1. Home is where the dom is
After nearly 6 months in space I think Alexander Gerst is probably getting a little homesick. Gerst posted this week (in german) saying "Greetings Home!" and asked if others can see their house. Gerst grew up in a small town in southern Germany but he now calls Cologne (Koln) home because it is also home the the Headquarters of the German Space Agency (Deutsches Zentrum fur Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) as well as the European Astronaut Center which is a part of the European Space Agency.
If you are a little confused about Alex's hashtag #HomeIsWhereTheDomIs don't fret! In Germany it is not uncommon for cities to have a large cathedral, and Cologne is no exception. Dom refers to the magnificent Catholic cathedral located along the Rhein River.
2. Tissue Chips
Hundreds of experiments are done each year on the international space station. The ISS is such a unique lab in the sky, one of the new experiments that will be happening on the ISS after the next cargo ship launches in December will be "Tissue Chips In Space". This experiment will help scientists learn more about new drugs faster, it can help speed up possible life saving drugs to be approved by the FDA.
Experiments like this are one of the biggest reasons we always have astronauts in space. for the past 18 years the ISS has been manned where they are constantly learning and discovering thing that will benefit humankind on earth. 3. Rainbows in the sky
When I first saw this photo I didn't realize what it was, once I figured it out I realized that I don't think I have ever seen a photo of a rainbow from above the ground. It only makes sense that it's a circle clearly but it's so interesting seeing this from a different perspective.
4. Cargo Release
This week Alex and Serena released the JAXA HTV7 from the station. This cargo ship was released (by using the Canada Arm!) where it was then sent into the earths atmosphere, where most of the ship will burn up on re-entry. This cargo ship is also as test for a new heat shield so the ship was loaded up with some scientific cargo for JAXA to retrieve.
With the rise of the private space industry it has become incredibly important for improvements on existing technology to develop. Things like cargo ships being able to return safely to earth and to become reusable again are vitally important in the space industry right now to drive down costs and make it more affordable for further missions.
5. Even the crew needs haircuts
My first question when I saw this photo was "But don't all the hair's just float around if they shave it off?" but upon further investigation I deduced that they have a vacuum attached to the clippers to help catch the hairs that are shaved off. NASA and ROSCOSMOS have thought of everything so besides the many air filtration systems they have thought of ways to combat loose hairs flying all over the station.
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1. Another Milestone for the ISS
For the past 18 years we have kept humans in space continuously researching and discovering wonderful things. The international space station is one of a kind and is a huge resource for the world to have, being able to collaborate with multiple nations across the world. Heres to another 18 years, I hope we can continue this amazing program and expand it to include more nations around the world and expand these partnerships to the moon and on to mars and beyond.
If you caught my post last week you will know that the ISS was celebrating its 20 year anniversary since the beginning of construction. In 1988 construction began on the ISS and in 2000 we finally sent our first crew to the station.
2. New Technology
I'm going to be completely honest and let you all know that I didn't even know 8K was even real. We all know what 4k is at this point and I guess it was only a matter of time that 8K came about. After a brief moment of research I discovered that 8K was released as of January 2017. Let me give you a word of warning, DO NOT look at the price of an 8K tv or monitor, lets just say paying off my student loans would be cheaper. Regardless check out this video because it shows a little of what they have been up to over the past few months in space!
3. Launch Investigation Complete
The investigation to the October Soyuz launch failure is finally complete. The Investigation concluded that one of the boosters separated abnormally leading it to hit another booster during the separation causing the Soyuz to become unstabilized triggering the abort procedures. The completion of this investigation means that they can move onto the flight readiness review which sounds mostly like formality to move onto the scheduled December 3rd launch of expidition 58 with Oleg Kononenko, Anne McClain, and David Saint-Jacques.
Here is a video from the soyuz of the booster separation.
4. Starman
This week SpaceX tweeted out an update about our favorite roadster in space. If you all don't remember let me remind you, SpaceX sent a Tesla into space during the Falcon Heavy launch last fall where not only did we get to see the first boosters from the falcon heavy return safely back to earth but we also got to witness the first car being launched into space accompanied by Starman who was dressed in one of SpaceX's new astronaut suits.
