Videos: “Space to Ground” & other space habitat reports – Dec.3.2021

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-…