Table of Contents

Weekly Summaries

Life on the International Space Station:
A Weekly Synopsis from Space

• November 30 - December 1, 2009 (334-335)
• November 16 - November 22, 2009 (320-326)
• November 2 - November 8, 2009 (306-312)
• October 26 - November 1, 2009 (299-305)
• October 19 - October 25, 2009 (292-298)
• October 12 - October 18, 2009 (285-291)
• October 5 - October 11, 2009 (278-284)
• September 28 - October 4, 2009 (271-277)
• September 21- September 27, 2009 (264-270)
• September 14 - September 20, 2009 (257-263)
• September 7 - September 13, 2009 (250-256)
• August 31 - September 6, 2009 (243-249)
• August 10 - August 16, 2009 (222-228)
• August 3 - August 9, 2009 (215-221)
• July 27 - August 2, 2009 (208-214)
• July 20 - July 26, 2009 (201-207)
• July 13 - July 19, 2009 (194-200)
• June 29 - July 5, 2009 (180-186)

A Weekly Synopsis from Space

November 30 - December 1, 2009 (Days 334-335 of 2009)

Concluding a milestone 188 days in space, Canadian Space Agency Astronaut Robert (Bob) Thirsk returned to Earth in a Soyuz descent capsule, landing on the steppes of southern Kazakhstan, northeast of the town of Arkalyk. Bob and his crewmates, cosmonaut Roman Romanenko and European Space Agency astronaut Frank De Winne, were in excellent condition and happy to be home.

Preparing for a return to Earth is a meticulous process. In addition to their anti-gravity suits, astronauts traveling in a Soyuz must ensure that their sophisticated, sensor-enhanced medical belts are secured tightly to their bodies. Once strapped in by their seatbelts, they must also fit snugly in the seat liner of their Kazbek couches.

They know they have re-entered the atmosphere when they see dust particles starting to sink in the cabin. From that point onward, gravity rapidly asserts itself. Its burden is felt as a pressure on the body, producing laboured breathing and speech. It's best not to swallow and talk at this point. If they have disturbances in their vision, they are supposed to create additional tension in the abdomen and leg muscles by flexing and pulling the stomach inward.

During the critical phase when parachutes attached to the Soyuz module are deployed, the capsule swings and spins, which can be felt in the middle ear, which in turn can produce vertigo, nausea, discomfort and postural illusions. It helps to limit head and eye movements and focus on a motionless object.

Right before landing, six small rockets power-up to soften the impact. Once on the ground, astronauts are supposed to wait several minutes before getting up from their couches and even then, proceed very slowly and avoid excessive motions. The bodily challenges of returning to earth can result in fainting as the circulatory system tries to adjust, once again having to fight gravity to pump blood up to the brain. Coming home is quite a ride.

When the Soyuz landed in Kazakhstan on December 1, 2009, it was too cold for helicopters, so the crew travelled by all-terrain vehicles to Kostanai and were later flown to Chkalovsky Airfield of the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center at Star City, Russia.

Before he left space, Dr. Thirsk gave Canadians a retrospective look at Expedition 20/21 through his eyes. Bob recaps the most exciting aspects of the historic first Canadian long-duration mission in space, and expresses his enthusiasm for his imminent return home. As he reminds us, this mission marks the dawn of a golden era for the International Space Station, now established as a six-person, orbital laboratory. Canadians can all take pride in our country's contributions.

Also prior to his departure, Bob recorded a special Olympic and Paralympic message to Canadians. The Olympic Flame passed through St. Hubert, Quebec recently, making a stop at the Canadian Space Agency, where it was held aloft by CSA President and Astronaut Steve MacLean.

This concludes the final weekly synopsis from space for Canada's first long-duration mission on board the International Space Station.

A Weekly Synopsis from Space

November 16 - November 22, 2009 (Days 320-326 of 2009)

Canadian Space Agency Astronaut Robert (Bob) Thirsk began the new Advanced Plant EXperiments on Orbit (APEX-Cambium) study, a CSA-funded project led by Canadian researcher Dr. Rodney Savidge of the University of New Brunswick. Carried aboard the newly arrived Atlantis Shuttle, Bob unstowed the APEX payload and removed the batch of willow saplings from cold storage. He carefully measured, tagged and looped the plants. He then transplanted them into the ABRS Root Tray Fixture, looping 12 and leaving 6 unlooped as part of a control group. APEX-Cambium is designed to determine if reaction wood, a soft, pulpy wood that grows on the upper sides of horizontally-inclined trees on Earth, will develop in the near-weightless environment. Results will indicate if gravity is a key factor in this biological process, which could provide vital insights to the pulp & paper and construction industries, and enhance scientists' general understanding of how wood develops in trees.

The arrival of Space Shuttle Atlantis inaugurated a busy week of International Space Station (ISS) operations as Mission STS-129 got underway. NASA astronauts Forman, Satcher, and Bresnik each completed two spacewalks in teams of two. The first lasted over six and half hours and involved many activities including installing antennae and bracketing for wires and readjusting a Micrometeoroid/Orbital Debris (MMOD) shield. Spacewalk two was just over six hours and, among other activities, consisted of relocating a camera outside the ISS and doing some photography of a Common Berthing Mechanism (CBM) on Node 2 of the ISS. A CBM is used to connect pressurized modules of the ISS. Afterwards, Bob Thirsk conducted leak checks with the spacesuits and took meticulous photos of the spacewalkers' gloves, downloading them for inspection by teams on the ground.

The Canadarms also got a workout this week. Recall that the original Canadarm is the Shuttle Remote Manipulator System (SRMS), connected to the shuttle, and that the Canadarm 2 (SSRMS) is a newer version, attached to the ISS. For a comparison on the two, click here. The two arms worked in conjunction, with the SRMS handing the Logistics Carrier from the Shuttle to the SSRMS which installed the carrier onto an attachment system on the ISS. The process was repeated for an additional carrier as well.

Stay tuned for upcoming weekly summaries of the ongoing Canadian activities on the ISS.

A Weekly Synopsis from Space

November 2 - November 8, 2009 (Days 306-312 of 2009)

This week Canadian Space Agency Astronaut Robert Thirsk continued his scientific activities. Many of the experiments on board the International Space Station (ISS) focus on the human health factors of spaceflight, such as the physiological impacts of microgravity on the heart, blood pressure, bones, muscle and visual perception. Dr. Thirsk often puts his medical training to work, operating diagnostic equipment for investigations from several space agencies.

