Remote Power Control Modules (RPCM) P14B-G and P13A-G Swap: Ground robotic operations using the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) and Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator (SPDM) to perform a swap of RPCM P14B-G and P13A-G continue. The installation of the new RPCM P14B-G was successful; however, the ground team was unable to fully seat the RPCM in the P13A-G location within operational time constraints. The SPDM, along with RPCM for the P13A-G location, was backed away from the work site. The specialists are planning to re-attempt the installation overnight tonight. The RPCM installed in the P14B-G location has been powered up, and RPC 11, feeding the PTR MDM survival heaters, was successfully closed recovering the survival heaters functionality.

Two Phase Flow (TPF): Today the crew deactivated the TPF experiment equipment in the Multi-Purpose Small Payload Rack (MSPR) for the experiment run completed overnight, adjusted the MSPR valve setting and then reactivated the equipment for a four-day experiment run that begins tonight. The Two-Phase Flow experiment investigates the heat transfer characteristics of flow boiling in the microgravity environment. This experiment provides a fundamental understanding of the behaviors of bubble formation, liquid-vapor flow in a tube, and how heat transfers in cooling systems. Two-phase flow employs a sample cooling loop using perfluorohexane, often used in coolants for electronics, to establish flow rate and heating power in different conditions.

Manufacturing Device (MD): The crew removed and stowed a 3D printed item from the Manufacturing Device today. They also cleaned the extruder nozzle in preparation for subsequent MD prints. The Manufacturing Device supports the production of components on the ISS for both NASA and commercial objectives. It is capable of producing parts out of a wide variety of thermopolymers including engineered plastics.

NeuroMapping: A 53S crewmember set up the Neuromapping hardware today and performed their Flight Day 90 tests in “strapped in” and “free floating” body configurations. The NeuroMapping investigation studies whether long-duration spaceflight causes changes to brain structure and function, motor control, and multi-tasking abilities. It also measures how long it takes for the brain and body to recover from possible changes. Previous research and anecdotal evidence from astronauts suggests movement control and cognition can be affected in microgravity. The NeuroMapping investigation includes use of structural and functional magnetic resonance brain imaging (MRI and fMRI) to assess any changes that occur after spending months on the ISS.

Lighting Effects: Today a crewmember set up the Actiwatch hardware to prepare for a two week sleep study session that starts today and will include the time of crew sleep shifting prior to the arrival of the 54S vehicle on March 23rd. The Actiwatch and sleep logs will be used to track the crewmember’s sleep patterns and wakefulness. 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.

JEM Airlock (JEMAL): Today the crew reconfigured the JEM ORU Transfer Interface (JOTI) in support of upcoming Materials ISS Experiment – Flight Facility (MISSE-FF) payload operations. MISSE-FF will be a permanent external platform on the ISS that is modular and robotically serviceable. Remotely controllable sample carriers will provide sample protection and on-demand picture data previously unavailable on prior experiments. Sample plates containing a variety of surface materials will be exposed to the space environment outside the ISS for varying durations to inform satellite designers on how different materials degrade over time. MISSE-FF is currently manifested on SpaceX-14.

Eye Exams: Today the crew completed the second day of routine eye exams using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and a Fundoscope. Eye exams are performed regularly onboard in order to monitor crewmembers eye health. Eyesight is one of the many aspects of the human body that is affected by long-duration stays in a microgravity environment.

Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) Li-Ion Battery Data Logging: Today the crew initiated a charging Autocycle of two EMU Long Life Batteries (LLB). Over the course of three days, the Autocycle will both charge the batteries and capture battery health data. These two batteries will support the upcoming US EVA #49 scheduled for later this month.

Linguini SSC Service Pack: Overnight the MCC-H ground team will deploy the Linguini Space Station Computer (SSC) service pack. This service pack will add the 54S/55S crew accounts, software to support Pressure Management Device (PMD), migrate the Bigelow Expandable Aerospace Module (BEAM) laptop to ZBook, expand the SpaceX Vehicle Data Transfer capability, and add NextGen Printer software support.

Today’s Planned Activities

All activities are complete unless otherwise noted.



ISS CREW/SSIPC CONFERENCE

Portable air samples with CDM

XF305 Camcorder Setup

Multi-purpose Small Payload Rack (MSPR) Two-Phase Flow Experiment Equipment Deactivation

EML Gas Valves Opening

Two-Phase Flow Experiment Equipment Valves Setting

АСУ Receptacle and Hoses Replacement

Multi-purpose Small Payload Rack (MSPR) Two-Phase Flow Experiment Equipment Activation

JEM Airlock Slide Table (ST) Extension to JPM Side

NeuroMapping Experiment Neurocognitive Test – Subject

Structures and Mechanisms JEM ORU Xfer I/F (JOTI) Reconfiguration from MBSU to MTT

Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) Long Life Battery (LLB) Initiate

JEM Airlock Slide Table (ST) Retraction from JPM Side

Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED) 6-Month Maintenance

Health Maintenance System (HMS) OCT Setup

VEG-03 Dual Facility Watering for each Plant Pillow

ISS HAM Service Module Pass

Health Maintenance System (HMS) – OCT Exam

Consolidation of Personal Hygiene Article for Priority Use

Partial disassembly and leak check of Accuro pumps

Public Affairs Office (PAO) Educational Imagery Recording

Health Maintenance System (HMS) OCT Stow

Actiwatch Spectrum HRF1 Setup

MELFI 3 Ice Brick Insert 9

СОЖ maintenance

Manufacturing Device Print Removal, Clean and Stow

Video Recording of Greetings

Actiwatch Spectrum HRF1 Stow

Health Maintenance System (HMS) Fundoscope

Flight Director/ISS CREW CONFERENCE

Lighting Effects Sleep Log Entry

Completed Task List Activities

JAXA Video Taking Part 5 & 6

Ground Activities

All activities are complete unless otherwise noted.



RPCM P13AG and P14BG Swap

OGA Vacuum Pressure Sensor Trending

Linguini Service Pack Deploy for ZBook SSC Clients

MCC-H Step-up to CA2.0.1 [Aborted – rescheduled for Saturday 03/18 GMT 076]

Standard Commanding

Three-Day Look Ahead:

Friday, 03/16: EVA Loop Scrub, LLB Autocycle, CBEF Reconfig, Veggie Harvest, N3 MCA Connector Inspection

Saturday, 03/17: Housekeeping Tasks, Crew Off-Duty

Sunday, 03/18: EIISS Targets, Crew Off-Duty

QUICK ISS Status – Environmental Control Group: