H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV)-8 Launch Delay: Japan’s Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) scrubbed today’s HTV-8 launch attempt due to a fire at the launch pad that has since been extinguished. JAXA teams are meeting to discuss a forward plan and assess launch opportunities.

Fluid Shifts: The crew performed the second day of Fluid shifts ultrasound data collections incorporation of the CHIBIS lower body negative pressure unit. Fluid Shifts is a NASA investigation, divided into Dilution Measurements, Baseline Imaging, and Imaging with Chibis. The Chibis hardware is used to perform the Lower Body Negative Pressure (LBNP) part of the experiment. The Fluid Shifts experiment investigates the causes for severe and lasting physical changes to astronaut’s eyes. Because the headward fluid shift is a hypothesized contributor to these changes, reversing this fluid shift with a LBNP device is being evaluated as a possible intervention. Results from this study may help to develop preventative measures against lasting changes in vision and prevention of eye damage.

Biomolecule Extraction and Sequencing Technology (BEST): The crew transferred BEST cell samples from the media kit to the new media tubes using pipettes and then temp stowed the tubes. 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.

Saibo Experiment Rack: The crew performed part 1 of the Clean Bench removal activity in preparation of arriving Cell Biology Experiment Facility (CBEF) unit on Northrop Grumman (NG)-12. Saibo Experiment Rack (Saibo) which means “living cell,” includes a Clean Bench glovebox with microscope that isolates the organisms being studied, and CBEF that includes incubator and centrifuges.

NanoRacks Module-82 (Palm Tree Growth): The crew performed photographic operations for the Module 82 and then restowed the unit back into Frame 3. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Palm Tree Growth Experiment (Palm Tree Growth) investigation examines germination of palm tree seeds in order to determine the best conditions for generating tissue samples for research. A process for growing healthy plant tissue in microgravity could be adapted for testing other indigenous plants of scientific, commercial or educational interest in the UAE. The investigation also observes and documents root growth in microgravity for educational purposes.

Radiation Dosimetry Inside ISS-Neutrons (RADI-N2): The crew retrieved 8 dosimeter detectors from the Russian crew and deployed them in the Node 1 front rack area. The objective of this Canadian Space Agency investigation is to better characterize the ISS neutron environment, define the risk posed to the crew members’ health, and provide the data necessary to develop advanced protective measures for future spaceflight. It’s been recognized that neutrons make up a significant fraction (10-30%) of the biologically effective radiation exposure in low-Earth orbit. The bubble detectors used in the investigation are designed detect neutrons and ignore all other radiation.

Rodent Research-17 (RR-17): The crew stowed the Rodent Research Habitats 1 and 4. RR-17 uses younger and older mice as model organisms to evaluate the physiological, cellular and molecular effects of the spaceflight environment. Some responses to spaceflight in humans and model organisms such as mice resemble accelerated aging. This investigation provides a better understanding of aging-related immune, bone, and muscle disease processes, which may lead to new therapies for use in space and on Earth.

Mobile Servicing System (MSS) Operations: Following yesterday’s HTV8 offset grapple practice, Ground Controllers maneuvered the SSRMS in position for a survey of the Latching End Effector (LEE) snare cables. After the survey, they maneuvered the SSRMS to the Node 2 Nadir Active Common Berthing (ACBM) survey position, which is planned to be performed on Friday before HTV-8 capture Saturday, September 14.

Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Preparations: In preparation for upcoming US Battery EVAs currently scheduled NET September 27, the crew utilized the Simplified Aid for EVA Rescue (SAFER) Virtual Reality Trainer (VRT) to practice using SAFER in various rescue scenarios. In addition, the crew inspected and configured various EVA tools and reviewed procedures.

The ISS Experience: The crew recorded the EVA tool configuration and Simplified Aid for EVA Rescue (SAFER) Virtual Reality (VR) training activities using the ISS Experience Z-Cam hardware. The ISS Experience creates a virtual reality film documenting daily life aboard the ISS. The 8 to 10 minute videos created from footage taken during the six-month investigation cover different aspects of crew life, execution of science aboard the station, and the international partnerships involved. The ISS Experience uses a Z-CAM V1 Pro Cinematic VR 360-degree camera with nine 190° fisheye lenses.

Completed Task List Activities:

JAXA Experiment Laptop Terminal 2 (ELT2) Battery R&R

Lab Joint Station LAN Firewall #1 R&R

ECLSS PEPS Inspection and PBA Gauge Photography

Ground Activities:

All activities are complete unless otherwise noted.



JEMAL Depressurization

Look Ahead:

Wednesday, 9/11 (GMT 254)

Payloads:



Vascular Aging repeat session (CSA)

DOSIS Main box to Mode 1 for Solar quiet Period. (ESA)

Fluid Shifts Day 3 Scans with CHIBIS and stow (NASA)

Food Acceptability (NASA)

Team Task Switching (NASA)

Rodent Research Habitat Restock Access Unit Clean (NASA)

Systems:

EVA Procedure Review

Thursday, 9/12 (GMT 255) Crew Off Duty

Payloads:



HRF Urine and Blood setup (NASA)

Systems:

None

Today’s Planned Activities:

All activities are complete unless otherwise noted.

