The HTV-X1 Is Now Flying Freely in Low-Earth Orbit...

NASA

Canadian Robotic Arm Releases Japan’s Spacecraft for Departure (News Release)

At 12 p.m. EST, JAXA’s (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s) HTV-X1 cargo spacecraft was released from the International Space Station’s Canadarm2 robotic arm, which earlier detached it from the Earth-facing port of the orbiting laboratory’s Harmony module. At the time of release, the station was flying about 260 miles over the Pacific Ocean.

The HTV-X1 spacecraft successfully departed the station more than four months after arriving to deliver over 9,000 pounds of supplies, scientific investigations, commercial products, hardware and other cargo for NASA and its international partners.

Source: NASA.Gov

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NASA+

Japan's Newest Space Freighter Is Ready to Depart from the ISS...

NASA

Canadarm2 Grips Cargo Spacecraft, Spacewalk Prep and Biology Continue (News Release)

A JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) cargo spacecraft is in the grasp of the Canadarm2 robotic arm following its detachment from the International Space Station’s Harmony module on Thursday. The Expedition 74 crew continued its spacewalk preparations, transferred more cargo, and conducted biology research throughout the day.

The HTV-X1 cargo spacecraft was uninstalled from Harmony with Canadarm2 at 2:26 p.m. EST on Thursday and maneuvered to an overnight parking position. During the crew’s sleep shift, Japanese mission controllers will conduct a laser-ranging sensor demonstration test with HTV-X1 still held by the robotic arm.

Then at 12 p.m. EST on Friday, robotics controllers will command the Canadarm2 to release HTV-X1 into Earth orbit. The spacecraft will remain at a safe distance from the station for approximately three months while conducting a series of remotely-controlled science experiments. NASA will broadcast the release live, beginning at 11:45 a.m. Friday on NASA+, Amazon Prime and the agency’s YouTube channel.

While robotic operations continued outside the space station, the astronauts pressed ahead with spacewalk preparations. NASA flight engineers Jessica Meir, Chris Williams and Jack Hathaway gathered together and reviewed the tools and equipment required to install a modification kit and route cables for a future roll-out solar array on the port side of the orbital outpost. NASA will soon announce the date and name the two spacewalkers who will exit the station’s Quest airlock into the vacuum of space for the roll-out solar array preparation work.

ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Sophie Adenot began her shift packing cargo for disposal inside Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus XL cargo spacecraft attached to the Unity module’s Earth-facing port. Cygnus will conclude its mission soon at the orbital outpost that began on September 18 with its robotic capture and installation to Unity. Adenot also worked in the Kibo laboratory module removing computer and electronics hardware for stowage and later reuse.

Cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikaev teamed up early Thursday for a Roscosmos digestion study. Shortly after waking, the duo scanned their stomachs with an ultrasound device before eating their breakfast. After their meal, the station commander and flight engineer repeated the stomach scans helping researchers understand how the digestive system adapts to weightlessness.

Flight Engineer Andrey Fedyaev kicked off his shift servicing the Elektron oxygen generator and its components in the station’s Roscosmos segment. Fedyaev then inspected video recording gear, downloaded video and imagery for mission controllers, and installed automated Earth observation hardware to capture imagery of islands across the Asia-Pacific region.

Source: NASA.Gov

The Latest Update on Crew-11's Departure from the ISS...

NASA

NASA, SpaceX Set Target Date for Crew-11’s Return to Earth (News Release)

NASA and SpaceX are targeting no earlier than 5 p.m. EST on Wednesday, January 14, for the undocking of the agency’s SpaceX Crew-11 mission from the International Space Station, pending weather conditions.

On January 8, NASA announced its decision to return the agency’s SpaceX Crew-11 mission to Earth from the space station earlier than originally planned as teams monitor a medical concern with a crew member currently living and working aboard the orbital laboratory, who is stable. Due to medical privacy, it is not appropriate for NASA to share more details about the crew member.

NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Kimiya Yui, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Platonov will splash down off the coast of California at approximately 3:40 a.m. on Thursday, January 15.

Mission managers continue monitoring conditions in the recovery area, as undocking of the SpaceX Dragon depends on spacecraft readiness, recovery team readiness, weather, sea states and other factors. NASA and SpaceX will select a specific splashdown time and location closer to the Crew-11 spacecraft undocking.

NASA’s coverage is as follows (all times Eastern and subject to change based on real-time operations):

Wednesday, January 14

3 p.m. – Hatch closure coverage begins

3:30 p.m. – Hatch closing

4:45 p.m. – Undocking coverage begins

5 p.m. – Undocking

Thursday, January 15

2:15 a.m. – Return coverage begins

2:50 a.m. – Deorbit burn

3:40 a.m. – Splashdown

5:45 a.m. – Return to Earth media news conference

NASA will share more details about its coverage plans in the coming days.

Source: NASA.Gov

Meeting the Next Crew Dragon Astronauts to Fly to the ISS...

NASA

NASA Shares SpaceX Crew-11 Assignments for Space Station Mission (News Release)

As part of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-11 mission, four crew members from three space agencies will launch in the coming months to the International Space Station for a long-duration science expedition aboard the orbiting laboratory.

NASA astronauts Commander Zena Cardman and Pilot Mike Fincke, JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Mission Specialist Kimiya Yui, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Mission Specialist Oleg Platonov will join crew members aboard the space station no earlier than July 2025.

The flight is the 11th crew rotation with SpaceX to the station as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. The crew will conduct scientific investigations and technology demonstrations to help prepare humans for future missions to the Moon, as well as benefit people on Earth.

Cardman was previously assigned to NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission, and Fincke was previously assigned to NASA’s Boeing Starliner-1 mission. NASA decided to reassign the astronauts to Crew-11 in overall support of planned activities aboard the International Space Station. Cardman carries her experience training as a commander on Dragon spacecraft, and Fincke brings long-duration spaceflight experience to this crew complement.

Selected as a NASA astronaut in 2017, Cardman will conduct her first spaceflight. The Williamsburg, Virginia, native holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology and a master’s in Marine Sciences from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. At the time of selection, she had begun pursuing a doctorate in Geosciences.

Cardman’s research in geobiology and geochemical cycling focused on subsurface environments, from caves to deep-sea sediments. Since completing initial training, Cardman has supported real-time station operations and lunar surface exploration planning.

This will be Fincke’s fourth trip to the space station, having logged 382 days in space and nine spacewalks during Expedition 9 in 2004, Expedition 18 in 2008, and STS-134 in 2011, the final flight of space shuttle Endeavour. Throughout the past decade, Fincke has applied his expertise to NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, advancing the development and testing of the SpaceX Dragon and Boeing Starliner toward operational certification. The Emsworth, Pennsylvania, native is a distinguished graduate of the United States Air Force Test Pilot School and holds bachelors’ degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, in both Aeronautics and Astronautics, as well as Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences.

Fincke also has a master’s degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Stanford University in California. He is a retired U.S. Air Force colonel with more than 2,000 flight hours in more than 30 different aircraft.

With 142 days in space, this will be Yui’s second trip to the space station. After his selection as a JAXA astronaut in 2009, Yui flew as a flight engineer for Expedition 44/45 and became the first Japanese astronaut to capture JAXA’s H-II Transfer Vehicle. In addition to constructing a new experimental environment aboard Kibo, he conducted a total of 21 experiments for JAXA.

In November 2016, Yui was assigned as chief of the JAXA Astronaut Group. He graduated from the School of Science and Engineering at the National Defense Academy of Japan in 1992. He later joined the Air Self-Defense Force at the Japan Defense Agency (currently Ministry of Defense).

In 2008, Yui joined the Air Staff Office at the Ministry of Defense as a lieutenant colonel.