One important human spaceflight experiment onboard involving a major Canadian contribution is the Radi-N project. In order to measure the neutron radiation that astronauts are exposed to inside the ISS, bubble detectors are placed throughout the station. These detectors are tubes containing a clear polymer gel, which retain nucleated bubbles created by contact with radiation. Bob's role is to regularly gather these detectors and use an automatic reader to count the bubbles and calculate the radiation dose. This week Bob filmed a demonstration of this protocol so that the public can learn more about it.

He also recorded an educational video about the Canadian experiment called CCISS (Cardiovascular & Cerebrovascular Control on Return from the ISS). After long-duration spaceflight aspects of the cardiovascular system are less efficient. For instance, on Earth baro-receptors detect changes in blood pressure as we change posture. They signal the blood vessels to contract and the heart to beat faster. In microgravity, this reflex is not required and thus this system is weaker upon arriving back on Earth. This can lead to orthostatic intolerance, a phenomenon typified by fainting and falling. CCISS aims to better understand how aspects of the cardiovascular system are less efficient after long-duration spaceflight.

Also this week, Bob used pulmonary function measuring equipment on Commander De Winne to gather data for the European Space Agency cardiological experiment CARD (Long Term Microgravity: A Model for Investigating Mechanisms of Heart Disease). While in the microgravity space environment, astronauts' cardiovascular systems relax, lowering blood volume and pressure. This may be due to an internal decrease in fluid and sodium. The experiment investigates whether additional salt intake while in microgravity can counter these effects. For the Integrated Cardiovascular (ICV) experiment, Bob performed ultrasound scans on crewmates.

Sometimes Dr. Thirsk is in the patient role as well. Bob is a subject in the American biomedical countermeasures experiment, Bisphosphonates. It explores whether bone loss reducing chemical agents used on Earth can protect astronauts in space when combined with routine in-flight exercise. Typically, human bone loss occurs at a much faster rate while in space, which is a challenge for human spaceflight. Bob's contribution to this experiment consists of ingesting a weekly pill before breakfast. Post-flight, he will undergo a Quantitative Computed Tomography (QCT) scan of his hip. Commonly used in medicine, QTC scans utilize computer software that transforms two-dimensional x-rays images into a three-dimensional image. The scan will show bone density in both cortical and trabecular bone in Bob's hip. Cortical bone is the dense, compact type of bone tissue that forms the outer shell of some bones. Trabecular is the other type of bone tissue, found on the inside of bones, often containing bone marrow. The scans of these two types of bones in Bob's hip will be compared with those taken before he left Earth. This will help confirm if his bone loss is less than would be expected had he not participated in the experiment. If it is, this might be a promising new form of countermeasure that could be a great boon to future astronauts.

Also this week, Bob continued to interact with the earth-bound robot Red, a rover exploring the Mars-simulation terrain at the CSA headquarters located in Montreal, Quebec. This is part of the Canadian technology demonstration known as Avatar-Explore. He also continued looking for crystals, as part of the Canadian experiment BCAT-5 (Binary Colloidal Alloy Test-5).

In an exciting event hosted by the Canadian Space Agency, Bob said 'hello' to CSA employees, and received special greetings from Canadian Space Agency Astronaut Julie Payette and the STS-127 crew. Bob was eager to talk to his astronaut friends, whom he hasn't seen since they left the ISS several weeks ago.

Along with Belgian Commander De Winne, he chatted with Belgian media. For the 10th Year Anniversary of International Education Week, the crew was involved in an event linking several American schools and NASA administrators and astronauts.

This week Bob also conducted Ham Radio sessions with students at John Taylor Collegiate in Winnipeg, Manitoba and at Westbrook Intermediate School, in Friendswood, Texas.

Stay tuned for upcoming weekly summaries of the ongoing Canadian activities on board the ISS.

A Weekly Synopsis from Space

October 26 - November 1, 2009 (Days 299-305 of 2009)

October 30, 2009 saw the culmination of an historic Canadian endeavour: the release of the Japanese H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) by Canadarm2, which prior to this event captured the HTV as a free-flying spacecraft.

The HTV, having its pressurized and unpressurized cargo unloaded, was refilled with refuse and other excess materials from the International Space Station (ISS) by Canadian Space Agency Astronaut Robert (Bob) Thirsk and his crewmates. After performing their task and sealing the HTV doors, Thirsk and NASA astronaut Jeffrey Williams situated themselves in the robotic work station of the Destiny laboratory to prepare for the final stages of the HTV's de-mating and release. Skilfully manipulating the work station's controls, they mobilized Canadarm2 to grapple the HTV and unberth it from the Station. Later, NASA astronaut Nicole Stott took over for Jeffrey Williams and worked with Bob to release the HTV at a safe distance from the ISS. The Japanese transport vehicle was then set on a trajectory towards the Earth's atmosphere to be incinerated.

This concluded operations that spanned over a month, proved the efficacy of the automated HTV, heralded a new form of spacecraft capture and demonstrated once again the technological precision and craftsmanship of Canadarm2.

Canadian science also had a chance to shine this week. Bob set up a camera and flash, Mini-Maglite and EarthKAM software for the Binary Colloidal Alloy Test (BCAT-5) in the Japanese experiment module (JEM). BCAT-5 is a Canadian experiment that examines colloids, which are particles suspended in everyday substances like paint, milk and toothpaste. One of the key advantages of setting this experiment in near-weightlessness is that it makes colloid structures more visible for analysis. After set up, Bob activated the experiment and the EarthKAM software began automatically photographing one of the colloid samples, which it will do once every hour for the next three weeks. Bob will periodically monitor BCAT-5 throughout its activities.

Bob also performed operations on Avatar EXPLORE, a Canadian technology demonstration. Avatar consists of CSA-developed communications & robot autonomy software designed to advance communications protocols between humans and robots. Bob sends commands from the ISS to RED, a robot here on Earth, who resides on the Mars Emulation Terrain (MET) at CSA headquarters located in Montreal, Quebec. The end goal is to locate a hidden thermal source on the MET. To accomplish this, Red takes thermal and infrared scans of its environment, sends it to Bob, and based on this information Bob sends commands to the rover to explore specific regions. Red will then search that area--autonomously. Information is exchanged until the heat source is located. In the future, this kind of technology and method of communication will be used for exploring, tele-remotely, unfamiliar moons and planets.

