Advanced Colloids Experiment-Temperature-2 (ACE-T-2): The crew performed a sample module exchange for the ACE-T2 experiment. ACE-T-2 is performed in the Light Microscopy Module in the Fluids Integrated Rack (FIR/LMM). The experiment looks at the assembly of complex structures from micron-scale colloidal particles interacting via tunable attractive interactions. The samples contain suspensions of colloidal particles that upon nearing the critical solvent temperature, give rise to critical interactions between the particles. Regulating the temperature enables control of the particle interactions, leading to the growth of complex structures.

Atomization: The crew performed a nominal sample syringe replacement for the Atomization investigation today. The Atomization experiment is performed in the JEM. It investigates the liquid spraying process in microgravity in order to confirm the new atomization concept developed from drop tower experiments on Earth. The knowledge gained can be applied to improve various engines utilizing spray combustion.

Biomolecule Extraction and Sequencing Technology (BEST): The BEST experiment run initiated on Monday was continued. In today’s session, the crew prepared the amplified DNA and began processing in the Biomolecule Sequencer. This BEST experiment uses the miniPCR hardware to extract deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from the samples. 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.

Plant Hab-01: The crew removed the Acoustic Blanket, removed the Growth Chamber Door, and took photos of the installed Science Carrier #2. The Plant Habitat was then returned to its nominal state to allow the experiment to continue. Understanding how plants respond to the space environment will help crews on future missions successfully grow plants for food and oxygen generation. The Plant Habitat-1 investigation compares differences in genetics, metabolism, photosynthesis, and gravity sensing between various Arabidopsis plant lines grown in space and on Earth. This investigation is expected to provide key insights on major changes occurring in plants exposed to microgravity.

Bigelow Expandable Aerospace Module (BEAM) Strut Reinforcement and Cargo Transfer: Earlier today the crew ingressed BEAM and installed diagonal knee braces on each of the four (4) Anomalous Depressurization and Stabilization System (ADSS) struts to reinforce the ADSS in the event of a contingency depressurized scenario for a fully loaded BEAM. The crew then transferred approved hardware into the BEAM for extended storage prior to egressing the module.

Portable Work Station (PWS)1 Replace: Today the crew replaced the failed PWS1 hardware and setup and loaded software on the new PWS1 laptop. Columbus PWS1 failed April 2018. Nominally, there is one active PWS and one spare PWS available on-board, PWS is used by crew to command and control the nominal part of the Columbus Data Management System (DMS) and by ground to perform regular maintenance and troubleshooting activities.

Completed Task List Activities:

None

Ground Activities:

All activities are complete unless otherwise noted.



Lab MCA Zero Calibration

Robotic Workstation (RWS) Camera Cal Synchronization

Two-Day Look Ahead:

Wednesday, 09/26:

Payloads

BCAT camera activity

EarthKAM lens change

FIR/LMM hardware audit

Fast Neutron Spectrometer relocate

Food acceptability

Lighting Effects

Fluidics

Systems

Centerline Berthing Camera System (CBCS) Install and Checkout

Soyuz 54S Descent OBT/Drill #2

HTV-7 ROBoT OBT #2

RPCM N21A4A_A and N21A4A_B Swap

RPCM N21A4A_C and N21A4A_D Swap

Thursday, 09/27:

Payloads

Fluidics

Combustion Integrated Rack Manifold #4 Bottle Replacement

Atomization closeout

Systems

HTV Grapple and install

HTV/N2 Vestibule pressurization and outfitting part 1

EMU 3003 and 3008 water recharge

Today’s Planned Activities:

All activities are complete unless otherwise noted.

