ISS expedition 8

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Mission emblem
Mission emblem Expedition 8
Mission dates
Mission: ISS expedition 8
Crew: 2
Rescue ships: Soyuz TMA-3
Space station: ISS
Start: October 20, 2003, 07:16  UTC
Started by: Coupling of Soyuz TMA-3
The End: April 29, 2004, 20:52 UTC
Ended by: Decoupling from Soyuz TMA-3
Duration: 192d 13h 36min
Number of EVAs : 1
Total length of the EVAs: 3h 55min
Team photo
(from left) Alexander Kaleri and Michael Foale
(from left) Alexander Kaleri and Michael Foale
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ISS Expedition 8 is the mission name for the eighth long-term crew of the International Space Station (ISS). The crew lived and worked on board the ISS from October 20, 2003 to April 29, 2004.

team

Substitute team

the later crew of the ISS expedition 12 :

Mission description

Experiments

The two experienced spacemen Foale and Kaleri formed the crew of the eighth ISS expedition. The main task was the maintenance and repair of the systems of the space station. In addition, a number of scientific experiments in the fields of earth exploration, medicine, biology, physics and space technology were supervised.

The Crew Earth Observation (CEO) experiment is about observing and documenting special formations and events on earth. These include u. a. large river deltas, coral reefs, flood plains, glaciers, mountains, impact craters, earth folds, ecologically sensitive areas, weather phenomena but also fires and disaster areas. These phenomena are recorded with both automatic ( Window Observational Research Facility WORF) and handheld cameras. The Exploration Research (ESTER) complex involves photographing short-lived phenomena on Earth and the effects of these events. These include, for example, cyclones or volcanic activities, but also plankton blooms. Diatomeja studies the geographic stability and configuration of bioproductive zones in the world's oceans. For this purpose, video images of these areas are automatically made with each flyover. As part of Earth Knowledge Acquired by Middle School Students (EarthKAM), pictures of different regions of the world are made through the large window in the Destiny module and transmitted to the earth. The camera is controlled by students in America, Europe or Asia. The evaluation of the geographically, geologically, ecologically or biologically significant recordings is also done independently. The camera is mounted in a special holder for these examinations. The aim of the Uragan experiment is to develop and test ground and space-based investigation methods for predicting natural or man-made disasters . Molnija SM examines the electrodynamic interactions between the earth's atmosphere, ionosphere and magnetosphere during thunderstorms or seismic activities.

As part of the Biopsy experiment , tissue is taken from the calf muscles of the space travelers before and after the flight. This allows muscle changes to be determined more precisely through a longer stay in weightlessness. With Cardio ODNT , the cardiac activity of space travelers is measured during exercise. Investigations into chromosomal aberrations in Blood Lymphocytes of Astronauts investigate the mutagenic influence of ionizing radiation on the chromosomes of the lymphocytes. For this purpose, comparisons of the lymphocytes before and after the space flight are made.

Interpersonal and cultural factors can affect effective collaboration within a crew. Therefore, filling out a special questionnaire every week as part of the Crew Interaction experiment is one of the duties of astronauts. These questionnaires were prepared by psychologists. Some questions also concern the interaction with the ground stations in the USA and Russia.

In Diurez it comes to the detection of the water-salt metabolism and its hormonal control and the regulation of blood volume in the gravity and the readaptation to gravity. The whole thing happens through the evaluation of blood and urine samples.

In the experiment Epstein-Barr virus reactivation reactivation is this normally harmless viruses in microgravity investigated. If the immune system is weakened, they can multiply more and lead to diseases. About 90% of all adults carry the Epstein-Barr virus in their bodies. The aim is to find out the mechanism of reactivation by taking blood and urine samples.

The Farma experiment deals with the efficiency of drugs in weightlessness . The uptake, distribution and breakdown of an active ingredient are examined with the help of saliva and blood samples.