Merging exercise and science, Bob managed to get in a good workout during the VO₂Max experiment. For this science initiative, Bob cycled on the Cycle Ergometer Vibration Isolation System (CEVIS) while being monitored by the Portable Pulmonary Function System (PPFS). VO²Max detects changes in maximum oxygen uptake over time for astronauts on long-duration missions. The experiment requires astronauts to exercise for 5-minute intervals at 25%, 50% & 75% of their pre-flight aerobic capacity. A photo of NASA astronauts performing a similar experiment using CEVIS is available online.

As part of his role as a Crew Medical Officer, Bob completed an onboard training refresher session for the Crew Health Care Systems. During this session he reviewed procedures, focused on the administration of intravenous (IV) fluid infusion and checked the on-orbit stowage locations of equipment.

Continuing to connect with students from Canada and around the world, Bob conducted Ham Radio sessions with David Thompson Middle School, in Calgary, Alberta and Sherbrooke Community School in Sassafras, Victoria, Australia. Along with fellow astronauts De Winne, Stott, and Williams, Dr. Thirsk also performed an inspired event with the Minister of Education, the Honourable Marilyn More, at Mount St. Vincent University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, which incorporated several other schools from the province linked-in via a video connection.

Stay tuned for upcoming weekly summaries of ongoing Canadian activities onboard the ISS.

A Weekly Synopsis from Space

October 19 - October 25, 2009 (Days 292-298 of 2009)

The near-weightless environment of the International Space Station (ISS) provides an incredible opportunity for molecules to be studied in novel ways. For instance, scientists can observe molecular processes without the obscuring effects of phenomena like buoyancy convection, which occurs on gravity-rich Earth, but has little-to-no effect in microgravity. This week Canadian Space Agency Astronaut Bob Thirsk recorded an educational science talk describing an ISS project that takes advantage of this unique aspect of near-weightlessness. Called SODI-IVIDIL, it is a European Space Agency experiment that features Canadian contribution from Ryerson University's Dr. Ziad Saghir. In SODI-IVIDIL, liquid samples are kept inside a Microgravity Science Glovebox where they are shaken, heated and cooled in order to study the impact of vibrations and thermo-diffusion on molecular movement. SODI (Selectable Optical Diagnostic Instrument) is an advanced optical instrument that measures the temperature and concentration of the molecules. Scientists are hoping that results will be applied to a finer understanding of hydrocarbon mixtures, which could impact oil extraction methods on Earth.

Bob also provided a talk on Canada's Microgravity Vibration Isolation Subsystem (MVIS). Housed inside the Fluid Science Laboratory onboard the ISS, MVIS is designed to isolate experiments from Space Station vibrations. To do this, it uses magnets to keep payloads free-floating and untouched by the outside container. In this manner, subtle molecular experiments can be conducted that would otherwise be distorted by onboard vibrations.

Continuing in the vein of Canadian technological excellence, this week Bob completed some activities for the Canadian technology demonstration known as Avatar EXPLORE. Showcasing robot autonomy software while developing important communications protocols, Bob used topographical data sent to him from a robot called RED, located at the Mars Emulation Terrain at CSA headquarters in St. Hubert, Quebec, to search for a hidden thermal source. By providing RED with coordinates of areas to search on the MET, the robot autonomously explores the terrain, seeking this thermal target. In the future, similar technology and methods could be used by astronauts in orbiting spacecraft that need to collaborate with robots to safely map and explore unknown or inaccessible environments.

Bodies in the Space Environment (BISE) experiment continued to be tapped for more on-orbit sessions as NASA astronaut Nicole Stott and European Space Agency astronaut Frank De Winne provided additional data for this extensive study. BISE, a York University experiment sponsored by the Canadian Space Agency, examines how astronauts perceive up and down in near-weightlessness, investigating the relative contributions of internal and external cues to self-orientation.

In other studies, Bob Thirsk and crewmates each completed a 10-minute session before breakfast and exercise for the Russian Hematokrit test. Blood was drawn from the finger with a lancet, and placed in tubes, which were inserted into a mini-centrifuge. A centrifuge is a very common scientific instrument that spins samples around an axis creating artificial gravity, so that heavier contents settle at the bottom of the tube and lighter materials at the top. This process is described by the sedimentation principal and allows components of a substance to be separated into layers for analysis. In the Hematokrit study, the red blood cell count is monitored because of its tendency to decrease over time during spaceflight.

Apart from science activities and general maintenance, the crew were kept busy unloading some of the cargo from Progress 35P, which docked itself on the weekend to the ISS Russian Segment Docking Compartment 1. The Progress carried an impressive 2.4 tons of supplies.

Bob continued his education awareness activities this week. In a unique and probably nostalgic event for Bob, he was video-linked with teachers, parents, guests and 1,500 enthusiastic students from his former elementary school in Powell River, British Columbia. Bob's mother and third-grade teacher were both there to express their support and admiration.

Another education activity saw the conclusion of five days worth of Earth image capture for the Earth Knowledge Acquired by Middle School Students (EarthKAM) project. Over 750 images were gathered for 122 Education Groups that represented 9,761 students worldwide in the United States, Australia, Spain, Germany, Japan, Dominican Republic, France, Lebanon, United Kingdom, Finland, India, Denmark, Netherlands, Romania, and Guatemala.

Stay tuned for upcoming weekly summaries of the ongoing Canadian activities on board the ISS.

A Weekly Synopsis from Space

October 12 - October 18, 2009 (Days 285-291 of 2009)

Canadian Space Agency Astronaut Dr. Robert (Bob) Thirsk performed a number of significant life science experiments this week. One of which was the Integrated Cardiovascular study. This project examines the causal factors, rate of development and consequences of cardiac atrophy (a decrease in the size of the heart muscle) during long-term space flight. As a subject of this experiment, Bob performed an ECHO scan and monitored his ambulatory blood pressure.

