOTP to its nominal park position. MSS performance was nominal. Manufacturing Device Feedstock Exchange: The crew replaced the Feedstock Canister for the Manufacturing Device, resupplying the 3-D printer with Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) for future prints. The Manufacturing Device-Additive Manufacturing Facility (AMF) enables the production of components on the ISS for both NASA and commercial objectives. Parts, entire experiments, and tools can be created on demand utilizing the AMF that is installed into an Express Rack locker location. The AMF is capable of producing parts out of a wide variety of thermopolymers including engineered plastics. NanoRacks Multi-Gas Monitor (MGM): This morning the crew removed the MGM from EXpedite PRocessing of Experiments to Space Station (EXPRESS) Rack 4, and packed it for return on SpX10. The ground teams elected to return the MGM as they have been unable to command to it and hope to retrieve saved data during ground troubleshooting. The Nanoracks MGM is a proof of concept sniffer type payload mounted in a Nanoracks platform that continuously monitors oxygen, carbon dioxide, ammonia and water gases in the ISS cabin air. NanoRacks Module 9 Operations: The crew is scheduled to perform the Return minus 5 days (R-5) operations in support of the NanoRacks Module 9 experiments for the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program (SSEP)/National Center for Earth and Space Science Education (NCESSE) experiments. Supporting various schools and student designed experiments studying a range of objectives, the SSEP lets students design experiments that address real challenges of living and working in space. The program also is a key initiative for U.S. science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education, educating and inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers to work on the space program. Arabidopsis Germination in Martian Soil Simulant (Open Window School, Bellevue, WA) The experiment determines if Arabidopsis thaliana germinates in Martian soil simulant in microgravity. Other researchers have shown A. thaliana grows in Martian soil simulant, but the lower gravity of Mars cannot be simulated on Earth. The microgravity environment on the ISS allows for testing of plant growth in an environment closer to the gravity on Mars than that of Earth. Living Water Filters: Triops in Microgravity (North Star Charter School, Boise, ID) This student experiment investigates the capability of Triops longicaudatus to filter bacteria out of pond water in microgravity as well as they do on Earth. After the experiment returns to Earth, analysis will be conducted in cooperation with Boise Waste Water Treatment facility to determine which kinds of bacteria remain, using a Heterotrophic Plate Count method. Also to be measured is the mass of the Triops that were hatched in microgravity and compare it to the mass of the Triops that were hatched on Earth. Shells of Glass Capsules, Covered with Different Substances Reacting in Regular Water (Langevin Science School, Calgary, Alberta, Canada) The focus of this investigation is to determine how three different capsule shells dissolve in water when coated in cornstarch (carbohydrates), gum Arabic (gum) or sucrose (carbohydrates) in a microgravity environment. Research indicates that these substances dissolve in water and that certain coatings may react “faster” or ”slower” resulting from a lack of gravity. After the test is completed aboard the ISS, observations are made to determine which substances can be completely dissolved, which can’t be dissolved at all, or which were approaching their dissolving point. Based on this information, astronauts can be sent encapsulated medication with a certain substance covering the outer shell for more effective treatment. Knowing the differences may improve how a medication is produced and delivered into space. SLIPS in Microgravity (Arts and Technology Academy, Eugene, OR) The investigation tests Slippery Liquid-Infused Porous Surfaces (SLIPS) in a microgravity environment to find out if the change in gravitational environment changes its properties as comparted to Earth. If it does it could possibly solve frost-over for rockets at launch and in microgravity. Using three volumes with various surfaces and tubes coated on the inside with SLIPS in both volume 2 and 3. In this experiment the hope is to solve frost-over on the ISS with SLIPS by finding if SLIPS cannot only stay on the face of a solid but also still make liquids slip off of the solid in microgravity. Streptococcus mutans Production of Lactic Acid in Microgravity (Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical High School, Fitchburg, MA). This experiment hopes to find a more efficient dental care regimen for astronauts. The factor observed in the experiment is whether or not Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) produce more lactic acid in microgravity and if the reproduction rate of the previously stated bacteria is affected in space. Improper oral hygiene is a factor that contributes to poor health in the rest of the body. If the S. mutans prove to be a greater force in space than they do on Earth, then the aseptic habits of astronauts may need to be modified. Germination of Quinoa in Space (Mabry Elementary School, Hillsborough County, FL) The investigation studies how microgravity affects the germination of quinoa seeds by comparing the number of seeds that germinate on Earth with the number of seeds that germinate in microgravity. The MixStix is loaded with Chenopodium quinoa seeds on a growth substrate and water separated by a clamp. The crew is requested to open the clamp and shake the tube gently to introduce the seeds to water beginning germination, 14 days before undock. Testing the Effectiveness of Tobramycin and Loteprednol Etabonate (Zylet) on Staphylococcus Epidermidis Type of Bacterial Conjunctivitis in Microgravity (Bearden Middle School, Knox County, TN) Bacterial conjunctivitis is a common infection and can affect astronauts during space travel. As space travel progresses bacterial conjunctivitis could […]
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