The new experiment Foot / Ground Reaction Forces During Space Flight (FOOT) measures changes in bones and muscles in the lower part of the body and in the legs. During the day, the astronaut wears special pants (LEPS - Lower Extremity Monitoring Suit ) in which twenty carefully placed sensors are housed and a sensor bandage on one upper arm. The sensors measure the electrical muscle activity, flexion angles at the hips, knees and ankles as well as the pressure of the feet and transmit them to a memory via cables integrated into the suit (max. 14 hours). With the additional armband, comparisons in the load on arms and legs are made possible. Measurements are also taken of the strength of bones and muscles before and after spaceflight on Earth.

At Gematologija the mechanisms that cause changes in haematological blood values ​​are researched. Venous and capillary blood is taken and the condition of the cell membranes, the iron balance and the hemoglobin content of the blood are determined. The measured values ​​can give indications of anemia or changes in the lymphatic fluid.

In weightlessness the musculoskeletal system is hardly stressed. Results are muscle and bone loss. In addition, bodies move differently under microgravity , they do not fall down. Instead of the usual trajectory parabola, there is practically a straight trajectory. After a short time, the brain has adjusted to it. The hand posture analyzer (HPA), which is also new, is intended to research these adaptations in more detail. The apparatus includes a handle with a pressure dynamometer and a glove with sensors that measure finger and hand position and transmit it to a computer. The maximum pressure force of the hand can be measured with the handle. It is also provided that the astronauts hold a force of 25%, 50% and 75% of their maximum force several times for 24 seconds, with the test person receiving optical or tactile feedback. Grasping exercises are monitored with the sensor glove. It depends on speed and accuracy. The glove is also used to record the respondent's reactions when he records imaginary balls on a screen and throws them downwards. This is tested with and without gravity simulation and is a measure of hand-eye coordination as well as the speed of reaction and adaptation to the ambient conditions.

With Matrjoschka R , radiation is measured along the flight path of the International Space Station. The radiation values ​​are recorded in individual layers that are modeled on a body. The corresponding cylindrical device was delivered with Progress M1-11 in January 2004 and during an exit on 26/27. February 2004 to the outer skin of the module Zvezda installed.

In the Parodont experiment , the oral cavity is examined more closely. Among other things, the concentration of immunoglobulin , the proportions of pathogens and antibodies as well as the individual components of the microflora in the oral cavity are determined. For this purpose, saliva samples and tooth smears are taken and frozen.

The aim of the pilot experiment is to simulate a robot remote control using a laptop and joystick to determine the reliability of the actions of the space travelers depending on the current state of stress in different phases of a long-term flight. This should also be used to make predictions when particularly difficult issues can be tackled and when the space travelers need rest periods.

As part of the Profilaktika experiment , therapies against muscle and bone loss are tested in weightlessness. With Pulse , the autonomous regulation of the heart-lung system is examined in weightlessness. The medical experiment Renal Stone Risk focuses on studying the risk of developing kidney stones during long space flights. This was done by collecting urine samples from an astronaut while he was on a special diet. This makes it possible to analyze the effects of certain food ingredients on the metabolism. As part of the Sprut MBI medical examination , the amount and distribution of blood in the human organism is determined. Changes in the relationship between cellular (intracellular) and circulating blood (intercellular) are of particular interest.

Biodegradatsija aims to develop safety mechanisms against biological contamination of structural parts of the space station. The initial stages of the colonization of structural materials by microorganisms are examined. For this purpose, bio-samples are taken, photos are taken and the sensitivity of the organisms to various poisons is tested.

The aim of the Bioekologija experiment is to cultivate strains of bacteria that can decompose crude oil, pesticides or polysaccharides. Microorganisms, they are a natural part of our environment and often indispensable.

The researchers' interest in the Biorisk experiment is the influence of solar activity on modifications ( phenotype ) and mutations ( genotype ) as well as the development of resistance and aggressiveness. At the same time, the aim is to assess the extent to which useful bacteria remain viable after a longer stay in space.

