Here is the latest episode in NASA’s Space to Ground weekly report on activities related to the International Space Station:

** The AP Interview: Japanese billionaire in space – Associated Press

Japanese fashion tycoon Yusaku Maezawa has spoken to The Associated Press in his first interview from the International Space Station (Dec. 13).

** 【リアルガチ】無重力で遊んでみた 【FOR REAL】Playing Around in Zero Gravity – Yusaku Maezawa【MZ】

MZ is finally getting used to life in space, And what do you do in space? You play with zero gravity!! Staying still, paddling like a drowning dog, twirling around… See MZ playing around like a little kid. Also see MZ talk about the importance of gravity. For the 12 days in space, MZ and Yozo will attempt to film as many challenges and activities that people from all around the world had requested them to do in the ‘100 Things You Want MZ to Do in Space’.

https://youtu.be/SWk8nbxXYrQ

** 【衝撃の一枚】宇宙から地球撮ってみた【A MIRACLE PIECE】Capturing Earth From Space – Yusaku Maezawa【MZ】

For today’s video, MZ attempts to take photos of the Earth using a camera with telescopic lens. You only have one chance with the button as the ISS moves very fast. MZ seems very proud of what he captured on his camera… For the 12 days in space, MZ and Yozo will attempt to film as many challenges and activities that people from all around the world had requested them to do in the ‘100 Things You Want MZ to Do in Space’. Please stay tuned!

** Expedition 66 PAO Minnesota Public Radio NPR – December 15, 2021 – NASA Video

Aboard the International Space Station, NASA astronauts Mark Vande Hei and Tom Marshburn discussed living and working in space during an in-flight event December 15 with Minnesota Public Radio and NPR’s “Here and Now” program. Vande Hei and Marsburn are in the midst of long duration missions aboard the microgravity laboratory to advance scientific knowledge and demonstrate new technologies for future human and robotic exploration missions as part of NASA’s Moon and Mars exploration approach, including lunar missions through NASA’s Artemis program.

** Expedition 66 PAO KCRG-TV and Kitsap Sun Newspaper – December 13, 2021 – NASA Video

Aboard the International Space Station, NASA astronauts Raja Chari and Kayla Barron discussed living and working in space during an in-flight event December 13 with KCRG-TV in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and the Kitsap Sun newspaper in Bremerton, Washington. Chari and Barron are in the midst of a six month mission aboard the microgravity laboratory to advance scientific knowledge and demonstrate new technologies for future human and robotic exploration missions as part of NASA’s Moon and Mars exploration approach, including lunar missions through NASA’s Artemis program.

** Spacex CRS 24 Overview – ISS National Lab – YouTube

SpaceX’s 24th Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) mission to the International Space Station (ISS) is slated for launch no earlier than December 21 at 5:06 a.m. ET from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The ISS National Laboratory is sponsoring multiple payloads on this mission that will bring value to our nation and drive a sustainable market in low Earth orbit. This video highlights two investigations launching on this mission from private-sector research partners Merck and Procter & Gamble.

** Chinese Astronauts Work Out in Space Station – CCTV Video News Agency

The three astronauts on a six-month mission in China’s space station have been working out on a regular basis to prevent potential health hazards that might be caused by the microgravity environment.

** Chinese Astronauts Show Space Station Routine Cleaning Between Duties – CCTV Video News Agency

The three Chinese astronauts, traveling aboard China’s space station core module Tianhe showed routine cleaning between their duties to make their space home clean, tidy and comfortable.

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Outpost in Orbit:
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Here is the latest episode in NASA’s Space to Ground weekly report on activities related to the International Space Station:

** Expedition 66 Soyuz MS 20 Docking – December 8, 2021 – NASA Video

Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Misurkin and two Japanese private citizens, Yusaku Maezawa and Yozo Hirano launched on the Soyuz MS-20 spacecraft atop a Soyuz 2.1a rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan Wednesday, December 8. Following docking to the International Space Station, the trio took part in a welcome ceremony aboard the complex. Misurkin, Maezawa, and Hirano, who are flying under a contract between Roscosmos and Space Adventures, are scheduled to undock from the International Space Station Sunday, December 19 to land in Kazakhstan.

