ISS expedition 5

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Mission emblem
Mission emblem Expedition 5
Mission dates
Mission: ISS expedition 5
Crew: 3
Rescue ships: Soyuz TM-34 , Soyuz TMA-1
Space station: ISS
Start: June 7, 2002, 16:25  UTC
Started by: Coupling of STS-111
The End: December 2, 2002, 20:50 UTC
Ended by: Decoupling from STS-113
Duration: 178d 4h 25min
Number of EVAs : 2
Total length of the EVAs: 9h 44m
Team photo
(from left) Valeri Korsun, Peggy Whitson and Sergei Treschtschow
(from left) Valeri Korsun, Peggy Whitson and Sergei Treschtschow
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ISS Expedition 5 is the mission name for the fifth long-term crew of the International Space Station (ISS). The crew lived and worked on board the ISS from June 7th to December 2nd, 2002.

team

Substitute team

Mission description

The fifth long-term crew of the ISS arrived at the new workplace on June 7th and officially took over office three days later. The first few days were busy with unloading the cargo, installing new experiments and supporting the spacecraft work of the two Endeavor astronauts. Whitson and Korsun temporarily operated the control of the station manipulator. The more than 60 experiments in the fields of biology, medicine, physics, technology, radiation research and earth exploration of the 130-day mission included some new investigations.

Peggy Whitson at the Microgravity Science Glovebox

With the Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG), demanding research on biotechnology, combustion processes, fluid physics, basic physics or materials science is possible. The “glove box” is a sealed container with a large front glass pane and four entrances via special gloves. It has its own power supply, data and coolant lines and video surveillance. Melting furnaces and other equipment can also be accommodated inside. The MSG is twice as large as all previous devices of this type and is to be used for ten years. With their help, the experimenters can work in a vacuum, with dangerous biological or chemical substances, with particles, gases, liquids, steam, smoke or open flames without polluting or endangering the living space in the station. The first two experiments in the glovebox were physical in nature. In Solidification Using a baffle in Sealed Ampoules (SUBSA) was a semiconductor crystal from indium -Antimonid prepared with the inclusion of tellurium and zinc was provided. There was also a melting furnace in the box, which heated the mixture up to approx. 810 ° C. With slow solidification (growth rate 5.4 mm / h) the crystal grows in one direction. The arrangement of the tellurium and zinc particles provides information about the movements within the melt. The aim of the experiment is to improve the models we have of crystal formation. So far, several effects that lead to irregularities in the crystal structure have overlapped, even in weightlessness. Since a transparent melting furnace was used for the first time, it was possible to observe the crystallization directly and react to disturbances. A disk-shaped surface in the melt should also dampen the influence of the small movements within the station. So that the semiconductor material could not come into contact with the wall of the melting ampoule, it had a special shape. In addition, the melt floated in an insulating, chemically inactive liquid. This also minimized adhesion forces and the effects inherent in the actual crystallization process became apparent. Of the 10 samples that Peggy Whitson loaded into the furnace, 8 were successful. One of the ampoules broke. After carefully collecting the broken glass, the test series could be continued. The second glovebox experiment was called Pore ​​Formation and Mobility Investigations (PFMI) and also dealt with solidification processes. When metal melts solidify, small gas bubbles do not rise in weightlessness, but form pore-like material defects. The creation of such pores and their movement during the solidification process should be able to be observed for the first time through the use of a transparent and elastic material. For this reason, succinonitrile and water are used as the base material. On earth, material defects also occur through microscopic bubbles. This can cause major damage, for example if a turbine blade in an aircraft engine breaks. The 15 sample containers when the experiment was first used were cylindrical with a diameter of 1 cm and a length of about 20 cm. A melt-solidify cycle lasted approximately seven hours. The temperature and growth rate could be controlled from the earth. The progress of the experiment was transmitted by a video camera. The number and size of the bubbles as well as the movements and interactions between the bubbles were measured.

New medical-biological studies dealt with the function of liver cells in microgravity ( StelSys experiment ), the growth and development of various plants (PGBA / CGBA, ADVASC, Rastenija 2), the prevention of negative effects of a long stay in weightlessness (Biopsy, Midodrine , Mobility, Epstein-Barr) , the encapsulation of drugs in microcapsules (MEPS), modification and mutation of microorganisms under the influence of weightlessness and cosmic radiation (Biorisk) as well as changes in the regulation of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems during long space flights ( Pulse) .

In the StelSys experiment (company name), liver cells were kept in weightlessness. Their ability to convert complex and often toxic substances into simpler, water-soluble substances was investigated. The experimental set-up was located in the CBOSS module (Cellular Biotechnology Operations Support System) , temperature control was ensured by the Commercial Refrigerator Incubator Module (CRIM). Samples from the cell culture were regularly taken, frozen and stored in an ARCTIC freezer at −12 ° C. ARCTIC can hold samples with a total mass of 10.43 kg and a maximum volume of 18.97 liters.

