NASA’s Commercial Crew Program Could Expand Science Research Done On ISS Written 3 June 2020

CNN reports that NASA’s Commercial Crew program “can expand the amount of astronauts on” the International Space Station – “which means that more science, and even new types of experiments, can happen in the unique microgravity environment.” Two “decades of research on the space station has allowed scientists to realize the potential of eliminating gravity as a factor from their experiments.” While the “astronauts also work on maintaining the space station, exercising, working with robotics and preparing for and executing spacewalks outside the station, the majority of each day is spent on science, [NASA astronaut Dr. Serena] Auñón-Chancellor said.” With the Commercial Crew program, “four NASA astronauts can go up at one time, rather than the three astronauts and Russian cosmonauts that can fit in the Soyuz.” Auñón-Chancellor said, “Commercial Crew can also launch more frequently and bring the woman and manpower to get it done.” ISS Deputy Chief Scientist Jennifer Buchli said, “When we have four US crew members, we can double the number of hours devoted to science each week and accomplish science that wasn’t previously feasible in a crew day. ... That means more than 100 hours per week can be spent on science in the future.”
Full Story (CNN)