** Expedition 66 Soyuz MS 20 Hatch Opening – December 8, 2021 – NASA Video

** Welcoming ceremony for the Soyuz MS-20 crew at the Space Station – space googlevesaire

Coverage of the hatch opening and welcoming ceremony for the Soyuz MS-20 crew at the International Space Station (hatch opening scheduled at 10:35 a.m. EST) Credit : NASA

https://youtu.be/28So6GxwoJE

** 宇宙に着いた前澤から、みなさんへ伝えたいこと。What MZ Wants to Tell You From Space –Yusaku Maezawa【MZ】

Finally…! MZ successfully arrived at the ISS (international Space Station) on the 8th Dec!!

The very first video MZ wishes to share with you is a message from himself after witnessing space for the first time with his very own eyes. To those who are working hard to achieve their dreams and goals, we hope this will inspire you in some way. For the next 12 days, MZ and Yozo will attempt to film as many challenges and activities that people from all around the world had requested them to do in the ‘100 Things You Want MZ to Do in Space’. Please stay tuned! Filmed by Yozo Hirano

[Note: Click on the CC closed captions button to see English translation of Maezawa’s comments.]

More about the new visitors to the ISS including Yusaku Maezawa and his production assistant Yozo Hirano:

• Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa lifts off for space station on Russian Soyuz | Space.com
• Ten Residents Aboard Station Wrap Up Week with Space Biology – Space Station/NASA
• Soyuz Crew Ship Docks to Station with Three Visitors – Space Station/NASA

** Science Launching on SpaceX’s 24th Cargo Resupply Mission to the Space Station – NASA

The 24th SpaceX cargo resupply services mission, targeted to launch in late December from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, carries scientific research and technology demonstrations to the International Space Station. The experiments aboard include studies of bioprinting, crystallization of monoclonal antibodies, changes in immune function, plant gene expression changes, laundering clothes in space, processing alloys, and student citizen science projects. https://go.nasa.gov/339gHDD

** Workout in 360º | Cosmic Kiss – European Space Agency, ESA on Youtube

Explore the International Space Station’s Cupola module in 360 degrees while ESA astronaut Matthias Maurer lifts weights in weightlessness. This 360 timelapse video was shot over 53 minutes, at a rate one frame every two seconds, as Matthias completed a workout on the Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED). Pan to watch the world go by as the Station orbits Earth at around 28 000 km/h, then see how Matthias keeps his muscles and bones healthy for a safe return to Earth. Exercise is an important part of an astronaut’s daily routine. It not only keeps them fit and ready for demanding tasks like a spacewalk, but it also helps to combat bone and muscle loss caused by a prolonged stay in orbit. ARED is one of several exercise devices astronauts use on Station. They also have a treadmill called T2 and an exercycle known as CEVIS. Matthias was launched to the International Space Station on Crew Dragon Endurance as part of Crew-3 at 02:03 GMT/03:03 CET Thursday 11 November. His ESA mission on board is known as Cosmic Kiss and will see him live and work for approximately six months in orbit. Follow Matthias: https://bit.ly/ESACosmicKiss

** Space vacuuming in 360º | Cosmic Kiss – European Space Agency, ESA on Youtube

Even astronauts in orbit cannot escape housework. Join ESA astronaut Matthias Maurer as he vacuums the European Columbus and Japanese Kibo modules of the International Space Station in this 360° video. Unlike on Earth, dust on the Space Station does not settle. Astronauts vacuum regularly to prevent floating dust from getting in their eyes and noses, causing irritation and allergic reactions. Pan to explore the different modules and follow Matthias’s work. Matthias was launched to the International Space Station on Crew Dragon Endurance as part of Crew-3 at 02:03 GMT/03:03 CET Thursday 11 November. His ESA mission on board is known as Cosmic Kiss and will see him live and work for approximately six months in orbit. Follow Matthias: https://bit.ly/ESACosmicKiss

** See China’s Shenzou-13 crew conduct ‘routine heatlh checks’ on one another in space – VideoFromSpace

Chinese astronauts Wang Yaping, Ye Guangfu, and Zhai Zhigang, currently serving aboard the Tiangong space station, use a ” multipurpose otoscope to examine each others eyes, ears, and skin,” according to China Central Television. Credit: China Central Television (CCTV)

