Space news

NASA and Boeing now are targeting no earlier than Saturday, June 22, to return the agency’s Boeing Crew Flight Test mission from the International Space Station. The extra time allows the team to finalize departure planning and operations while the spacecraft remains cleared for crew emergency return scenarios within the flight rules. NASA and Boeing leadership […]

NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams joined the Expedition 71 crew on the International Space Station one week ago and have been working closely with them each day on orbit. On June 13, they helped astronauts Matt Dominick and Tracy Dyson suit-up and prepare for a planned spacewalk to remove a faulty electronics box […]

USOS Extravehicular Activity (EVA) #90: Today’s Radio Frequency Group (RFG) Retrieval 2.5 EVA was scrubbed. The Expedition 71 EVA series will now consist of two EVAs. The RFG Retrieval 2.5 EVA is now planned for June 24th and a second EVA is being targeted for July 2nd. Details for the July 2nd EVA are still …

Starliner crew supports on-orbit research while ISS crew prepares for spacewalk. NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who flew to the International Space Station on Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, spent June 12 focusing on lab maintenance and researching advanced biotechnology. Wilmore started his day checking cargo stowed in the Harmony module before replacing components in […]

Boeing CST-100 Crewed Flight Test (CFT): Today, the CFT crew completed various science and maintenance activities in support of the ISS. The crew performed a Node 2 Stowage Audit, an Expedite the Processing of Experiments to Space Station (ExPRESS) Logistics Carrier 1 (ELC-1) Shell Swap, a Waste and Hygiene Compartment (WHC) Urine Receptacle (UR) and …

Starliner crew continues station work and public engagements from space. Crew Flight Test (CFT) Commander Butch Wilmore and Pilot Suni Williams continued supporting International Space Station activities on June 11, having worked through all Starliner flight test objectives and operational capability checkouts with the exception of those associated with the next phase of flight. “Our […]

Boeing CST-100 Crewed Flight Test (CFT): Today, the CFT crew completed a handover with experienced crewmembers, familiarizing them with life and work on board the ISS. The CFT crew also assisted the ISS crew by preparing for tomorrow’s Genes in Space Molecular Operations and Sequencing (GiSMOS) experiment with a procedure review and On-board Training (OBT). …

Orbiting Earth as part of the nine-person crew of the International Space Station, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams continue testing Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft as part of its first flight with astronauts. The testing is part of the data collection on the Starliner system for certification by NASA for regular crewed mission to the […]

Starliner in quiescent state, crew performing station work and sharing their journey with the public. Starliner has entered a quiescent state and will remain in a minimal power mode until it’s time to fully power back up and undock from the International Space Station to bring NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams home. Meanwhile, […]

Boeing CST-100 Crewed Flight Test (CFT): Over the weekend, the CFT crew performed various Starliner vehicle tests and assessments, as well as emergency preparation. The crew performed a Safe Haven Test, a CFT Habitability Assessment, CFT Crew Suit and Seat Adjustments, Emergency Hardware Familiarization, and an Emergency Roles and Responsibilities Review.  Cygnus NG-20 ISS Reboost: …

Starliner post-docking activities winding down, crew turning attention to space station support NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams continue testing and evaluating the Starliner spacecraft while docked to the International Space Station, a stay that will be extended by a few days. Ahead of turning their attention to space station support, the crew worked […]

Starliner and Expedition crews work together to conduct flight test objectives and evaluate spacecraft capabilities. NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams continue to settle into the pace of the International Space Station (ISS) after flying Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, named Calypso, to the orbital complex. June 8 began with Boeing engineers and flight control teams […]

With Starliner Calypso docked to the International Space Station, flight test activities continue for the spacecraft, ground teams and crew on board. On June 7, one day after docking, Crew Flight Test (CFT) Commander Butch Wilmore and Pilot Suni Williams unloaded cargo, charged tablets and reviewed emergency procedures to prepare for the “safe haven” operational […]

Boeing CST-100 Crewed Flight Test (CFT): Today, the CFT crew completed various post-docking activities to unload CFT cargo and configure the Starliner vehicle for quiescent operations. The crew performed Cargo Transfer, Centerline Camera and Tablet Battery Charging, a Nitrogen/Oxygen Resupply System (NORS) Mount Fit Test, and an Emergency Equipment Transfer and Checkout. Payloads: Immunity Assay: …