5. Things are getting Spooky!
So halloween was this week was halloween and while all the kiddos were running around getting candy from strangers our favorite astronauts in space also got to celebrate halloween with some costumes! Sergey Prokopyev is elvis, Serena Aunon-Chancellor is a mad scientist, and Commander Alexander Gerst is the one and only Darth Vader.
For your amusement I threw sergey's instagram post into google translate to try and get an idea of what he was saying.
"Halloween is not our holiday, but the crew had to be supported. For 15 minutes he cooked a suit from improvised means. I tried not to stand out! But I got along with @astro_alex_esa and Serina has a lot of good emotions and a mood charge for the week ahead. #Halloween" - Sergey Prokopyev So although halloween isn't really celebrated in Russia (it is also celebrated a little differently in Germany than in the United States) they all still had a great time together.
If you haven't already asked this question I want to bring it to your attention. So cargo is a very important part in planning for a trip the the ISS, the items they bring during their launch are placed on the rocket 1 year in advance. Everything is meticulously planned out so what I want to know is WHO let Alexander Gerst bring a light saber (and halloween costumes in general) to space? How did this get approved and who suggested it, I just want them to know I appreciate them because seeing this on halloween made my day.
1. A Different perspective
Alexander Gerst and all of the astronauts in space have the opportunity to observe the earth from above. Even in an airplane we still can not make some of these same observations as those in space can.
This week Commander Gerst observed the Amazon Rainforest and tweeted out some photos of his observations. When you think Amazon Rainforest you think about large luscious green forests, these photos are not what you would expect from so far above.
2. Students and the ISS
This week Serena went into detail about some of the ways that students can get involved with the International Space Station. Many people don't realize that many of the experiments on board the station were thought of and work with universities across the globe so they can learn more than they would in just a lab on earth. Students from kindergarten all the way to universities have the opportunity to interact with the astronauts in space. NASA also has hundreds of internship and post graduate opportunities for young professionals to begin their careers in the industry. Internship opportunities range anywhere from engineering all the way to graphic design and business so no matter what your degree they probably have an opportunity for you.
3. Sergey Prokopyev
This week on the ISS Sergey Prokopyev answered some questions his followers have been asking him this week. Now its all in Russian so this may not be interesting for everyone that can't speak Russian but I think it is still good to keep up with what everyone on board the space station is doing.
This week Sergey also observed some lakes in the United States, it is always interesting seeing what astronauts have to say about the earth from above because they have such a different perspective and through the eyes of science you can really learn a lot from them just by following their social media accounts.
4. First thanksgiving and then on to mars
The crew has begun growing their first salad crops in the space station this week. This is an exciting experiment because we can learn how to better grow crops in space which can lead to less supplies needing to be sent to the ISS and for longer missions to the moon and mars.
Speaking of the mighty red planet we are only 30 days away from the landing of InSight, NASA will be holding a press conference on Wednesday to answer questions about the upcoming landing and the InSights Mission. You can watch it here:
5. 20 Years and Counting
Over the weekend NASA celebrated 20 years since the beginning of construction of the International Space Station. NASA's Johnson Space Center opened its doors to the public for a large event to celebrate the hard work over the last 20 years that made it possible to keep the space station up and running.
1. Space to ground
.The ISS facebook page puts out a great weekly video about things happening in space and on the ground focusing around the ISS. This week's video was full of great information I felt needed to be shared. The expedition 57 crew is gearing up for some really important events in the coming months. The launch of the first crewed SpaceX Dragon commercial spacecraft is coming up fast and we are looking forward to some un-manned Boing and SpaceX test flights soon that the expedition 57 crew will play an important roll in gathering data for these commercial space agencies.
These missions are very important for NASA and space agencies around the world, we are entering into a new space race but this time it's not Russia VS the United States it's a race with private space agencies to finally put crews into space. This means NASA will begin sending astronauts to space once again from United States Soil.
This is another great video explaining a little more on the impacts of commercially crewed space flights.
If you made it through both of those videos can we please take a moment to appreciate the interior design of the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. it looks like it is straight out of a movie and is a light years improvement from the current Soyuz that are used to take crew's to the station.