Bob also continued to participate in the weekly Bisphosphonates biomedical countermeasures experiment, ingesting an alendronate pill before breakfast. This study analyzes whether antiresorptive agents that help reduce bone loss, in tandem with regular exercise, will protect astronauts from bone mineral density decrease during long-duration space flights.

Another ongoing study Dr. Thirsk is involved in is the SLEEP (Sleep-Wake Actigraphy & Light Exposure during Spaceflight) Experiment. It investigates the effects of long-duration spaceflight and ambient light levels on the crew's sleep-wake cycles. To record data, Bob wears an Actiwatch device, a versatile tool that monitors sleep and activity patterns as well as light levels. SLEEP could help assess whether astronaut cognition is being impacted by the space flight environment over an extended period of time. It could also have Earth-based applications if applied to those who are afflicted by insomnia.

In order to assist Jeff Williams with the Nutrition experiment, Bob drew blood from a vein in William's arm. Nutrition's focus is on human physiologic changes during long-duration space flight, which include bone metabolism, oxidative damage, nutritional assessments and hormonal changes. This experiment could help to redefine nutritional requirements for astronauts on long-duration space missions.

Bob and other crewmembers also took another On-Orbit Hearing Assessment (O-OHA), which involves listening to audio at a wide range of frequencies and sound pressure levels. To take the test, astronauts use an up/down-arrow slider on a computer for each test frequency. The participant moves to the lowest sound pressure level at which the tone can be heard. The data from O-OHA will be used to establish the efficiency of acoustic countermeasures.

For the neuroscientific research experiment 3D Space, Bob Thirsk completed his third test. This project examines how altered visual perception in the near-weightless environment affects motor control. Subjects do distance, writing and illusion exercises, such as drawing various shapes that are displayed to them.

This week a new cargo ship, the Russian Progress (35P), docked to the International Space Station (ISS) after launching from Baikonur, Kazakhstan. The Progress carried about 2.4 tons of water, food, gases, propellants, consumables & scientific equipment, all vital to maintaining operations on board the ISS.

In robotics-related news, NASA astronaut Nicole Stott and ESA astronaut Frank De Winne completed onboard training in preparation for the upcoming HTV undocking & release.

Dr. Thirsk enjoys interacting with students while he is in orbit. This week he did Ham Radio sessions with students at Boundary Beach Elementary School in Delta, British Columbia, and Belmont Glenmore Christian Academy, in Calgary, Alberta.

Stay tuned for upcoming weekly summaries of the ongoing Canadian activities on board the ISS.

A Weekly Synopsis from Space

October 5 - October 11, 2009 (Days 278-284 of 2009)

This was a milestone week for space exploration. Belgian Frank De Winne became the first European astronaut to take command of the International Space Station (ISS). Commander De Winne has been aboard the station since arriving via Soyuz rocket last May with Canadian Space Agency Astronaut Robert Thirsk and Russian cosmonaut Roman Romanenko. During a Change of Command Ceremony De Winne officially took over from the previous commander, Russian cosmonaut Gennady Padalka.

As it could be expected in the world's most sophisticated orbiting laboratory, Dr. Thirsk has been busy conducting science. In the Japanese experiment module Bob prepared the Fluid Physics Experiment Facility for a ground-controlled run of the Marangoni Experiment in Space, a Japanese-Canadian collaboration that studies the movement of molecules along a solid-liquid surface.

Dr. Thirsk also helped NASA astronaut Jeffrey Williams participate in the Canadian Space Agency-sponsored Bodies In the Space Environment (BISE), which examines how astronauts differentiate up from down in a near-weightless environment. To complete a session of the experiment, subjects view images through a tunneled laptop. Images are presented at different orientations relative to the astronauts' bodies. The study will help scientists understand how astronaut perception changes in near-weightlessness. Many of the astronauts aboard the ISS continue to participate in BISE, yielding a substantial amount of data to be analyzed.

Another of Bob's tasks this week was checking out the Portable Pulmonary Function System (PPFS)--a little respiratory facility that packs a big punch. It's used for an impressive range of respiratory and cardiovascular measurements. He also spent time with cosmonaut crewmate Roman Romanenko, gathering and extracting data from eight space bubble detectors used for the joint Canadian-Russian radiation monitoring experiment, Radi-N. Additionally, he continued his work with the Integrated Immune experiment, completed another Spaceflight Cognitive Assessment Tool session, and assisted NASA astronaut Nicole Stott with her first PanOptic experiment eye test.

Finally, one of the most spectacular media events in ISS history occurred during the latter part of the week. Private space explorer Guy Laliberté's "Moving Stars and Earth for Water" extravaganza connected Moscow, Santa Monica, New York City, Johannesburg, Mumbai, Marrakesh, Sydney, Tokyo, Tampa, Mexico City, Rio de Janeiro, Paris and London with the International Space Station. Several world-famous artists participated at various locations, raising awareness for our world's most precious resource: H2O.

Soon after Laliberté's Social and Poetical Mission reached its zenith, Guy said goodbye to the ISS' Expedition 21 crew, who now consist of Frank De Winne, Bob Thirsk, Roman Romanenko, Nicole Stott, Maxim Suraev and Jeffrey Williams. Guy departed aboard a Russian Soyuz with NASA astronaut Mike Barratt and cosmonaut Gennady Padalka. True to form, Laliberté donned his clown nose for the occasion.

Stay tuned for upcoming weekly summaries of the ongoing Canadian activities on board the ISS.

A Weekly Synopsis from Space

September 28 - October 4, 2009 (Days 271-277 of 2009)

It was another exciting week for Canadian manned spaceflight program. Canada's first private space explorer, Guy Laliberté, launched on a Russian Soyuz spacecraft with two Expedition 21 crewmembers: NASA Astronaut Jeffrey Williams and Russian Cosmonaut Maxim Suraev. The Soyuz TMA-16 successfully docked to the International Space Station's (ISS) Service Module on Friday, a welcoming ceremony took place followed by a safety briefing. This is the first time nine crewmembers have been on board the ISS without a Shuttle present.