The Brados experiment is used to precisely determine the actual radiation exposure of the crew. In addition to proven dosimeters, innovative systems are also used that use thermoluminescence, semiconductor materials, seeds of higher plants or bacteria (e.g. Yersinia ) as detectors. In addition to the radiation dose, the direct biological and genetic effects can also be determined.

The Cellular Biotechnology Operations Support System (CBOSS) complex analyzes the growth of different cell types. For this purpose, CBOSS had a sophisticated temperature control system, a system for freezing the finished samples, a system for regulating the gas supply and a container for holding up to 48 samples. In weightlessness, tissue grows unhindered in three dimensions even without special support structures. The investigations into the cell complexes are primarily intended to provide new insights into the growth of cancer cells. It is hoped, however, that it can also be used for functioning parts of organs. After a growth phase of varying length under ideal conditions, the samples can be chemically fixed or frozen individually. The exact analysis takes place on earth.

The Yeast Group Activation Packs are designed to examine the role of individual genes in yeast in response to weightlessness. Interleukin K aims to produce various biological substances. These are interleukin on the one hand, and an interleukin receptor antagonist on the other. Interleukins are the body's own messenger substances, which are produced naturally in lymphocytes and which regulate the human immune system. Since the 1980s, interleukins can also be produced artificially.

In the KAF experiment , genetically modified molecular complexes of the types Caf 1 and Caf 1M are produced with synthetic proteins. The best conditions under which biologically active substances such as cytokines (messenger substances of the immune system) and protective antigens can be artificially produced in weightlessness are researched.

The Meschchlednoje Vzamiodeistwije (Intercellular Interactions) experiment investigates the influence of microgravity on the nature of cell surfaces and on the interactions between lymphocytes in a cell culture (K-562). Mimetics K is used to develop a new class of drugs. Here, an antigen-binding fragment of a monoclonal antibody to glucosaminilmuramildipeptide is produced.

In the Rastenija 2 experiment, taller plants (e.g. lettuce plants) are grown in the LADA greenhouse (NASA picture top left). These could be important suppliers of vitamins in space. The influence of weightlessness on the growth and development of plants is 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 are also examined. In the Vakzina K experiment , protein precursors are produced that could be used against viral diseases, especially HIV .

Michael Foale photographs samples from BCAT-3 in the Destiny laboratory .

As part of the Binary Collodial Alloy Test (BCAT-3), the long-term behavior of colloids in weightlessness is examined. Since the sedimentation and convection processes caused by gravity are excluded here, the purely substance-related processes can be observed. For this purpose, images of the developing samples are regularly transmitted to Earth.

The viscosity of liquids in weightlessness, i.e. without the influence of gravity, is examined as part of Fluid Merging Viscosity Measurement (FMVM). In doing so, two drops of different liquids are allowed to run into each other after they have come into contact solely with the forces of adhesion, with the internal resistance of the substances concerned, including honey, glycerine and silicone oil, being measured.

Materials ISS Experiment (MISSE) comprises around 750 different materials whose resistance is tested under the harsh conditions of space. They are housed in boxes and should be changed at more or less regular intervals. These include ultra-light membranes, composites, ceramics, polymers, radiation shields, covers, switches, solar cells, sensors, foldable mirrors, optical glasses, seeds, plant parts and bacteria. On the outer side of the module Swesda also are detectors, through which the frequency and quality can be captured by micro meteorites with diameters of 10 to 60 micrometers. The aim of the Meteoroid experiment , to which these sensors belong, is to predict the expected erosion of the outer skin of the service module in the coming years. With the Japanese Micro Particles Capturer (MPC) natural micrometeorites and dust particles caused by space travel are collected. The supplementary Space Environment Exposure Device is attached to the Zvezda service module and exposes various materials to the environmental conditions of space. These materials include dyes, insulation materials, and solid lubricants, among others.