The Crew-11 mission will be Platonov’s first spaceflight. Before his selection as a cosmonaut in 2018, Platonov earned a degree in Engineering from Krasnodar Air Force Academy in Aircraft Operations and Air Traffic Management. He also earned a bachelor’s degree in State and Municipal Management in 2016 from the Far Eastern Federal University in Vladivostok, Russia.

Assigned as a test cosmonaut in 2021, Platonov has experience in piloting aircraft, zero gravity training, scuba diving and wilderness survival.

For more than two decades, people have lived and worked continuously aboard the International Space Station, advancing scientific knowledge and demonstrating new technologies, making research breakthroughs not possible on Earth. The station is a critical testbed for NASA to understand and overcome the challenges of long-duration spaceflight and to expand commercial opportunities in low-Earth orbit. As commercial companies focus on providing human space transportation services and destinations as part of a robust low-Earth orbit economy, NASA’s Artemis campaign is underway at the Moon, where the agency is preparing for future human exploration of Mars.

Source: NASA.Gov

Photos of the Day: Endeavour at the Space Station...

NASA / Chris Cassidy

Just thought I'd share these amazing photos taken by NASA astronaut Chris Cassidy as he and fellow crew member Bob Behnken—who joined him aboard the International Space Station (ISS) after a historic launch aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule last month—conducted a spacewalk that continued the replacement of 48 aging nickel-hydrogen batteries with 24 new lithium-ion units in an effort that began in January of 2017. As you can see in these images, the Crew Dragon spacecraft, dubbed Endeavour by Behnken and fellow Demo-2 astronaut Doug Hurley shortly after launch, is connected to the Harmony node (with Europe's Columbus module visible in the foreground). Below Harmony is Japan's H-II Transfer Vehicle that launched to the ISS on May 20.

NASA / Chris Cassidy

Cassidy and Behnken are set to resume the replacement of batteries during another spacewalk next Wednesday. In all, the two astronauts are intended to conduct a total of four Extra-Vehicular Activities (EVAs) before Behnken and Hurley are supposed to return to Earth aboard Endeavour as early as August 2. If things don't go according to plan in the next spacewalk, then the last two EVAs will be deferred to a future ISS crew so Behnken and Hurley can return home as scheduled.

NASA / Chris Cassidy

A Soyuz Capsule Returns to Earth with Record-Setting NASA Astronaut Aboard...

NASA / Bill Ingalls

Three International Space Station Crewmates Safely Return to Earth (Press Release)

NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, who set multiple U.S. space records during her mission aboard the International Space Station, along with crewmates Jack Fischer of NASA and Commander Fyodor Yurchikhin of Roscosmos, safely landed on Earth at 9:21 p.m. EDT Saturday (7:21 a.m. Kazakhstan time, Sunday, Sept. 3), southeast of the remote town of Dzhezkazgan in Kazakhstan.

While living and working aboard the world’s only orbiting laboratory, Whitson and Fischer contributed to hundreds of experiments in biology, biotechnology, physical science and Earth science, welcomed several cargo spacecraft delivering tons of supplies and research experiments, and conducted a combined six spacewalks to perform maintenance and upgrades to the station.

Among their scientific exploits, Whitson and Fischer supported research into the physical changes to astronaut’s eyes caused by prolonged exposure to a microgravity environment. They also conducted a new lung tissue study that explored how stem cells work in the unique microgravity environment of the space station, which may pave the way for future stem cell research in space.

Additional research included an antibody investigation that could increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs for cancer treatment, and the study of plant physiology and growth in space using an advanced plant habitat. NASA also attached the Cosmic Ray Energetics and Mass Investigation (ISS CREAM) on the outside of the space station in August, which is now observing cosmic rays coming from across the galaxy.

The crew members received a total of seven cargo deliveries during their mission. A Japanese H-II Transfer Vehicle launched to the space station in December 2016 delivering new lithium-ion batteries that were installed using a combination of robotics and spacewalks. Orbital ATK’s Cygnus spacecraft arrived at the station in April on the company's seventh commercial resupply mission. Three SpaceX Dragon spacecraft completed commercial resupply missions to the station in February, June and August. And, Russian ISS Progress cargo spacecraft docked to the station in February and June.

