The International Space Station (ISS) recently received a significant boost with the arrival of Northrop Grumman's first Cygnus XL cargo spacecraft, delivering not only vital supplies and scientific equipment but also a much-appreciated dose of morale-boosting treats for the Expedition 73 crew. Astronauts Jonny Kim, Mike Fincke, Zena Cardman, and Kimiya Yui shared photos of their care packages, featuring everything from Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and Mike & Ike candies to Korean kimchi and BBQ pork, highlighting the personal touch that makes long-duration space missions more bearable.
Beyond the welcome snacks, the Cygnus XL's arrival facilitated crucial scientific endeavors. Astronauts conducted a series of experiments, contributing to critical research in various fields. NASA astronaut Jonny Kim and JAXA astronaut Kimiya Yui worked on the MVP Cell-07 and Multi-use Variable-g Platform study, focusing on bioprinted liver tissues and their response to microgravity. This research holds immense potential for advancing the creation of high-quality vascularized tissues and organs, with implications for both astronaut health and patients on Earth.
Simultaneously, NASA astronaut Zena Cardman prepared bone stem cell samples for storage and later return to Earth, part of the Microgravity Associated Bone Loss-B study. This crucial research is directed at protecting astronauts' skeletal health during space missions and potentially providing new avenues for treating age-related bone diseases on our planet. Mike Fincke continued the BioNutrients-3 study, exploring the use of yeast, yogurt, and fermented milk as sources of vitamins and nutrients for future long-duration space missions, addressing a critical challenge for sustained space exploration.
Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov contributed to the Plasma Kristall-4 experiment, focusing on the observation of complex plasmas. He also participated in Earth observation, photographing glaciers and mountain ranges in South America and Africa to document both natural and human-made environmental changes. In addition to scientific research, the Expedition 73 crew maintained the ISS's systems and prepared for future experiments. Cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Alexey Zubritsky diligently worked on unloading the Progress M-32 resupply ship, transferring essential fluids to and from the station.
The docking of the Cygnus XL itself was a significant event, with astronauts Jonny Kim and Zena Cardman expertly using the Canadarm2 robotic arm to capture the massive cargo vehicle. Their skillful maneuver was followed by ground controllers taking over to securely attach the Cygnus XL to the Unity node. Kim and Cardman further shared their experiences during an interview at the Fast Company Innovation Festival in New York, emphasizing the years of preparation and teamwork involved in becoming astronauts. Currently, seven individuals—including three cosmonauts and four astronauts—reside on the ISS, supported by multiple docked spacecraft. The space station remains a beacon of continuous human presence in space, marking an incredible 24 years, 10 months, and 17 days of continuous crewed operation.
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Originally published at: https://www.space.com/space-exploration/international-space-station/astronauts-find-sweet-treats-aboard-extra-large-cygnus-supply-ship-on-the-international-space-station-sept-15-19-2025