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Outpost in Orbit:
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Here is the latest episode in NASA’s Space to Ground weekly report on activities related to the International Space Station:

** Expedition 66 Spacewalk 78 Animation – November 29, 2021 – NASA

This animation discusses U.S. Spacewalk 78 in which NASA Astronauts Thomas Marshburn and Kayla Barron will replace a faulty S-band Antenna Subassembly, or SASA, with a spare antenna system already attached to the space station’s exterior. Marshburn and Barron will work at the Port 1 (P1) truss structure, where the antenna is mounted. The antenna recently lost its ability send signals to Earth via NASA’s Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System in mid-September, but because of several redundancies on station, did not make a significant impact to station operations. This is the first spacewalk to replace a SASA since Joe Tanner and Heidi Stefanyshyn-Piper replaced a SASA on the S1 truss during STS-115 on Sept. 16, 2006.

** NASA Spacewalk to Replace Space Station Antenna – NASA

Watch NASA astronauts Kayla Barron and Thomas Marshburn venture outside the International Space Station on Dec. 2 to replace a faulty antenna system. The antenna recently lost its ability to transmit low-rate voice communications and data to flight controllers in mission control, although it has had a limited impact on operations. The two astronauts will replace it with a spare.

The spacewalkers are expected to turn their spacesuits on to battery power at about 7:10 a.m. EST for an excursion slated to last about 6.5 hours. Marshburn will serve as extravehicular crew member 1 (EV 1), wearing a spacesuit with red stripes, and Barron will be extravehicular crew member 2 (EV 2), wearing a spacesuit with no stripes. European Space Agency astronaut Matthias Maurer will provide support from inside the orbiting laboratory, maneuvering the Canadarm2 robotic arm that will carry Marshburn. This will be the fifth spacewalk for Marshburn, and the first for Barron.

** ISSRDC 2021: The Next Decade of ISS Research – ISS National Lab – YouTube

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) will be developing the next Decadal Survey on Biological and Physical Sciences Research in Space 2023-2032, which will serve as a critical framework to shape the upcoming vision and strategic plan for research efforts in the areas of biological and physical sciences in space. In this session, representatives from NASEM, NASA, the ISS National Lab, and the European Space Agency will discuss the future of space-based research on the ISS that can expand scientific knowledge while benefiting both space exploration and life on Earth.

Moderator: Jeff Foust: Senior Space Writer, Space News

Panelists: Krystyn J. Van Vliet, Ph.D.: Michael and Sonja Koerner Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, MIT and co-chair of the Decadal Survey on Biological and Physical Sciences Research in Space Doug Matson, Ph.D.: Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Tufts and ISSNL User Advisory Committee, Chair Tara Ruttley, Ph.D.: Associate Chief Scientist for Microgravity Research, NASA Thomas Driebe, Ph.D.: Head of Physical and Material Sciences Group in the Research & Exploration Department, DLR Space Agency, (German Aerospace Center) Richard Hughson, Ph.D.: Schlegel Research Chair in Vascular Aging and Brain Health, Schlegel-University of Waterloo Research Institute for Aging, and Fellow, Canadian Academy of Health Sciences.

** ISSRDC 2021: In Space Production Applications in the Low Earth Orbit Economy (Part 1) – ISS National Lab – YouTube

To build a vibrant economy in space, it is critical that we identify products and services, advance technology development, and prove manufacturing processes for a sustainable and scalable market. The ISS is the only crewed orbital laboratory to be leveraged as a proving ground for in-space production leading to the future space-based economy. How might we best leverage the ISS toward that future? In the first session, we will discuss why this area is important to the nation and to the future of spaceflight.

Moderator: Alex MacDonald: Chief Economist, NASA and ISS National Lab Program Executive Panelists: Olivier de Weck, Ph.D.: Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics and Engineering Systems, MIT Ken Savin, Ph.D.: Senior Program Director of In-Space Production, CASIS (manager of the ISS National Lab) Christian Maender: Director, In-Space Manufacturing & Research, Axiom Space Ryan Prouty: Manager, Research Integration Office, International Space Station Program, NASA

** ISSRDC 2021: In Space Production Applications in the Low Earth Orbit Economy (Part 2) – ISS National Lab – YouTube

To build a vibrant economy in space, it is critical that we identify products and services, advance technology development, and prove manufacturing processes for a sustainable and scalable market. The ISS is the only crewed orbital laboratory to be leveraged as a proving ground for in-space production leading to the future space-based economy. How might we best leverage the ISS toward that future? In the second session, we will dive into the perspectives from trailblazers in this area. What has to happen for more people to join the effort in shaping a robust and sustainable economy in low Earth orbit?