Whitson’s return marks the completion of a 288-day mission that began last November and spanned 122.2 million miles and 4,623 orbits of the Earth – her third long-duration mission on the station. During her latest mission, Whitson performed four spacewalks, bringing her career total to 10. With a total of 665 days in space, Whitson holds the U.S. record and places eighth on the all-time space endurance list.

Fischer, who launched in April, completed 136 days in space, during which he conducted the first and second spacewalks of his career. Yurchikhin, who launched with Fischer, now has a total of 673 days in space, putting him seventh place on the all-time endurance list.

Expedition 53 continues operating the station, with Randy Bresnik of NASA in command, and Sergey Ryazanskiy of Roscosmos and Paolo Nespoli of ESA (European Space Agency) serving as flight engineers. The three-person crew will operate the station until the arrival of NASA astronauts Mark Vande Hei and Joe Acaba, and Alexander Misurkin of Roscosmos. Vande Hei, Acaba and Misurkin are scheduled to launch Sept. 12 from Baikonur, Kazakhstan.

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Japan's Newest Cargo Ship Arrives at the ISS...

NASA / JAXA

Successful Berthing of the H-II Transfer Vehicle KOUNOTORI 6 (HTV-6) to the International Space Station (Press Release)

The H-II Transfer Vehicle KOUNOTORI 6 (HTV-6) started its final approach to the International Space Station (ISS), and was captured by the ISS robotic arm at 7:39 p.m. on December 13 (Japanese Standard Time, JST). Being captured and maneuvered by the robotic arm, the HTV-6 was successfully berthed to the ISS at 3:24 a.m. on December 14 (JST).

Once after berthing of vehicle, the internal and external cargo will be unloaded by the onboard crew.

Source: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency

ISS Update: Japan Launches Another Cargo Ship to the Orbital Outpost...

JAXA / Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.

Launch Success Of The H-IIB Launch Vehicle No. 6 (H-IIB F6) With The H-II Transfer Vehicle KOUNOTORI 6 On Board (Press Release)

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) successfully launched the H-IIB Launch Vehicle No. 6 (H-IIB F6) with cargo transporter to the International Space Station, the H-II Transfer Vehicle KOUNOTORI 6 (HTV-6) on board at 10:26:47 p.m. on December 9, 2016 (JST) from the Tanegashima Space Center. The launch vehicle flew as planned, and at approximately 15 minutes and 11 seconds after liftoff, the separation of HTV6 was confirmed.

At the time of the launch, the weather was fine, the wind speed was 4.3 meters/second, from the north-west, and the temperature was 15.5 degrees Celsius.

Source: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency

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JAXA

ISS Update: Russia's Latest Progress Flight Suffers Mishap After Launch...

NASA

Russian Resupply Ship Experiences Anomaly; International Space Station Crew is Fine (Press Release)

The Russian space agency Roscosmos has confirmed a Progress cargo resupply spacecraft bound for the International Space Station has been lost. The spacecraft launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan Thursday on a Soyuz rocket, but experienced an anomaly around six and a half minutes into its flight.

Six crew members living aboard the space station are safe and have been informed of the mission’s status. Both the Russian and U.S. segments of the station continue to operate normally with onboard supplies at good levels.

The ISS Progress 65 cargo spacecraft launched on time from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 9:51 a.m. EST (8:51 p.m. Baikonur time). The first few minutes of flight were normal, but Russian flight controllers reported telemetry data indicating a problem during third stage operation. The Russians have formed a State Commission and are the source for details on the specific failure cause.

The spacecraft was not carrying any supplies critical for the United States Operating Segment (USOS) of the station. The next mission scheduled to deliver cargo to the station is an H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV)-6 from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) on Friday, Dec. 9.

