STS-90 Neurolab Program - STS-90 Status Report Flight Day 9 (April 25 CDT) -

Flight Day 9 (April 25 CDT)

Searfoss, Linnehan, Buckey

At about 10:45 p.m. CDT yesterday, the Regenerative Carbon Dioxide Removal System (RCRS), which removes carbon dioxide from the cabin atmosphere, aboard Columbia shut down, and then backup carbon dioxide-absorption canisters has been removing carbon dioxide. This afternoon, the crew finished repairing the RCRS. Now, the RCRS equipment is in good condition.

The ball catch experiment and the Effects of Gravity on Postnatal Motor Development Experiment with rats were conducted.
The ball catch experiment utilizes an apparatus that propels a ball from above in a downward motion toward a seated astronaut. Investigators monitors the astronauts performance to see if the crew uses visual cues to compensate for the cues missing in a microgravity environment.

The astronauts will go to sleep at 9:19 p.m. tonight and will be awakened at 5:19 a.m. tomorrow morning.

Status of Japan related experiments

Mission Specialist Hire exchanged the data recording magnetic tape of the Vestibular Function Experiment Unit (VFEU). The magnetic tapes for recording neural signals are exchanged twice per day.
For the fifth time during this flight, Hire pulled each Fish Package (FP) of the VFEU out and gave it a movement. This acceleration keeps the oyster toadfish active and allows for better gathering of data.
The VFEU water sample/refill was performed. The water will be analyzed to determine whether the VFEU is maintaining water quality for the fish after landing.
The neural data has been obtained from each of the four FPs.

The Rodent Research Animal Holding Facility (RAHF) was checked out, and the feeder of RAHF was exchanged.

Last Updated : April 26, 1998