Photo credit: www.nasa.gov
NASA and SpaceX are set to launch a vital mission aimed at resupplying the International Space Station (ISS) on Monday, April 21, with liftoff scheduled for no earlier than 4:15 a.m. EDT. The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, packed with approximately 6,700 pounds of scientific apparatus, equipment, and supplies, will ascend aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
This mission marks the 32nd commercial resupply operation conducted by SpaceX for NASA and is the 12th of the missions executed under the Commercial Resupply Services-2 (CRS-2) contract. Previous missions were under the initial resupply service agreement.
NASA will start live broadcasting the launch at 3:55 a.m. on NASA+, offering viewers various methods to access NASA content.
Expected to dock with the ISS at roughly 8:20 a.m. on Tuesday, April 22, the SpaceX Dragon will approach autonomously to the zenith port of the Harmony module. Live coverage of the docking procedure will commence at 6:45 a.m. on NASA+. NASA astronaut Jonny Kim, who commands Expedition 73, along with JAXA astronaut Takuya Onishi, will oversee the spacecraft’s docking, after which it will remain attached to the ISS for around a month before returning to Earth with critical scientific samples and equipment.
One of the payloads on this mission is the Smartphone Video Guidance Sensor-2 (SVGS-2), which utilizes the ISS’s Astrobee robots to showcase a NASA-developed vision-based sensor intended for the coordinated flight of multiple small satellites. This investigation follows a successful in-space demonstration and aims to enhance maneuverability of robotic systems, integrating this progress into future spacecraft operations.
The implications of this technology could vastly improve guidance, navigation, and control systems used for docking crewed spacecraft in orbit, as well as remote operation of multiple robotic systems on the Moon or Mars.
Another significant investigation underway is the Aerosol Monitors examination, which assesses three different air quality monitors to identify the most effective model in safeguarding astronaut health and ensuring successful missions. This research also includes testing a device designed to reliably differentiate between smoke and dust particles, reducing the frequency of false smoke alarms that can lead to unnecessary crew interventions.
Furthermore, the Industrial Crystallization Cassette (ADSEP-ICC) expands the protein crystallization capacity aboard the ISS, enabling the analysis of more sample types, including gold particles used in cancer detection and drug delivery systems. The unique environment of microgravity allows for enhanced production of larger, more uniform gold particles, which benefits ongoing research and health-related applications.
The DNA Nano Therapeutics-Mission 2 focuses on creating specialized molecules derived from DNA-like Janus base nanomaterials. This research will evaluate their potential in alleviating joint inflammation and aiding cartilage regeneration for individuals suffering from arthritis. These nanomaterials possess lower toxicity and improved compatibility with biological tissues compared to existing drug delivery methods, and developing them in microgravity could streamline their production and enhance their efficacy in medical treatments.
Another innovative study, Rhodium USAFA NIGHT, investigates how tomato plants adapt to microgravity and explores whether substituting carbon dioxide can reduce reliance on photosynthesis. This alternative may significantly lower energy consumption onboard spacecraft. The research also investigates nutrient supplements that could enhance plant growth in space, an idea stemming from promising pre-flight results on Earth.
In addition, ESA (European Space Agency) is conducting an experiment named Atomic Clock Ensemble in Space (ACES), aimed at advancing scientific understanding in fundamental physics, including elements of Einstein’s relativity, using state-of-the-art atomic clocks in microgravity. Findings from this research could contribute to multiple scientific fields, from precision measurements to dark matter research.
Launch specifics include:
Catalytic Reactor – This essential unit oxidizes volatile organic compounds from wastewater, allowing for effective removal through the station’s water recycling systems. A previous failure in orbit necessitates its return for analysis and refurbishment; the new unit will serve as a backup.
Food Reach Tool Assembly – This hand-held tool allows crew members to reach into the food warmer without exposure, replacing an existing tool aboard the ISS.
Reducer Cylinder Assembly – Two of these emergency oxygen units, which supply 15 minutes of oxygen when needed, will be launched as spares.
Thermal Expansion Device – Designed to accommodate thermal expansion in water systems onboard, this device is being sent as a necessary spare part.
Return items include:
Urine Processor Assembly Pressure Control and Pump Assembly – This component facilitates the removal of gas and water vapor within the urine processing subsystem and is being returned for refurbishment to enhance environmental control systems.
Assembly Contingency Transmitter Receiver Assembly – This S-Band Radio Frequency part contains critical electronics for station communications. It will return for repair after being retrieved during a previous spacewalk.
High Gain Antenna Feed Assembly – This assembly, crucial for signal transmission, will be sent back for refurbishment.
Low Gain Antenna Sub-Assembly – Similar in purpose to the High Gain unit, this assembly will also return for maintenance.
Planar Reflector Assembly – This component, used for laser reflection to interpret signal measurements, is being returned after repairs were conducted by astronaut Suni Williams during an earlier spacewalk.
Multifiltration Bed – This spare will support ongoing efforts to enhance water quality, being sent back for refurbishment and future missions.
Live coverage of the launch from NASA Kennedy Space Center is set for 3:55 a.m. on NASA+.
For further details about the mission, please visit: https://www.nasa.gov/mission/nasas-spacex-crs-32/
Source
www.nasa.gov