In Plant Growth Bioprocessing Apparatus (PGBA) plants of the genus were thale cress (Arabidopsis thaliana) grown. The genome of this genus has been very well known for several years, so that hereditary changes can easily be identified. In weightlessness, the plants need less lignin, which is used to build up the cell walls on earth. Without gravity, these support structures don't have to be so pronounced. Instead, the plant changes its metabolism and can thereby produce other substances that are commercially or medicinally useful for humans. The researchers examined what happens at the genetic level during this change. Later one wants to use this knowledge to influence plants on earth in this direction. Certain medicinal substances are already being produced in genetically modified plants. Samples taken in the meantime were frozen in the Commercial Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus (CGBA).

Soybean plants in the Advanced Astroculture mini greenhouse

As part of the research in the ADVanced AStroCulture (ADVASC) complex , soybeans were grown from sowing to harvesting new seeds. The seeds were then examined for changes in their chemical composition. At the same time, the equipment should prove its suitability for growing other crops.

Waleri Korsun checks the plant growth in the Lada greenhouse

In the Rastenija 2 experiment , lettuce plants were grown in the LADA greenhouse. Lettuce could be an important supplier of vitamins in space. Here, too, the influence of weightlessness on the growth and development of plants was of interest. The functionality of the greenhouse, the resistance and the adaptation to the extraordinary conditions in space (microgravity, radiation) and the ethylene concentration in the Russian segment of the ISS were also examined.

As part of the Biopsy experiment , tissue was removed from the calf muscles of the space travelers before and after the flight. This allows the effects of a stay in weightlessness to be examined particularly precisely.

Midodrine is a new drug that is said to be used by space travelers to prevent loss of the venous-arterial reflex. On earth, this reflex causes small blood vessels to briefly contract so that total blood pressure is maintained in the body. If this reflex is lost, the person in question may go black when standing up. This so-called orthostatic hypotension can lead to fainting. After their return, astronauts often experience difficulty walking because the brain first has to get used to moving under the influence of gravity.

At Mobility , tests were carried out to find out how physical training should be designed during space flight in order to make it easier to readjust to gravity. Most of the work was done with the treadmill. When this failed due to a defect, however, other training equipment was used.

About 90% of all adults carry the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in their body. It usually stays inactive. In weightlessness, however, it often reactivates and can lead to impairments. The aim is to find out the mechanism of this reactivation via blood and urine samples.

Stubborn infections and especially tumors are mostly localized diseases. The use of drugs should therefore be local and long-term in doses. For this purpose, microscopic capsules are used today that contain an active ingredient and slowly release it. The capsules themselves disintegrate after a certain time. If you produce them in space, they get an ideally round shape. This happened in the Microencapsulation Electrostatic Processing System (MEPS). Two drugs were even enclosed in multilayer microcapsules. In addition, experiments were carried out with the inclusion of magnetic particles, whereby the capsules in the human body can be deliberately made to burst using an external magnetic field. The drugs are concentrated in a certain body region in a high dose, while they do not burden the rest of the body. Since this experiment was to be influenced as little as possible by the movements of the astronauts in the station, it was housed in Express Rack 3 on a vibration-damping ARIS platform. In several series of experiments, anti-cancer drugs (oxygen radicals) were encapsulated. These can be set free on earth using infrared radiation, strong magnetic fields or electrostatic fields. In a further experiment, genetic material from genetically modified bacteria ( Escherichia coli ) was used.

Biorisk had the influence of space on the viability of bacteria and fungi as a subject of study. On the one hand, bacterial and fungal colonies accumulate in inaccessible places and can cause long-term material damage there. On the other hand, they are a natural part of our environment and often indispensable. The researchers were interested in the influence of solar activity on modifications and mutations as well as the development of resistance and aggressiveness. At the same time, however, it should also be assessed to what extent useful bacteria remain viable after a longer stay in space.

At Pulse , the autonomous regulation of the cardiorespiratory system during longer stays in weightlessness was researched. For this purpose, ECG , sphygmogram (pulse rate), pneumotachogram (breathing rate), pump volume and tidal volume were recorded.

Another new experiment was used to test the multifunctional device complex Scorpio for the automatic recording of the most important environmental parameters in the station. These include acceleration values, electromagnetic fields, radiation values ​​and climatic conditions (temperature, air pressure, air composition, air humidity).

The Platan experiment was also installed outboard . The apparatus was in use for about a year and recorded slow iron cores of solar or galactic origin with energies of 30 to 200 MeV as well as microparticles in the vicinity of the station.