Cargo packed inside the Progress 65 included more than 2.6 tons of food, fuel, and supplies for the space station crew, including approximately 1,400 pounds of propellant, 112 pounds of oxygen, 925 pounds of water, and 2,750 pounds of spare parts, supplies and scientific experiment hardware. Among the U.S. supplies on board were spare parts for the station’s environmental control and life support system, research hardware, crew supplies and crew clothing, all of which are replaceable.

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Japan Extends Its Operations Aboard the ISS...

NASA

Comments by JAXA President on Japan's Decision to Participate in Extended ISS Operations‏ (Press Release)

On December 22, 2015, the Japanese and U.S. governments agreed on a new cooperation framework for the International Space Station (ISS) Program and, accordingly, Japan decided to extend its participation in the ISS operations until 2024. Through operations and utilizations of the Japanese Experiment Module Kibo and the cargo transporter to the ISS KOUNOTORI, JAXA will responsibly produce commensurate achievements from the extended operations.

The Japan-U.S. Open Platform Partnership Program (Japan-U.S. OP3) newly agreed today will step-up the relationship between both countries to the next phase. In order to realize Japan's space policy, JAXA will produce desirable outcomes by promoting unprecedented utilization of the Kibo and the KOUNOTORI effectively and efficiently leveraging the new framework.

Continuous support and cooperation with the ISS Program from Japanese people and ISS partner countries will be very much appreciated.

Thank you very much.

December 22, 2015
Naoki Okumura
President
National Research and Development Agency
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)

Source: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency

The HTV-5 Completes Its Mission at the ISS...

NASA

Successful Re-entry of H-II Transfer Vehicle "KOUNOTORI 5" (HTV-5) - Press Release

The H-II Transfer Vehicle KOUNOTORI 5 (HTV-5) successfully re-entered the atmosphere after the third de-orbit maneuver at 5:08 AM on September 30, 2015 (Japanese Standard Time, JST).

The KOUNOTORI 5 has successfully accomplished its main objective of shipping cargo to the International Space Station (ISS), and completed its 42-day mission.

The estimated date/time for the re-entry and waterlanding are as follows (Japanese Standard Time):
Estimated re-entry*: September 30, 2015 / 5:33 AM
Estimated waterlanding: September 30, 2015 / 5:47 AM - 6:13 AM

* Altitude at 120 km

Source: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency

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NASA

The HTV-5 Cargo Freighter Arrives at the ISS...

NASA / JAXA - Kimiya Yui

Successful Berthing of the H-II Transfer Vehicle "KOUNOTORI 5" (HTV-5) to the International Space Station (Press Release)

The H-II Transfer Vehicle KOUNOTORI 5 (HTV-5) started its final approach to the International Space Station (ISS), and was captured by the ISS robotic arm at 7:29 PM on August 24, Japan Standard Time (JST). Being captured and maneuvered by the robotic arm, the HTV-5 was successfully berthed to the ISS at 2:28 AM on August 25 (JST).

Once after berthing of vehicle, the internal and external cargo will be unloaded by the on-board crew.

Source: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency

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NASA / Scott Kelly

Japan's Newest Cargo Ship Is Bound for the International Space Station...

JAXA

Launch Success of H-II Transfer Vehicle KOUNOTORI 5 (HTV-5) by H-IIB Launch Vehicle No. 5‏ (Press Release)

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency launched the H-IIB Launch Vehicle No.5 (H-IIB F5) with the KOUNOTORI 5 (HTV-5, a cargo transfer vehicle to the International Space Station) onboard at 8:50:49 p.m. on August 19 (Wednesday) 2015 (Japan Standard Time, JST) from the Tanegashima Space Center.

The launch vehicle flew smoothly, and, at about 14 minutes and 54 seconds after liftoff, the separation of the KOUNOTORI 5 was confirmed.

We would like to express our profound appreciation for the cooperation and support of all related personnel and organizations that helped contribute to the successful launch of the H-IIB F5.