2. So if you pour soda in space does the foam ever go away?
This week Commander Gerst began his experiments with Soft matter dynamics and if you haven't yet guessed what this video is about based on the heading you should probably start watching this video. Gerst explains the importance of studying foams and soft matter in space and how this science can be used in the future on earth.
The ISS is really just a science lab in space, it allows us to study things we can't achieve on earth. Without this lab we wouldn't have some of the major technologies we have today that we rely on in our daily lives. 3. Commander Gerst has been busy
Commander Alexander Gerst installed the new life support system on board the International Space Station Destiny Laboratory. The system recycles carbon dioxide in the air and turns it into water which can then be converted into oxygen. Reducing supplies being sent from earth by half!
4. Serena is that you?
NASA Astronaut Serena Aunon-Chancellor likes to keep a small social media presence so incase you forgot about NASA's only Astronaut in space don't worry she has been hard at work since arriving at the space station in June.
NASA astronaut Serena M. Aunon-Chancellor conducts test runs for the SPHERES Tether-Slosh investigation in the gif below posted by the ISS Research twitter account. This experiment is to investigate further ways to steer and maneuver space crafts autonomously in space. For example this could be used someday to steer dead satellites safely that still have fuel in them.
5. Do you ever feel like someone is watching you?
Well this weekend Commander Gerst spotted some snow in the Northern part of the US, and if any of you watched the badger game this weekend you know it snowed in southern Wisconsin! He doesn't list the exact location but it makes you wonder what part of the northern US he is talking about!
The crew has been busy
This week in space has been one for the record books. The future of the ISS is uncertain after this weeks events. In this post I will go through the events that unfolded on October 11th and speak to how some things could unfold for the future of the ISS.
1. Launch Day
The launch took place in Baikonur, Kazakhstan. After the US stopped the space shuttle program we have been buying seats on the Russian Soyuz rockets. The launch happened early (3:30 am Eastern Time coverage began) from the Baikonur Cosmodrome.
Here is the live coverage before and during the launch. The launch begins around the 4:05 minute mark for those who don't have the patients to watch all of it.
2. Launch Ascent aborted
So after watching the launch (or not watching it) you are probably confused about what just happened. 2:00 minutes into the launch the soyuz began emergency abort protocols because of a failed booster during the launch.
Jim Bridenstine, a NASA administrator, released the following statement about the aborted launch.
The European Space Agency stated their intent to help Roscosmos in what ever way is necessary to help understand and find out answers about what happened during the launch.
3. THE LAUNCH, ABORT, AND RECOVERY
After the abort it took 34 mins for the crew to return and crews to find them after they landed in Kazakhstan at a usual recovery site. The abort and descent protocols went as textbook as they could have for the crews, if any factors changed things could have been drastically different.
Here is a a recap of the launch abort and recovery. 4. ISS Status Breifing
NASA held a press conference to update us on the status of the ISS and respond to the abort and recovery. Now 90% of this 40 min press conference is confusing science jibberish but there are some really important things to take away from it.
What happens next...
Here are some questions that have been asked over the last few days and during the press conference that have been answered. These are all speculation as nothing can be determined until the investigation is complete.
For now this is all just speculation at this point, we really don't know what is going to happen but NASA, Roscosmos, and ESA are working to get everything sorted out as quickly and safely as possible. 5. The crew
Now that I have overwhelmed your brains with too much space information, here is the crews reactions to what happened last Thursday. Nick Hague is happy to be back on earth safely as well as Alexey Ovchinin. Commander Gerst is keeping a positive spirit and thankful for everyones safety but the science must continue on.
1. Change of command
Alexander Gerst has officially become the commander of the international space station. During this weeks excitement up on board the space station Drew Feustel handed over the command of the station to the ESA astronaut Alexander Gerst
Germany was full of celebration on October 3rd for Gerst's big day because he is only the 11th German to go to space and is the first commander to ever come from Germany. ESA has had one other astronaut become commander on board so this was a big day all around. To make this day even more special for all Germany the ceremony happened on October 3rd, German Unity Day.