Astronauts guide the Boeing spacecraft to orbital connection with the International Space Station A combination of sensors, automatic steering and the careful gaze of two astronauts worked together to make history Thursday, June 6, by guiding Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner to its first docking to the International Space Station (ISS) while carrying astronauts. Crew Flight Test (CFT) Commander […]

Boeing CST-100 Crewed Flight Test (CFT) Docking: Boeing Starliner Calypso successfully hard-docked to the ISS on Thursday, June 6th, at 12:56 PM CDT. The ISS crew welcomed aboard NASA astronauts Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Suni Williams. The ISS crew complement has officially increased from seven to nine. Payloads: Immunity Assay (IA): The crew gathered and …

Boeing CST-100 Crewed Flight Test (CFT) Launch: On Wednesday, June 5th, at 9:52 AM CDT, Boeing Starliner Calypso lifted off from Launch Complex-41 at Kennedy Space Center on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket. Boeing Starliner Calypso carries NASA astronauts Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Suni Williams to the ISS. CFT is expected to dock …

Payloads: Astrobee/AstroSee-2: The crew relocated stowed items out of the experiment area and assisted with the performance of an AstroSee session. AstroSee demonstrates technology for autonomous spacecraft docking using the Astrobee free-flying robot platform. More information on this investigation can be found here. Immunity Assay: The crew gathered the experiment hardware and set up the …

Boeing CST-100 CFT: NASA, Boeing, and ULA are targeting NET Wednesday, June 5th for the next CFT launch opportunity after Saturday’s launch scrub. Payloads: Earthshine: The crew reviewed the Big Picture Words and set up the hardware which will be used for an Earthshine science session. This investigation involves the thorough analysis of photos taken …

Payloads: Astrobee/Integrated System for Autonomous and Adaptive Caretaking-15 (ISAAC-15): The crew assisted with the Astrobee ISAAC mapping activities in the US Lab. These maps support vision-based navigation used by the Astrobee free-fliers. More information on ISAAC can be found here. Cardiobreath: The crew performed a Cardiobreath science session using the Bio-Monitor wearable garment and Cycle …

Payloads: Cardiobreath: The crew reviewed the Big Picture Words (BPW) to prepare for the science session starting Friday. Cardiobreath looks at biological feedback loops to gain insight into how microgravity affects astronauts’ cardiovascular and respiratory systems. More information on this experiment can be found here. Gambit: The Nanoracks Airlock (NRAL) External Payload Environment Monitor, otherwise known …

Payloads: Combustion Integrated Rack/Solid Fuel Ignition and Extinction (CIR/SoFIE): The crew gained access to the CIR, removed the SoFIE insert, and performed steps needed to replace the sample holder, install experiment samples, igniter tip, and igniter arm. The CIR/SoFIE team is currently discussing how to proceed with a failure of one of the four experiment …

Payloads: Combustion Integrated Rack/Solid Fuel Ignition and Extinction (CIR/SoFIE): The crew gathered hardware in preparation for the sample holder exchange, sample installation, and igniter tip and arm installation. These activities are currently planned for Wednesday and support the Material Ignition and Suppression Test (SoFIE-MIST) experiment. More information on SoFIE-MIST can be found here. Metal-3D: The …

Cygnus NG-20 ISS Reboost: Today, the Cygnus NG-20 vehicle performed two reboosts of the ISS, increasing the velocity by a total of 2.26 m/s. Due to the altitude of the ISS there are still small traces of atmosphere that slow down the ISS. These reboosts allow the ISS to maintain its orbit and set up …

Payloads: Environmental Health System (EHS) Exploration Potable Water Dispenser (xPWD): Visual analysis of Coliform detection bags was conducted after 44 hours of incubation. More information on this experiment can be found here. STEMonstration Earth Science Demonstration: An educational video was recorded explaining how the space station is used to observe the Earth and discuss how instruments and sensors …

Payloads: BioFabrication Facility (BFF): Media and Bio-Reactor bags were retrieved from cold stowage in preparation for future BFF operations. More information on this experiment can be found here. Gaucho Lung: Sample 2 was processed and four runs of oil wicking and pushback using the syringe pump were performed. More information on this experiment can be found here. …