At the time of the launch, the weather was fine, a wind speed was 3.5 meters/second from the south-south-east and the temperature was 27.8 degrees Celsius.

Source: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency

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SpaceX's CRS-7 Mission Ends in Failure...

NASA TV

NASA Administrator Statement on the Loss of SpaceX CRS-7 (Press Release)

The following is a statement from NASA Administrator Charles Bolden on the loss Sunday of the SpaceX Commercial Resupply Services 7 (CRS-7) mission.

“We are disappointed in the loss of the latest SpaceX cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station. However, the astronauts are safe aboard the station and have sufficient supplies for the next several months. We will work closely with SpaceX to understand what happened, fix the problem and return to flight. The commercial cargo program was designed to accommodate loss of cargo vehicles. We will continue operation of the station in a safe and effective way as we continue to use it as our test bed for preparing for longer duration missions farther into the solar system.

“A Progress vehicle is ready to launch July 3, followed in August by a Japanese HTV flight. Orbital ATK, our other commercial cargo partner, is moving ahead with plans for its next launch later this year.

“SpaceX has demonstrated extraordinary capabilities in its first six cargo resupply missions to the station, and we know they can replicate that success. We will work with and support SpaceX to assess what happened, understand the specifics of the failure and correct it to move forward. This is a reminder that spaceflight is an incredible challenge, but we learn from each success and each setback. Today's launch attempt will not deter us from our ambitious human spaceflight program.”
Source: NASA.Gov

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ESA Update: Farewell Georges Lemaître, Hellooo Orion...

ESA / NASA

Last ATV Reentry Leaves Legacy for Future Space Exploration (Press Release)

ESA’s fifth automated cargo ferry completed its mission to the International Space Station today when it reentered the atmosphere and burned up safely over an uninhabited area of the southern Pacific Ocean.

The end of the mission as the craft broke up as planned at about 18:04 GMT (19:04 CET) marks the end of the Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) programme. The programme has served the Station with the most complex space vehicle ever developed in Europe, achieving five launches in six years following its 2008 debut.

ATVs delivered more than 31,500 kg of supplies over the course of their five missions. They boosted the Station to raise its orbit numerous times and similarly moved it out of the way of space debris.

The vehicles demonstrated European mastering of automated docking, a technology that is vital for further space exploration.

This last ATV, Georges Lemaître, set the record for the heaviest Ariane 5 launch when it climbed into space from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana on 29 July 2014.

Before undocking, the Station crew loaded it with waste material, freeing up space on the weightless research centre.

The European cargo ship undocked on 14 February at 13:40 GMT (14:40 CET) and manoeuvred itself into a safe descent trajectory.

Europe's Investment in Human Spaceflight

ATV was conceived in 1987, when ideas for an international space station to succeed Russia’s Mir complex were beginning to surface. In 1994, ESA and Russia discussed the possibility of using the vehicle for a new station. The decision to build it was taken in October 1995 and development began the following year.

The ATV programme was part of a barter arrangement between ESA and its international partners through which ESA pays its share of the running costs of the International Space Station by supplying vital equipment and systems.

The spacecraft formed part of the Station’s supply fleet, alongside Russia’s Progress and Soyuz, Japan’s HII Transfer Vehicle and America’s Dragon and Cygnus commercial ferries.

The knowledge gained by ESA and European industry from designing, building and operating the complex ATV missions has been instrumental for ESA’s participation in NASA’s Orion spacecraft that will fly astronauts to the Moon and beyond.

ESA’s industrial partners are already building the European Service Module, ATV’s technical successor, a critical module for Orion that will supply power, air and propulsion during the test flight in 2017 2018.

“It is with a feeling of pride that we look back at our accomplishments on the ATV programme,” says Thomas Reiter, Director of Human Spaceflight and Operations.

“We look forward to applying the experience and knowledge we gained from designing, building and operating five ATV spacecraft with excellent results to future exploration missions using the successor European Service Module of the Orion vehicle.”