Crystals from the gas phase (spray) are drawn in the ESA's plasma crystal experiment . In the Microgravity Science Glovebox the experiment Pore Formation and Mobility Investigations (PFMI) performed. It deals with solidification processes. When metal melts solidify, small gas bubbles do not rise in weightlessness, but form pore-like material defects. The formation of such pores and their movement during the solidification process should be able to be observed through the use of a transparent and elastic material. The basic materials used are succinonitriles ( succinonitriles ) and water. 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. Several cylindrical sample containers are used, which enter the melting zone one after the other. A melting-solidification cycle takes several hours. The temperature and growth rate can be controlled from the earth. The progress of the experiment is transmitted by a video camera. The number and size of the bubbles as well as their movements and interactions are measured.

Different sample containers are used with Protein Crystal Growth - Single Thermal Enclosure System (PCG-STES). They usually contain 81 different chambers in which individual experiments with different proteins take place. The end product of the crystallization phase lasting several months are extremely large, pure and low-defect crystals, which are particularly suitable for analysis using neutron diffraction.

In the Viscose Liquid Foam - Bulk Metallic Glass (Foam-BMG) experiment , a gas is pumped into a molten metal. The melt is supercooled and at some point suddenly solidifies in a foamed form. Such a material, which is stronger than normal metals or ceramics, is called metallic glass. Research is being carried out into the conditions under which metallic glasses that are as large and regular as possible are created.

Investigations into the movement of liquids in capillaries with large and complex geometries are carried out in the context of the capillary flow experiment . Heat exchangers that work without pumps could be used in future spacecraft.

With the Global Time System , a method is being tested in which the time signals for synchronizing clocks come from the International Space Station. They are broadcast on frequencies in the range of 400 MHz and 1.5 GHz. Like many long-term studies , the experiment runs fully automatically.

In Identifikatsija it comes to the structural loads of the station when coupled maneuvers, course corrections, sports activities of crew members and extravehicular activities. For this purpose, acceleration values ​​are measured in different parts of the station with linear-optical and conventional systems. The quality of the microgravity on board depending on the current working mode is also examined in the Izgib experiment . MAMS and SAMS also belong to the same complex. With the Microgravity Acceleration Measurement System (MAMS), accelerations of the entire station are measured by coupling or drive phases. These events disrupt the microgravity within the station. However, these disturbances are low-frequency and short-term. In sensitive experiments e.g. B. for crystal formation they play a role. Growing crystals then show slight deviations from the ideal structure. The Space Acceleration Measurement System (SAMS) is housed in the Destiny laboratory module and is used to research the influence of on-board activities such as sports or engine firings on gravitation-sensitive experiments in different areas of the station. The five sensors used to measure microgravity are in the vicinity of ongoing experiments.

At Iskaschenije , magnetic interferences and their possible effects on the conduct of experiments as well as the orientation to the geomagnetic field are objects of investigation. With Kromka , particles are collected overboard that are detached from the engines of the Zvezda module. Their analysis should later lead to the construction of better drive systems. Platan is a detector unit with which the heavy nuclei (iron group) of galactic and solar particle radiation and their energy are measured. It will be installed on Zvezda and transported back to earth after one or two years. Chemical investigations can be used to determine the type of ions and the depth of impact in the 20 to 100 mm thick multi-layer foils as well as the shape of the microcraters to determine their energy. Platan M was developed for particles with energies between 30 and 200 MeV. The main goal is to record the flow and energy spectrum of the most strongly ionizing components of cosmic radiation during different phases of solar activity in order to be able to plan future protective devices.

Privijazka deals with changes in shape of the Russian part of the station. The experiment Relaksatsija is dedicated to the study of chemiluminescent reactions and atmospheric luminous phenomena as a result of the interaction of engine exhaust gases with the upper atmosphere . The examinations mainly take place in the UV range. The aim of the Scorpio experiment is to develop an improved system for recording environmental parameters. These include microgravity, electromagnetic fields, particle radiation and climatic conditions. For many experiments it is important to know the exact environmental conditions in order to be able to correctly evaluate the results achieved.