Of course, a large number of ongoing experiments were continued. This included examining changes in lung function (Pulmonary Functions in Flight) , completing questionnaires on cooperation within the crew and with the ground crew (Crew Interaction) , observing natural and man-made phenomena on Earth and in the Earth's atmosphere (Crew Earth Observation, Uragan, Molnija SM) , the measurement of radiation exposure inside and outside the station (EVA Radiation Monitoring, BraDoz) , the recording of minimal accelerations caused by movements of space travelers, orbit maneuvers or couplings (MAMS, SAMS, Izgib) , Studies on the increased risk of kidney stones (Renal Stone Risk) and on muscle and bone loss during long-term stays in space (Bone Loss, Profilaktika, MION, Isokinez, Tendometrija) , Effects of weightlessness on the venous-arterial reflex (Xenon 1) , the analysis of engine exhaust gases and the dynamics of particles in the engine nozzles (Relaksatsija, Kromka) , the determination of the volume of intra- and intercellular body fluids (Sprut MBI) , the investigation of changes in the oral cavity that are significant to health (Paradont) , the checking of the efficiency of drugs (Farma) , the recording of changes in cardiac activity during exercise (Cardio-ODNT) , the elaboration of predictions for radiation exposure (Prognoz) , the documentation of bioproductive zones of the oceans (Diatomeja) , the estimation of the expected erosion of the outer skin of the station (meteoroid) , the measurement of the different orbit parameters of the station (Tenzor, Vector T) , the determination of long-term changes in shape of the station (Priviazka) , the measurement of magnetic interferences within the station and its influence on ongoing experiments (Iskazhenije) , the behavior of particle clouds in thin plasmas (Plasma Crystal Experiment) , the testing of a commercial, global time system (Global Time System) , the Production of a variety of very pure Protein and zeolite crystals (Protein Crystal Growth-Single Thermal Enclosure System DCAM / PCAM, Zeolite Crystal Growth) or the registration of particle impacts and their effects on various test materials (HPAC, SEED) .

Peggy Whitson is working on the PCG-STES experiment

The Expedition 5 crew didn't have much time to get used to it. Maintenance work was carried out, materials unpacked and the first experiments activated. A series of experiments on protein crystallization began on June 9th (PCG-STES), the growth of soy plants in ADVASC on June 11th and the experiments with liver cells on June 18th (StelSys). For this purpose, after thawing, the cells were placed in a nutrient solution and placed in an incubator. This is located in the Biotechnology Specimen Temperature Controller (BSTC). It was here that cultures began to multiply at a controlled temperature. After two hours, the samples were taken, preserved, photographed and placed in a freezer. After cleaning the growth chamber with carbon dioxide, the next sample was prepared. Each new sample was allowed to grow for a longer period of time (6, 24 and 48 hours). The experiment was already over after four days.

On June 24th, the Express-Rack 2 with the Zeolite Crystal Growth Experiment was reactivated after replacing a hard drive in the control computer. Zeolites are honeycomb-shaped crystals that enclose liquids or gases inside, which they release when heated or when the pressure is reduced. Zeolites produced in weightlessness are larger and purer than earthly ones. In order to keep the influence of disturbances as low as possible, the melting furnace is mounted on a vibration-damped ARIS platform. The first series of tests lasted 15 days.

The program also included research on the interaction of crew members, pulmonary function tests (PuFF), daily fitness training for space travelers with expanders, on the ergometer or the treadmill as well as the observation and documentation of natural and man-made phenomena on earth (Crew Earth Observation). Observation targets included vegetation zones in Somalia, the Amazon Delta, reefs and lagoons of the Tuamotu Archipelago, air quality over Italy, Andean glaciers, icebergs in the St. Lawrence River and large fires in Arizona and Colorado.

On June 25, the unmanned transport spaceship Progress -M1 8, loaded with waste, was decoupled from the station. One day later, the next freighter, the Progress-M 46, took off and docked at the stern of the station on June 29. With it 2.3 tons of freight were delivered. Of this, 825 kg are fuel, 50 kg are oxygen and 1,455 kg are supplies, equipment and experimental materials.

Another important part of the program was a complete functional test of the manipulator system and the mobile base. The manipulator was connected to all four supply points of the mobile platform one after the other and a test program was carried out. In addition, Korsun and Whitson repeatedly rehearsed the sequence of movements for assembling the second element of the main lattice structure ( Integrated Truss Structure ), which arrived at the station in October with the space shuttle Atlantis .