Payloads: Environmental Health System (EHS) Exploration Potable Water Dispenser (xPWD): The crew collected a sample from the xPWD, then used the Total Organic Carbon Analyzer (TOCA) to analyze the sample.  More information on this experiment can be found here.  Solid Combustion Experiment Module (SCEM)/ Fundamental Research on International Standard of Fire Safety in Space (FLARE):  A new …

Payloads: AstroPi: Video was recorded of the Infrared (IR) Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Matrix display and the video was downlinked to the ground to evaluate the status of the unit. More information on this experiment can be found here.  Gaucho Lung: Sample 5 was processed and four runs of oil wicking and pushback using the syringe pump …

Payloads: Complement of Integrated Protocols for Human Exploration Research on Varying Mission Durations (CIPHER): Electroretinography (ERG) and Pneumatonometer (PTM) blood pressure measurements were completed. More information on the current experiment (CIPHER) can be found here.  Genes in Space Molecular Operations and Sequencing (GiSMOS): The MiniPCR Sequence was terminated and stowed, and samples were placed intoMinus Eighty-Degree …

Payloads: Genes in Space Molecular Operations and Sequencing (GiSMOS): A sample filter was retrieved from cold stowage, a sample was retrieved from the Water Processor Assembly (WPA) Waste Water Tank, and DNA was extracted from the water sample and processed using the MiniPCR Sequencer to identify bacteria and fungi properties. More information on this experiment can …

Payloads: Genes in Space Molecular Operations and Sequencing (GiSMOS): The Biomolecule Sequencer was checked out in preparation for future operations.More information on this experiment can be found here. Immunity Assay: Unused hardware was consolidated and trashed. More information on this experiment can be found here. Materials Science Laboratory (MSL SCA): Batch 3a #6 was exchanged into the …

Payloads: Cold Atom Lab (CAL): The crew performed day three of the multi-day effort to install the new Cold Atom Lab science module. Today’s activities involve installation of Module 4 into the science chamber. More information on the CAL facility can be found here. Solid Fuel Ignition and Extinction – Material Ignition and Suppression Test …

Payloads: Cold Atom Lab (CAL): The crew performed day two of the multi-day effort to replace the Cold Atom Lab science module. Today’s activities were primarily to inspect and clean the fiber tips on the 767 nm and 785 nm lasers. More information on the CAL facility can be found here.  Sleep in Orbit: The …

Payloads: Cold Atom Lab (CAL): The crew performed day one of the multi-day effort to replace the Cold Atom Lab science module. Today’s activities were primarily to inspect the fiber optic cables and ports. More information on the CAL facility can be found here. Exploration Potable Water Dispenser (xPWD): The crew replaced a suspect ADLink …

Payloads: EXPRESS Rack (ER) 9B: The crew rotated ER9B, gained access to the interior of the rack, and replaced a failed Ballard Box. ER9B is one of three basic EXPRESS Racks, which have been simplified to include only the most commonly required resources and feature more common connectors such as a standard Ethernet cable. The …

Payloads: Fluids Integrated Rack/Flow Boiling and Condensation Experiment (FIR/FBCE) – The crew searched for and located an FBCE Test Module power cable. This cable was removed last year, but not found in the FIR hardware returned to the ground on SpX-29. More information on the FIR facility can be found here. KEyence Research Microscope Testbed …

Boeing CST-100 CFT: NASA, Boeing, and ULA are targeting NET Friday, May 10 for the next CFT launch opportunity after yesterday’s launch scrub. More to come on the forward plan in the next day or so. Payloads: AstroPi: Following the conclusion of the science activities, today the crew removed the AstroPi from the Window Observational …

Payloads: B Complex: The crew consolidated their B Complex supplements and stowed them in their personal ISS medical accessories kit (IMAK). B Complex tests the use of supplements to help address Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS). More information on the B Complex investigation can be found here. Lumina: The crew power-cycled the Lumina hardware and transferred …

