What is the story about?
What's Happening?
The International Space Station (ISS) is preparing for the arrival of two resupply spacecraft following the departure of the Progress 91 cargo craft. The Progress 93 cargo craft, packed with 2.8 tons of cargo, is set to launch from Kazakhstan and dock at the ISS's Zvezda service module. Shortly after, Northrop Grumman's Cygnus XL cargo craft will launch from Florida, carrying over 11,000 pounds of new science and supplies. NASA astronauts Jonny Kim and Zena Cardman are training to capture Cygnus XL using the Canadarm2 robotic arm. The arrival of these spacecraft will support ongoing research and operations aboard the ISS.
Why It's Important?
The resupply missions are crucial for maintaining the ISS's operations and supporting scientific research. The cargo includes essential supplies and new scientific equipment, enabling continued research on microgravity's effects on human physiology and other experiments. The missions also demonstrate international collaboration in space exploration, with contributions from Roscosmos and Northrop Grumman. The successful docking and integration of these spacecraft are vital for the ISS's long-term mission objectives and the preparation of future space missions.
What's Next?
Following the arrival of the resupply spacecraft, the ISS crew will focus on deploying new scientific equipment and conducting experiments. The research will include studies on balance and orientation in microgravity, which are essential for training future space crews. The successful integration of the cargo will enhance the ISS's capabilities and support ongoing international collaboration in space exploration.
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