2. The end... For now
With the change of command comes the change of expeditions. The station is now transitioning from expedition 56 to expedition 57 and the crew who launched with expedition 55 in February 2018 have now completed their 6 month mission.
With the close of their mission each astronaut posted their final posts on board the space station. The astronauts are having a mix of emotions with being sad to leave such a unique place but excited to see their friends and families.
3. houston we are coming home
As with each launch NASA has live reports of each part of the expedition home. In case you missed it (it was at 3 am central time, we all missed it) here is the highlights of the return of expedition 56.
Watch the launch of the next crew on Thursday October 11th live on NASA TV or on the ISS facebook page. There will be nearly 12 hours of coverage starting at 3:30 am (eastern time) including prelaunch activities all the way to the welcome ceremony upon the ISS. Check out the full schedule of events.
4. Work it!
Each week on board the space station Alexander Gerst (and his team on the ground) put together a video and post it to youtube. They can be anything from educational to fun, but always informative in some way. This week he talked about how astronauts exercise in space.
5. New astronaut Theme song
Music in space is no longer a new thing, most astronauts on board need to find a way to combat the homesickness and music is one of the things that helps create an environment that feels like home. Many astronauts have brought instruments to space and Commander Feustel (expedition 56) is just another one on the list.
Before his departure of the ISS he left us with this gem of a music video he created over his 6 months on the ISS. Take a listen to the newest out of this world music from the International Space Station. 1. The art of Earth
Everyday the ISS see's 16 sunrises and sunsets, during their time orbiting earth they have the opportunity to take incredible photos most of us could only dream of. This week Alexander Gerst, Oleg Artemyev, and Ricky Arnold admire the beauty of mother nature and the art she creates.
2. Hobbies in space
Commander Feustel continues posting photos of formula one race tracks across the globe. Each Astronaut has their own hobbies besides being really cool astronauts, Feustel loves to support his favorite F1 teams.
The crew also spends some quality time together having a movie and music night. I'm sure there is a really short list of Musicians in space and Commander Feustel and Sergey Prokopyev are on that list! â
3. Supplies
JAXA the Japanese space agency sent supplies to the international space station. Supplies include everything from food and living essentials to new equipment for experiments and supplies to improve life on the station. Some supplies on the ship include new lithium batteries to replace 4 of the 6 on the outside of the ship, Alexander Gerst will be installing them.
ESA also sent along the new life support system that will help filter carbon dioxide into oxygen on the station. This system being installed on the station can lead to further studies for systems used for long term journeys such as to mars. â
4. We're going on a trip in our favorite rocket ship
Expedition 56 is coming to a close and the crew that arrived during expedition 55 are heading back down to earth soon. Before the crew can undock from the space station Commander Feustel will hand over the command of the station to Alexander Gerst.
The crew will begin the undocking process from the space station on October 4th at 12:55 Eastern Time. The crew will undock their Soyuz from the ISS and make the two day trip back down to earth. The Soyuz will be commanded by Oleg for the journey. After landing the crew will begin the process of reacclimatizing to earth once again.
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The change of command ceremony can be watched live: October 3rd 8:45am Eastern Time.
The undocking can be watched live: October 4th 12:30a.m, Eastern Time.
Check out NASA's Full list of live events and streaming for the upcoming departure and journey to the international space station with the 56/57 crew.
5. Beyond new Horizons
The European Space Agency announced their next mission to the international space station, Luca Parmitano will become the 3rd ESA astronaut to command the space station and the first Italian commander. Frank De Winne from Belgium was the first ESA astronaut to command the station, Alexander Gerst from Germany will become the second on October 3rd and now Luca Parmitano from Italy will become the 3rd during expedition 61 next year, each the first of their country to command the station. Each ESA mission from Thomas Pesquet's Proxima to Alexander Gerst's Horizons, brings us one step closer to discovering what happens beyond earth and the moon.
With this new design being released it makes me think of my personal experience working with Alexander Gerst and his team on his mission patch and the meaning behind it. Each patch means so much to each of the astronauts it signifies everything they are doing while on the station. The patch visually represents everything the mission stands for and it's difficult to encompass all in one. The beyond patch, like the horizons patch has so much meaning behind it and I think overall it was done well.
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