Crew-8 Port Relocation: Today, the Crew Dragon Endeavor was successfully relocated from Node 2 Forward to Node 2 Zenith. This relocation was completed in preparation for the arrival of the Boeing Starliner CFT mission, which is planned to launch on May 7th GMT and dock on May 8th GMT. Payloads: Metal-3D: The crew configured the …

Payloads: Astrobee/Zero Robotics: The crew cleared the experiment area and performed Zero Robotics Tech Demo session two. Tech demo sessions provide practice for the crew and validate key components of the Zero Robotics competition. More information on the Zero Robotics investigation can be found here. B Complex: The crew consolidated their B Complex supplements and …

Payloads: Astrobee – Zero Robotics: The crew reviewed the Astrobee procedures to prepare for a Zero Robotics technology demonstration session on Wednesday. Technology demonstration sessions provide practice for the crew and validate key components of the Zero Robotics competition, which will occur later. More information on the Zero Robotics investigation can be found here. Exploration …

Payloads: Genomic Enumeration of Antibiotic Resistance in Space (GEARS): Following the completion of the MinION Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) sequencing, today the crew powered off and stowed the hardware. More information on the GEARS investigation can be found here. Omics Archive: The crew collected various biological samples in support of the Omics Archive investigation. More information …

Payloads: Boeing Environment Responding Antimicrobial Coatings-2 (AC-2): Final surface swabs were performed and three placards were stowed for return. More information on this experiment can be found here. BioFabrication Facility (BFF): Three tissue cassettes were installed into the BFF Microgravity Experiment Research Locker Incubator (MERLIN) Insert Assembly and then the insert assembly was loaded into …

RS Extravehicular Activity (EVA) #62: Today, ISS CDR Oleg Kononenko (EV1) and FE-2 Nikolai Chub (EV2) performed RS EVA 62 with FE-17 Aleksandr Grebenkin providing IV operator support. The MRM2 hatch opened at 09:57 AM CDT. Today’s EVA lasted approximately 4 hours and 36 minutes and completed the following tasks: Fully deploy the second panel …

Payloads: In-Space Production Application – Pharmaceutical In-space Laboratory – 02 (InSPA-PIL-02): Sample cassettes were removed from Modules B and C and were prepared and stowed for return. A cassette from Module A was removed and installed into Module C. More information on this experiment can be found here. Cardiobreath BioMonitor:  The BioMonitor hardware and garment …

Payloads: Boeing Environment Responding Antimicrobial Coatings-2 (AC-2): Routine periodic touching was performed for experiment placards deployed in various locations throughout the ISS. More information on this experiment can be found here. BioFabrication Facility (BFF)-Cardiac: Sample cassettes were removed from the ADvanced Space Experiment Processor-1 (ADSEP-1) facility and media was exchanged. More information on this experiment …

Payloads: BioFabrication Facility (BFF)-Cardiac: A Media bag and a Bio-Reactor Bag were retrieved from the Minus Eighty Degree Laboratory Freezer for ISS-1 (MELFI-1). More information on this experiment can be found here. Human Brain Organoid Models for Neurodegenerative Disease & Drug Discovery (HBOND): Media was exchanged on two HBOND tissue habitats and the third habitat …

Payloads: Boeing Environment Responding Antimicrobial Coatings-2 (AC-2): Routine periodic touching was performed for experiment placards deployed in various locations throughout the ISS. More information on this experiment can be found here. Cerebral Autoregulation: The Cardiolab Portable Doppler (CDL PDOP) and Laptop were powered up and data measurements were taken. More information on this experiment (Cerebral …

Payloads: AstroPi: The 5mm camera lens was installed on the AstroPi Vis unit and the unit was relocated to the Window Observational Research Facility (WORF) location for Earth observations. More information on this experiment (AstroPi) can be found here. Cerebral Autoregulation: The Cardiolab Portable Doppler (CDL PDOP) and European Physiology Modules Facility Continuous Blood Pressure …

Payloads: ADvanced Space Experiment Processor In-Space Production Application – Pharmaceutical In-space Laboratory – 02(ADSEP PIL 02): The sample cassette (S/N 26275) was removed and a new cassette (S/N 26293) was installed. More information on this experiment (ADSEP-PIL-02)can be found here. Integrated System for Autonomous and Adaptive Caretaking (ISAAC): The crew setup the Astrobee flyers and …