{
  "id": 8273013,
  "title": "Week Ends With Soldering, Lunar Simulations, and Cargo Mission Preps",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/week-ends-with-soldering-lunar-simulations-and-cargo-mission-preps",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-18T17:02:48.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "NASA Science",
    "slug": "nasa-science",
    "url": "https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/spacestation/2026/09/18/week-ends-with-soldering-lunar-simulations-and-cargo-mission-preps/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On Friday, the International Space Station crew wrapped up their week by completing various advanced science activities and preparing for an upcoming cargo mission. NASA flight engineer Anil Menon conducted the final run of the MIYOKA investigation, which involved lead-free soldering to demonstrate safe manufacturing and repair of electronics in microgravity. He soldered components on a circuit board in the Harmony module, which will later be compared to identical ground-soldered samples.\n\nFollowing the soldering experiment, Menon and NASA flight engineer Jack Hathaway joined forces to clean the cupola's windows. They used gentle wiping techniques and specialized materials to prevent scratches and dust buildup, taping any gaps between the panes.\n\nMeanwhile, Expedition 75 commander Jessica Meir took to the cupola to simulate a lunar landing. Utilizing hand controllers, a laptop computer, and audio signals, she practiced the lunar descent, adjusting speed and controlling orientation. This Manual Piloting study could shed light on how microgravity might affect cognitive function, potentially leading to disorientation while operating a spacecraft.\n\nAfter her shift, Meir collaborated with Menon for ultrasonic inspections inside the Zarya module. Meanwhile, ESA flight engineer Sophie Adenot began her day with a workout on the new European Enhanced Exploration Exercise Device (E4D). The E4D's controller software tracked her performance, helping researchers evaluate the device's effectiveness for future long-duration missions.\n\nAdenot later downloaded her biomedical data from a smart watch to a computer tablet and participated in the RelaxPro experiment. This research aims to reduce crew stress and improve sleep quality. On Friday, Roscosmos flight engineer Andrey Fedyaev spent his time inspecting and cleaning laptop computers, power supply units, and ventilation systems in the Roscosmos segment of the orbital outpost.\n\nA Progress 96 cargo spacecraft from Roscosmos is en route to the ISS, scheduled to dock with the Poisk module on Saturday at 9:46 a.m. EDT. Flight engineers Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina will monitor Progress during its automated rendezvous and docking, conducting leak and pressure checks before opening the spacecraft's hatch to begin unpacking nearly three tons of food, fuel, and supplies. Live coverage of the docking will begin at 9 a.m. on NASA+ and other platforms.",
  "summary": "Expedition 75 wrapped up its week completing a lead-free soldering experiment, simulating a lunar landing, and exercising for research, among other advanced science activities. The International Space Station residents are also preparing for the arrival of a cargo mission and continuing housekeeping duties. The post Week Ends With Soldering, Lunar Simulations, and Cargo Mission Preps appeared…",
  "key_points": [
    "Anil Menon completes lead-free soldering experiment in Harmony module",
    "Jessica Meir simulates lunar landing in cupola using hand controllers",
    "Progress 96 cargo spacecraft scheduled to dock with ISS on Saturday"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}