International Space Station (ISS) — Astronauts aboard the International Space Station began the week with a sharp focus on one of the lesser-known consequences of long-duration space travel: the impact of microgravity on human vision. This research effort comes as part of a broader initiative to prepare for future missions to the Moon and Mars.
The 11-member Expedition 72 crew poses for a portrait aboard the International Space Station's Harmony module. In the front row (from left) are, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore, Nick Hague, and Matthew Dominick, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, and NASA astronaut Suni Williams. In the back are, NASA astronaut Jeanette Epps, Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Grebenkin, NASA astronaut Mike Barratt, Roscosmos cosmonaut Ivan Vagner, NASA astronaut Don Pettit, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexey Ovchinin. Credit: NASA
NASA’s cutting-edge CIPHER study (Complement of Integrated Protocols for Human Exploration Research) — a coordinated set of 14 biomedical experiments — aims to decode the physical and mental toll of extended stays in space. A key component of CIPHER investigates how the structure and function of the brain and eyes change during spaceflight, a phenomenon that could jeopardize the safety of astronauts on future deep-space journeys.
On Monday, NASA Flight Engineer Anne McClain led a series of vision assessments on fellow NASA astronaut Jonny Kim. The tests, which included measuring retinal response to light and capturing high-resolution images of the retina, optic nerve, and cornea, utilized specialized eye drops and electrodes. The data collected will be instrumental in shaping preventative strategies for vision impairment in space.
McClain also joined forces with NASA Flight Engineer Nichole Ayers and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) Flight Engineer Takuya Onishi to perform critical maintenance on U.S. spacesuits. Their tasks included inspecting the suits' control panels and organizing essential spacewalking tools within the Quest airlock, the primary prep area for American extravehicular activities.
Elsewhere on the station, astronaut Jonny Kim practiced docking procedures for the upcoming arrival of the SpaceX Dragon cargo vehicle, expected to deliver vital supplies and scientific equipment later this month. His training focused on a range of approach scenarios to ensure safe and efficient docking.
As the mission progresses, attention is turning to the scheduled return of a departing crew. NASA veteran Don Pettit, Roscosmos Commander Alexey Ovchinin, and Flight Engineer Ivan Vagner are in the final stages of preparing for their journey home aboard the Soyuz MS-26, set to undock at 5:57 p.m. EDT on April 19. Landing is slated for 9:20 p.m. EDT (6:20 a.m. local time) on May 20 in Kazakhstan. As part of reentry preparations, Ovchinin and Vagner evaluated lower body negative pressure suits, which help astronauts adjust to Earth’s gravity after months in orbit. Pettit spent the day packing personal gear and servicing onboard scientific equipment.
Meanwhile, cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Alexey Zubritsky, part of the station’s newer arrivals alongside Kim, concentrated on cardiovascular adaptation research. Equipped with sensors on their heads, fingers, and toes, they monitored blood distribution patterns unique to microgravity. Flight Engineer Kirill Peskov supported the departing crew’s suit tests and later carried out cleaning procedures in the Nauka multipurpose laboratory module.
As Expedition 72 moves into its next phase, the team continues to balance rigorous science with operational readiness — all in pursuit of pushing human spaceflight deeper into the cosmos.
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