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| Image credit: NASA |
International Space Station Activities
Jessica Meir swapped experiment containers in an EXPRESS rack and inspected the Harmony module ahead of the upcoming arrival of SpaceX Crew-13. Andrey Fedyaev continued testing the lower body negative pressure suit and set up automated Earth-imaging cameras. Sophie Adenot set up the Kubik remote-controlled research equipment, restocked blood sample kits, and carried out exercise research. Jack Hathaway swapped experiment containers in the Saibo rack and collected fluid samples from the US segment's A/C system to be analysed for microbes or corrosive material. Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina continued VR balance research. Anil Menon demonstrated lead-free soldering of electronics in the Harmony module, which could increase the number of electrical repairs that can be carried out on the station and reduce the amount of electrical equipment that needs to be delivered. Menon also joined MS-29 crewmates Dubrov and Kikina for hearing tests. [Source: NASA]
Roman Space Telescope Saves Fuel
A very accurate mid-course correction and a lighter-than-budgeted launch mass mean that the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, launched two weeks ago, potentially has enough fuel to remain stable at the Sun-Earth L2 point until 2048, which is 12 years longer than the original extended mission plan. It also has the requisite hardware for a future refuelling mission, if desired. Roman will require periodic correction burns to remain stable at L2. It will arrive at its destination and begin its science mission in early December. [Source: NASA]
ESA Space Environment Report
The European Space Agency have released their annual Space Environment Report for evaluating the impact of space debris and discussing ways to mitigate it in the future. [Source: ESA]
Starship Flight 14 Delayed
Starship Flight 14, the first orbital launch attempt of SpaceX's fully reusable rocket, has been pushed back to no earlier than Tuesday 22nd September. The reason for the delay has not been made public. [Source: NSF]
Djibouti Signs Artemis Accords
Djibouti has become the 72nd country to sign the Artemis Accords, a United States led set of agreements regarding mineral rights and other arrangements for international cooperation in space exploration. Djibouti launched its national space programme in 2020, which has succeeded in putting two small satellites in space. [Source: NASA]
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