Expedition 73 Prepares for Crew Transition and Ongoing Research Aboard the ISS
Expedition 73: Preparing for New Arrivals and Farewell to the Crew
As the Expedition 73 crew aboard the International Space Station (ISS) prepares for an exciting transition, all eyes are on the upcoming arrival of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-11 mission next week. While the current astronauts focus on wrapping up their research and maintenance activities, they also prepare for their imminent return to Earth.
A Busy Week Ahead
The crew members—Flight Engineers Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers from NASA, Commander Takuya Onishi from JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), and Kirill Peskov from Roscosmos—discussed their mission during a press conference on Friday. This marks McClain’s second trip to the ISS. She emphasized the collaborative efforts of mission controllers worldwide who work tirelessly to ensure the safety and success of their operations. "There’s always a massive team on the ground, somewhere around the world, that is having to work really hard to keep the train on the tracks,” she stated.
Preparing for Departure
The Crew-10 mission, which arrived at the ISS aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft on March 14, is now packing personal items and cargo in preparation for their journey home early next month. The astronauts have been conducting essential research and engaging in rigorous maintenance routines on the station, all while keeping their physical health in check for their eventual return to Earth’s gravity.
Welcoming New Crew Members
Before the current crew departs, they will welcome the Crew-11 mission, set to launch on July 31 at 12:09 p.m. EDT from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. This new team, consisting of Commander Zena Cardman and Pilot Mike Fincke—both from NASA, along with Mission Specialists Kimiya Yui of JAXA and Oleg Platonov of Roscosmos—will join Expedition 73 and will embark on a long-duration research mission in space.
Ongoing Research in Microgravity
As always, the crew continues to explore how the human body adapts to microgravity, a key focus for long-term space missions. Ayers started her day by exercising on the Destiny laboratory module’s cycle, wearing sensors to monitor her heart and breathing rates. This data is crucial for ensuring that astronauts maintain their aerobic and cardiovascular health as they prepare for various challenges, including spacewalks.
Rising to the occasion, Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Alexey Zubritsky conducted gastroenterology studies, with ultrasound scans to observe how microgravity affects the digestive system. Understanding these changes is vital for future missions, especially when it comes to space-induced biochemical alterations.
Technological Advances
Advancements in technology play a significant role in the station’s operations. Onishi set up the CIMON robotic assistant in the Kibo module, facilitating real-time monitoring by engineers on the ground. Meanwhile, NASA Flight Engineer Jonny Kim worked on maintaining the fluid servicer system, crucial for the station’s water systems, ensuring everything is functioning smoothly.
Peskov took the initiative to update computer software for the European robotic arm and experimented with a specialized lower body negative pressure suit. This innovative attire aims to help astronauts adapt more quickly to Earth’s gravity by drawing fluids downwards, minimizing head and eye pressure issues caused by extended time in space.
Stay Updated
For regular updates and exciting developments from the ISS, be sure to follow the space station blog and check out their social media accounts on X, Facebook, and Instagram. To receive NASA’s latest news directly to your inbox, you can subscribe for weekly updates.
As Expedition 73 gears up for its transition, we are reminded of the incredible teamwork and pioneering spirit propelling humanity further into space. The journey continues, and we can’t wait to see what Crew-11 will bring!
[Published July 25, 2025]