Upon his arrival, Guy Laliberté was given a tour by Commander Padalka. This included lessons on the service module windows for Earth photo and video opportunities, and use and stowage of the onboard cameras. Canadian Space Agency Astronaut Bob Thirsk lent Laliberté a hand, filming some of Guy's first daily ISS activities. During his 10-day stay, Laliberté has resources for email, access to the IP (international partners) Phone, and hi-definition video for down-linking. NASA crewmembers operated the camera during some daily recordings and privatized conversations, including one with Canadian Space Agency Astronaut Julie Payette. Guy also assisted Russian cosmonauts with some of their activities, and prepared for his Poetic Social Mission internet event on October 9th, 2009.

Arrival of the Soyuz also means arrival of new science. Some of the experiments delivered by this Soyuz flight investigate cell cultivation as well as the impact of spaceflight factors on the technological and biomedical characteristics of various bacteria. Other new experiments will involve fruit flies.

Bob Thirsk's scientific activities this week included collaborating with Roman Romanenko in the U.S. and Kibo Laboratories to initiate, deploy and photograph eight space bubble detectors for Radi-N, a Canadian experiment that measures radiation. He also spent some time working on the Fluid Physics Experiment Facility, where the Marangoni Experiment in Space is located. More sessions of York University's Bodies in the Space Environment experiment were run, and Dr. Thirsk photographed some of these.

Again this week, Bob participated in Ham Radio sessions, this time with students at the R.T. Alderman Middle School in Calgary, Alberta and with a group of Boy Scouts from Ottawa, Ontario.

Stay tuned for upcoming weekly summaries of the ongoing Canadian activities on the ISS.

A Weekly Synopsis from Space

September 21 - September 27, 2009 (Days 264-270 of 2009)

Canadarm2 continued to impress throughout the greater part of this week. Canadian Space Agency Astronaut Bob Thirsk, assisted by crew mates, helmed the controls of Canada's distinguished space technology as it extracted the Exposed Pallet (EP) from the unpressurized compartment of Japan's H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV). After executing a perfect handoff with the Japan's robotic arm, Bob set Canadarm2 in a parked position until the EP's cargo was unloaded on to the Kibo module's Exposed Facility. Two experimental payloads were installed, NASA's HREP and JAXA's SMILES.

Canadarm2 was then mobilized for another handoff with the Japanese robotic arm, taking and returning the empty Exposed Pallet back to the belly of the HTV. To perform this maneuver, Canadarm2 utilized--for the first time--a technology called Force Moment Accommodation (FMA) which is based on force-recognition sensors. Like the fine motor control in the human arm, FMA gives Canadarm2 "a sense of touch". This feature was employed to prevent the jamming of the pallet's wheels as it was slid into place in the HTV's drawer-like, unpressurized compartment. The activity was executed without a hitch.

Canadian Astronaut Bob Thirsk, not one to rest on his laurels, set to work assembling the hardware for the SODI-(Selectable Optical Diagnostics Instrument) IVIDIL (Influence of Vibration on Diffusion in Liquids) payload. SODI-IVIDIL is a European Space Agency experiment with Canadian contribution from Dr. Ziad Saghir of Ryerson University. Scientists will determine the effects of thermo-diffusion and controlled vibrations on two-or-more-component liquid samples in the near-weightless environment. Results could be applied to the exploration and recovery of oil, among other possibilities.

In other Canadian science, Bob continued his activities on the CCISS (Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Control on Return from the ISS) experiment and BISE (Bodies in the Space Environment).

Bob had the opportunity to acquaint himself with some unusually furry ISS inhabitants as he refilled the water supply in the Italian Space Agency's Mice Drawer System. He also performed other general activities. Thirsk unloaded HTV cargo from its pressurized compartment, conducted CO2 readings, did water analysis, and completed a special emergency egress drill.

Bob also continued to reach out to students throughout the world, participating in a CSA-organized educational downlink with students in Vulcan, Alberta. Bob was impressed by the thoughtful questions students posed and was more than eager to convince his colleague Mike Barratt to perform a minor offence on board the station--namely, play with his food. Overall, the downlink proved to be positive and fulfilling for both the crew and the eager young minds of Vulcan.

Not to miss out on an "extraterrestrial" exchange, students from Cedarview Middle School in Ottawa and Houya Elementary School in Nishitokyo, Japan, performed two Ham Radio sessions with Bob. Again, pertinent questions were asked about all facets of space.

Finally, Bob saw the Russian cargo delivery ship Progress (34P) undock from the ISS. For several days it flew free while conducting a plasma observation experiment, before being directed into Earth's orbit for burn-up.

The crew also prepared for next week's installation of the COLBERT (Combined Operational Load Bearing External Resistance Treadmill) as well as the arrival of Canada's first private spaceflight participant, Mr. Guy Laliberté.

A Weekly Synopsis from Space

September 14 - September 20, 2009 (Days 257-263 of 2009)

This week Canada demonstrated its space robotics prowess as Canadarm2 performed the first-ever capture of a free-flying spacecraft. On September 17th, 3:47 p.m. EDT, NASA Astronaut Nicole Stott was at the controls of Canadarm2 as it grappled the Japanese H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV). Canadian Space Agency Astronaut Bob Thirsk then berthed the HTV to the Space Station's Harmony node. Both astronauts were assisted by European Space Agency Astronaut Frank De Winne.

Post-berthing, the crew opened up the HTV and unloaded the cargo stowed in the pressurized compartment.

The crew had been preparing for this momentous event in many ways. One such notable activity was the set up of the Hand Held Lidar, which is a light detecting and ranging device that uses a laser light beam for measuring distance and velocity. Bob Thirsk and Nicole Stott tested its functionality, and at the time of rendezvous, used the Lidar to monitor the HTV's approach with the ISS.

In science-related activities, Thirsk made preparations for newest crewmember Nicole Stott's first Integrated Cardiovascular Ambulatory Monitoring session. He also assisted in the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's microgravity assessments by tapping a portside seat track near crew quarters several times with his fist to provide intentional vibration to be measured and analysed.

On the weekend, Bob performed a voluntary science session of Bodies in the Space Environment (BISE). BISE is an ongoing York University experiment sponsored by the Canadian Space Agency that studies how astronauts distinguish up from down in a near-weightless environment.

Bob also conducted another session of the educational experiment IRIS (Image Reversal in Space), which was designed by a team of students from the International Space University. The objective of IRIS is to investigate whether a reduced gravity environment affects the subject's perception of two- and three-dimensional ambiguous figures.

Stay tuned for upcoming weekly summaries of ongoing Canadian activities on the ISS.