Moderator: Meagan Crawford: Managing Partner, SpaceFund Panelists: Rich Boling: Vice President of Corporate Advancement, Techshot, Kevin DiMarzio: Vice President, Business Development, Redwire Space Yusuf Erkul, M.D., CEO Co-Founder, Kernal Biologics

** Chinese space station living! Exercise, puzzle games & an Earth time-lapse – VideoFromSpace / CCTV Video News Agency

Chinese taikonauts Zhai Zhigang, Wang Yaping and Ye Guangfu are currently serving aboard the Tiangong space station in low-Earth orbit. Along with their space station duties they find time for exercise and puzzle games. Full Story: https://www.space.com/china-shenzhou-…

** Tiangong space station flies over china in amazing real-time & time-lapsed footage – VideoFromSpace / CCTV Video News Agency

See the China’s Tiangong space station fly over several locations in China in these views captured in October 2021.

** NASA Selects Companies to Develop Commercial Destinations in Space | NASA

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Outpost in Orbit:
A Pictorial & Verbal History of the Space Station

Here is the latest episode in NASA’s Space to Ground weekly report on activities related to the International Space Station:

** Thanksgiving Message from the International Space Station – NASA

Aboard the International Space Station, NASA astronauts Mark Vande Hei, Raja Chari, Tom Marshburn and Kayla Barron and ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Matthias Maurer shared their thoughts about spending Thanksgiving in orbit and the foods they plan to enjoy. Vande Hei is in the midst of a year-long mission, while Chari, Marshburn, Barron and Maurer arrived on the space station Nov. 11 for a planned six-month mission. Together, they’re living and working aboard the microgravity laboratory to advance scientific knowledge and demonstrate new technologies for future human spaceflight missions

** STEMonstrations: Moment of Inertia – NASA

NASA Astronauts Megan McArthur and Shane Kimbrough discuss moment of inertia and its effects on rotating objects. Watch as Megan demonstrates what happens to her angular speed as she alters her moment of inertia in microgravity aboard the International Space Station. Be sure to check out https://www.nasa.gov/stemonstrations for more videos like this, along with their corresponding classroom connection lesson plans.

** New Space Station Module Docks to the International Complex – NASA

The Russian “Prichal” Node Module and the attached Progress M-UM docked to the “Nauka” Multipurpose Laboratory (MLM) of the International Space Station November 26 following a launch from the Baikonur Cosmondrome in Kazakhstan on November 24. The node module will serve as a multi-hatch docking port for Russian visiting vehicles to the complex.

** Expedition 66 ESA Education Event – November 24, 2021 – NASA Video

Aboard the International Space Station, Expedition 66 flight engineer Mattias Maurer of ESA (European Space Agency) discussed living and working in space during an in-flight downlink November 24 with students from Germany, the Czech Republic, and Ireland. Maurer launched in November on the SpaceX Crew Dragon Endurance for a planned six-month science mission to advance scientific knowledge and demonstrate new technologies for future human and robotic exploration missions.

** Expedition 66 – Northrup Grumman Cygnus 16 Release – November 202, 2021 – NASA Video

More than three months after arriving at the International Space Station to deliver more than three tons of food, supplies and scientific experiments, the unpiloted Northrop Grumman “SS Ellison Onizuka” Cygnus cargo craft departed the complex, headed for destructive entry back into the Earth’s atmosphere in December. Ground controllers at Mission Control, Houston sent commands to release Cygnus from the grasp of the Canadarm 2 robotic arm after it was detached from the Earth-facing port of the station’s Unity module. Cygnus launched on Aug. 10 atop a Northrop Grumman Antares rocket from the Wallops Flight Facility, Virginia.

** Video Shows Beautiful Images of Earth Shot from China’s Tiangong Space Station – CCTV Video News Agency

China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) on Tuesday released a video of Earth shot from China’s Tiangong (Heavenly Palace) space station.

