What's Happening?
The Expedition 73 crew aboard the International Space Station (ISS) engaged in various activities, including exercise research and computer upgrades. NASA Flight Engineer Zena Cardman participated in the CIPHER suite of human research studies, focusing on exercise and cardiovascular health. The crew also conducted eye exams to study the effects of microgravity on vision. Additionally, Flight Engineer Kimiya Yui of JAXA worked on upgrading computer networking hardware to improve data transmission efficiency. Emergency gear was transferred to the SpaceX Dragon crew spacecraft as part of standard preparations. The crew continued unpacking supplies from a Progress resupply ship.
Why It's Important?
Research conducted on the ISS is crucial for understanding the effects of long-duration space missions on human health. The exercise studies help develop effective workout plans to counteract muscle and bone loss in microgravity, which is vital for future missions to Mars and beyond. The eye exams contribute to knowledge about potential vision issues astronauts may face during and after space missions. Upgrading computer systems ensures efficient data handling, which is essential for ongoing scientific research and operations aboard the ISS. These activities support NASA's goals of maintaining astronaut health and advancing space exploration capabilities.