A Weekly Synopsis from Space

September 7 - September 13, 2009 (Days 250-256 of 2009)

This week Space Shuttle Discovery successfully undocked from the International Space Station (ISS), concluding the joint operations phase of mission STS-128. NASA astronaut Tim Kopra also completed his 115-day stay onboard the station and was replaced by fellow NASA astronaut Nicole Stott. The ISS has returned to a six-person crew configuration.

The H2 Transfer Vehicle (HTV) successfully launched from Tanegashima Space Center, Japan. In preparation for its arrival, Canadian astronaut Bob Thirsk, Frank De Winne and Nicole Stott completed an HTV rendezvous simulation using the ROBot (Robotics Onboard Trainer). Upon the vehicle's arrival, they will conduct the first free-flying capture of a spacecraft using the Canadarm2.

Nicole Stott began sessions for the Canadian experiment Bodies In the Space Environment. The York University and CSA-sponsored experiment studies how astronauts distinguish up from down in a near-weightless environment.

To help out with the Space Seeds experiment, Bob attached and assembled fans and a dehumidifier in the Cell Biology Experiment Facility. Plants will be incubated and observed, which will help scientists to understand the productivity of crops in space and the role of gravity in regulating plant life cycles.

It may come as a surprise, but the ISS crew are not the only inhabitants aboard the station. Six mice are sharing ISS quarters as part of an Italian Space Agency investigation called the Mice Drawer System (MDS). The mice reside in the EXPRESS Rack in the U.S. laboratory Destiny and will float in near-weightlessness, just like their human counterparts. For their benefit, they will have screens they can grip to steady themselves. The furry fliers are being studied to better understand genetic mechanisms underlying bone loss in microgravity. This is important for developing future countermeasures to prevent bone loss in astronauts during long duration missions--a major challenge of human space exploration.

As part of the Canadian experiment Radi-N, Bob and Russian astronaut Roman Romanenko continued to take radiation readings from eight bubble radiation detectors. The goal is to monitor the incidence and energy range of neutron radiation throughout the ISS to which astronauts are exposed.

Stay tuned for upcoming weekly summaries of the ongoing Canadian activities on the ISS.

A Weekly Synopsis from Space

August 31 - September 6, 2009 (Days 243-249 of 2009)

Anytime a shuttle visits the International Space Station (ISS), there is much to be moved both on board and off. This week Canadian Space Agency Astronaut Bob Thirsk and crewmates berthed the Multipurpose Logistics Module (Leonardo) (PDF document) to Node 2 of the station from the shuttle cargo bay. Likened to a "moving van", the Leonardo is used for transferring experiments and supplies in space, but since it is pressurized, it can also be used as a temporary space station module when docked to the ISS.

This week there were three successful spacewalks. In the first, astronauts Danny Olivas and Nicole Stott accomplished several objectives, while colleagues Bob Thirsk and Kevin Ford supported these activities by operating Canadarm2. Objectives included retrieving the Materials ISS Experiment 6 from the Columbus exposed facility and returning it to the shuttle. This experiment tests materials and coatings attached to the outside of the space station for the effects of atomic oxygen, direct sunlight, radiation and extreme temperatures. It will contribute to the future design of more durable spacecrafts. They also repeated this process with the European Technology Exposure Facility, which gives power, data, thermal control and structural support to the Columbus exposed facility and attached experiments.

In the second spacewalk, astronauts Danny Olivas and Christer Fuglesang completed several tasks, including relocating a spent Ammonia Tank Assembly and installing thermal covers on Canadarm 2. In the third spacewalk, they performed various ISS maintenance, including installing two GPS antennae.

Bob Thirsk and Frank De Winne each did a session with the Russian test Hematokrit. It measures red blood cell count, which tends to decrease over time during spaceflight. Along with cosmonaut Roman Romanenko, Bob took photos of Canada's radiation monitoring experiment, Radi-N.

To prepare for the H2 Transfer Vehicle (HTV) arrival, Bob performed simulations training. Thirsk and his crewmates will complete the first free-flying capture of a spacecraft using Canadarm2.

In order to make room for Atmosphere Revitalization Systems, Bob tore down his temporary sleep station. He also completed some Water Recovery & Management activities and trained Nicole Stott on the use of the Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED). All crewmembers also participated in an international news conference.

Stay tuned for upcoming weekly summaries of the ongoing Canadian activities on board the ISS.

A Weekly Synopsis from Space

August 10 - August 16, 2009 (Days 222-228 of 2009)

This week the ISS crew prepared for the arrival of the Space Shuttle Discovery, scheduled to launch on August 25th. They moved items to new locations on board the ISS to make room for new materials being sent up on the shuttle.

In preparation for the docking of the Japanese "H-II Transfer Vehicle" (HTV) in September, some of the crew completed computer-based training and a simulation of the HTV rendezvous, tracking, and capture. Canadarm2 will be used to carry out its first-ever free-flying capture of an unfastened object in orbit, the HTV will be carrying supplies and provisions for the crew.

Demonstrating his love of sports, Bob spoke with an Ottawa, Canada sports club via a Ham Radio Session. This marks Bob's 4th school contact, the 14th for the Expedition 20 crew, and the 65th for the year.

In an explorers-to-explorers teleconference, the ISS crew interacted with the participants of the Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge 2009 finals. Boats in this international regatta retraced a centuries-old trade route that included: Vigo, Spain - Tenerife, the Canaries - Hamilton, Bermuda - Charleston, USA - Boston, USA - Halifax, Canada - Belfast, Ireland.

For the Integrated Cardiovascular Experiment, Bob Thirsk donned equipment to monitor and store 24 hours worth of data on his heart rate, finger arterial blood pressure, electrocardiography readings (electrical activity of the heart), chest circumference changes, and blood pressure. He also completed a 10-minute session with a Russian test, which measures the red blood cell count. Typically during space flight the red blood cell count decreases over time.

As part of a radiation study known as Matryoshka, bubble detectors for recording radiation traces were set up on the ISS. This project is currently being followed up by the CSA study called Radi-N.

Tim Kopra and Bob Thirsk both participated in the European Space Agency 3D-Space experiment, which investigates microgravity exposure effects on the mental representation of spatial cues by astronauts during and after space flight.