Source: European Space Agency

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NASA

Happy Birthday, ISS!

NASA

Celebrating Fifteen Years of the International Space Station (Press Release)

Astronaut James H. Newman waves during a spacewalk preparing for release of the first combined elements of the International Space Station. The Russian-built Zarya module, with its solar array panel visible here, was launched into orbit fifteen years ago on Nov. 20, 1998. Two weeks later, on Dec. 4, 1998, NASA's space shuttle Endeavour launched Unity, the first U.S. piece of the complex. Endeavour's forward section is reflected in Newman's helmet visor in this image. During three spacewalks on the STS-88 mission, the two space modules built on opposite sides of the planet were joined together in space, making the space station truly international.

Since that first meeting of Zarya and Unity, the space station grew piece by piece with additions from each of the international partners built across three continents and leading to the largest and most complex spacecraft ever constructed. The space station, now four times larger than Mir and five times larger than Skylab, represents a collaboration between NASA, Roscosmos, the European Space Agency, the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency and the Canadian Space Agency, representing 15 countries in all.

In support of station assembly and maintenance, station and shuttle crews have conducted 174 spacewalks totaling almost 1,100 hours – the equivalent to nearly 46 days of spacewalks to build and maintain the complex. The station, with a mass of almost a million pounds and the size of a football field, is second only to the moon as the brightest object in the night sky. Over the years, a great deal of research has been done on the space laboratory, which has already yielded tremendous results toward various fields. The science of the space station has provided benefits to humankind in areas such as human health, Earth observation and education. Many more results and benefits for both space exploration and life on Earth are expected in the coming years.

Source: NASA.Gov

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Roscosmos / ESA / NASA

Preparing for Cygnus' First Flight...

Orbital Sciences

Now standing in launch position at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia is Orbital Sciences' Antares vehicle...with the company's Cygnus freighter tucked safely within the payload fairing of the 133-foot-tall rocket. Lift-off is scheduled for this Wednesday, September 18...with Cygnus transporting 1,200 pounds of cargo up to the International Space Station (ISS) on the freighter's inaugural flight to low-Earth orbit. Like Russia's Progress and Japan's HTV supply ships, Cygnus will end its mission in a destructive re-entry into Earth's atmosphere once its mission is complete.


Orbital Sciences / Dan Wiles


Orbital Sciences / Dan Wiles


Orbital Sciences


Orbital Sciences


Orbital Sciences

KOUNOTORI 4 Clears the Way for Cygnus' Arrival...

Orbital Sciences / Dan Wiles

Last Wednesday, Japan's H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV-4) departed from the International Space Station (ISS) after being berthed at the outpost for almost a month. With HTV-4's mission now concluded (with KOUNOTORI 4's fiery re-entry into our planet's atmosphere set for today), the next privately-made cargo freighter to venture to the ISS will be Orbital Sciences' Cygnus spacecraft—which will be berthed to the same (nadir) port on the station's Harmony module that HTV-4 was connected to. Cygnus is set to make its debut flight to low-Earth orbit on September 17...aboard an Antares rocket that will launch from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia.


Orbital Sciences / Dan Wiles


NASA


NASA

KOUNOTORI 4 Arrives at the Space Station...

NASA

Here are photos of Japan's latest H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV-4) before and after it was successfully berthed to the International Space Station (ISS) yesterday. The HTV-4 will stay at the ISS for at least 35 days...and then conclude its mission with a fiery and destructive reentry into Earth's atmosphere.


NASA


NASA


NASA


NASA


NASA

KOUNOTORI 4 Lifts Off!

JAXA

Earlier today, the fourth H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV-4) to be launched by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) departed from the Tanegashima Space Center in the southern part of the country. Carrying 11,900 pounds worth of cargo, HTV-4 will arrive and be berthed at the International Space Station this Friday, August 9.


JAXA


JAXA


Photo courtesy of Itaimecom - Twitter.com