The BRICS TimesAstronauts research bone loss, brain changes, spacesuit safety, and eye health while preparing for an upcoming Cygnus cargo delivery.
Research on Bone and Brain Health in Orbit
The Expedition 73 crew of the International Space Station (ISS) has been busy this week conducting experiments designed to safeguard astronaut health during long stays in space. NASA astronaut Jonny Kim focused on bone stem cells to better understand the molecular processes behind bone loss in microgravity. At the same time, Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Platonov used virtual reality tools to study how the human brain adjusts to weightlessness.
Alongside these studies, the crew performed safety checks on spacesuits, carried out ultrasound scans of their eyes, and captured photographs of Earth’s surface. These activities are intended to improve the safety and sustainability of future human space missions.
Guarding Astronaut Health Through Science
NASA highlights that bone loss occurs more quickly in microgravity than it does during natural ageing on Earth. To explore ways of reducing this risk, Kim cultivated bone stem cell samples inside the Kibo lab’s Life Science Glovebox. His research could also provide insights into new treatments for bone-related illnesses back on Earth.
Meanwhile, Platonov’s investigation into how microgravity affects balance and spatial awareness could aid in preparing astronauts for future long-duration missions.
Preparing for Upcoming Missions
NASA astronaut Zena Cardman tested spacesuit jetpacks in the Quest airlock, designed as a safety measure to help astronauts return to the station if untethered during a spacewalk. She also worked with carbon dioxide canisters before joining astronauts Mike Fincke and Kimiya Yui for real-time ultrasound eye scans, guided by medical teams on Earth to track changes in the optic nerve, cornea, and lens.
Elsewhere on the station, Commander Sergey Ryzhikov performed maintenance on the Zvezda module’s ventilation system and took remote photos of Australia and South America. Cosmonaut Alexey Zubritsky unloaded navigation equipment from the Progress 92 cargo ship before teaming up with Platonov to record an educational video demonstrating motion experiments in space.