Stay tuned for upcoming weekly summaries of the ongoing Canadian activities on the ISS.

A Weekly Synopsis from Space

August 3 - August 9, 2009 (Days 215-221 of 2009)

This past week was full of several scientific tests and activities. One experiment in which Canadian Space Agency Astronaut Bob Thirsk participates investigates countermeasures for the increased rate of bone loss that astronauts experience while in space. Each day before breakfast, Bob ingests a bisphosphonates pill, often used by people with osteoporosis. When combined with the rigorous exercise program Bob follows, this should help protect him from bone loss. Bone scans will provide volumetric bone density information of both cortical and trabecular (spongy) bone regions of his hip.

In other scientific endeavours, Dr. Thirsk configured the JAXA biomedical experiment BIORHYTHM and its body-worn digital Walk Holter ECG (Electrocardiograph). While he completed his activities, the device he was wearing recorded his biorhythm data for 24 hrs.

Dr Thirsk also performed an additional session of the Integrated Cardiovascular (ICV) Experiment, European Space Agency Astronaut Frank De Winne performed a cardiac ultrasound (echocardiograph) on Dr. Thirsk before and after a brief exercise period. The purpose of experiment is to quantify the extent, time course and clinical significance of cardiac atrophy (decrease in the size of the heart muscle) and possible decreased function associated with long-duration space flight. This experiment will also identify the mechanisms of this atrophy and the functional consequences for crewmembers that spend extended periods of time in space. De Winne also took some pictures of this experiment being conducted on Dr. Thirsk.

Once again, Dr. Thirsk did a session of the Space Linear Acceleration Mass Measurement Device experiment (SLAMMD).

Dr. Thirsk also completed robotics operations this week. With Tim Kopra, he successfully walked off Canadarm 2 from the Mobile Base System's Power & Data Grapple Fixture. The following day, Dr. Thirsk and Frank De Winne maneuvered Canadarm 2 to grapple the Pressurized Mating Adapter 3 and relocated it from the Node-1 Nadir to Node-1 Port location.

Astronauts spend a fair amount of time making sure they take good care of their health. Bob Thirsk undertook the Periodic Fitness Evaluation protocol, which checks up on blood pressure and electrocardiogram (ECG) readings during exercise. Readings were taken with the BP/ECG (blood pressure/electrocardiograph) and the HRM (heart rate monitor) watch with its radio transmitter. This is an automated, non-invasive systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurement.

Bob Thirsk also conducted a session with the Medical Operation experiment WinSCAT (Spaceflight Cognitive Assessment Tool for Windows). WinSCAT is a monthly time-constrained questionnaire test of cognitive abilities, routinely performed by astronauts. It measures sustained concentration, verbal working memory, attention, short-term memory, spatial processing, and math skills. The five cognitive subtests are Coding Memory; Learning, Continuous Processing Task (CPT); Match to Sample; Mathematics; and Coding Delayed Recall.

Dr. Thirsk was excited to participate in this week's CSA Space Educator's conference with fellow Astronaut Mike Barratt via a live video downlink, which you can now view online. Also this week, Astronauts Padalka & Romanenko spent several hours on cargo transfers from the Progress 34P to the ISS, while Thirsk continued on with more microbial analysis of water samples.

Stay tuned for upcoming weekly summaries of the ongoing Canadian activities on the ISS.

A Weekly Synopsis from Space

July 27 - August 2, 2009 (Days 208-214 of 2009)

This week the International Space Station (ISS) crew said goodbye to the STS-127 (Space Shuttle Endeavour) crew, including former ISS crewmate Koichi Wakata. Endeavour delivered the final piece of the JAXA Kibo laboratory and new crew member Tim Kopra to the ISS. Endeavour's mission included five spacewalks and the installation of two platforms outside the Japanese module. One platform remained on the Station and serves as the equivalent of front porch for experiments that require direct exposure to space. The other was an experiment storage pallet that returned aboard the Shuttle. During the mission, Kibo's robotic arm transferred three experiments from the palette to the platform. The Station is now 83 percent complete and has a mass of nearly 311 metric tons. Also this week, the Progress cargo vehicle successfully docked to the Service Module.

New ISS crewmember Tim Kopra completed his first Bodies In the Space Environment (BISE) experiment. Sponsored by the Canadian Space Agency, the purpose of this long duration experiment is to collect data to better understand how humans adapt to microgravity and then re-adapt to normal gravity conditions upon return to earth. This experiment involves comparisons of pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight perceptions and mental imagery, with special reference to spaceflight-related decreases in the vertical component of percepts.

Dr. Thirsk collected dry saliva samples for Integrated Immune Experiment that is validating procedures for monitoring crew member immune function. He also assisted in the drawing of a blood sample from an arm vein while Mike Barratt took documentary photography of the Nutrition Experiment. The Nutrition project is the most comprehensive in-flight study done by NASA to date of human physiological changes during long-duration space flight. It includes measures of bone metabolism, oxygen-related damage, nutritional assessments, and hormonal changes, expanding the previous Clinical Nutritional Assessment profile testing in three ways: in-flight blood & urine collection, normative markers of nutritional assessment, and a session 30-days after return to allow evaluation of post-flight nutrition and implications for rehabilitation.

Once again, Dr. Thirsk did a session on the Space Linear Acceleration Mass Measurement Device experiment, which provides an accurate means of determining the mass of humans who are living in a reduced gravity environment. The guiding principle is Sir Isaac Newton's Second Law of Motion, F=ma, which states that force is equal to mass times acceleration. To calculate their mass, a crewmember holds onto an extension arm, wrapping their legs around it. They align their stomach against a belly pad and rest their head or chin on a head rest. A precise force created by the machine's springs pushes on the crew member, and the astronaut's acceleration is measured. The mass can be calculated when using the equation F=ma by dividing the force by the acceleration to isolate the mass variable (m=F/a).

The crew spent time doing more routine activities as well. They unpacked cargo from STS-127, filled out Food Frequency Questionnaires to monitor nutrition, completed monthly on-board training, as well as fire safety inspection and fitness evaluations. The crew also performed the regular weekly three-hour task of thorough station cleaning, including the Columbus Orbital Laboratory and Kibo. Usually done on Saturdays, this includes removal of food waste products, cleaning of compartments with a vacuum cleaner, damp cleaning of the Service Module dining table, other frequently touched surfaces and surfaces where trash is collected, as well as the sleep stations with a standard cleaning solution; also, fan screens and grills are cleaned to avoid temperature rises.

Stay tuned for upcoming weekly summaries of the ongoing Canadian activities on the ISS.

A Weekly Synopsis from Space

July 20 - July 26, 2009 (201-207)

This past week was an exciting one for space exploration. The 34 Progress had a successful launch and much was accomplished by the thirteen astronauts onboard the ISS.

Three extravehicular activities (EVA) or 'spacewalks' were conducted to complete various activities such as replacing batteries and transferring and installing equipment. Canadian astronaut Julie Payette supported these EVAs using the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS), known as Canadarm2.

Robotics were also key in other tasks. Mission Specialist Payette and Commander Polansky used the Shuttle Remote Manipulator System (SRMS) to unberth the JEM Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section (JLE) from the payload bay, and then hand it off to the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS). Also, external payloads were transferred from the Japanese Experiment Logistics Module - Exposed Section (JLE) to the JEM Exposed Facility (JEF) via the JEM Remote Manipulator System (JEM-RMS). This was the first time that the JEM-RMS performed loaded maneuvers. Finally, the Integrated Cargo Carrier (ICC) Vertical Light Deploy was successfully berthed in the Shuttle payload bay for return.

Meanwhile, Dr. Robert Thirsk was very busy conducting science-related activities. Bob Thirsk and other crewmembers collected blood, urine and saliva for two studies. The Nutrition Experiment and Integrated Immune Experiment are designed to validate procedures for monitoring crewmember immune function and nutrition effectively. Dr. Thirsk also completed a session of NASA's 3-D Space Experiment, which investigates distance perception in microgravity by comparing the judgments of relative distance between three-dimensional objects and landmarks on three-dimensional natural scenes, as well as absolute distance between self and one landmark. Additionally, he collected water samples for return on 2JA and conducted the NeuroSpat experiment, a study of spatial cognition, novelty processing, and sensorimotor integration.

There were also several events that occurred this week. All thirteen ISS and Shuttle crewmembers participated in an event that commemorated the first Shuttle mission with six-crew operations and the first time all international partners are represented onboard the ISS. There was also a Japanese education event and a Russian event with the Eighth International Children's Festival.

Stay tuned for upcoming weekly summaries of the ongoing Canadian activities on the ISS.

A Weekly Synopsis from Space

July 13 - July 19, 2009 (194-200)

This week on the ISS was certainly full of Canadian milestones.

After several previous attempts, Mission STS-127 launched successfully on Wednesday with Canadian astronaut Julie Payette aboard. When the hatch was opened on Friday, for the first time there were 13 people on the ISS. Even more exciting, this was the first time two Canadians met in space. This accomplishment was celebrated on Sunday in a downlinked conversation between Bob, Julie, Canadian Minister of State (Science & Technology) Gary Goodyear, Member of Parliament Steven Blaney, Canadian Space Agency President Steve MacLean and assorted media.

An Extravehicular Activity (EVA) or 'Spacewalk' also took place after STS-127 arrived. The primary purpose was to prepare the Japanese Experiment Module Exposed Facility for installation on the Japanese Experiment Module. Astronauts Dave Wolf and Tim Kopra successfully completed this five and a half hour EVA.

Continuing his role as a scientist, Dr. Thirsk performed various activities this week. Once again, he spent time working with the Microgravity Vibration Isolation Subsystem (MVIS) in the Fluid Science Laboratory. This time he was testing out its position sensing devices and accelerometers.

He also collected surface and air samples for on-orbit microbial analysis, in order to help keep the ISS crew safe and healthy. Additionally, Bob completed a session of the 3D Space experiment, a NASA study examining the effects of exposure to microgravity on the mental representation of spatial cues by astronauts during and after space flight.

A switch in crew also took place this week. Koichi Wakata is heading home at the end of Mission STS-127 and is now considered part of that crew, while Tim Kopra has joined the ISS Crew in Koichi's place.

Stay tuned for upcoming weekly summaries of the ongoing Canadian activities on the ISS and be sure to learn all about Julie's Payette's mission as well.

A Weekly Synopsis from Space

June 29 - July 5, 2009 (180-186)

In an exciting event last Tuesday, the entire International Space Station (ISS) crew interacted live with International Space University (ISU) students at NASA Ames. The ISU is an organization Canadian Astronaut Dr. Robert Thirsk continues to be involved with, since he is passionate about the education of people in the space industry and the future of space exploration.

In robotics-related news, ground control walked the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS), known as the Canadarm2, back onto a power and data-transferring fixture to prepare for future operations. Along with fellow Astronauts Frank De Winne and Koichi Wakata, Dr. Thirsk successfully undocked the 33 Progress vehicle from the ISS.

As part of his role as Crew Medical Officer, Dr. Thirsk reviewed on-orbit eye injury procedures and did a medical contingency training session and drill. This on-board training/drill gives crewmembers the opportunity to practice communication and coordination necessary to perform medical emergency procedures, and practice CPR delivery in zero gravity.

Much of Dr. Thirsk's time is spent conducting scientific experiments. This week he continued setup operations on a Japanese experiment with Canadian contribution from Dr. Masahiro Kawaji of the University of Toronto known as Marangoni Experiment in Space (MEIS-2). MEIS-2 is a fluid physics experiment that monitors fluid flow and temperature.

Dr. Thirsk also did several body mass measurements to assist with an educational demonstration of the Space Linear Acceleration Mass Measurement Device (SLAMMD). This is a NASA experiment that uses Newton's Second Law of Motion by having two springs generate a known force against a crewmember mounted on an extension arm. The resulting acceleration is used to calculate the subject's mass.

Playing the role of patient for a change, Dr. Thirsk participated in an on-orbit session of the Integrated Cardiovascular (ICV) experiment. This involved Dr. Thirsk as a subject on whom Frank De Winne performed an echocardiogram (ECG). The purpose of ICV is to quantify the extent, time course and clinical significance of cardiac atrophy (decrease in the size of the heart muscle) and possible decreased function associated with long-duration space flight.

Stay tuned for upcoming weekly summaries of the ongoing Canadian activities on the ISS.