Repair work concerned the data recorder MCOR (electronics changed), a smoke sensor in Destiny (replaced), a battery charger in the Quest exit module (replaced) and the carbon dioxide absorber system in the US laboratory module. First, an absorber bed was changed here. When this did not have the desired effect, a search was made for a leak in the supply lines. Peggy Whitson was able to track it down and seal it on September 16. The defect in one of the two absorbers in Destiny was discovered shortly after the laboratory module was launched in February 2001. An identical second device and an absorber in the Russian service module ensured that the carbon dioxide concentration always remained within the normal range. Not successful, however, an attempt automatic unit when oxygen generator ELECTRON in the service module was Zvezda to reactivate. So the manually controlled unit was installed again.

In addition to overseeing the experiments, repairs and two hours of exercise a day, the space travelers also carried out regular maintenance work. This included charging batteries (measuring devices, spacesuits) and replacing an energy distribution unit in the laboratory module. In addition, several emergency exercises were carried out. Thereby the behavior in medical emergencies as well as in technical problems up to fire or decompression was trained. For the first time, ultrasound images of Peggy Whitson's body were also transmitted to a team of doctors on Earth for diagnostic purposes.

Pulmonary function tests were carried out regularly in preparation for the two exits. During outboard maneuvers, the astronauts breathe a different mixture of air at reduced pressure (Russian spacesuits: approx. 390 hPa, American spacesuits: approx. 300 hPa). It is not yet known whether permanent damage will occur. For this reason, lung function tests are now also carried out for long-term stays in weightlessness, especially shortly before and after extraboard activities. Korsun and Whitson made the first exit on August 16 (4:25 h). They installed six protective shields against engine exhaust gases and dust particles on the Zvezda module. On August 26, Korsun and Treschchow worked in space for 5 hours and 21 minutes. They exchanged part of a Japanese material experiment (HPAC / SEED), installed another Russian material experiment (PLATAN), attached several brackets and installed two additional antennas for an amateur radio system. Both exits were made from the Russian docking module Pirs .

On September 24, the unmanned transport spaceship Progress-M 46 decoupled from the stern of the station and a little later burned up in dense layers of the earth's atmosphere. It had previously been used several times to raise the station's runway by a total of about ten kilometers. The next freighter, Progress-M1 9, took off one day later and docked automatically on September 29th. With it came 2.6 tons of fuel, food, equipment and experiments to the station. On October 2, due to the hurricane Lili, not only was the start of the space shuttle Atlantis postponed, but the control center in Houston was also shut down for almost two days. NASA's most important operations during this period were directed from a "backup" control center near Moscow . To be on the safe side, the station's large solar panels were anchored in a fixed position. As a result, the full amount of energy could no longer be made available, which is why several devices were switched off. After a successful reactivation, the Atlantis started for the station on October 7th. With her came supplies, experimental materials, and equipment. In addition, the second element of the central lattice structure was installed at the station on October 10th. During three exits, power, data and coolant lines were installed, an additional antenna was installed and a handcart was made ready for use. The treadmill ergometer in the Zvezda module was also repaired. The Atlantis disconnected from the ISS on October 17 and returned to Earth. Further material science and medical experiments were then carried out. They related to the growth of zeolite crystals, investigations into the formation and distribution of cavities when various transparent materials solidify, as well as lung function tests and psychological research. Interesting phenomena on earth were also observed and photographed.

On November 1, the Soyuz TMA-1 spacecraft, launched two days earlier, docked with the station at the Pirs module. During the almost nine-day flight together, the program mainly focused on scientific experiments. Investigations into the noise pollution within the station, the water-salt balance of the human body and its hormonal control, optical phenomena in the atmosphere, the development of safety concepts, the prediction of disasters on earth, the mapping of biologically productive areas of the Oceans, the effects of weightlessness on the activity of a vitamin, functional changes in the energy metabolism of humans, the effects of heavy particle radiation on living tissue, the influence of space on the mobility and genetic material of bacteria, the growth of protein crystals, changes in the human cardiovascular system in weightlessness, on the interplay of optical and movement stimuli on the spatial orientation of people, on changes in nerve activity, on the frequency of reactivation of latent viruses, on the effects of space flights on sleep, on movements within tem temperature-constant mixtures of two or three different material components, for the self-organization of nanostructures from zeolite crystals, for the connection and movement of nanoparticles and for the running of combustion processes. Finally, an ARIS vibration damping system was installed in Express Rack 3.

Until the arrival of the Endeavor on November 26th, the docking of the third lattice structure element P1 was trained with the station manipulator , preparations were made for the outboard work of two shuttle astronauts, maintenance work was carried out and materials were prepared for the return transport to Earth.

Space operations

The fifth ISS expedition carried out a total of two spacecraft missions during the mission. In total, the team was outside the station for nine hours and 46 minutes.

See also

Web links

Commons : ISS Expedition 5  - Collection of images, videos and audio files