On Wednesday aboard the International Space Station (ISS), the Expedition 72 crew engaged in cutting-edge microgravity research related to fire safety and exercise impacts in weightlessness, while also preparing for upcoming spacewalks. NASA Flight Engineers Don Pettit and Nick Hague focused on scientific experiments, with Pettit collecting urine samples for analysis and working with the Combustion Integrated Rack to study flame behavior in microgravity, crucial for improving fire safety protocols in space. Hague monitored his heart and breathing rates while exercising and organized spacesuits for a spacewalk scheduled for January 16, where he and NASA Commander Suni Williams will repair a light leak on the NICER X-ray telescope.
Meanwhile, a second spacewalk is planned for January 23, involving astronauts removing radio communication gear and collecting microbial samples from the station’s exterior. Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus cargo craft delivered supplies, marking the 50th successful capture by the Canadarm2 robotic arm. Additionally, Roscosmos crew members practiced futuristic piloting techniques, with insights potentially aiding future missions deeper into space. The day’s activities exemplified the ISS’s role in international collaboration and advanced space exploration research.