** A Glimpse into How Chinese Astronaut Works Out in Space – CCTV Video News Agency

A footage released by the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) on Wednesday has given people a glimpse into Chinese astronauts’ life at the country’s space station, showing how the crew member Ye Guangfu works out hard to stay fit for better performing the crew’s tasks in space.

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Outpost in Orbit:
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Here is the latest episode in NASA’s Space to Ground weekly report on activities related to the International Space Station:

** Astronauts Show How NASA’s DART Mission Will Change an Asteroid’s Motion in Space – NASA

NASA’s DART spacecraft will intentionally crash into an asteroid to test if impacting an object is a viable way to deflect an asteroid, should a threat ever be discovered in the future. Watch as NASA astronaut Shane Kimbrough and European Space Agency astronaut Thomas Pesquet demonstrate how DART’s mission will work. Spoiler alert: it’s like a pillow fight in microgravity. DART is a spacecraft designed to impact an asteroid as a test of technology. DART’s target asteroid is NOT a threat to Earth. This asteroid system is a perfect testing ground to see if intentionally crashing a spacecraft into an asteroid is an effective way to change its course, should an Earth-threatening asteroid be discovered in the future.

** Russian Anti-Satellite Weapon Causes Emergency On Space Station – Scott Manley

Yesterday the Russian military tested a new Anti-Satellite missile on an old, dead Soviet satellite. The test was a success and now there are thousands of pieces of debris crossing the orbit of the Space Station. Space is big, and the chances of an impacts are low, but this particular satellite was relatively close to the altitude of the ISS, rather than low down like recent US and Indian tests meaning the debris will remain in orbit longer and have a long term cost for operations in Low Earth Orbit.

** How To Deorbit The International Space Station Safely – Scott Manley

The International Space Station may one day be forced to return to Earth, so that it safely burns up over the ocean, and this is actually a surprisingly complicated task given the huge mass of the station and the limited propulsion available. The plans aren’t final by any means, but this discusses the problems and one particular option using multiple progress spacecraft to augment the propulsion and propellent available for deorbiting this historic orbital facility….

** Why Commercial Space Stations Are The Future NASA Wants – Scott Manley

In the last month or so we’ve seen a couple of major private space station plans revealed to the world – Orbital Reef lead by Blue Origin and Starlab Lead by Nanoracks. These are likely just the tip of the iceberg as NASA is currently reviewing proposals for the Commercial Low Earth Orbit Destinations project.

** Announcing Orbital Reef – Your Address in Orbit – Blue Origin

Blue Origin and Sierra Space have announced plans for Orbital Reef, a commercially developed, owned, and operated space station to be built in low Earth orbit. The station will open the next chapter of human space exploration and development by facilitating the growth of a vibrant ecosystem and business model for the future. Orbital Reef is backed by space industry leaders and teammates including Boeing, Redwire Space, Genesis Engineering Solutions, and Arizona State University. Designed to open multiple new markets in space, Orbital Reef will provide anyone with the opportunity to establish their own address on orbit. This unique destination will offer research, industrial, international, and commercial customers the cost competitive end-to-end services they need including space transportation and logistics, space habitation, equipment accommodation, and operations including onboard crew. The station will start operating in the second half of this decade. Learn more at OrbitalReef.com

** First spacewalk by a Chinese female astronaut during Shenzhou 13 crew space station mission – South China Morning Post

The crew of China’s Shenzhou 13 mission completed their first spacewalk of their mission on board the Tiangong space station on November 7, 2021. One of the crew members venturing outside was Wang Yaping who became China’s first female astronaut to complete a spacewalk. She joined Zhai Zhigang for what was the first planned activity of China’s longest space flight yet, a six-month mission during which the crew will focus on station expansion. Related story: China’s astronauts complete spacewalk at new Tiangong space station https://sc.mp/dhg5

See also:

• Sierra Space raises $1.4 billion – SpaceNews
• Blue Origin and Sierra Space developing commercial space station – Blue Origin
• Ax-1 ISS research mission opens private LEO era — Axiom Space
• NSS Roadmap to Space Settlement – National Space Society

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Outpost in Orbit:
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