The crew of Expedição 74 on the Estação Espacial Internacional (ISS) intensifies preparations for the spacewalk scheduled for March 18, while carrying out tests with augmented reality and artificial intelligence technologies applied to health examinations. Flight engineers Jessica Meir and Essas checks ensure the safe operation of equipment during the planned six and a half hour extravehicular activity. The pair also reviewed the procedures that will be performed after exiting the chamber, including installing a modification kit and routing cables on the left side of the orbital structure to support a future extendable solar array.
The addition of this seventh extendable solar panel, expected to occur in a subsequent spacewalk, aims to increase the station’s power generation capacity. Essas tasks are part of the ongoing modernization of the ISS electrical system, essential to sustain long-term operations and scientific experiments.
Preparations in costumes for EVA
Jessica Meir and Chris Williams worked together in the Quest chamber to prepare the spacesuits. Eles cleaned the cooling loops that regulate body temperature in the vacuum of space.
The inspection covered all portable life support systems. Essas steps follow strict checklists to reduce any risk during exposure to the orbital environment.
Augmented reality guided ultrasound exams
NASA’s Jack Hathaway and ESA’s Sophie Adenot used the EchoFinder-2 device on the Columbus module to perform augmented reality-guided ultrasounds. Cada astronaut examined his colleague’s abdomen and vascular system.
Artificial intelligence processed the images in real time and confirmed the correct identification of the organs. The experiment seeks to enable autonomous medical diagnoses on future missions far from Terra.
The data collected strengthens research on adaptations of the human body to microgravity. Essa approach represents significant progress in orbital medical autonomy.
Biological experiments on the circulatory system
Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikaev conducted two experiments to monitor the circulatory system in weightlessness. Mediram blood pressure and other parameters using cuffs on arms, wrists and fingers.
They then attached sensors to the forehead, fingers and toes to record blood flow via Bluetooth on a portable computer. The information will be analyzed to understand the effects of microgravity on vascular health.
Main tasks performed in Russian maintenance
Andrey Fedyaev performed essential maintenance on the Russian segment of the station. Activities included:
- Nitrogen purge and repressurization of oxygen generator Elektron in module Zvezda.
- Filtering and transferring water between tanks to maintain the quality of the drinking supply.
- Checking components to prevent contamination in the life support system.
These actions ensure the continued habitability of the orbital environment.
Scheduled uncoupling of Cygnus
The cargo spacecraft Cygnus
The Canadarm2 robotic arm will be used remotely to release the Cygnus from the Unity module. The spacecraft will follow a controlled trajectory for reentry over Oceano Pacífico Sul.
The live broadcast of the event begins at 6:45 a.m. ET on NASA channels.
Advances in Orbital Medical Autonomy
The EchoFinder-2 device combined with artificial intelligence allows astronauts to perform medical examinations without constant guidance from the ground. Abdominal and vascular scans are instantly analyzed by AI.
This capability reduces latency in communications and prepares teams for long-duration missions. Tests on Expedição 74 validate the technology for future applications in lunar and Martian environments.
The integration of these tools demonstrates collaboration between space agencies to address challenges of distance and autonomy.
Expedição 74 continues with an intense maintenance routine, biomedical research and preparations for extravehicular activities, keeping the station in full operational and scientific operation.
