AMS-02 (Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer) Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Preparation: The crew continued preparation for the AMS repair Extravehicular Activities (EVAs) with procedure reviews and other activities. Multiple AMS-02 repair EVAs are being planned, to recover a series of cooling pumps within the AMS-02 experiment. The first of the EVAs are currently planned to start in 2 weeks. AMS-02 is a state-of-the-art particle physics detector that uses the unique environment of space to advance knowledge of the universe and lead to the understanding of the universe’s origin by searching for antimatter, dark matter and measuring cosmic rays.

Astrobee: The crew participated in a crew conference, unpacked and inspected the appropriate hardware and performed a series of checkouts and calibration operations. The operations went well and the ground team reported we now have two functional Astrobee satellites on board ISS. Astrobee is a series of three free-flying, cube-shaped robots. The robots are designed to help scientists and engineers develop and test technologies for use in microgravity to assist astronauts with routine chores, and give ground controllers additional eyes and ears on the ISS. The autonomous robots, powered by fans and vision-based navigation, could eventually perform crew-monitoring, sampling, logistics management, and accommodate up to three investigations.

Biomolecule Extraction and Sequencing Technology (BEST) Sample Transfer: The crew performed the routine cell maintenance activities for the on-going BEST experiment-2. These activities involve cell transfer, cell culture media exchange, etc. The BEST investigation studies the use of sequencing for identification of unknown microbial organisms living on the ISS, and how humans, plants and microbes adapt to living on the ISS.

Space Acceleration Measurement System-II (SAMS-II) Fan Replacement: The crew replaced a fan which was reported to be making a grinding noise while operating. This fan has been in service since 2001 and is well past its designed lifetime. SAMS-II is an ongoing study of the small forces (vibrations and accelerations) on the ISS resulting from the operation of hardware, crew activities, dockings and maneuvering. Results generalize the types of vibrations affecting vibration-sensitive experiments and structural life of ISS. Investigators and Structural Analysts seek to better understand the vibration environment on the ISS using SAMS-II data and assessing station loads and dynamics.

Time Perception: Using an head-mounted Oculus Rift display/headphones, a finger trackball, and support computer, the crew performed the Time Perception experiment sessions. In this experiment, a program on the laptop induces visual and audio stimuli to measure a subject’s response to spatial and time perception in a microgravity environment. The accurate perception of objects in the environment is a prerequisite for spatial orientation and reliable performance of motor tasks. Time is fundamental to motion perception, sound localization, speech, and fine motor coordination.

Veg-04B Harvest and Taste Test: The crew performed the first in a series of harvests for the Mizuna plants growing in the two Veggie facilities. Approximately half of the leaves in each of the 11 total plants will be harvested, with 50% of the harvest kept for science analysis and 50% available for crew consumption. The part of the Mizuna plants not harvested will continue to grow and support two additional future harvests. The research of Veg-04B focuses on the impact of light quality and fertilizer on leafy crop growth for a 56-day grow-out, microbial food safety, nutritional value, taste acceptability by the crew, and the overall behavioral health benefits of having plants and fresh food in space. A healthy, nutritious diet is essential for long-duration exploration missions, which means that the typical pre-packaged astronaut diet needs to be supplemented by fresh foods during flight; the Veggie Vegetable Production System (Veggie) has begun testing aboard the space station to help meet this need, and validation tests have demonstrated that leafy greens can be grown in spaceflight.

Systems:

HTV8 Cargo Operations: In preparation for the HTV8 Unberth, scheduled for November 1, the ISS crew continued to pack the HTV vehicle with Cargo Transfer Bags (CTBs).

Mobile Servicing System (MSS): Today, the Robotics Ground Controllers powered up the MSS, in the hot backup configuration, in preparation for the crew offset grapples practice. The crew took turns flying the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) into the grapple envelope of the Permanent Multipurpose Module (PMM) Flight Releasable Grapple Fixture (FRGF) for training/familiarization in preparation for Northrop Grumman (NG)-12 capture, currently planned for Monday, November 4th. They performed this several times and then performed a final run during which the Robotics Ground Controllers safed the SSRMS to simulate a failure. The crew practiced contingency recovery procedure by switching from the Cupola Robotic Workstation (RWS) to the Lab RWS and backing the SSRMS away. After the Offset Grapples Practice session, the Robotics Ground Controllers de-configured MSS from hot backup and moved SSRMS to HTV8 pre-grapple position, in preparation of HTV8 unberth and release scheduled Friday morning, November 1st.

Completed Task List Activities:

EVA Helmet LT Inspection

EVA Helmet Swap

Cygnus Attached Phase Operations Review

Ground Activities:

All activities are complete unless otherwise noted.



Payload Support Operations

Maneuver JEMRMS for SFA Installation to SSE

SSRMS Commanding in Support of Offset Grapples Practice

Thursday, 10/31 (GMT 304)

Payloads:



HRF/Veggie questionnaire

ISS Experience

Standard Measures

Systems:

PCS Relocate

HTV Smoke Detector Scavenge

HTV Egress

HTV Vest Demate

Node 2 CPA Install

AMS EVA Procedure Review

Emergency Egress Drill

Friday, 11/1 (GMT 305)

Payloads:



Astrobee Ops

Food Acceptability

Food Physiology

ISS Experience Stow

RR Transfer Crew Conference

Standard Measures

Veg-04B Plant Check

Systems:

PMD Depress

HTV Depart and Prep

HTV Release Monitor

Cygnus Capture Review

Cygnus Robotics OBT

AMS EVA Procedure Review

Saturday, 11/2 (GMT 306) Crew Off Duty

Payloads:



Veg-04B plant check

Systems:

Overlay Camera Calibration

N2N VOK Stow

Today’s Planned Activities:

All activities are complete unless otherwise noted.