Synchronized Position Hold, Engage, Reorient Experimental Satellite , or SPHERES for short, is the name of a new, complex experiment in which small, autonomous “indoor” satellites, which are powered by carbon dioxide gas, coordinate with one another and carry out joint operations. First of all, individual components are tested within the station.

The focus of the Tenzor experiment is the testing of new techniques to determine the movement characteristics of the ISS more precisely. This includes moments of inertia, the air resistance of the growing station and the precise determination of its center of gravity.

With Toksichnost , a quick test for the quality of the drinking water on board the station is being developed and tested. The Biotoks-10K measuring device is part of the experiment. This can be used to determine the toxicity of water samples. This is done by means of a self-illuminating microbiological sensor. Variations in the light intensity allow conclusions to be drawn about contamination of the examined liquid. The research should ultimately lead to a device ready for series production.

In the context of vector T , the station's movement parameters are measured using GLONASS sensors. GLONASS is the Russian counterpart to the American Global Positioning System (GPS). The aim is to develop the most accurate possible prediction of the path changes due to the braking effect of the residual atmosphere.

activities

After working with Pedro Duque as part of the Cervantes program , the station routine began. In addition to scientific research, in particular with / on Hand Posture Analyzer, Renal Stone Risk, Crew Interactions, Capillary Flow Experiment, EarthKAM, Crew Earth Observation, Pilot, Binary Colloidal Alloy Test 3, SPHERES, Profilaktika, Foot / Ground Reaction Forces During Spaceflight, Pore ​​Formation and Mobility Investigation, Plasma Crystal Experiment 3, In Space Soldering Investigation, Rastenija 2, Group Activation Pack Yeast and other medical examinations, including an ultrasonic sensor in the Human Research Facility (Advanced Diagnostic Ultrasound in Microgravity) and the production of pure protein crystals physical training and a variety of maintenance work were on the program at various facilities. This included changing batteries, replacing smoke detectors, regular inspections of the station's outer shell with cameras on the station's manipulator arm, leak tests, and loading and unloading work.

At the beginning of January 2004 a slight loss of pressure was found in the station. Therefore, the crew moved for two days into the living module Zvezda (connected to Pirs , Progress M48 and TMA-3 Soyuz back). Sarja (with PMA-1 ), Unity (with Quest) and Destiny were isolated in this way. After it had been determined that the pressure loss had its cause in the Destiny laboratory module, the cause was quickly found. An elastic connection between the two panes of the module's large optical window was damaged. After a temporary repair, a replacement part was delivered at the end of January with the Progress M1-11 and installed at the beginning of March. At the same time there were also some problems with the electron oxygen extraction system in the Zvezda module. During the long-term troubleshooting, oxygen was used from the Progress freighters as well as from solid capsules (13 Solid Fuel Oxygen Generation Canisters of more than 100 were used). In the end, they changed larger units and got the system up and running again. In February the repair of the gyro stabilization system of the treadmill (Treatmill Isolation and Stabilization TVIS) succeeded by replacing a defective ball bearing on the gyroscope.

During an exit on 26./27. In February 2004 Kaleri and Foale dismantled a container from a Russian material experiment on Pirs, changed two sample pallets at the Japanese MPAC / SEED and installed the Matryoshka R radiation measurement experiment on the outside of Zvezda. The five and a half hour exit was shortened to three hours and 55 minutes because of problems with the cooling system in Kaleri's suit. After getting out of the car, Michael Foale found out that only one line in this cooling system was kinked and that the coolant could no longer circulate properly. However, this meant that the planned relocation of several exhaust reflectors was no longer necessary. But they only interfere when the European ATV supply vehicle docks at the rear of the station.

Many press conferences were held during the mission, including honoring the Wright brothers' first powered flight . In addition, the space travelers spoke several times with students from American schools and made short educational films about movements in weightlessness. After the successor crew docked, Foale and Kaleri took part in their research program to a small extent. A small helium leak in the Soyuz TMA-3 propulsion system was not a real problem when it landed on April 30, 2004.

See also

Web links

Commons : Expedition 8  - album with pictures, videos and audio files