Plant Gravity Perception (PGP): Today the crew replaced four of the European Modular Cultivation System (EMCS) Experiment Containers (ECs) for the next Plant Gravity Perception experiment run. Two of the ECs powered up and remained powered. For this investigation, normal and mutated forms of thale cress, a model research plant, are germinated to support the study of the plants’ gravity and light perception. Results provide insight into the plants’ adaptation to a microgravity environment and supports efforts to grow plants for food on future space missions.

Veg-03: The crew watered the Veg-03 lettuce plants and harvested select leaves for consumption. The plants were then left to grow and sprout new leaves. Veg-03 supports the proof-of concept for the Veggie plant growth chamber and the planting pillows. Future long duration space missions will require a fresh food supply grown in space to supplement crew diets.

Advanced Combustion via Microgravity Experiments (ACME) Electric-Field Effects on Laminar Diffusion (E-Field) Flames: In preparation for the upcoming ACME E-Field Flames investigation the crew installed the ACME Mesh and replace a ACME controller today. The ACME investigation is a set of five independent studies of gaseous flames to be conducted in the Combustion Integrated Rack (CIR). ACME’s primary goal is to improve fuel efficiency and reduce pollutant production in practical combustion on Earth. For E-Field Flames an electric field with voltages as high as 10,000 volts is established between the burner and a mesh electrode. The motion of the charged ions, which are naturally produced within the flame, are strongly affected by a high-voltage electric field. The resulting ion-driven wind can dramatically influence the stability and sooting behavior of the flame. Conducting the tests in microgravity allows for great simplifications in the analysis, enabling new understanding and the development of less polluting and more efficient combustion technology for use on Earth.

Microgravity Measurement Apparatus (MMA) Network Control Unit (NCU): As part of troubleshooting for an issue that occurred on October 31, 2017 with the MMA that supports operations of the Ryutai rack in the JEM, the crew replaced the MMC NCU.

Earth Imagery from ISS Target (EIISS): The crew captured images today of the area from Southern California to the Baja Peninsula and China at night. EIISS captures a series of videos showcasing targets around the world as seen from the ISS. These videos will be integrated into a product for later release.

Lighting Effects: The crew obtained light meter readings in Node 2 and the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM). The Lighting Effects investigation studies the impact of the change from fluorescent light bulbs to solid-state light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with adjustable intensity and color and aims to determine if the new lights can improve crew circadian rhythms, sleep, and cognitive performance.

Columbus Smoke Detector Inspection and Cleaning: The crew cleaned the Columbus Cabin Smoke Detector using a Connector Cleaner Tool Kit and N2 Cartridge to supply bursts of N2 to remove particles. This maintenance is required to keep the Smoke Detectors working properly and preventing inadvertent alarms.

Waste and Hygiene Compartment (WHC) Urine Receptacle Remove and Replace (R&R): Today the crew removed and replaced the WHC Urine Receptacle and Insert Filter. After replacement, a functionality test of the WHC was performed and the WHC was declared operational.

Max Cycle Ergometer with Vibration Isolation and Stabilization (CEVIS) Test: Max CEVIS is a new medical test which replaces a long standing Periodic Fitness Evaluation (PFE) and has been part of an ongoing research study (SPRINT). An interim Max CEVIS test w/out gas analysis was initiated with 47S with the goal of including gas analysis starting with 50S crewmembers. Each USOS crewmember will perform this test 3 times per increment (Flight Days 14, 75 and Return -14 days). The Max CEVIS test is the best method to evaluate the crewmembers aerobic fitness.

Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator (SPDM) Latching End Effector (LEE) snare cable survey: Last night, the Robotics Ground Controllers powered up the Mobile Servicing System (MSS) and maneuvered the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) as required to grapple and unstow the SPDM. They then maneuvered the SSRMS as required to position the SPDM to perform a video and imagery survey of the SPDM LEE snare cables using the P1 Lower Outboard (LOOB) External High Definition Camera (EHDC). Once the survey had been completed, the Robotics Ground Controllers maneuvered the SSRMS with the SPDM into position for the start of the P14B-G Remote Power Controller Module (RPCM) replacement operations on GMT 73 (14 March). MSS performance was nominal during last night’s operations.

Today’s Planned Activities

All activities are complete unless otherwise noted.



Changeout of Replaceable Condensate Removal Lines [СМОК]

Combustion Integrated Rack Hardware Gather

Atmosphere Control and Supply (ACS) Oxygen Manual Valve Close

Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED) Cylinder Flywheel Evacuation

Medical Laptop Relocation

Plant Gravity Perception 4 EC Removal

Microgravity Measurement Apparatus (MMA) Network Control Unit (NCU) Replace 1 and 2.

Plant Gravity Perception EC Install

Max Cycle Ergometer w/ Vibration Isolation & Stabilization (CEVIS) Portable PFS Partial Set Up

Columbus Video Camera Assembly 1 Adjustment

Columbus Smoke Detectors 1 and 2 inspection and cleaning

Lighting Effects Light Meter Setup

Max Cycle Ergometer w/Vibration Isolation & Stabilization (CEVIS) Portable PFS Power Up

Lighting Effects Light Meter Readings

VEG-03 Dual Facility Watering for each Plant Pillow

VEG-03E Consumption Harvest #1

Max Cycle Ergometer w/Vibration Isolation & Stabilization (CEVIS) Portable PFS Subject

Lighting Effects Light Meter Stow

Combustion Integrated Rack Rack Doors Open

Transfer of ЕДВ brine to Progress 437 (DC1) Rodnik H2O Tank 2 and flushing connector

Combustion Integrated Rack Front End Cap Open

ACME Chamber Insert Configuration

Waste and Hygeine Compartment (WHC) Urine Receptacle (UR) and Insert Filter (IF) Remove and Replace

СОЖ maintenance

Photography of DC1 and MRM2 interiors

Max Cycle Ergometer w/Vibration Isolation & Stabilization (CEVIS) Portable PFS Partial Stow

FGB Gas Analyzer Vacuum Cleaning

Combustion Integrated Rack Front End Cap Close

Combustion Integrated Rack Rack Doors Close

RED Camera Setup.

Earth Imagery from ISS RED Target Operations

CB/ISS CREW CONFERENCE

RED Camera Deactivation.

iPad Air 2 Charge

Earth Imagery from ISS Nikon Target Operations

Combustion Integrated Rack Hardware Return

Countermeasures System (CMS) Max Cycle Ergometer w/Vibration Isolation & Stabilization (CEVIS) Portable PFS Conclude

Completed Task List Activities

Tropical Cyclone Procedure Review

SSC15-SHELL-SWAP

HOU-RODEO-PHOTO

Ground Activities

All activities are complete unless otherwise noted.



Solar Array Voltage Maximum Power

SPDM RMCT3 Checkout

Standard Commanding

Three-Day Look Ahead:

Friday, 03/09: ELF Ops, FIR ACE Module Changeout, C2V2 Cable Swap, Max CEVIS, Veg-03, LLB Charging

Saturday, 03/10: Housekeeping, Crew Off-Duty

Sunday, 03/11: Crew Off-Duty

QUICK ISS Status – Environmental Control Group: