A Taste of Home Among the Stars

In a thrilling start to their week, the Expedition 73 crew aboard the International Space Station (ISS) welcomed a massive cargo delivery from Northrop Grumman's first Cygnus XL supply ship. Not only did this delivery bring essential science equipment and supplies, but it also included delightful care packages from loved ones back on Earth!

Sweet Treats to Brighten Up Life in Space

NASA astronaut Jonny Kim took to social media to share the joyous moment, stating, "The best part of cargo vehicles docking to the ISS is the care packages our loved ones send." He was excited to receive kimchi and Korean BBQ pork, while his fellow astronauts Mike Fincke, Zena Cardman, and Kimiya Yui indulged in gummy bears, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, and other candies. Kim expressed gratitude to NASA for ensuring these sweet treats were delivered with love.

Cutting-Edge Research Continues Among the Stars

Amidst the excitement over treats, the Expedition 73 crew also pushed forward with important scientific research. This week's ambitious studies included:

MVP Cell-07: A Step Towards Healthier Lives

Astronauts Jonny Kim and Kimiya Yui collaborated on investigating bioprinted liver tissues in microgravity. Their findings could pave the way for manufacturing high-quality vascularized tissues and organs, ultimately improving health for astronauts and patients on Earth.

Protecting Bone Health in Space

Zena Cardman focused on preparing bone stem cell samples for eventual return to Earth. This research aims to safeguard the skeletal health of astronauts while potentially offering treatments for aging and bone diseases back home.

Exploring Nutritional Sources for Future Missions

Mike Fincke continued a study that investigates the potential of yeast and fermented products to provide essential vitamins for long-duration space missions, setting the stage for sustained health in future exploration.

Documenting Earth from Above

Meanwhile, Oleg Platonov from Roscosmos worked on observing complex plasmas and capturing stunning images of glaciers and mountains across South America and Africa, contributing critical data on Earth's natural and human-made conditions.

Keeping the ISS Running Smoothly

The crew didn't just indulge in treats and research; they also worked diligently to maintain the ISS's crucial systems and prepare for future studies. Cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Alexey Zubritsky unloaded fluids from the newly arrived Russian Progress 93 resupply ship, ensuring smooth operations.

Stars Align for a Unique Experience

In an engaging discussion during the Fast Company Innovation Festival in New York, astronauts Jonny Kim and Zena Cardman shared insights about their extraordinary experiences aboard the ISS. Cardman reflected on the years of preparation that led to this dream, expressing how special it is to share this journey with her classmate, Kim.

Crew Count as of September 19

As of September 19, the ISS is home to seven astronauts: Expedition 73 commander Sergey Ryzhikov and fellow cosmonauts Alexey Zubritsky and Oleg Platonov from Roscosmos, alongside NASA's Jonny Kim, Zena Cardman, Mike Fincke, and Kimiya Yui from JAXA.

A Full House in Space

Currently, the ISS is bustling with activity, hosting two crewed spacecraft—SpaceX's Dragon "Endeavour" and Roscosmos' Soyuz MS-27—and four cargo vessels, including Northrop Grumman's Cygnus XL, delivering the much-anticipated supplies and care packages.